Cardinals Place Nolan Arenado on Trade Market; Yankees and Dodgers Emerge as Potential Suitors12/1/2024  The St. Louis Cardinals have reportedly placed star third baseman Nolan Arenado on the trade market, according to NJ.com's Randy Miller. Both of this year's World Series participants, the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers, are said to be interested in acquiring the eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove Award winner.
During an appearance on WFAN Radio on Saturday, Miller mentioned, "One guy that could be a possibility [for the Yankees] is Arenado from St. Louis. I think the Cardinals are trying to trade him, and St. Louis would have to pick up some of the money. Maybe the Yankees could have a deal where they trade some prospects." Miller also noted that Arenado, a West Coast native, might prefer to join the Dodgers, and that the Dodgers are keen on adding him to their roster. The Cardinals' decision to trade Arenado comes as part of their strategy to reset and focus on player development, especially after a disappointing season. Arenado, who has a no-trade clause, has expressed willingness to move to first base if it helps facilitate a trade, showcasing his commitment to continue competing at a high level. As the offseason progresses, it will be interesting to see if the Yankees or Dodgers can put together a compelling offer to land the talented third baseman. Stay tuned for more updates as the trade talks develop!
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Jared Porter, former general manager of the New York Mets, has publicly addressed his firing for the first time. During an episode of the "Baseball Isn't Boring" podcast released on Friday, Porter acknowledged sending an inappropriate text message to a reporter while he was an executive with the Chicago Cubs in 2016. This incident led to his dismissal from the Mets in 2021, just 38 days after his hiring.
Porter was brought on board by the Mets from the Arizona Diamondbacks on December 13, 2020, but was fired on January 19, 2021, following an ESPN report that detailed his sending of sexually explicit, uninvited text messages and images to a female reporter. "It was an inappropriate relationship for a lot of reasons, both personally and professionally," Porter admitted. "When the article first came out, it was a tremendous amount of fear and shame. I talked with my wife, family, and co-workers at the Mets about the situation. It was a really tough moment, but I put myself in that situation by sending the text message, and I certainly shouldn't have done it." Porter also mentioned that due to the coronavirus pandemic, he never met Mets owner Steve Cohen in person or visited his office at Citi Field. He expressed understanding and acceptance of the decision made by Cohen and team president Sandy Alderson to fire him. "I was really enjoying my time at the Mets, working with Sandy and Steve and the group they put together. They gave me the opportunity to be a general manager, which was incredible," Porter said. "They had to make the best decision for the New York Mets when the article came out, and I knew they would. I hold zero ill will toward them. It's unfortunate that I put myself and them in that situation." Porter's reflections highlight the personal and professional consequences of his actions and his acceptance of responsibility for the incident.  Major League Baseball (MLB) and the players' association revealed on Friday that there were only two positive tests for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) resulting in discipline during the year ending with the World Series. Exemptions for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) also remained low.
Independent program administrator Thomas M. Martin's annual report detailed 11,609 tests, including 9,455 urine samples and 2,154 blood samples to detect human growth hormone. This total is slightly down from last year’s record of 11,783 samples, comprising 9,550 urine and 2,233 blood samples. The 2024 total still ranks as the third-highest, trailing only 2019 and 2023. Offseason testing saw an increase in urine tests, rising from 1,698 to 1,706, and there were 407 offseason blood tests. Among players on 40-man rosters, the only positive tests involved Cincinnati infielder Noelvi Marté and Toronto Blue Jays infielder Orelvis Martínez. Marté was suspended for the first 80 games of 2024 after testing positive for boldenone, while Martínez received an 80-game suspension on June 23 following a positive test for clomiphene, just two days after his MLB debut. There were no positive tests for banned stimulants resulting in suspensions, as a first positive typically leads to follow-up testing and a second positive results in a 50-game suspension. This report highlights MLB's ongoing efforts to maintain a clean and fair playing field, with a stringent testing program and low incidence of PED use among players.  The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a splashy move to kick off the offseason by officially signing two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell to a five-year, $182 million contract. The deal includes a $52 million signing bonus and annual salaries of $26 million, with $13 million of each salary deferred.
Snell, who was a free agent after opting out of his previous contract with the Giants, joins a Dodgers rotation that already features Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Shohei Ohtani. This addition solidifies the Dodgers' pitching staff as one of the most formidable in the league. The Dodgers' president of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman, who was with the Rays when Snell was drafted, expressed excitement about the signing, noting Snell's impressive track record and his ability to perform at a high level. With this signing, the Dodgers are sending a clear message that they are committed to defending their World Series title and remaining competitive in the upcoming season.  The San Francisco Giants have been linked to several prominent free agents this winter, and it appears Corbin Burnes is the latest name on their list. According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, the Giants "are believed to have significant interest in Burnes." San Francisco joins the Blue Jays, Red Sox, Yankees, and Burnes’ former team, the Orioles, as clubs vying for the right-hander.
MLB Trade Rumors projects Burnes to land a seven-year, $200 million deal, marking him as the top pitcher on the free agent market. Signing Burnes at such a price would be a bold move for a Giants club reportedly looking to reduce payroll. Last season, the Giants’ Opening Day payroll was approximately $208.1 million, while they currently have around $154.8 million committed for 2025. Trading players like Mike Yastrzemski, Camilo Doval, LaMonte Wade Jr., Taylor Rogers, or Tyler Rogers could free up additional funds. As things stand, the Giants have room to sign Burnes at an average annual value of $28.5 million and still add more talent before reaching their previous payroll levels. Despite the talk of budget constraints, the Giants have not been acting like a team planning on limited spending. They've shown interest in major free agents like Willy Adames and now Burnes, and even checked in on Juan Soto's availability. Ha-Seong Kim and Tomoyuki Sugano are also on their radar. Notably, the Giants secured Matt Chapman with a six-year, $151 million extension before free agency began. Buster Posey, reportedly involved in the Chapman negotiations before becoming the team’s new president of baseball operations, has indicated a more aggressive approach in landing top-tier talent. Signing Burnes or Adames would help dispel the notion that the Giants cannot attract star free agents. Burnes has strong West Coast ties, hailing from Bakersfield, California, and playing college ball at Saint Mary’s College of California in Moraga, near San Francisco. On the field, Burnes would seamlessly fill Blake Snell’s role as the ace, joining Logan Webb to form a formidable one-two punch. Kyle Harrison and Robbie Ray would shift down in the rotation, providing the Giants flexibility in deciding their fifth starter. Prospects like Landen Roupp, Hayden Birdsong, Mason Black, Keaton Winn, or top prospect Carson Whisenhunt could compete for the spot, or Jordan Hicks might be given another shot at a starting role.  The Atlanta Braves have signed pitcher Connor Gillispie to a one-year, non-guaranteed contract, as announced on Friday night. While financial details were not disclosed, this deal places the 27-year-old on Atlanta’s 40-man roster. If released before the end of Spring Training, Gillispie will only receive a portion of his contract.
Gillispie made his MLB debut on August 4th against the Orioles but spent most of the season in Cleveland's Minor League system. During his brief time in the majors, he allowed four hits and two earned runs over eight innings in three appearances. For Triple-A Columbus, Gillispie posted a 4.05 ERA in 27 appearances (15 starts) this year. With Joe Jiménez likely to miss most or all of the 2025 season, the Braves' bullpen currently includes closer Raisel Iglesias, Pierce Johnson, Aaron Bummer, Daysbel Hernandez, Grant Holmes, and Dylan Lee. Gillispie's experience as a starter could make him a valuable candidate for long relief duties, providing the Braves with additional depth and flexibility in their bullpen as they prepare for the upcoming season.  The Atlanta Braves have signed infielder José Devers to a minor league contract, as reported by Aram Leighton of Just Baseball and confirmed by MLBTR. The deal includes an invitation to major league spring training for the Rep 1 Baseball client.
Devers, who turns 25 next week, was once a highly regarded prospect but has yet to fully live up to the expectations. Originally an international signing by the Yankees, he was traded to the Marlins in December 2017 as part of the Giancarlo Stanton deal. Known for his athletic defense and strong contact abilities, Devers, the cousin of Rafael Devers, was ranked among the top 15 prospects in Miami’s system by Baseball America from 2019 to 2022. In December 2020, the Marlins added Devers to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft. However, a significant shoulder injury sidelined him for much of the next two seasons. He played just 33 games between the majors and minors in 2021 and underwent surgery in August of that year to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. His recovery extended into the following season, limiting him to 60 minor league games in 2022. Devers cleared waivers and was outrighted off Miami’s roster at the end of 2022. In 2023, Devers remained in Triple-A, where he posted a respectable campaign with a .276/.352/.421 slash line and a 14.8% strikeout rate, earning a 108 wRC+. However, injuries again hampered his 2024 season, limiting him to 54 Triple-A games, where he hit .239/.304/.362 for a 74 wRC+. He briefly joined the major league roster during the Marlins' lost season, compiling a .244/.300/.311 line in 50 plate appearances. With his contract expiring, Devers elected free agency at the end of the season.  Before acquiring Tommy Edman in a three-team deal in July, the Dodgers had been pursuing the superutility man for years. Now, they've made sure Edman won’t get away for the foreseeable future.
On Friday, the Dodgers announced that they have agreed to a five-year, $74 million extension with Edman, keeping him with the team through the 2029 season with a club option for 2030. Edman, previously signed through 2025 on a two-year, $16.5 million deal from the Cardinals, will receive a $17 million signing bonus as part of this new agreement. During the last couple of months of the 2024 season, Edman quickly established himself as an integral part of the Dodgers’ World Series-winning team. His versatility allowed him to slot in at center field and shortstop when needed. Offensively, Edman exceeded expectations, posting an .829 OPS with six home runs and six stolen bases in his first 29 games with Los Angeles. Edman's performance only improved in the postseason, where he hit .328 with two homers and five stolen bases. His impressive stats earned him a 1.022 OPS in the National League Championship Series against the Mets and MVP honors for the NLCS. Following their World Series victory, the Dodgers are focused on building a core group of players to sustain their success. This offseason, they've already landed top free-agent target Blake Snell to a five-year, $182 million deal and extended Edman to a long-term contract, signaling their commitment to maintaining a championship-caliber team.  Right-handed pitcher Brooks Kriske has agreed to a contract with the Chicago Cubs, as announced by the 30-year-old on his Instagram and X accounts. While the specific terms of the deal have not been disclosed, it is expected to be a minor league contract. The Cubs have yet to confirm the move officially.
Early Career and Comeback Growing up as a Cubs fan, Kriske was drafted by the New York Yankees in 2016. Despite not being a top prospect, he made an impressive comeback from an early-career Tommy John surgery and rapidly advanced through the minor leagues. By August 2018, Kriske was still pitching at Low-A after losing significant development time due to his injury. Remarkably, by July 2020, he was pitching for the Yankees' big league team. His progress earned him a spot on the Yankees' prospect lists heading into the 2021 season, ranking No. 34 by FanGraphs and No. 28 by Baseball America. Major League Struggles However, Kriske faced significant challenges in the majors. Over parts of two seasons with the Yankees, he posted a 15.09 ERA, allowing 20 runs (19 earned) in 11 1/3 innings. He gave up six home runs, walked more than 20% of the batters he faced, and threw seven wild pitches, four of which occurred in a single inning. After a particularly poor outing in September 2021, Kriske was optioned to Triple-A and later designated for assignment. Brief Stint with the Orioles Intrigued by his brief success against them in 2020, the Orioles claimed Kriske off waivers. While he didn't walk any batters, he struggled in his four appearances, allowing five runs on two homers in 3 1/3 innings. By the end of the 2021 season, Kriske had a career 14.40 ERA, 5.11 SIERA, and -0.8 FanGraphs WAR. Success in Japan and Return to MLB Following his release by the Orioles, Kriske signed with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He enjoyed a relatively successful season in Japan, posting a 2.57 ERA with 11.1 K/9 over 21 innings. This performance earned him a minor league deal with the Kansas City Royals in December 2022. Back in affiliated ball, Kriske struggled at Triple-A Omaha, recording a 5.52 ERA and 4.29 FIP over 29 1/3 innings. His 4.05 ERA over 6 2/3 MLB innings showed slight improvement, but a 16% walk rate and 5.30 SIERA indicated ongoing struggles. Midway through the 2023 season, Kriske returned to Japan, joining the Saitama Seibu Lions. New Opportunity with the Cubs Now, Kriske has a new opportunity with the Cubs, hoping to leverage his experiences and overcome past challenges. The minor league deal presents a chance for Kriske to re-establish himself and potentially earn a spot on the major league roster.  Numerous MLB teams have shown interest in free agent outfielder Sócrates Brito, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. While the report didn't specify which teams are interested, Brito's recent performance in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) has certainly caught the eye of many.
Early Career and MLB Struggles Brito, now 32, began his professional baseball career as a highly-regarded prospect in the Arizona Diamondbacks system. He was named the Diamondbacks' Minor League Player of the Year in 2015 and was considered one of their top 10 prospects entering the 2016 season. However, Brito struggled to translate his minor league success to the majors. In 99 MLB games with the Diamondbacks and Toronto Blue Jays from 2015-2019, he slashed .176/.216/.309 over 218 plate appearances. Despite his elite sprint speed and solid outfield defense, Brito's overall performance resulted in a -0.6 FanGraphs WAR. Transition to KBO and Resurgence Following a challenging year at Triple-A with the New York Yankees in 2021, Brito signed with the Kia Tigers of the KBO. This move proved to be a turning point in his career. Brito was named a KBO All-Star in his first two seasons with the Tigers. Although he didn't make the All-Star team in 2024, he achieved career highs in home runs, runs scored, and RBI, while helping his team win the Korean Series for the 12th time in franchise history and the first time since 2017. Over three seasons in the KBO, Brito has slashed .302/.352/.491, with 63 home runs, 40 stolen bases, and an .843 OPS. His impressive performance in Korea has not only revitalized his career but also attracted attention from MLB teams looking to bolster their outfield options. Future Prospects and Financial Considerations Heyman's report doesn't necessarily indicate that Brito is planning to return to MLB. He has enjoyed considerable success in Korea, both in terms of individual accolades and financial compensation. His contract for the 2024 season guaranteed him $800K with an additional $400K in incentives. If he can secure a similar deal with the Kia Tigers for 2025, Brito might prefer to stay in Korea rather than return to North America without a guaranteed contract. Despite his excellent performance in the KBO, Brito's uninspiring MLB track record could deter potential suitors from offering him a guaranteed deal. His decision will likely hinge on the offers he receives and the stability they provide compared to his current situation in Korea. Conclusion Sócrates Brito's journey from a struggling MLB player to a KBO standout is a testament to his resilience and talent. While numerous MLB teams are interested in his services, Brito's future remains uncertain as he weighs his options between continuing his successful career in Korea or making a return to North American baseball.  As the St. Louis Cardinals look to trim payroll and shift focus towards younger players for the 2025 season, trading some of their higher-paid veterans has been a widely expected strategy. However, it appears unlikely that Willson Contreras and Sonny Gray will be traded, as they are unwilling to waive their no-trade clauses.
Nolan Arenado's Trade Possibility Third baseman Nolan Arenado, however, is seemingly open to a trade, although he also has a no-trade clause that would require his approval for any deal. This leaves the Cardinals with limited flexibility in moving their more expensive players. Potential Moves for Steven Matz and Ryan Helsley One veteran player without trade protection is left-handed pitcher Steven Matz. According to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Cardinals plan to "field interest" on both Matz and closer Ryan Helsley this winter.
Matz's Performance and Challenges Despite the Cardinals’ interest in moving Matz, doing so might not be easy. Since joining St. Louis before the 2022 season, Matz has struggled with injuries and inconsistency, managing just 197 1/3 innings over 52 appearances (34 starts, 18 bullpen outings). His overall performance has been roughly league average, with a 4.47 ERA (95 ERA+), a 4.01 FIP, and a 21.9% strikeout rate. Most of Matz’s solid work came during a mostly-healthy 2023 season, where he posted a 3.84 ERA (114 ERA+) and a 3.75 FIP in 105 innings. However, this was sandwiched between two less impressive seasons with ERAs over 5.00. In 2024, Matz recorded a 5.08 ERA with a 4.88 FIP in 44 1/3 innings, a 17.4% strikeout rate, and his worst walk rate since 2018 at 7.9%. Financial Impact and Future Moves The potential trade of Matz would significantly impact the Cardinals’ payroll, reducing it to a more manageable level and allowing for investment in player development. This financial flexibility could also facilitate bringing in new talent, such as a reunion with veteran right-hander Kyle Gibson or another pitching acquisition. The Cardinals' strategy this offseason will be pivotal in shaping their 2025 roster and their ability to compete. Whether or not they can successfully move Matz and make other strategic adjustments remains to be seen.  The Los Angeles Dodgers kicked off their offseason by doing what they do best: signing a major star to a huge contract, much to the chagrin of fans from other teams. This week, they added free agent pitcher Blake Snell to their roster with a $182 million deal, reinforcing their rotation with another ace.
Addressing a Key Weakness This significant move addresses a critical concern for the Dodgers – starting pitching depth, which was a major issue during the 2024 season and playoffs due to injuries. The team struggled to maintain a healthy pitching staff, and the addition of Snell is a strategic effort to prevent similar issues next season. Bolstering the Rotation Snell’s arrival, along with the return of Shohei Ohtani to the mound post-Tommy John surgery, adds substantial talent to a rotation that already includes Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Clayton Kershaw, and other high-potential arms. If everything goes as planned, this could be the best starting rotation in baseball on paper. More Moves Possible There’s also speculation about the Dodgers pursuing Roki Sasaki, further bolstering their roster. However, it's worth noting that pitching plans often don’t go as expected, especially given the Dodgers' recent injury history. Injury Concerns Remain Nearly every starting pitcher on the Dodgers’ staff has faced significant injury issues. Ohtani has undergone two Tommy John surgeries, and Snell has only exceeded 24 starts in a season three times. Glasnow’s durability is also a question mark, having never started more than 22 games in a season. Additionally, Kershaw, Dustin May, and Bobby Miller have all had their share of recent issues. Prepared for Uncertainty Given these concerns, it’s likely that some of these pitchers will miss time or be limited next season. The Dodgers’ strategy to counter this is clear: acquire as many quality pitchers as possible. Fortunately, the Dodgers have the resources to make high-end acquisitions, and they seem determined to build a formidable rotation  The Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly one of five teams vying for superstar free agent Juan Soto. However, they are not solely focused on Soto this offseason. According to SportsNet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith, the Blue Jays are also expressing interest in third baseman Alex Bregman, outfielder Anthony Santander, left-hander Max Fried, and right-hander Luis Severino.
A Critical Offseason for Toronto This offseason is crucial for the Blue Jays, especially following a disappointing 2024 campaign. Despite moving several players at the Trade Deadline, the team retained most of its top trade candidates with the goal of contending in 2025, which marks the final year under club control for key players Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette. Roster Reinforcements Needed To remain competitive, the Blue Jays will need to bolster their roster after finishing with a 74-88 record, the fourth-worst in the American League last season. Financial Considerations Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro indicated in early October that the team’s 2025 payroll would likely be similar to the 2024 payroll, estimated at $225 million (per Cot’s Baseball Contracts). With projected salaries for arbitration-eligible players, Toronto’s current payroll stands at approximately $184 million, leaving around $41 million to spend. Nicholson-Smith reports that the Blue Jays might exceed their budget for a “special or unique opportunity” like Soto. By exploring multiple high-profile acquisitions, the Blue Jays are strategically positioning themselves for a more competitive 2025 season. Whether they land Soto or not, their interest in other top talents signals a strong commitment to improving their roster.  Thanksgiving and baseball might not seem like they have much in common at first glance, but the two have shared interesting historical connections and cultural significance in America. Here's a closer look at how Thanksgiving and baseball are related, and notable events from the past that bridge these American traditions.
A Shared Love for Tradition Both Thanksgiving and baseball are steeped in tradition and hold a special place in American hearts. Thanksgiving, a time for family gatherings and feasting, celebrates gratitude and togetherness. Baseball, often called America's pastime, represents a similar sense of community, tradition, and national pride. Both serve as cultural touchstones, bringing people together across generations. Historical Moments on Thanksgiving One significant historical event linking Thanksgiving and baseball is the 1887 baseball tour organized by Albert Spalding, a prominent figure in early baseball history. Spalding's tour included American baseball teams traveling around the world to promote the sport. The players celebrated Thanksgiving in Italy, where they even played an exhibition game. This tour helped internationalize baseball and showcased the sport's growing popularity. Baseball Giving Thanks Many baseball players and teams take the opportunity to give back to their communities during the Thanksgiving season. Charitable events, food drives, and community service projects organized by MLB teams highlight the spirit of giving and gratitude that defines Thanksgiving. These acts of generosity help strengthen the bond between baseball and the broader community. Thanksgiving Day Games While Thanksgiving is more commonly associated with football today, there have been instances where baseball games were played on or around Thanksgiving. In the early 20th century, various amateur and minor league games were held as part of the holiday celebrations. These games served as a way for communities to come together and enjoy America's pastime during the festive season. Reflections on the Season As the baseball season concludes in October with the World Series, Thanksgiving provides an opportunity for players, coaches, and fans to reflect on the past season. It’s a time to celebrate achievements, analyze performances, and look forward to the next season. This period of reflection and gratitude mirrors the themes of Thanksgiving. In essence, Thanksgiving and baseball both celebrate American values of togetherness, tradition, and gratitude. Whether through historical tours, community service, or simply reflecting on the past season, the connection between these two iconic American traditions remains strong.  The Arizona Diamondbacks are set to reintroduce Wellington Cepeda to their coaching staff. According to Isaac Azout of Fish on First, Cepeda will take on the roles of bullpen coach and assistant pitching coach for the team.
Cepeda's Homecoming This move marks a homecoming for Cepeda, who has deep roots within the Diamondbacks' organization. As a player, Cepeda pitched in the Diamondbacks' minor league system from 1997 to 2000, though he never advanced beyond the High-A level. After retiring from playing, he transitioned into coaching, spending many years working with various minor league teams within the Diamondbacks' system. Big League Opportunity with the Marlins Cepeda's first major league coaching opportunity came with the Miami Marlins in 2020. He served as their bullpen coach for the past five years. However, the Marlins recently underwent a significant overhaul, parting ways with their entire coaching staff, as well as several other team personnel. Diamondbacks' Coaching Changes The Diamondbacks have also been making adjustments to their coaching staff, albeit not as extensive as the Marlins'. Last month, the team parted ways with pitching coach Brent Strom, bullpen coach Mike Fetters, and assistant pitching coach Dan Carlson. Brian Kaplan has since been hired to replace Strom as pitching coach, and now Cepeda will join Kaplan's staff in his new role. Cepeda's return to the Diamondbacks brings valuable experience and familiarity with the organization, which will be instrumental as the team looks to improve its pitching staff in the upcoming seasons.  The San Diego Padres have signed outfielder Oscar González to a minor league contract, as noted on his transactions tracker atMLB.com.González, 27, has been assigned to Triple-A El Paso, with an expected invitation to major league spring training.
Early Career and Breakout with Guardians González made his major league debut with the Cleveland Guardians in 2022, showcasing promising potential by hitting 11 home runs in 91 games. He posted a .296/.327/.461 batting line, translating to a 123 wRC+ despite a low 3.9% walk rate. His strikeout rate was a manageable 19.6%. González quickly became a fan favorite, known for his unique choice of the SpongeBob SquarePants theme song as his walk-up music and hitting a memorable walk-off home run in the Wild Card round against the Rays. Struggles in 2023 However, González's performance declined in 2023. His strikeout rate increased to 25.6% while his walk rate dropped to 2.8%. With just two home runs in 54 games, his offensive output fell to a .214/.239/.312 slash line and a wRC+ of 48. Given his defensive limitations, these offensive struggles significantly impacted his value to the team. ]Transition and Recent Performance Following the 2023 season, the Guardians placed González on waivers, leading to a brief stint with the New York Yankees, who later passed him through waivers before the 2024 campaign. In Triple-A, González managed to have a decent season despite injury interruptions. Over 78 games, he hit eight home runs with a .294/.333/.469 batting line and a 106 wRC+ for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.  The Detroit Tigers have signed right-handed pitcher Ricky Vanasco to a minor league contract, according to MLB.com's transaction tracker. The 26-year-old, represented by Full Circle Sports Management, has been assigned to Triple-A Toledo and is expected to receive an invitation to major league spring training.
Vanasco's Journey in 2024 Vanasco concluded the 2024 season with the Tigers after being acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in a cash deal in July. Although he spent most of his time in the minors, he made two major league appearances for Detroit. Following a non-tender decision last week, Vanasco became a free agent but was quickly re-signed by the Tigers without being exposed to waivers. Early Career and Injury Challenges Drafted by the Texas Rangers in 2017, Vanasco showed promise in the lower minors, earning a ranking as the #12 prospect in the organization by Baseball America heading into 2020. However, his career faced a setback when he underwent Tommy John surgery in September 2020, causing him to miss the entire 2021 season. To protect him from the Rule 5 Draft, the Rangers added him to their 40-man roster in November 2021. Return to Form Vanasco returned to the mound in 2022, making 23 starts across High-A and Double-A levels. He posted a 4.68 ERA over 92 1/3 innings with a strong 28.9% strikeout rate, though his 12.7% walk rate remained high. Knee surgery in 2023 limited his playing time, but he transitioned to a relief role and achieved a 2.78 ERA over 32 1/3 innings, striking out 31.9% of batters with a 9.9% walk rate. Midway through that season, he was acquired by the Dodgers. Major League Experience In 2024, Vanasco made a total of four major league appearances, split between the Dodgers and Tigers. He spent the majority of the season in Triple-A, where he recorded a 2.45 ERA over 40 1/3 innings, with a 26.4% strikeout rate and a notably high 16.5% walk rate.  The Baltimore Orioles have announced the signing of infielder Franklin Barreto to a minor league contract. It remains unclear whether the deal includes an invitation to big league Spring Training next year.
Barreto's Early Career and Rise in Prospect Ranks Barreto, 28, began his professional career with the Toronto Blue Jays, signing as an amateur out of Venezuela and making his pro debut in 2013. He quickly ascended the prospect rankings and was a consensus top-100 prospect by the time the Blue Jays traded him to the Oakland Athletics in the Josh Donaldson trade in 2015. Barreto maintained his top-100 prospect status for several years despite a decline in his offensive numbers upon reaching the upper minors. Performance in the Minors In 2016, Barreto posted a solid .281/.340/.413 slash line at the Double-A level, earning a promotion to Triple-A. However, his performance at Triple-A in 2017 did not meet expectations, with a .290/.339/.456 line that was only slightly above league average. His high strikeout rate and reliance on an unsustainable batting average on balls in play (BABIP) raised concerns about his ability to succeed at the major league level. Major League Struggles Barreto made his major league debut with the Athletics in 2017, but struggled with a .197/.250/.352 line and a 43.4% strikeout rate in 76 plate appearances. In 2018, he showed some improvement, hitting .233/.253/.493 in 75 plate appearances, though his high strikeout rate and low walk rate indicated ongoing issues with plate discipline. Subsequent Moves and Current Status Barreto's struggles continued over the next two years, leading to his trade to the Los Angeles Angels in 2020. His brief stint with the Angels was similarly unproductive, with a .118/.167/.118 line in 18 plate appearances. Since then, Barreto has spent time with the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals organizations on minor league deals before playing for the Diablos Rojos del Mexico in the Mexican League earlier this year. As Barreto joins the Orioles, he brings experience and a versatile infield option, looking to reignite his career and potentially make an impact at the major league level. The Atlanta Braves have made strategic moves to bolster their pitching depth by re-signing left-handers Ray Kerr and Royber Salinas to minor league contracts. Additionally, the team has signed left-hander Kolton Ingram to a minor league deal, according to MLB.com’s transaction tracker.
Ray Kerr's Comeback Journey Kerr, who started his major league career with the San Diego Padres, posted a 4.33 ERA and a 4.18 FIP in 27 innings during the 2023 season, with an impressive strikeout rate of 30.3%. This promising performance led the Braves to acquire him last winter, even taking on Matt Carpenter’s contract to facilitate the deal. Unfortunately, Kerr struggled early in the season, recording a 5.64 ERA in 10 appearances before undergoing Tommy John surgery in June. Now re-signed, Kerr will continue his rehabilitation with the Braves, aiming for a potential return in the second half of the 2025 season. Royber Salinas: A Familiar Face Returns Salinas, who was recently claimed off waivers from the Oakland A’s, is no stranger to the Braves organization. Originally signed by Atlanta out of Venezuela as an international amateur, Salinas was traded to the A's in the deal that brought Sean Murphy to the Braves. During his time with the A's, Salinas faced challenges in the upper minors, posting a 5.48 ERA in his first Double-A stint, though he improved to a 3.68 ERA this year before a rough stretch resulted in seven runs over 6 1/3 innings. Salinas will provide non-roster bullpen depth for the Braves, especially critical with A.J. Minter's free agency and Joe Jimenez’s surgery. Kolton Ingram: A Fresh Opportunity Ingram, who spent the 2024 season across four Triple-A organizations, brings a solid track record to the Braves. Over 51 2/3 innings, Ingram maintained a 3.66 ERA while striking out 23.7% of batters. His brief major league experience came with the Angels in 2023, where he had a challenging debut with an 8.44 ERA over 5 1/3 innings. With a year of additional development, Ingram will seek to reestablish himself and possibly earn a spot in Atlanta’s big league roster. As the Braves look ahead to the 2025 season, these signings reinforce their commitment to building a deep and flexible pitching staff.  Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is taking legal action to reclaim hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of baseball cards he claims were fraudulently purchased using his money by his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara.
Allegations of Fraudulent Purchases According to court documents filed on Tuesday, Ohtani is requesting Mizuhara return signed collectible baseball cards depicting Ohtani that were in Mizuhara's "unauthorized and wrongful possession." Mizuhara, who previously pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud for stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani, allegedly accessed Ohtani's bank account starting around November 20211. He changed security protocols to impersonate Ohtani and authorize wire transfers. By 2024, Mizuhara had used the stolen money to buy approximately $325,000 worth of baseball cards from online resellers eBay and Whatnot. Legal Consequences for Mizuhara Mizuhara's attorney, Michael G. Freedman, declined to comment on the filing. Mizuhara pleaded guilty in June to spending millions from Ohtani's Arizona bank account to cover his gambling debts, medical bills, and the baseball cards1. He is scheduled to be sentenced in January and could face more than 30 years in federal prison. Mizuhara might also be required to pay restitution to Ohtani totaling nearly $17 million, as well as over $1 million to the IRS. As a legal permanent resident with a green card, Mizuhara could be deported to Japan. Mizuhara's Role in Ohtani's Career Mizuhara stood by Ohtani during many of his career highlights, including serving as his catcher during the Home Run Derby at the 2021 All-Star Game and being present for Ohtani's two American League MVP wins and his record-breaking $700 million, 10-year deal with the Dodgers. Off the field, Mizuhara became Ohtani's friend and confidant1. However, Mizuhara gambled away tens of millions of dollars on international soccer, NBA, NFL, and college football games, though he never bet on baseball. Ohtani's legal pursuit highlights the betrayal by someone who was once a close confidant and the lengths to which he is willing to go to recover what was taken from him.  The Toronto Blue Jays are actively pursuing star outfielder Juan Soto, but like all teams, they must have contingency plans. According to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet, the Blue Jays have shown interest in several other key players, including Max Fried, Luis Severino, Anthony Santander, and Alex Bregman.
Alex Bregman: A Top Free Agent Target Bregman, 31, is among the top free agents available this winter. His career batting line of .272/.366/.483, translating to a 135 wRC+, indicates he has been 35% better than league average at the plate overall. Bregman's strikeout rate has consistently been below 13.6% in each of the past six seasons, which is impressive considering the league average. Although his walk rate dipped slightly in 2024, it has generally remained above par throughout his career. Known for his solid defense at third base, Bregman is also willing to move to second base if needed. He is highly regarded for his clubhouse presence and leadership qualities. MLB Trade Rumors (MLBTR) predicted Bregman to secure a seven-year deal worth $182 million this offseason. While the Astros are keen on retaining him, Bregman has also been linked to the Tigers, Red Sox, Phillies, and now the Blue Jays. Blue Jays' Infield Situation The Blue Jays' third base and second base positions are currently unsettled. In 2024, Ernie Clement was the primary option at third base, posting a .263/.284/.408 batting line with a 94 wRC+. Despite his serviceable season, Clement's performance may not be enough to block a player of Bregman's caliber from joining the team. Should Bregman become the everyday third baseman, Clement could shift into a utility role, allowing him to contribute regularly. At second base, Spencer Horwitz and Davis Schneider shared playing time alongside the departed Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Although Horwitz has performed well in the majors, he is not a natural second baseman and primarily plays first base, occupied by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. With Justin Turner no longer with the team, designated hitter opportunities could open up for Horwitz and Guerrero in 2025. The Blue Jays also have other players like Addison Barger, Orelvis Martínez, Will Wagner, and Leo Jiménez, who are capable of playing third or second base. However, none of them have substantial major league experience. Given the team's desire to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 campaign, targeting a proven major leaguer like Bregman is logical. Additionally, the Blue Jays have been linked to shortstop Willy Adames, who is willing to move to third base if required. With Bo Bichette approaching free agency, acquiring Adames could benefit the team both in the short and long term.  The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are reportedly gearing up for a fierce competition to sign free agent outfielder Juan Soto.
Early Offers and Competitive Bids MLB insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported on Tuesday that the Red Sox have emerged as serious contenders for Soto, following a recent pitch to the 26-year-old star. By Wednesday, Heyman noted that the Yankees had responded with an improved bid, indicating that the situation around Soto "remains fluid." The Yankees have also conveyed their willingness to include opt-out clauses in Soto's new contract. Ongoing Negotiations With the first round of Soto's free agency bidding effectively over, the next round has already begun. Both the Yankees and Red Sox have upped their offers, and it is expected that other interested teams, including the New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Toronto Blue Jays, will adjust their initial offers as well. Heyman described the Soto sweepstakes as being in the "middle innings," suggesting that the final decision could still be some time away. Potential Contract Value Soto's new contract is anticipated to be substantial, potentially worth up to $700 million. As a transformative player, Soto has the ability to significantly impact any franchise he joins. This high-stakes bidding war reflects the intense interest and competition among teams eager to secure his talents.  The Juan Soto sweepstakes are progressing steadily, with the star outfielder recently receiving initial offers from five teams. However, there's no indication that Soto is close to making a decision on his next contract, and it's expected that multiple rounds of bids will take place.
Recently, it was revealed that Soto prefers a 15-year deal. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, while a shorter deal with a super high annual salary could make sense, it doesn't interest Soto, especially since he's expected to receive opt-outs in any long deal. If Soto aims to become the highest-paid non-pitcher, his contract could be worth around $650-700 million over 15 years. Currently, the highest-paid player in terms of average annual value (AAV) is his Yankees teammate Aaron Judge, who earns $40 million per year1. At that rate, Soto's contract would be worth $600 million. Last offseason, Shohei Ohtani signed a $700 million contract for 10 years with the Dodgers, though the cash payouts are largely deferred. Ohtani, a two-way player, bats and pitches at a high level, while Soto is one of the best in MLB at the plate. Most experts expect Soto to field a smaller contract in AAV than Ohtani since he doesn't bring the same two-way impact. The baseball world eagerly awaits Soto's decision, as his choice will undoubtedly make headlines and set a new benchmark for player contracts. Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Jose D. Hernandez has been suspended for the upcoming Arizona Complex League (ACL) season following a positive test for boldenone and nandrolone, under baseball's minor league drug program.
Hernandez's Performance and Background Hernandez, 21, had an impressive season with the ACL Dodgers, hitting .302 with four home runs and 21 RBIs in 26 games. The Venezuelan native joined the Dodgers organization in 2019, signing a contract that included a $10,000 signing bonus. Context of the Suspension This year, a total of 20 players have been suspended for positive drug tests, with nine suspensions under the minor league program and another nine under the program for minor league players based outside the United States and Canada. Two players have also been suspended under the major league drug program. Notable Suspensions:
Implications for Hernandez Hernandez's suspension is a significant setback for both the player and the Dodgers organization. As he looks forward to next season, the focus will likely be on maintaining his performance and avoiding any further violations. Right-handed pitcher Casey Sadler has announced his retirement from baseball. Sadler shared the news on X (formerly Twitter) and expressed gratitude to a multitude of supporters, including fans, young players, his family, coaches, and his agent.
Career Beginnings Sadler, 34, was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 25th round of the 2010 draft out of Western Oklahoma State College. He began his professional career primarily as a starter and gradually climbed the minor league ranks. He received brief major league opportunities in 2014 and 2015. Unfortunately, his career was interrupted by Tommy John surgery in October 2015, causing him to miss the entire 2016 season. Return to the Mound Sadler resumed pitching in 2017 and 2018, mostly in relief roles in the minors, with only two major league appearances in 2018. Following the 2018 season, Sadler became a free agent and signed a minor league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2019. His performance improved significantly that year, posting a 1.86 ERA in 19 1/3 innings with the Rays before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in July. With the Dodgers, he maintained a 2.33 ERA in 27 innings, finishing the season with a combined 2.14 ERA over 46 1/3 innings. Consistency and Control Throughout his career, Sadler demonstrated strong control, maintaining a 16% strikeout rate, a 6.7% walk rate, and inducing ground balls on 51.8% of balls in play. His breakout year in 2019 highlighted his ability to limit walks and keep hitters off balance. Sadler's journey from an undrafted free agent to a reliable reliever in the majors is a testament to his perseverance and dedication. As he steps away from the game, his impact and contributions will be remembered by fans and teammates alike. |