The Detroit Tigers have announced that outfielder Akil Baddoo has cleared waivers and been outrighted to Triple-A Toledo. This decision came after Baddoo was designated for assignment last week as part of the corresponding move to accommodate the signing of Alex Cobb.

Baddoo first made headlines in 2021 as a Rule 5 success story, boasting a .259/.330/.436 slash line with 13 home runs across 461 plate appearances during his debut season. Despite this strong start, the left-handed outfielder has struggled to replicate his early success over the past three seasons. Between 2022 and 2023, Baddoo's performance dipped to a .212/.302/.331 slash line across 178 games. He spent most of the 2024 season on optional assignment, appearing in only 37 MLB games and posting a .137/.220/.301 line while striking out in 32.9% of his 82 plate appearances.

Baddoo's strikeout issues extended to Triple-A as well, where he struck out at a 26.5% clip over 377 plate appearances with Toledo. While he maintained a solid 12.7% walk rate, resulting in a respectable .340 on-base percentage, his overall offensive contribution was roughly league average for the International League.

Given these struggles, it was somewhat surprising that the Tigers offered Baddoo an arbitration contract with a projected salary of $1.6 million. As Baddoo looks to regain his form in Triple-A, the Tigers will continue to assess his development and potential contributions to the major league roster.

The Boston Red Sox may have missed out on signing free agents Juan Soto and Max Fried, but they made a significant splash this offseason by acquiring Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox. In exchange, Boston sent a package of four prospects, headlined by catcher Kyle Teel and outfielder Braden Montgomery, their top picks in the last two drafts. This move secures Crochet for the Red Sox through the 2026 season, adding a multi-year contributor to their pitching staff, which already includes Tanner Houck, Kutter Crawford, Brayan Bello, and possibly Lucas Giolito, depending on his 2026 option.

However, the Red Sox are not stopping there. Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow emphasized the team's ongoing pursuit of additional rotation help during an appearance on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM.

"Teams that win in the postseason, they pitch," said Breslow. "The ability to build out both quality and depth in our rotation is something that’s going to serve us well over the season. I think we saw what happened last year, when later in the season, our bullpen got tired, and we had a couple unfortunate injuries with our rotation. We didn’t quite have the depth built up to step in and replace them. So, that’s a focus of ours. We’ll continue to be aggressive in pursuing starting pitching, but we’ll also start to shift our focus to continuing to address the bullpen."

The addition of Crochet, known for his electric fastball and versatility, provides the Red Sox with a key piece to enhance their pitching depth. With a focus on both quality and depth, Boston aims to avoid the fatigue and injury issues that plagued their pitching staff last season.

The New York Yankees have struck a deal with the Chicago Cubs to acquire former National League MVP Cody Bellinger along with $5 million, according to a source from MLB.com. In return, the Cubs will receive right-handed reliever Cody Poteet.

Bellinger, who made his Major League debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2017, quickly rose to stardom. He won the NL Rookie of the Year Award in his debut season with an impressive 39 home runs and a .933 OPS. Two years later, he claimed the NL MVP title after hitting .305/.406/.629 with 47 homers.

Trade Details:
- Yankees receive: OF Cody Bellinger, $5 million
- Cubs receive: RHP Cody Poteet

Poteet, 30, has shown promise with a 2.22 ERA across 24.1 innings with the Yankees in 2024. He also has 58.2 innings of MLB experience from his time with the Miami Marlins in 2021 and 2022.

Bellinger's career took a downturn after his MVP season, but he revived it with the Cubs in 2023. Although he had a step back in 2024, hitting 18 home runs with a .751 OPS over 130 games, the Yankees are hopeful that he can regain his form.

Major League Baseball (MLB) has released a comprehensive 62-page study examining the rise in pitching injuries. The yearlong research identifies several contributing factors, including the pursuit of higher velocity and improved "stuff," which refers to the characteristics of a pitch such as its movement and spin rate. These efforts often lead players to exert maximum effort both in-game and during training.

The study involved interviews with over 200 industry professionals, including former pitchers, orthopedic surgeons, athletic trainers, team officials, biomechanists, agents, and experts in pitcher development. It provided broad recommendations, including potential rule changes, to address the increasing rate of pitching injuries. However, MLB emphasized that this study is just the first step in a process that requires further examination.

One significant finding was that monitoring pitchers' training and workloads from spring training through the season is more manageable than during the winter months, when players are generally on their own. The study revealed a spike in pitching injuries during spring, suggesting that pitchers may not be adequately prepared for the start of spring training. This was exemplified by the losses of Shane Bieber and Spencer Strider to Tommy John surgery in March.

The league is also concerned that pitchers may overwork themselves during the offseason in an effort to optimize their "stuff." This term encompasses the combined movement characteristics of pitches, including horizontal and vertical break and spin rate. Additionally, the study highlighted weighted ball training as an area needing further research due to mixed opinions on its contribution to injuries.

The pursuit of higher velocity emerged as the number one contributing factor to pitching injuries. "There's no question that if we take the simplest thing, which is fastball velocity, you can see how the average increase in fastball velocity has completely paralleled the increased incidence of injury," an orthopedic surgeon stated in the study.

Interestingly, the study found that professional pitchers are at least somewhat aware of the risks but often choose a more dangerous style of pitching because they perceive the rewards to outweigh the risks, particularly in the short term. This mindset appears to be influencing amateur players as well.

In addition to the main issues, the study identified several other contributing factors:

- **Modern Workload Management**: Strategies intended to protect pitchers by reducing workloads may inadvertently contribute to injuries. Pitchers often use maximum effort, knowing their time in the game is limited. This shift from a long-term endurance mentality to a short-burst effort can increase strain on their arms.

- **Minor League Preparedness**: There is a perceived trend of minor league players being unprepared for major league workloads, with innings limits and rest restrictions negatively impacting their transition to the majors.
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- **Training Methods**: The study noted a shift from cardiovascular and endurance training to power and strength-focused training. Experts suggest that while short-burst, high-intensity training is important, it should be balanced with a solid foundation of aerobic capacity to prevent injuries.

MLB's study marks an important step in understanding and addressing the increase in pitching injuries. As the league continues to explore solutions, it aims to find a balance between optimizing performance and maintaining player health.

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How's that for a new blog post? 😊

The New York Mets have made a significant addition to their pitching staff by signing former Yankees closer Clay Holmes to a three-year contract. Holmes, who has established himself as one of the top relief pitchers in the game, will now transition to a starting role with the Mets.

During his introductory press conference today, Holmes expressed his excitement about joining the Mets and the opportunity to contribute to the team's success. "I'm thrilled to be a part of this organization and to have the chance to work with such a talented group of players and coaches," Holmes said.

Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns also spoke at the press conference, highlighting Holmes' elite repertoire and his potential to be a key contributor to the rotation](https://www.mlb.com/mets/news/clay-holmes-mets-free-agent-deal). "We're excited to bring Clay into the organization and collaborate on his transition to the starting rotation," Stearns said "Clay has an elite repertoire, knows New York, and will be a key contributor going forward."

Holmes, who was traded to the Yankees from the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021, became a dominant closer in New York. Despite some struggles this past season, Holmes finished with a 3.14 ERA and 30 saves. The Mets are confident that his skills will translate well to a starting role, and they believe he can provide the length and stability they need in their rotation.

As Holmes embarks on this new chapter with the Mets, fans are eager to see how he will perform in his new role and contribute to the team's success in the upcoming season.

The Chicago Cubs' newly acquired outfielder, Kyle Tucker, has expressed his willingness to engage in contract extension talks with the team before he reaches free agency after the 2025 season. Tucker, who was recently traded from the Houston Astros, has already become a fan favorite in Chicago. The trade has generated significant excitement among Cubs supporters.

While Cubs President Jed Hoyer has not made any official statements regarding immediate negotiations, there is a strong indication that the team is interested in securing Tucker long-term. Given the Cubs' investment in him, it seems plausible that they will explore extending his contract.

Tucker has shared positive sentiments about the Cubs organization and the city of Chicago, hinting at his desire to be part of the team's future. The ongoing discussions around his contract suggest that the Cubs are considering various financial strategies to lock in their star player.

The New York Yankees have made a significant move to enhance their bullpen for the 2025 season by acquiring closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers earlier this month.

Williams, widely regarded as one of the best relief pitchers in the game, expressed excitement about joining the Yankees, though he admitted that New York wasn't initially on his radar. "To be honest, I didn't really think so," Williams said when asked if he anticipated the trade to the Yankees. "I thought...I kinda thought I would be going to L.A. [Dodgers]. That's what I was being told and, you know, the Yankees snuck in there under the table and got the deal done." 

Williams was traded to the Yankees on December 13 in a deal that sent pitcher Nestor Cortes, second baseman Caleb Durbin, and cash considerations to the Brewers. The Yankees acquired a premier reliever, who, despite a shortened season due to a stress fracture in his back, posted an impressive 1.25 ERA with 38 strikeouts and 14 saves over 21.2 innings pitched in 2024.

When healthy, the 30-year-old Williams is one of the most reliable bullpen arms in the sport. His addition is expected to significantly bolster the Yankees' bullpen, providing them with a dependable closer for the upcoming season.

Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred recently discussed the league’s stance on implementing minimum inning requirements for starting pitchers during a podcast appearance on Chris O'Gorman's Questions for Cancer Research website. Manfred downplayed the possibility of such a rule, suggesting instead that MLB could incentivize teams to encourage their starters to pitch deeper into games by adjusting transaction rules.

Manfred emphasized that a blunt instrument like a minimum inning requirement wouldn't effectively address the issue. Instead, he pointed out that both the injury problem and the shift in pitching strategy are serious concerns. "Our physicians have studied this carefully and continue to believe that the focus on velocity and spin rate is a specific cause of the increase of injuries," Manfred noted.

He acknowledged the historical importance of starting pitchers in the game's narrative and marketing, which makes the league's desire for longer outings understandable. "The starting pitcher has always been the face of the game," Manfred remarked, adding that media coverage often focuses on starters.

One potential solution Manfred introduced involves changing the transaction rules. Currently, a pitcher who works multiple days in a row might be outrighted and replaced temporarily, allowing him rest. Manfred suggested creating incentives through roster and transaction rules to encourage the development of pitchers who can go deeper into games. "But I don't think it can be prescriptive: 'You have to go six innings.' It has to be a series of rules that create incentive for the clubs to develop pitchers of a certain type."

Over the years, MLB's innings-per-start rate has declined from 6.3 in 1984 to 5.2 in 2024, reflecting a trend towards greater reliance on bullpen usage. The league sees starting pitchers as a crucial element for both narrative and promotional purposes, which is why it prefers traditional deployment over using several relievers for shorter stints.

Various solutions have been proposed to address this trend. One idea is the "Double Hook" concept, experimented with in the independent Atlantic League, which ties a team's designated hitter slot to their starting pitcher's presence. However, Manfred indicated that focusing on roster rules is the preferred approach.

As trade talks with the Chicago Cubs for two-time All-Star Cody Bellinger hit a stalemate, the New York Yankees are turning their attention to the free agent market in search of a new starting first baseman.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Yankees are now in contract discussions with several top free agent first basemen: Pete Alonso, Christian Walker, Carlos Santana, and Paul Goldschmidt. The Yankees, previously linked to Bellinger during the 2023 trade deadline and the ensuing offseason, had engaged in trade talks with the Cubs for the slugger. Bellinger, who can play both first base and outfield, seemed like a perfect fit for the Yankees, especially with his left-handed swing tailor-made for Yankee Stadium's short right-field porch. Not to mention, his father won two World Series with the Yankees in the 1990s.

However, negotiations stalled over how much of Bellinger’s $52.5 million contract the two sides would each cover. As a result, the Yankees are shifting their focus to the free agent market.

Pete Alonso, a four-time All-Star represented by Scott Boras, is a prime target for the Yankees. While he will likely attract significant interest from the Mets, his current team, Alonso would be a substantial offensive upgrade for the Yankees. Christian Walker, a three-time Gold Glove winner with 95 home runs since 2022, represents a solid two-way player, offering both offensive and defensive value.

On the more cost-effective side, Carlos Santana, at 38 years old, brings a career .354 on-base percentage and a patient batting approach that could benefit the Yankees lineup. Paul Goldschmidt, the 2022 National League MVP and a four-time Gold Glove recipient, offers proven production despite a slight decline in recent performance.

Contrary to earlier expectations, Teoscar Hernandez remains unsigned as the offseason progresses. The 32-year-old slugger, who was anticipated to sign early or shortly after Juan Soto’s decision, is still exploring options with interest from teams such as the Dodgers, Blue Jays, Red Sox, and Yankees.

Hernandez and the Dodgers, his incumbent team, have yet to agree on terms. According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, Hernandez is seeking a three-year contract worth $22-24 million annually. This potential deal, ranging from $66-72 million, aligns with industry expectations. 

Hernandez's agent, Rafa Nieves, previously mentioned that they aimed for a three-year deal last offseason before opting for a one-year contract with Los Angeles. Given Hernandez's rebound season, his current asking price seems reasonable despite heading into his age-32 season and rejecting a qualifying offer, which ties him to draft pick compensation. The $22-24 million range reflects his previous $23 million salary, though deferred payments slightly reduced its net present value.

Right-handed pitcher Corbin Burnes is currently the most sought-after free agent on the market, with MLB's Mark Feinsand reporting that the San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays are the frontrunners to sign him.

Burnes, 30, boasts an impressive career ERA of 3.19 (129 ERA+). He's been a consistent performer, finishing in the top 10 in Cy Young Award voting for the past five seasons, including a fifth-place finish in 2024. Both the Giants and Blue Jays have been active this offseason, with San Francisco landing Willy Adames in a major free-agent deal and Toronto acquiring infielder Andrés Giménez from the Guardians.
​
Feinsand also mentions that the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles could be potential contenders in the race for Burnes. Last season, Burnes pitched for the Orioles after being acquired in an offseason trade with the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Houston Astros have made a significant move by trading All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs. In return, the Astros received third baseman Isaac Paredes, right-hander Hayden Wesneski, and third-base prospect Cam Smith. This trade has sparked speculation about the Astros' plans for their roster, particularly at third base.
​
Paredes, who has shown promise with a .238/.346/.393 slash line and 19 home runs last season, is expected to be a viable option at third base for the Astros. However, the team is still exploring the market for additional options.

One name that has been frequently mentioned in trade talks is veteran third baseman Nolan Arenado. According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, the Astros and the St. Louis Cardinals are engaged in deep discussions about a potential trade involving Arenado. The Cardinals are looking to move Arenado as they aim to build a younger and more cost-effective roster. However, a significant hurdle remains: Arenado's full no-trade clause1. He has expressed willingness to approve trades to six teams, but the Astros are not currently on that list.

On the Alex Bregman front, it seems unlikely that the Astros will meet his expected demands on the free-agent market. Reports indicate that the Astros have offered Bregman a contract worth slightly over $150 million, but this offer is unlikely to be enough to retain the All-Star third baseman1. Bregman is expected to command a much higher salary, and the Astros may not be willing to meet that price.

Arenado, who is owed $74 million over the next three seasons (with $10 million being covered by the Rockies), could be a valuable addition to the Astros if he agrees to the trade.

The Toronto Blue Jays have officially unveiled their 2025 coaching staff, featuring some new faces and familiar names. Among the previously unreported additions is Sam Greene, who will serve as the assistant pitching coach.

At just 27 years old, Greene is one of the youngest coaches in Major League Baseball. This marks his first stint in a big league coaching role. The Blue Jays highlighted that Greene spent the 2024 season as a senior pitching research specialist. A Pennsylvania native, Greene played collegiate baseball in Canada at Montreal’s McGill University and has been with the Jays for four seasons.

Greene will work alongside newly-hired bullpen coach Graham Johnson, both assisting pitching coach Pete Walker. The Blue Jays have also made significant changes to their hitting staff, appointing David Popkins as the lead hitting instructor and Lou Iannotti as an assistant.

The remaining members of John Schneider’s coaching staff, all of whom are returnees from the previous season, include:
- Associate Manager: DeMarlo Hale
- Bench Coach: Don Mattingly
- First Base Coach: Mark Budzinski
- Third Base Coach: Carlos Febles
- Assistant Hitting Coach: Hunter Mense
- Mental Performance Coach: John Lannan

The New York Mets have officially signed infielder Jared Young to a one-year major league contract, filling one of the multiple vacancies on their 40-man roster. The deal, managed by Ball Players Agency, includes a split contract with a seven-figure upside, according to Will Sammon of The Athletic.

Young, 29, is looking to make his mark in the majors despite a challenging start to his MLB career. In 2022 and 2023, he played 22 games for the Cubs, recording a .210/.290/.435 batting line with a wRC+ of 98, although his strikeout rate was a concerning 29%. However, he showed promise in the minors and the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO).

After the 2023 season, Young was claimed off waivers by the Cardinals but was later outrighted. By July, he found success with the Doosan Bears of the KBO, where he posted a remarkable .326/.420/.660 batting line with 10 home runs in 169 plate appearances, significantly improving his strikeout and walk rates.

Young's performance in Korea highlighted his potential, leading to his current opportunity with the Mets. His journey through multiple teams and leagues demonstrates his resilience and determination to succeed. As he joins the Mets for the upcoming season, fans will be eager to see if he can translate his international success to the major league level and contribute meaningfully to the team's infield depth.

The Detroit Tigers have reached an agreement with catcher Brian Serven on a minor league contract, as reported by Aram Leighton of Just Baseball. Serven, a client of PRIME, will join the Tigers' big league camp as a non-roster invitee.

Serven, 29, is now part of his fourth organization. Originally drafted in the fifth round by the Rockies in 2016, he made his MLB debut six years later. The Arizona State alum played 62 games as a rookie, posting a .203/.261/.332 batting line in a backup role. In the following season, he made just 11 appearances, spending most of the year in Triple-A under optional assignment. He was eventually placed on waivers by Colorado last winter.

The Cubs claimed Serven and briefly kept him on their 40-man roster before designating him for assignment after about a week. He then landed with the Blue Jays through another claim. Although Toronto initially waived him at the end of January, they reselected his contract following an injury to Danny Jansen, who broke his wrist during Spring Training.

Serven's journey through multiple teams showcases his resilience and adaptability. Now with the Tigers, he aims to make an impact in their minor league system and potentially earn a call-up to the majors. His experience and perseverance add valuable depth to the Tigers' catching roster as they prepare for the upcoming season.

On Monday evening, the Baltimore Orioles made a significant addition to their roster by signing longtime NPB star Tomoyuki Sugano to a one-year contract. The deal, managed by VC Sports Group, guarantees Sugano $13 million. With an open spot on the 40-man roster, no additional moves were required to accommodate this signing.

Sugano, who will turn 35 in his upcoming debut season in Major League Baseball, is celebrated as one of Japan's premier pitchers. Standing at 6'1", the right-hander has spent 12 years with the Yomiuri Giants, compiling an impressive 2.43 ERA over more than 1800 innings in NPB.

Sugano has been on the radar of MLB scouts for several years. His name gained notable attention when the Yomiuri Giants posted him during the 2020-21 offseason after he recorded a stellar 1.97 ERA in his age-30 season. Despite attracting interest from various MLB teams, Sugano chose to stay in Japan, signing a four-year contract worth $40 million with the Giants.

Now, as Sugano transitions to MLB, he brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record to Baltimore. Orioles fans and baseball enthusiasts alike will be keenly watching to see how Sugano performs on the MLB stage and how his presence will bolster the Orioles' pitching staff.

The Cleveland Guardians have announced the re-signing of catcher Dom Nuñez to a minor league contract. As part of the agreement, Nuñez will receive an invite to big league spring training, mirroring the arrangement from last offseason.

Nuñez, who turns 30 in January, spent the 2024 season with Triple-A Columbus, appearing in 68 games and amassing 263 plate appearances. While his strikeout rate was a notable 30%, he also maintained an impressive walk rate of 16%. These efforts resulted in a .202/.330/.339 batting line and an 81 wRC+.

Despite his performance, the Guardians did not call Nuñez up to the majors in 2024. Instead, they relied on Bo Naylor, Austin Hedges, and David Fry to manage catching duties. Fry, who encountered elbow issues in the second half, will not be available for catching duties next year due to a hybrid/internal brace and tendon reconstruction surgery in November. With an expected 12-month recovery period, Fry may return as a designated hitter next year but won't be involved in catching.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are actively searching for high-leverage bullpen arms, a strategy confirmed by general manager Mike Hazen. According to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7, the Diamondbacks had discussions with the Milwaukee Brewers about a potential trade for Devin Williams before he was ultimately dealt to the New York Yankees.

This interest is not surprising, as teams in need of reliable late-inning relievers would naturally consider Williams. What makes this noteworthy, however, is the indication it provides about the Diamondbacks' broader strategy. If Arizona was pursuing Williams, it's likely that other elite relievers like Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley, Rays closer Pete Fairbanks, and possibly Houston's Ryan Pressly are also on their radar. Notably, Pressly's $14 million price tag is higher than those of his counterparts, but the Diamondbacks might still be considering him.

Williams, who has established himself as one of the premier relievers in baseball, was a valuable target for many teams. The Diamondbacks' willingness to engage in talks for such a high-caliber player underscores their commitment to bolstering their bullpen.

Bruce Levine of 670 AM The Score in Chicago reported on Saturday that the Cubs are in discussions with the Marlins regarding a potential trade for left-handed starting pitcher Jesús Luzardo. On Monday, Levine added that a deal for Luzardo is something the Cubs would like to finalize within the next few days.

Additionally, USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported the Cubs' strong interest in the 27-year-old lefty. Luzardo remains under club control for two more seasons, and Miami's asking price includes one of the Cubs' top minor league bats. According to Levine, the Marlins are targeting young, controllable hitters, with outfielder Owen Caissie (Cubs' No. 2 prospect, MLB's No. 34) or second baseman/outfielder James Triantos (Cubs' No. 5 prospect, MLB's No. 55) likely being part of any deal.

Despite being hampered by injuries this past season, Luzardo was one of the top starters in the National League in 2023. He struck out 208 batters over 178 2/3 innings, posting a 3.58 ERA.

Even after acquiring star outfielder Kyle Tucker on Friday, the Cubs have been linked to multiple starting pitchers in the trade market. Beyond Luzardo, they've shown interest in Mariners right-hander Luis Castillo, per Ryan Divish and Adam Jude of The Seattle Times.

In the wake of Max Fried's eight-year, $218 million deal with the Yankees, Corbin Burnes has become the most sought-after free-agent starting pitcher. Several teams are vying for the talented right-hander, but MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi mentioned on Monday's edition of Hot Stove that the San Francisco Giants are "perhaps the frontrunner" to secure Burnes' services.

Last week's Winter Meetings provided further insights, with MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reporting that the Giants and the Toronto Blue Jays are the leading contenders for Burnes. Industry sources believe Burnes is set to surpass Fried's contract, with estimates suggesting a deal worth at least $245 million, potentially matching or exceeding the record deal Stephen Strasburg received five years ago.

The Boston Red Sox, another team interested in Fried, were reportedly preparing an offer for Burnes during the Winter Meetings, according to Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam of MassLive.com. However, sources indicated to Feinsand that the Red Sox appeared hesitant to meet the financial demands required to sign Burnes. Despite this, they remain in the mix, even after acquiring left-hander Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox. The Baltimore Orioles are also involved, though the Giants and Blue Jays are seen as the most aggressive bidders.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have inked a minor league contract with right-hander Matt Sauer, as reported by Kiley McDaniel of ESPN. Sauer will also be invited to the Dodgers' major league spring training camp.

Sauer, who will turn 26 in January, made his major league debut in 2024. He was selected by the Kansas City Royals as the second pick in the Rule 5 draft, plucked from the New York Yankees' farm system. Despite securing a spot on the Royals' roster, Sauer struggled, conceding 14 earned runs over 16 1/3 innings, resulting in a 7.71 ERA. His control issues were evident as he issued 11 walks while only striking out nine batters. By the end of May, the Royals opted to return him to the Yankees.

Back with New York, Sauer faced challenges at the Triple-A level, where he had never pitched before. He was hit hard, allowing 15 earned runs in just 8 1/3 innings, prompting the Yankees to demote him to Double-A. However, Sauer managed to turn things around, finishing the season on a positive note. Over 24 innings and 17 relief appearances, he posted a 2.63 ERA, an impressive 22.3% strikeout rate, a 3.2% walk rate, and a 46.4% ground ball rate.

The Tampa Bay Rays have signed left-handed pitcher Jake Brentz to a minor league contract. The deal likely includes an invite to big league Spring Training.

Brentz, now 30, was originally an 11th-round draft pick by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2013. After moving through the minor leagues with the Mariners and Pirates, Brentz faced challenges at the Triple-A level, leading to his release by Pittsburgh in 2019. The Kansas City Royals saw potential in him and signed him to a minor league contract, although he only pitched 5 1/3 innings at Double-A before the season ended.

The cancelled minor league season in 2020 delayed Brentz's first full season with the Royals. However, he continued to develop at the Royals' alternate training site during MLB's shortened 60-game season. His performance earned him a spot in the Royals’ Opening Day bullpen despite not pitching at Triple-A for the organization.

Brentz made a strong debut in the majors, posting a respectable 3.66 ERA over 64 innings in 72 games as the Royals' primary left-handed relief option. While his 13.3% walk rate was a concern, his 27.3% strikeout rate, 49% groundball rate, and a fastball that reached 97mph made him an intriguing bullpen asset. At 26, he was viewed as a promising fixture in the Royals' bullpen for the future.

The Atlanta Braves have signed versatile outfielder Conner Capel to a minor league deal. This agreement likely includes an invitation to the Braves' Major League Spring Training in 2025, giving Capel a chance to compete for a spot on the big league roster.

Capel, who will turn 30 next month, was originally drafted by the Cleveland Guardians in the fifth round of the 2016 draft. His journey through professional baseball has seen him traded multiple times and has taken him across several organizations. In 2018, Capel was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals as part of the deal that sent Oscar Mercado to Cleveland. Capel spent several years climbing the minor league ranks before making his Major League debut with the Cardinals in 2022 during his age-25 season.

Capel's initial stint in the majors was brief and challenging, as he appeared in just nine games for the Cardinals and struggled with a .176/.211/.353 batting line. However, a change of scenery brought new opportunities. The Oakland Athletics claimed Capel off waivers in September 2022, where he found his stride, hitting .371/.425/.600 in his final 40 plate appearances of the season.

Impressed by his late-season performance, the Athletics included Capel on their Opening Day roster in 2023. While he became a regular presence in the outfield, his performance was more tempered, slashing .260/.372/.329. Despite maintaining an above-average on-base percentage, his power numbers were lacking, leading the A's to option him to Triple-A. There, Capel struggled in the Pacific Coast League, managing a .252/.346/.402 line, which led Oakland to outright him off the 40-man roster. Capel elected free agency after the 2023 season.

Now, Capel joins the Braves organization, bringing his experience and potential to Atlanta. The Braves will be eager to see if Capel can recapture the form he showed in his brief yet impressive stint with Oakland in 2022. His ability to play multiple outfield positions and his proven on-base skills make him a valuable addition to the Braves' minor league system. The upcoming Spring Training will be crucial for Capel as he aims to secure a spot on the Braves' roster and make a significant impact in the 2025 season.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have added versatility to their roster by signing infielder/outfielder Nick Solak to a minor league deal. This contract likely includes an invitation to major league Spring Training, giving Solak a chance to compete for a spot on the big league roster.

Nick Solak, who will turn 30 next month, has had a varied career since being selected as a second-round pick by the New York Yankees in 2016. Throughout his professional journey, Solak has rarely spent more than a few seasons with any single organization. 

Solak’s career has been marked by several significant trades. In a three-team deal prior to the 2018 season, the Yankees traded him to the Tampa Bay Rays, which brought Brandon Drury to New York. The Rays then sent Solak to the Texas Rangers in a trade that was considered a substantial gain for Tampa, as they acquired right-handed pitcher Pete Fairbanks.

With the Pirates, Solak brings flexibility and experience to the table. His ability to play multiple positions both in the infield and outfield makes him a valuable asset. While his career has seen him move through various organizations, the Pirates are hopeful that Solak can find a home in Pittsburgh and contribute meaningfully to their roster. The upcoming Spring Training will be a critical period for Solak to showcase his skills and secure a spot on the team.

As part of Major League Baseball's pre-arbitration bonus pool system, Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. and Pirates ace Paul Skenes received the largest bonuses this season, as reported by the Associated Press. This bonus pool system awards additional money to top-performing players in their pre-arbitration years (fewer than three years of service time), based on awards voting and Wins Above Replacement (WAR).

A total of 100 bonuses are distributed annually, with the pool valued at $50 million. The system is designed to reward young players who excel early in their careers. Here are the top eight players who received seven-figure bonuses:

- **Bobby Witt Jr., Royals**: $3,077,595
- **Paul Skenes, Pirates**: $2,152,057
- **Gunnar Henderson, Orioles**: $2,007,178
- **William Contreras, Brewers**: $1,722,174
- **Cole Ragans, Royals**: $1,638,013
- **Jarren Duran, Red Sox**: $1,321,661
- **Jackson Merrill, Padres**: $1,191,534
- **Luis Gil, Yankees**: $1,098,628


All players in their first three years of service time are eligible for this bonus pool, even those like Witt who have signed long-term contract extensions.

Brewers outfielder Sal Frelick received the smallest bonus at $232,549. These bonuses are initially paid by the player's team and later reimbursed by MLB's central fund. Each team contributes $1.67 million (1/30th of $50 million) annually to the bonus pool.


Pre-arbitration players typically earn close to the league minimum but are often some of the best players due to their youth and athleticism. The MLB Players Association prioritized increasing earnings for these players as part of the current collective bargaining agreement, and the bonus pool system helps achieve this goal.

Bonuses are allocated based on awards voting and a joint version of WAR. Multiple public versions of WAR exist (Baseball Reference, Baseball Prospectus, FanGraphs, etc.), each with different inputs. MLB's joint WAR relies on several versions rather than a single one.