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The Texas Rangers have bolstered their roster by selecting the contracts of right-handers Emiliano Teodo, Winston Santos, and infielder Max Acosta. This move, aimed at protecting these players from the upcoming Rule 5 Draft, brings the Rangers' 40-man roster to 39 players. Additionally, the team has returned 2024 Rule 5 Draft pick Carson Coleman to the Yankees.
Emiliano Teodo, 23, has been in the Rangers' system since 2021. Initially pitching in relief, he transitioned to a starting role in 2022. Despite a 4.52 ERA at High-A last year, Teodo impressed in the Arizona Fall League with eight scoreless outings and a 48.7% strikeout rate. This earned him a spot in the Double-A rotation, where he continued to excel with a 1.98 ERA and a 30.7% strikeout rate over 86 1/3 innings in 2024. However, his 14% walk rate is a concern. Teodo’s potential for near-term success made him an easy choice for protection. Max Acosta, 22, signed with the Rangers out of Venezuela and debuted in 2021. Primarily a shortstop, he also plays second base and has shown solid offensive growth. This year, Acosta slashed .288/.353/.425 at Double-A, significantly improving his strikeout rate from 21.1% to 13.4%. His speed and contact ability, combined with strong baserunning skills, make him a valuable asset. Acosta further solidified his case by excelling in the Arizona Fall League with a .338/.413/.521 line. Winston Santos, 22, had a challenging start with a 6.29 ERA in Triple-A last year but rebounded with a 2.80 ERA and a 30.5% strikeout rate in his second attempt. His transition to Double-A saw mixed results, with a 4.89 ERA but a strong 29.5% strikeout rate. Despite his issues with home runs, the Rangers opted to protect Santos due to his high strikeout potential. These strategic moves underscore the Rangers' commitment to retaining and developing promising talent. As fans eagerly await the contributions of Teodo, Acosta, and Santos, these additions reinforce the team's depth and readiness for future successes.
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The Minnesota Twins have strengthened their 40-man roster by adding right-handers Marco Raya and Travis Adams. This move, aimed at protecting these promising pitchers from the upcoming Rule 5 Draft, brings the Twins' 40-man roster to 37 players.
Marco Raya, one of the Twins' top pitching prospects, was an obvious choice for protection. The 21-year-old right-hander, drafted in the fourth round of the 2020 draft, had a commendable 2024 season. He spent the majority of the year in Double-A, where he performed admirably against more experienced competition. Raya capped off his season with an impressive five shutout innings in his lone Triple-A start. Over the season, he posted a 4.05 ERA in 97 2/3 innings, with a 24.6% strikeout rate and a 10.5% walk rate. Raya is praised for his high spin rates on his 96 mph fastball and his mid-80s slider, both of which are effective strikeout pitches. He also mixes in a changeup, curveball, and cutter, making him a versatile pitcher. While he may not make the Opening Day roster, Raya is expected to be in the mix for a rotation spot if the Twins need pitching assistance next summer. Travis Adams, 25, was a sixth-round pick out of Sacramento State and has been a reliable starter in the minor leagues. This past season, Adams made 22 starts out of 26 appearances across Double-A and Triple-A, achieving a solid 3.90 ERA over 127 innings. He maintained a league-average 22.6% strikeout rate and an impressive sub-7% walk rate. Adams' consistent performance has earned him a spot on the 40-man roster, providing the Twins with valuable rotation depth. He is poised to potentially make his MLB debut next season. These additions demonstrate the Twins' commitment to safeguarding their top prospects and preparing for the future. As Raya and Adams continue their development, they offer the Twins promising options to enhance their pitching staff in the coming seasons. Fans will be watching closely to see how these young talents contribute to the team's success. The Kansas City Royals have announced the addition of left-hander Noah Cameron and right-handers Luinder Avila and Eric Cerantola to their 40-man roster, ensuring these promising players are protected from the upcoming Rule 5 Draft. With these moves, the Royals' 40-man roster now comprises 37 players.
Noah Cameron, 25, was drafted in the seventh round by the Royals in 2021. Despite struggling in his initial Double-A experience, Cameron made significant improvements this year. He posted a commendable 3.63 ERA in 16 starts at the Double-A level, leading to a promotion to Triple-A. At Triple-A, he excelled, recording a 2.32 ERA over 54 1/3 innings, with a 29% strikeout rate and a 5.1% walk rate. Cameron's impressive late-season performance made it an easy decision for the Royals to add him to the roster. Luinder Avila, 23, signed with the Royals out of Venezuela and made his professional debut in 2018. He transitioned to stateside play in 2021 as a starter and has generally remained in that role. This season, Avila posted a 3.81 ERA in 19 starts for the Double-A affiliate, striking out 22.9% of batters over 82 2/3 innings. Although his sole Triple-A start this year was challenging, the Royals saw enough potential to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft. Eric Cerantola, 24, was a fifth-round pick in the 2021 draft. Known for his strikeout ability, Cerantola struck out 31.7% of batters faced in Double-A, though he also had a high walk rate of 16.2%. His performance earned him a midseason promotion to Triple-A, where he continued to show promise with a 31.3% strikeout rate and a 3.77 ERA over 14 1/3 innings. Given his potential as a high-strikeout reliever, the Royals opted to secure his place on the roster. These additions reflect the Royals' commitment to retaining and developing their young talent. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, fans can anticipate seeing these players continue their progression and potentially make an impact at the major league level. The New York Yankees have bolstered their 40-man roster by selecting infielder Caleb Durbin and catcher/infielder/outfielder Jesus Rodriguez, protecting them from the upcoming Rule 5 draft. Additionally, the Yankees have announced the return of right-hander Carson Coleman from the Texas Rangers. With these changes, the Yankees' roster now stands at 39 players.
Caleb Durbin, who will turn 25 in February, joined the Yankees from the Atlanta Braves in a December 2022 trade involving Lucas Luetge. Since then, Durbin has demonstrated strong performance across multiple minor league levels. Over 697 plate appearances, he has maintained a .287/.391/.440 batting line, with an 11.3% walk rate and an impressive 8.3% strikeout rate. Durbin's offensive consistency and his ability to steal 67 bases in 79 attempts have made him a valuable asset. His versatility allows him to cover all three infield positions, excluding first base, and also play in the outfield. Yankees manager Aaron Boone has high expectations for Durbin, indicating that he could play a significant role in the upcoming season. With Gleyber Torres entering free agency, the second base position is open, and Durbin could either secure a regular spot, serve as a utility player, or provide depth from the minors. Jesus Rodriguez, 22, is further from making his major league debut but has shown great promise in the minors. With 1,168 plate appearances, Rodriguez has posted a .311/.397/.477 line, achieving a 143 wRC+ by striking out just 14.3% of the time while walking at a robust 11.6% rate. Rodriguez's versatility extends beyond catching, as he has also played left field and various infield positions. Although he needs more seasoning in the minors, his potential warranted protection from the Rule 5 draft. Carson Coleman returns to the Yankees after being selected by the Rangers in the 2023 Rule 5 draft. Coleman spent all of the 2024 season on the injured list following Tommy John surgery. The Rangers, unable to activate him, decided to return him, avoiding the Rule 5 restrictions for the upcoming season. The Yankees now have the flexibility to reintegrate Coleman without the immediate need for a 40-man roster spot. These roster moves underline the Yankees' strategy to safeguard their emerging talents while preparing for the future. As Durbin and Rodriguez continue their development, fans can anticipate their potential contributions to the major league team. The Baltimore Orioles have strengthened their roster by adding right-handers Kade Strowd and Brandon Young, ensuring they are protected from the upcoming Rule 5 Draft. This move brings the Orioles' 40-man roster count to 39.
Kade Strowd, a 27-year-old right-hander, was a 12th-round pick by the Orioles in 2019. Over the past two years, Strowd has recorded 106 2/3 innings in the minors, posting a 5.32 ERA. Known for his strikeout ability and ground ball tendencies, he has an impressive 28.4% strikeout rate, although his 12.3% walk rate is a concern. Despite this, his potential to get grounders on more than half of balls in play makes him a valuable asset. Brandon Young, 26, signed with the Orioles as an undrafted free agent in 2020. He faced challenges with elbow surgery that sidelined him for parts of 2022 and 2023 but rebounded this year. Young pitched 111 innings across 27 appearances in Double-A and Triple-A, achieving a combined 3.57 ERA. He impressed with a 28.5% strikeout rate and a commendable 8% walk rate. Both Strowd and Young have reached Triple-A, providing immediate depth for the Orioles in 2025. Strowd is expected to bolster the bullpen, while Young could play a key role in the starting rotation. The Orioles' starting staff recently lost Corbin Burnes to free agency, and with Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells starting the season on the injured list, these additions are timely. By securing Strowd and Young, the Orioles aim to retain their emerging talents and strengthen their roster for the upcoming season. These moves reflect the club's strategic planning as they continue to build a competitive team for the future. Fans will be eager to see how these players develop and contribute at the major league level. The Los Angeles Angels made significant changes to their 40-man roster on Tuesday, designating outfielder Jordyn Adams and infielder Eric Wagaman for assignment. This move clears space for infielder Matthew Lugo and left-handed pitcher Jack Dashwood, protecting them from the upcoming Rule 5 Draft.
Jordyn Adams, 25, was the 17th overall pick in the 2018 draft and was highly regarded for his speed and power potential. However, his progress at the plate has been limited, with a .252/.333/.377 batting line over six minor league seasons. This year, he hit .261/.333/.386 in 549 Triple-A plate appearances, a performance considered below average in the Pacific Coast League. Adams has struggled in the majors, hitting .176 with a nearly 36% strikeout rate in 28 games over the last two seasons. Eric Wagaman had a strong season in the upper minors after being selected from the Yankees organization in the minor league Rule 5 draft. He posted a .274/.339/.469 batting line between Double-A and Triple-A, which earned him a brief stint in the majors. As a 27-year-old rookie, Wagaman managed to hit two home runs with a .250/.270/.403 slash line in 18 games, but his lack of prospect status made it difficult for him to retain his roster spot. Matthew Lugo, 23, is a former second-round pick of the Red Sox. After being overlooked in last year’s Rule 5 Draft, Lugo had a breakout season in the minors, hitting .287/.376/.578 with 17 home runs in 79 games across Double-A and Triple-A. Acquired in the deadline trade for veteran reliever Luis García, Lugo is now part of the Angels' future plans. With his impressive performance, Lugo could make his MLB debut as soon as next year. Jack Dashwood, who recently turned 27, was a 12th-round pick out of UC Santa Barbara in 2019. Despite spending much of this season on the minor league injured list, Dashwood showcased his potential with a 15:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 10 Double-A innings and 17 strikeouts in 10 innings during the Arizona Fall League. The Angels were concerned that another team might leapfrog him to the majors, so they secured his roster spot. He is expected to start next year in the Triple-A bullpen. These roster adjustments highlight the Angels' strategy to develop and protect their emerging talents while navigating the complexities of maintaining a competitive and balanced team. Fans can look forward to seeing how Lugo and Dashwood contribute to the Angels' future success.  The San Francisco Giants have made key additions to their 40-man roster, selecting right-handed pitchers Carson Seymour and Carson Ragsdale to protect them from the upcoming Rule 5 draft. This move ensures that these promising talents remain with the organization.
To facilitate these additions, the Giants utilized their existing roster vacancy and created another by designating right-hander Kai-Wei Teng for assignment. Carson Seymour:Seymour has shown considerable promise in the minors, known for his strong fastball and developing secondary pitches. His performance has made him a valuable asset for the Giants' pitching staff. Carson Ragsdale:Ragsdale has been impressive with his ability to strike out batters and maintain control on the mound, positioning him as another potential future star for the Giants. Impact of the MoveThe decision to add Seymour and Ragsdale highlights the Giants' commitment to nurturing their young talent and strengthening their roster for the future. At the same time, designating Kai-Wei Teng for assignment underscores the challenging decisions teams must make to balance their rosters. With these strategic roster changes, the Giants are poised to develop their promising young pitchers and enhance their depth as they look ahead to the coming seasons. Fans can look forward to seeing how these players progress and contribute at the major league level.  The Colorado Rockies have taken a significant step to protect one of their top prospects by adding outfielder Zac Veen to their 40-man roster ahead of the Rule 5 Draft. This brings the team's roster count to 39.
Veen, a left-handed batter and former ninth overall pick, has been highly regarded for his power potential since his high school days. Although his journey in the minors has been hampered by a left hand injury requiring surgery in 2023, Veen demonstrated a robust recovery this year. He posted a commendable .258/.346/.459 batting line, with 11 home runs in 65 games across four different levels, culminating in a promotion to Triple-A Albuquerque by the season's end. At 22, soon to be 23, Veen may still need more time in the minors, but his major league debut is on the horizon. Ranked as the #7 prospect in the Rockies' system by Baseball America, Veen's stock might have dipped slightly from previous years, but his potential remains undeniable. The Rockies' decision to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft was a straightforward one, ensuring that this promising talent remains part of their future plans. The Rockies' move not only secures Veen's place in their system but also highlights their commitment to nurturing young talent as they look forward to strengthening their roster. Fans are eagerly anticipating Veen's progression and his eventual impact on the major league team. The Cincinnati Reds have made strategic moves by adding Tyler Callihan and Luis Mey to their 40-man roster. This decision protects both players from the upcoming Rule 5 draft, bringing the team's roster count to 39.
These additions reflect the Reds' commitment to nurturing young talent and ensuring depth for future seasons. Tyler Callihan, with his versatile fielding capabilities and impressive batting stats, along with Luis Mey's potential as a strong arm in the bullpen, signify promising developments for the team's lineup. The Boston Red Sox are set to bolster their roster by adding two promising players just before the Rule 5 protection deadline. According to Christopher Smith ofMassLive.comand Alex Speier of The Boston Globe, the Red Sox will be selecting the contracts of right-handed pitcher Hunter Dobbins and outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia. These are the only additions planned, and the team will need to clear two spots on their 40-man roster to make these moves official.
Hunter Dobbins, 25, was selected by the Red Sox in the eighth round of the 2021 MLB Draft. Over the past season, Dobbins has made a significant impact by starting 21 games at the Double-A level and another four at Triple-A. He achieved a combined ERA of 3.08, with a 22.9% strikeout rate and a 9.2% walk rate. His impressive performance earned him the title of the organization's minor league starting pitcher of the season, and he is currently ranked 26th among the team's prospects by Baseball America. Dobbins brings a diverse pitching arsenal, including a fastball that averages 93-94 mph, along with a slider, splitter, and curveball. The addition of Jhostynxon Garcia reflects the team's commitment to nurturing and protecting their up-and-coming talent. The Red Sox are keen on securing their young prospects' futures, especially as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming season. By making these strategic additions, the Red Sox aim to strengthen their roster depth and enhance their chances for success. Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how these players develop and contribute at the major league level.  In a significant roster move, the Chicago Cubs are designating their former closer, Adbert Alzolay, for assignment, according to sources familiar with the situation who spoke to ESPN.
Alzolay, 29, is currently recovering from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in August, and is not expected to return to the mound until late 2025. Over his six-year tenure with the Cubs, the veteran right-hander made 27 starts and saved 27 games. He had taken on the role of closer for much of the past two seasons but struggled in 2024, ultimately losing his job before getting injured. Throughout his career with the Cubs, Alzolay compiled a 12-25 record with a 4.04 ERA. His standout season came in 2023, where he successfully saved 22 games while maintaining an impressive 2.67 ERA over 64 innings. Initially, Alzolay began as a starter for the Cubs as recently as 2021 but found greater success when transitioned to the bullpen. This decision clears a spot on the Cubs' 40-man roster, though the team will remain responsible for the cost of Alzolay's rehabilitation unless he is picked up by another team. The move highlights the ongoing adjustments and strategic decisions within the Cubs' organization as they aim to build a competitive roster for future seasons.  The Tampa Bay Rays' plans for a new stadium have hit a major roadblock due to a combination of severe hurricane damage to Tropicana Field and political delays in financing. The team announced on Tuesday that it is highly unlikely the new stadium will be ready for the 2028 season, if at all.
In a letter to the Pinellas County Commission, Rays top executives revealed that the team has already invested $50 million in early work on the proposed $1.3 billion ballpark. However, progress has stalled due to delays in the approval of bonds for the public share of the costs. The letter, signed by co-presidents Brian Auld and Matt Silverman, expressed the organization's disappointment and frustration with the situation. They noted that the overall project had previously received approval from both the County Commission and the City of St. Petersburg. "As we have made clear at every step of this process, a 2029 ballpark delivery would result in significantly higher costs that we are not able to absorb alone," the letter stated. The series of unfortunate events began when Hurricane Milton tore the roof off Tropicana Field on October 9, forcing the Rays to play the 2025 season at the New York Yankees' spring training home, the 11,000-seat Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. Subsequently, the Pinellas County Commission postponed a planned vote on the bond issue on October 29, further disrupting the timeline for the new 30,000-seat ballpark. Although the commission was set to meet again on Tuesday to discuss the bond issue, its chair suggested that a vote could be delayed once more. "We know we're going to be in Steinbrenner in 2025 and we don't know much beyond that," Auld said in an interview. When asked about the long-term viability of Major League Baseball in the Tampa Bay area, Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg admitted that the outlook is "less rosy than it was three weeks ago." He emphasized the team's commitment to keeping the Rays in the area, despite the challenges they have faced over the past 20 years. The team's contract with the city of St. Petersburg requires them to play three more seasons at Tropicana Field, assuming it can be repaired. The cost of fixing the ballpark in time for the 2026 season is estimated at over $55 million, despite plans to demolish the building once the new facility is ready. Under the original plan, Pinellas County would contribute approximately $312.5 million towards the new ballpark, while the city of St. Petersburg would invest around $417 million, including infrastructure improvements. The Rays and their partner, the Hines development company, would cover the remaining costs, including any overruns. The new Rays ballpark is part of a larger urban renovation project known as the Historic Gas Plant District. This project aims to transform an 86-acre tract in downtown St. Petersburg, which was previously home to a predominantly Black neighborhood displaced by the construction of Tropicana Field and an interstate highway spur. The broader $6.5 billion project includes plans for a Black history museum, affordable housing, a hotel, green space, entertainment venues, and office and retail space, promising thousands of jobs in the coming years. The future of the Rays' new stadium remains uncertain, but the team and its partners are determined to navigate these challenges and bring their vision to life.  In the latest twist in the Juan Soto sweepstakes, the Philadelphia Phillies have emerged as a potential contender for the star outfielder. According to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, the Phillies are planning to meet with Soto, although a date for the meeting has yet to be scheduled.
Soto, who has already met with the Blue Jays, Red Sox, Mets, and incumbent Yankees, is set to meet with the Dodgers next. Despite the flurry of meetings, Heyman reports that no formal offers have been made to Soto thus far. The Phillies, known for having one of the most complete rosters in Major League Baseball, are keen on improving further after their 2024 campaign ended in the National League Division Series. With a history of splurging on top talent, Philadelphia's roster boasts big names like Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Zack Wheeler, J.T. Realmuto, Aaron Nola, Nick Castellanos, and Kyle Schwarber, all of whom were acquired via lucrative free agency deals. Phillies managing partner and CEO John Middleton recently commented on Soto's market, acknowledging that while the outfielder may prefer a move to New York, Philadelphia could still enter the bidding war. Middleton referred to the Phillies' potential involvement as a "stalking horse," indicating their strategic interest in acquiring Soto. As the offseason progresses, the baseball world will be watching closely to see where Juan Soto ultimately lands, and the Phillies' pursuit adds an intriguing layer to the ongoing saga  The future of star outfielder Juan Soto appears to be leaning towards a move to one of New York's two baseball teams. According to industry insiders, a fierce bidding war between the Yankees and Mets is expected to determine Soto's next destination.
ESPN New York's Michael Kay has suggested that Mets owner Steve Cohen is prepared to make a "Godfather offer" to lure Soto away from the Yankees. This aggressive approach could involve a contract exceeding $700 million, a figure that might be too steep for the Yankees, who are mindful of luxury tax implications. While the Yankees have the advantage of familiarity, the Mets' deep pockets and Cohen's willingness to spend could sway Soto's decision. The Mets' recent playoff run and Cohen's commitment to building a championship team could further enhance their appeal to the talented outfielder. As the offseason progresses, fans eagerly await the outcome of this high-stakes free agency battle. The future of one of baseball's brightest stars hangs in the balance, and the stakes have never been higher.  The New York Mets have added some depth to their pitching staff, signing right-handed pitcher Justin Hagenman to a one-year major league contract.
Hagenman, 28, spent the 2024 season with the Worcester Red Sox, the Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. He posted a 4-6 record with a 4.91 ERA in 28 games (15 starts). Despite the ERA, Hagenman showcased improved performance, particularly with his newly added sweeper pitch. The right-hander has spent his entire six-year professional career in the minor leagues, accumulating a 3.87 ERA and striking out 9.3 batters per nine innings. Hagenman's signing provides the Mets with additional pitching depth, especially as they head into the offseason with uncertainty surrounding their rotation.  The New York Yankees have added two experienced players to their minor league system, signing infielder Pablo Reyes and right-hander Cristian Hernandez to minor league deals.
Reyes, a versatile infielder, has bounced around the league in recent years. He had a strong 2021 season with the Boston Red Sox, but struggled to replicate that success in 2022 with the New York Mets' Triple-A affiliate. Known for his defensive prowess, Reyes can play multiple positions on the field. Hernandez, a 24-year-old right-hander, has spent his entire career in the Philadelphia Phillies organization. He has primarily been a reliever, but he could potentially transition to a swingman role in the future. Hernandez has shown promise in the minor leagues, posting solid numbers in Double-A. These signings provide the Yankees with additional depth options for their minor league system. While neither player is expected to make an immediate impact on the major league roster, they could contribute at the Triple-A level or potentially be called up in case of injuries or underperformance.  Left-handed pitcher Sean Manaea has officially declined the New York Mets' one-year, $21.05 million qualifying offer. This decision was widely anticipated, as Manaea is expected to pursue a longer-term deal on the open market.
By rejecting the qualifying offer, Manaea will become a free agent. The Mets will receive draft-pick compensation if he signs with another team. Manaea enjoyed a strong 2024 season with the Mets, posting a 3.47 ERA and a 1.084 WHIP in 32 starts. His performance was particularly impressive in the second half of the season, where he posted a 3.09 ERA over his final 12 starts. The 32-year-old lefty also made a significant impact in the playoffs, pitching to a 2.65 ERA in 17 innings over his first three postseason appearances. While he struggled in Game 6 of the NLCS against the Dodgers, his overall playoff performance solidified his value as a top-tier starting pitcher. As Manaea enters free agency, he is likely to generate significant interest from multiple teams. With his strong track record and recent postseason success, he is poised to command a lucrative multi-year contract.  Star outfielder Juan Soto is casting a wide net in free agency, with the Los Angeles Dodgers now joining the list of teams he'll be meeting with. This comes after reports of his meeting with the New York Yankees, their World Series rivals from last season.
While the Dodgers might be considered a rival for Soto considering his brief stint with the San Diego Padres before joining the Yankees, free agency removes team loyalty from the equation. Soto is now chasing the best possible offer both in terms of money and a winning environment. The Dodgers, as the reigning World Series champions, undoubtedly offer a strong chance for Soto to win another ring. However, their financial capabilities might be a question mark. With significant financial commitments made last offseason for Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow, exceeding $1 billion in total, the Dodgers might be hesitant to meet the $500 million - $600 million price tag that Soto could command. This opens the door for the Yankees or the New York Mets, both in the same market as the Yankees, to potentially outbid the Dodgers. Their need for a star like Soto and their willingness to overpay could be a deciding factor in Soto's final decision.  Pittsburgh Pirates' Paul Skenes and New York Yankees' Luis Gil have been named the 2024 National League and American League Rookies of the Year, respectively.
Skenes, the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, had a historic rookie season, dominating hitters with his electric fastball and devastating breaking pitches. He finished the year with an impressive 11-3 record and a 1.96 ERA. His 170 strikeouts set a franchise rookie record. In the American League, Gil's breakout season earned him the Rookie of the Year award. After missing most of the 2023 season due to Tommy John surgery, Gil returned stronger than ever, posting a 3.50 ERA and striking out 26.8% of batters faced. Both players have bright futures ahead of them and are poised to become key contributors to their respective teams for years to come.  The Tampa Bay Rays have added left-handed pitchers Joe Rock and Ian Seymour to their 40-man roster, ensuring they won't be eligible for the Rule 5 draft. The move was made to protect the promising young arms and keep them within the organization.
To make room for Rock and Seymour on the 40-man roster, the Rays designated infielder Austin Shenton for assignment. Additionally, the team avoided arbitration with right-hander Cole Sulser by signing him to a contract for the 2025 season. Rock and Seymour have both impressed in the Rays' minor league system. Rock, acquired from the Rockies in March, has shown promise as a starter, while Seymour has excelled as a reliever. The Rule 5 draft, which takes place on December 7th, allows teams to select unprotected players from other organizations. By adding Rock and Seymour to the 40-man roster, the Rays have secured their future and prevented them from being claimed by another team.  A new class of potential Hall of Famers has emerged, with 14 players joining the ballot for the 2025 election. Among the notable newcomers are Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia, Félix Hernández, and Carlos González.
Key Newcomers:
Holdovers and Notable Absences: Several notable players return to the ballot, including Billy Wagner, who is in his final year of eligibility. Other returning candidates include Alex Rodriguez, Manny Ramirez, Andruw Jones, and Carlos Beltran. Gary Sheffield, a controversial figure due to performance-enhancing drug allegations, has been dropped from the ballot after 10 years. The Hall of Fame voting process is complex and often contentious. It will be interesting to see how these new candidates fare and whether any of them will ultimately earn a spot in Cooperstown.  The Houston Astros announced a 15-year naming rights deal with Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, Inc. on Monday, November 18th. Beginning January 1st, 2025, the ballpark will be officially known as Daikin Park.
This new partnership marks a significant change for the downtown ballpark, which originally opened as Enron Field in 2000. Following Enron's bankruptcy, the stadium was briefly named Astros Field before becoming Minute Maid Park in 2002. While the name will change, some familiar elements will remain. Astros owner Jim Crane confirmed that the iconic orange train that runs atop left field will still be a part of the ballpark experience. "We'll show it on Opening Day," Crane said with a smile. Daikin is a global leader in air conditioning, heating, ventilation, and air purification systems. The company's partnership with the Astros is expected to bring increased visibility and brand recognition to the region. "We hope to make that name present and popular around town," Crane said. "We've had the honor and the privilege to spend a lot of time with the Daikin team at all levels and get more excited about the partnership in each and every engagement we have with them. They're truly a world-class organization."  The Chicago White Sox are adding outfielder Austin Slater to their roster, as reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The terms of the agreement have yet to be disclosed. Once the deal is finalized, Slater will be included in the club’s 40-man roster, which currently has available space, meaning no additional roster moves are necessary.
Slater, 31, was an eighth-round draft pick by the San Francisco Giants out of Stanford in 2014. Over a decade in the Giants organization, he made his MLB debut in 2017 and played with the team through the 2023 season. In his first three seasons, Slater served as a solid but unspectacular fourth outfielder, posting a combined .254/.335/.368 batting line in 544 plate appearances. While his primary position was outfield, he also occasionally played first base and made brief appearances at second and third base. During the shortened 2020 season, Slater experienced a breakout, boasting a 150 wRC+ and a .282/.408/.506 slash line in 104 plate appearances across 31 games. This offensive surge earned him an expanded role, and from 2021 to 2023, he became a regular against left-handed pitchers. Over these three seasons, Slater maintained a .257/.345/.412 batting line in 343 games, good for a 113 wRC+. Despite frequent injuries, he hit 24 home runs, stole 29 bases, and walked at a 10.5% rate in 838 plate appearances. However, Slater struggled in 2024, batting just .209/.321/.266 (76 wRC+) in 212 plate appearances while playing for the Giants, Reds, and Orioles. Surprisingly, he posted reverse splits, hitting only .188/.310/.231 against lefties, despite previous success against them. Despite these struggles, Slater showed improvement after being traded to the Orioles at the deadline, hitting .246/.342/.333 (102 wRC+) in 79 plate appearances, with a 114 wRC+ against southpaws. As Slater joins the White Sox, the team hopes he can return to form and provide valuable contributions to their outfield.  Before Travis d’Arnaud signed with the Angels, the Tampa Bay Rays were reportedly interested in bringing the veteran catcher back to their roster, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.
d’Arnaud, who will turn 36 in February, spent the last five seasons with the Atlanta Braves but previously played for the Rays in 2019. During his time in Tampa, he played 92 games, splitting duties between catching and first base. His performance, which included a .263/.323/.459 slash line and 16 home runs, helped the Rays reach the postseason for the first time since 2013. Although d’Arnaud ultimately joined the Braves in 2020 and became a consistent figure in their lineup, the Braves decided to move on from him this winter, with plans to rely on Sean Murphy and prospect Drake Baldwin. d’Arnaud then opted for a two-year, $12 million deal with the Angels, returning to his native southern California. The Rays’ interest in d’Arnaud was driven by their need for a primary catcher. Ben Rortvedt is currently the top catcher on their roster after posting an 87 wRC+ in 2024, but with the departures of Alex Jackson and Rene Pinto, the Rays are looking for an upgrade. d’Arnaud would have been an ideal fit, but his preference to return to California steered him towards the Angels. With d’Arnaud off the market, the Rays may look to other free-agent catchers to fill the gap. Danny Jansen and Kyle Higashioka are potential targets. Jansen, 29, had strong seasons with Toronto from 2021-23, while Higashioka, 34, showcased power with 17 home runs for San Diego in 2024. However, both players could command contracts that exceed the Rays’ budget. Should the Rays seek more affordable options, they could consider Carson Kelly, Elias Diaz, James McCann, and Gary Sanchez. Each of these catchers offers various strengths and could provide the Rays with a viable solution behind the plate. As the offseason progresses, the Rays’ search for a reliable catcher continues, aiming to strengthen their lineup for the upcoming season.  A rare postcard featuring Hank Aaron as a rookie with the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro Leagues sold for nearly $200,000 at a recent baseball memorabilia auction. The postcard, from the scrapbook of scout Ed Scott who discovered Aaron, fetched $199,750 after a bidding war that far surpassed the pre-sale estimate of $5,000-$10,000, according to Hunt Auctions.
The auction also highlighted significant items from Ted Williams' personal collection, held by his daughter Claudia until her passing last year. Among these were his 1946 AL MVP award, which sold for $528,750, a silver bat from his 1958 batting title that went for over $270,000, and his Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded by George H.W. Bush, which brought in $141,000. Additionally, the sale included items from Rutherford Hayes Jones, the business manager of the early Black baseball team, the Washington Giants. Discovered in 2001 in a suitcase, this collection had been unseen for 40 years, adding historical depth to the auction. Previously, the first batch of Claudia Williams' collection was auctioned in 2012 at Fenway Park, garnering over $5 million, underscoring the lasting value and allure of baseball memorabilia. |