 While Juan Soto's free agency meetings continue to grab headlines, another high-profile player is making waves in the market. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, left-hander Blake Snell has recently met with the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers. The Toronto Blue Jays are also showing interest and may arrange a meeting soon, with the Baltimore Orioles potentially following suit.
Both the Red Sox and Dodgers are on the lookout for top-tier rotation talent this offseason, and Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, certainly fits the bill. Unlike last year, when Snell lingered on the market before signing a two-year deal with an opt-out in San Francisco just before Opening Day, he is now motivated to secure his future more swiftly. For the Red Sox, Snell would be a key addition to a rotation that could lose Nick Pivetta to free agency after he declined a qualifying offer. Currently, Tanner Houck, Kutter Crawford, and Brayan Bello are secured in the rotation, with Lucas Giolito expected to join them in the first half of the season following his recovery from UCL surgery. Garrett Whitlock is also returning from a similar procedure, adding to the team's uncertainty. Other potential candidates for the remaining rotation spots at Fenway Park include Richard Fitts, Cooper Criswell, Quinn Priester, and Zach Penrod. Criswell, despite a solid season, faces competition due to eligibility for a fourth option year, offering the Red Sox more flexibility. Red Sox fans are understandably cautious about the team's commitment to high-profile free agents, especially after last offseason's lackluster results following chairman Tom Werner's "full throttle" promise. However, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has adopted a more proactive approach this time, emphasizing the need to "deliver a team capable of winning the AL East," even if it requires aggressive acquisitions. As the offseason progresses, Blake Snell's free agency pursuits will be closely monitored by fans and analysts, with potential for significant shifts in the competitive landscape of the league.
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The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a strategic addition to their roster by selecting left-handed pitcher Jack Dreyer to their 40-man roster. This move, designed to protect Dreyer from the upcoming Rule 5 Draft, leaves the Dodgers' roster count at 37 players.
Jack Dreyer, who turns 26 in February, joined the Dodgers as an undrafted free agent out of Iowa in 2021. Despite not being drafted, Dreyer has made impressive strides to secure a spot on the roster of the reigning World Series champions. Standing 6'2", the left-handed reliever delivered outstanding performances in the upper minors this year. Splitting his time between Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City, Dreyer posted a stellar 2.20 ERA over 57 1/3 innings, with a strikeout rate of nearly 32% and a low walk rate of 5.3%. Dreyer's addition enhances the Dodgers' bullpen depth, joining top left-handed relievers Alex Vesia and Anthony Banda. The only other southpaws on the 40-man roster are Justin Wrobleski and swingman Zach Logue. With his strong minor league numbers, Dreyer is poised to compete for a role in the middle innings for the Dodgers in the upcoming season. This move underscores the Dodgers' commitment to fortifying their bullpen with promising talent as they gear up for another competitive season. Fans can look forward to seeing how Dreyer's skills translate to the major leagues, potentially adding valuable depth and effectiveness to the team's pitching staff.  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.  Al Ferrara, the former outfielder who won World Series championships with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1963 and 1965, passed away on Friday at the age of 84. The team announced his death but provided no further details.
Ferrara, affectionately nicknamed "The Bull," made his major league debut for the Dodgers on July 30, 1963, and played with the organization through 1968. During his time with the Dodgers, Ferrara batted .256 with 23 home runs in 249 games over five seasons. His contributions helped the Dodgers secure National League pennants in 1963, 1965, and 1966. While Ferrara did not play in the 1963 or 1965 World Series, he made a notable appearance during the 1966 World Series, won by the Baltimore Orioles, where he hit a single in his only plate appearance. Ferrara's standout year came in 1967 when he led the Dodgers with an .812 OPS and 16 home runs, earning him the title of Dodger of the Year. Following his tenure with the Dodgers, Ferrara was made available for the 1968 expansion draft and was selected by the San Diego Padres. During his time with the Padres, Ferrara hit 27 home runs and collected 109 RBIs over two-plus seasons before being traded to the Cincinnati Reds in May 1971. He retired from professional baseball after the 1971 season. Ferrara's association with the Dodgers continued long after his playing days. In 2009, he returned to the organization as an alumni ambassador, making numerous appearances representing the club and contributing to community efforts. "Not only was Al a memorable player for the Dodgers in the 1960s, but he tirelessly supported the Dodgers' community efforts and was one of our most committed alumni supporters," said Stan Kasten, the team's president and CEO, in a statement. Born on December 22, 1939, in Brooklyn, Alfred John Ferrara Jr. briefly attended Long Island University on a baseball scholarship before signing with the Dodgers. After retiring from baseball, Ferrara transitioned into sales for various home-improvement companies and eventually founded his own business, Major League Construction, which he operated for 30 years before selling it. In addition to his baseball career, Ferrara made appearances on popular television shows such as "Gilligan's Island," "Batman," and the game show "Match Game." Al Ferrara's legacy as a dedicated player, community supporter, and memorable figure in Dodgers history will be cherished by fans and the baseball community. His contributions to the sport and his impact on the Dodgers organization will be fondly remembered.  The Atlanta Braves are reportedly showing interest in free-agent right-hander Walker Buehler as they face the potential loss of key rotation members Max Fried and Charlie Morton to free agency. Buehler, a standout pitcher, could be a crucial addition to the Braves' roster as they seek to maintain their competitive edge in the upcoming season.
Buehler, known for his powerful arm and impressive performance on the mound, would bring significant strength to the Braves' rotation. His track record includes several standout seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he established himself as one of the premier pitchers in the league. The Braves' interest in Buehler underscores their commitment to building a formidable pitching staff, especially in light of the uncertain future of Fried and Morton. Max Fried and Charlie Morton have been stalwarts in the Braves' rotation, contributing to the team's success in recent years. Losing either or both of these pitchers would create a significant gap in the rotation, making the acquisition of a top-tier pitcher like Buehler even more critical. The Braves' front office is likely exploring all options to ensure they remain competitive and maintain a strong pitching foundation. Buehler's addition to the Braves' roster would not only strengthen their rotation but also provide leadership and experience to a team aiming for continued success. As free agency unfolds, the Braves will need to navigate the market carefully, balancing their financial considerations with the goal of securing top talent. The coming weeks will be pivotal as the Braves and other MLB teams make strategic moves to shape their rosters for the upcoming season. The potential addition of Walker Buehler to the Braves' rotation highlights their proactive approach to addressing potential gaps and ensuring they remain a formidable force in the league. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how the team's offseason moves unfold and what impact they will have on the Braves' prospects for the future. Dodgers Pitcher Brusdar Graterol Undergoes Shoulder Surgery, Out Until Second Half of 202511/15/2024  Dodgers right-hander Brusdar Graterol announced on his Spanish-language X post that he underwent shoulder surgery yesterday. The team later confirmed that Graterol had surgery to repair his right shoulder labrum and is not expected to return until the second half of the 2025 season.
The news is not entirely surprising given Graterol's injury-plagued 2024 season, primarily due to persistent shoulder issues. He started the season on the injured list with hip tightness and right shoulder inflammation, which sidelined him until August. In his first game back, Graterol suffered a right hamstring strain, forcing another stint on the IL. Though he was briefly reactivated in September, he returned to the IL due to renewed shoulder inflammation. He missed most of the postseason but managed to return for the World Series. Graterol's 2024 season was limited to just 7 1/3 innings in the regular season and 2 1/3 innings in the World Series. Despite his efforts to contribute, his persistent shoulder issues ultimately necessitated surgical intervention. Prior to 2024, Graterol was a key component of the Dodgers' bullpen, posting a 2.69 ERA over 171 appearances from 2020 to 2023. Though his strikeout rate of 18.9% was below average, his impressive 5.5% walk rate and elite 62.5% ground ball rate made him an effective reliever. Among pitchers with at least 170 innings pitched during that period, only Clay Holmes, Andre Pallante, and Framber Valdez had better ground ball rates. Although Graterol played a role in the Dodgers' World Series victory, 2024 was largely a lost season for him. With at least half of 2025 projected to be missed, his path to arbitration will be affected. He earned $2.7 million this year, and MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz projects a similar figure for 2025. Graterol's potential salary increase in 2026 will depend on his recovery timeline and performance once he returns to the mound. The Dodgers and their fans will be hoping for a full recovery for Graterol as they navigate the challenges ahead. The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres kicked off the 2024 MLB season with an exciting game on March 20, 2024, at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea. The Dodgers emerged victorious with a 5-2 win over the Padres in the season opener.
Game Summary The Padres took an early lead, scoring two runs in the fourth inning. However, the Dodgers staged a remarkable comeback in the eighth inning, scoring four runs to take the lead. Shohei Ohtani played a crucial role in the rally, driving in a run with a single. The Padres' first baseman, Jake Cronenworth, committed a costly error that allowed the Dodgers to capitalize and secure the win. Key Performances
Betting Odds The Dodgers were favored to win with odds of -200, while the Padres were underdogs at +166. The over/under for total runs scored was set at 8.52. Box Score Highlights
Conclusion The Dodgers' comeback victory in the season opener sets an exciting tone for the rest of the season. With key performances from new additions like Ohtani and Hernández, the Dodgers look poised for a strong season ahead. The Padres, despite the loss, showed resilience and will be looking to bounce back in the next game. In a great interview, Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes joined Foul Territory and had some thoughts on his feelings as Shohei Ohtani was making his decision, one that ended well for the Dodgers.
"You didn't quite know what to do, it was a helpless feeling...we understood that Shohei was going to announce this himself... if we were out, we weren't gonna be told we're out" How stressful that must have been. The world's best player might want to play for you, but might not. This is interview is very well done. It looks like we get to see all the new additions to the Dodgers right out of the gate.
Ohtani looks solid in the cage, and looks like he is on track to be Opening Day DH. We also expect to see the newest pitching additions as well. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced on Tuesday that Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow are currently slated to start the two-game Seoul Series against the division-rival San Diego Padres on March 20-21. Roberts emphasized that while it's highly likely both pitchers will start, plans could still be subject to change. "This is a unique ramp-up for everyone," Roberts remarked during a spring training media event attended by managers and general managers from all Cactus League teams. "While these two games hold significance, it's important to prioritize the readiness of our players for the entirety of the season and ensure they are prepared to take on regular starts." The Dodgers effectively finalized the terms of a trade to bring Tyler Glasnow from the Tampa Bay Rays on the same day they unveiled Ohtani on December 14. Prior to even joining the Dodgers, Glasnow agreed to a substantial five-year, $136.6 million extension with the team. Just a week later, they secured Yamamoto with a significant 12-year, $325 million deal. With Ohtani's heavily-deferred 10-year, $700 million contract also factored in, the Dodgers' offseason spending spree reached approximately $1.2 billion. |