 Willy Adames, a seasoned shortstop with a seven-year MLB career, has established himself as a plus defender over the past three years, according to outs above average. However, the 29-year-old is now open to playing third base "for the right deal and the right team," as reported by MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi.
Teams Expressing Interest This newfound flexibility has garnered interest from at least three teams: the Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, and Boston Red Sox. Astros: According to Morosi, the Astros are considering Adames as a potential third baseman. This move would address a significant need for Houston if they are unable to re-sign Alex Bregman. Phillies: Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the Phillies' interest in Adames hinges on whether they can trade third baseman Alec Bohm as part of a package deal for White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet. Should such a trade materialize, the Phillies are expected to aggressively pursue either Adames or Bregman. Red Sox: Nightengale also highlights that the Red Sox have "strong interest" in Adames. Currently, Boston has Trevor Story at shortstop and perennial All-Star Rafael Devers at third. However, the team has reportedly considered moving Devers to another position, which could create an opportunity for Adames at third base. Additionally, Adames could provide depth at shortstop, where Story has played only 163 games in three seasons with the Red Sox. Adames' willingness to switch positions enhances his value on the market, making him a versatile and attractive option for teams looking to bolster their infield defense and lineup flexibility.
0 Comments
 The Korea Baseball Organization's Kiwoom Heroes are set to post infielder Hyeseong Kim for Major League Baseball (MLB) teams this offseason. Kim himself confirmed the timeline to Jee-ho Yoo of South Korea's Yonhap News Agency, stating that he expects the formal posting to occur next week and plans to travel to the United States in advance.
Hyeseong Kim: A Promising Talent Kim, who turns 26 in January, has established himself as an intriguing prospect in the offseason free agent market. As the former double-play partner of current MLB player Ha-Seong Kim, he has gained valuable experience in the KBO and qualifies as a "professional" under MLB's international free agent rules. This status allows him to sign a major league deal of any length and value, unlike younger prospects who face restrictions. Impressive KBO Performance Kim's consistent performance over the past four seasons has solidified his reputation as a KBO star. He has batted over .300 with an on-base percentage of at least .372 in each of those seasons. While not known for his power, Kim hit a career-high 11 home runs last season and added 26 doubles and four triples. His strengths lie in his exceptional bat-to-ball skills, speed, and defensive prowess. Over the past four seasons, he has stolen 135 bases with an 87.1% success rate and significantly reduced his strikeout rate, achieving just a 10.9% strikeout rate in 2024. Overall, Kim has a .321/.381/.418 batting line over the past four seasons, including a .326/.383/.458 line last season. He is regarded as a plus defensive second baseman who can also handle shortstop duties. Potential MLB Interest The Seattle Mariners have already expressed interest in Kim, and he is expected to attract attention from other teams once his free agency begins. Speculative fits include the Athletics, Royals, Pirates, Braves, Yankees, and Brewers. Posting Process Once the Heroes formally post Kim, a 45-day window will open during which Kim and his representatives at CAA Baseball can negotiate with all 30 MLB teams. Any team signing Kim will not only agree to a contract with him but will also pay a posting/release fee to the Heroes. This fee amounts to 20% of the contract's first $25 million, 17.5% of the next $25 million, and 15% of any additional earnings, including performance bonuses and option year salaries. As the posting process begins, Hyeseong Kim's entry into MLB will be closely watched by teams and fans alike, eager to see where this talented infielder will land. Major League Baseball (MLB) has announced the cancellation of its plans to play regular-season games in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Mexico City next year. This decision was revealed by Commissioner Rob Manfred during the recent owners' meetings.
Focus on Tokyo Despite the cancellations, the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers are still set to open the 2025 season with two games in Tokyo. These will be the only international games on the MLB schedule for next year. Economic Challenges "We're not going to San Juan," Manfred stated, according to the Associated Press. "We did not have, despite a lot of efforts, an arrangement that made economic sense for us. We'd like to do San Juan, and what's available kind of changes year to year, and I hope it all works out in the future." Manfred also mentioned that MLB plans to return to Mexico City during the term of the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which expires after the 2026 season. Collective Bargaining Agreement and Future Plans The CBA had initially called for an opening series in Tokyo, a May series in Mexico City, a June series in Paris, and a September series in San Juan for the current season. However, the Paris games were canceled last November due to the inability to find a promoter. Essentially, MLB has determined that it would not be financially viable to proceed with these games, leading to their cancellation. Previous and Future International Games Earlier this year, the Dodgers and San Diego Padres made history by playing MLB's first regular-season games in South Korea. The Colorado Rockies and Houston Astros played two games in Mexico City in April, and the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies faced off in London in June. MLB has also held games in Mexico City in 2023 and in London in 2019 and 2022. From 2001 to 2018, the league played 49 games in San Juan. Looking ahead to 2026, the CBA includes plans for games in Mexico City in May, London in June, and San Juan in September. Additionally, 2026 will be a World Baseball Classic year, featuring a 20-team international tournament.  Portland Mayor-Elect Keith Wilson is expressing optimism about the city's chances of securing a Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise in the near future. During a recent appearance on a local television show, Wilson shared his confidence, stating, "I'd say this is as close as we've come. We feel confident it's down to us and one other city. And we're making a solid play," as reported by The Oregonian.
Potential Competitors While Wilson did not specify which other city is in contention, Nashville is widely considered a strong candidate. Portland's ambition to join the MLB ranks is not new. The Portland Diamond Project (PDP) has been actively pursuing a team since at least 2019. In September, the PDP announced plans to purchase property at Zidell Yards on the South Waterfront to build a stadium. Vision for the Future PDP founder and president Craig Cheek has long envisioned a transformative ballpark for Portland. "With the trends that we're seeing, like with the Battery in Atlanta, these ballparks can truly be transformational for a bigger idea than just baseball," Cheek told CBS Sports five years ago. MLB Expansion Plans MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has indicated a desire to begin the expansion process before his term ends in 2029. However, he has also emphasized the need to resolve the situations with the Athletics and Tampa Bay Rays before moving forward with expansion. The Athletics are in the process of relocating from Oakland to Sacramento this winter, with plans to eventually settle in Las Vegas. The Rays' situation remains unresolved, posing ongoing challenges for MLB. Historical Context MLB has not expanded since 1998, when the league introduced the Rays and the Arizona Diamondbacks, bringing the total number of teams to 30. As Portland continues its efforts, the city's leadership and the PDP remain hopeful that their vision will soon become a reality.  The Miami Marlins are set to hire Carson Vitale from the Seattle Mariners to serve as new manager Clayton McCullough’s bench coach, according to Daniel Kramer ofMLB.com.Vitale brings a wealth of experience to the role, having spent the past seven seasons with Seattle, including five as their major league field coordinator.
Carson Vitale's Journey Vitale, 36, has built an impressive coaching resume. Before his tenure with the Mariners, he served as Seattle’s minor league field coordinator and previously worked as the Dodgers’ international field coordinator from 2016 to 2017. Vitale also spent several years as a hitting coach and manager within the Angels’ minor league system. A native of Victoria, British Columbia, Vitale was drafted in the 38th round as a catcher out of Creighton University by the Rangers in 2010 and played parts of two minor league seasons before transitioning to coaching. Marlins' Coaching Staff Revamp The Marlins are undergoing significant changes to their coaching staff following the departure of former manager Skip Schumaker. With McCullough’s appointment as manager only two weeks old, the team is actively filling out its new coaching roster. Reports indicate that the Marlins have also hired former Giants assistant hitting coach Pedro Guerrero to be their new hitting coach. Both Guerrero and Vitale have connections to Marlins assistant GM Gabe Kapler. Vitale previously worked with Kapler and McCullough in Los Angeles, while Guerrero was part of Kapler’s coaching teams in San Francisco and Philadelphia. Building for the Future As the Marlins continue to assemble their coaching staff, Vitale’s extensive experience and connections within the baseball community are expected to be valuable assets. The team's efforts to revamp and strengthen their coaching lineup highlight their commitment to building a competitive team for the upcoming season.  The Texas Rangers have formally announced their coaching staff for the upcoming season, including several key additions:
New Additions to the Coaching Staff
Returning Coaches Manager Bruce Bochy will enter his third year with the Rangers, leading a seasoned coaching staff including:
The Rangers' newly assembled coaching staff, blending experienced veterans with fresh talent, aims to drive the team to new heights in the upcoming season.  The Los Angeles Dodgers' full postseason share for their World Series championship amounted to $477,441, marking a decrease from the winner's amount in 2022 and 2023. Despite this, the overall playoff pool set a new record.
Record-Breaking Playoff Pool In the third year of expanded playoffs, the total pool reached $129.1 million, surpassing the previous record of $107.8 million set last year, according to the commissioner's office. Dodgers' Share Distribution The Dodgers voted for 79 full shares, 17.49 partial shares, and $405,000 in cash awards from their pool of $46.47 million. The 96.49 full-share equivalent increased from 76.56 last year, when the Texas Rangers split $38.81 million, with a full share worth $506,263. The Dodgers also voted the most share equivalents last year at 94.04, during their Division Series loss. Houston set a record full share of $516,347 in 2022, with the Astros dividing their pool into 59 full shares, 14.14 partial shares, and $940,000 in cash awards. Other Teams' Shares The American League champion New York Yankees received a full share worth $354,572, up from $313,634 for the Arizona Diamondbacks last year. The Yankees divided their pool into 71 full shares and 16.38 partial shares, totaling 87.38 full-share equivalents. Other playoff teams' full shares included:
Pool Distribution The pool comprises 60% of gate receipts from the first four games of the World Series and League Championship Series, the first three games of each Division Series, and the first two games of each Wild-Card Series. Travel expenses of up to $100,000 per club are deducted for each visiting team in the Wild-Card Series. The distribution of the pool is as follows:
The distribution system ensures that all playoff teams receive a portion of the earnings, with the champions taking the largest share.  The St. Louis Cardinals are actively exploring the trade market for their star third baseman, Nolan Arenado. According to Katie Woo of The Athletic, multiple teams have expressed interest, although no substantive progress has been made yet. There is a growing sense throughout the industry that the 33-year-old will eventually be dealt, with discussions expected to intensify as the Winter Meetings approach.
Arenado's Flexibility Arenado is reportedly open to playing more at first base to create roster flexibility for a potential new team. However, it is believed that he would only waive his full no-trade clause to join a club set up to contend for multiple seasons. Performance and Value Although Arenado is coming off a down season with the bat, hitting 16 homers with a 101 OPS+, he still managed to contribute 3.1 WAR (according to FanGraphs) due to his outstanding defense at third base. This blend of solid defense and offensive potential makes him a valuable asset. Comparison to Free Agents Arenado presents an attractive alternative to the top third-base options on the free-agent market, such as Alex Bregman and Willy Adames. Both Bregman and Adames are expected to command nine-figure deals and come with Draft compensation after declining a qualifying offer. Arenado, on the other hand, has three years and $74 million left on his contract, with $10 million of that paid by the Rockies.  Chicago Cubs outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger has exercised his player option for the 2025 season, but his future with the team remains uncertain. According to reports from The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, rival executives indicate that the Cubs are actively looking to trade the 29-year-old.
Bellinger's contract, which includes $27.5 million for 2025 and a potential $25 million for 2026, could limit the Cubs' return in a trade. However, if the Cubs are motivated to move him, they should be able to find a suitor. Despite a regression in production in 2024, Bellinger still posted a solid 111 OPS+ and has proven capable of handling center field, a weak position in this year's free-agent market. MLB Network insider Jon Heyman mentioned the New York Yankees as a potential fit for Bellinger if they fail to re-sign Juan Soto. Bellinger could also be a backup option for other teams involved in the Soto sweepstakes2. Trading Bellinger would provide the Cubs with more payroll flexibility to address their top priority this offseason: pitching. While the Cubs have shown interest in adding a starter, conflicting reports have emerged about which arms they might target. MLB Network insider Jon Heyman mentioned the Cubs among the teams in the mix to sign one of the three aces available via free agency: Corbin Burnes, Blake Snell, and Max Fried. However, The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma reports that the Cubs have ruled out that tier of free-agent hurlers and could also stay away from other pitchers who declined a qualifying offer, including Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and Nick Pivetta. Sharma suggests a few possible options for the Cubs, including Nathan Eovaldi and Jack Flaherty.  Much of the focus on the Chicago White Sox's trade efforts this offseason centers around Garrett Crochet, the top starting pitcher readily available on the market. However, heading into the 2024 campaign, it was center fielder Luis Robert Jr. who was seen as Chicago’s potential top prize. Despite his immense talent, a series of injuries derailed Robert’s 2024 season, further cementing his reputation as an injury-prone player.
Trade Prospects and Challenges The White Sox are still hoping to move Robert, as reported by Bob Nightengale of USA Today. However, a rival general manager has called the White Sox's asking price for Robert "unrealistic" due to his health concerns. “You’ve got to hope he finally stays healthy and can be the player everyone envisioned all along,” the GM said. “But the White Sox are acting like he’s some big star center fielder and are asking for your top prospects.” Injury History Robert has dealt with a litany of injuries, having been placed on the IL six times since 2021. These injuries have included a hip flexor strain, wrist sprain, MCL sprain, and a viral infection that caused blurred vision and dizziness. The injuries have significantly impacted his playing time and performance. 2024 Season Struggles Robert’s 2024 season was marked by inconsistency. After landing on the injured list early in the season and returning in June, he struggled to regain his form. Despite hitting five home runs in his first 36 plate appearances post-activation, he managed only one other hit in that span. He finished the season with a .225/.281/.370 slash line and a 32% strikeout rate over 396 plate appearances. Previous Success From 2021-2023, Robert showcased his potential, slashing .287/.331/.511 with 63 homers and 37 steals over 1292 plate appearances. His 2023 campaign was particularly impressive, earning him an All-Star selection, a Silver Slugger award, and downballot MVP votes. Despite these achievements, his ability to stay healthy remains a significant concern. Contract and Future Robert is set to earn $15 million in 2025, with $20 million club options for 2026 and 2027. If he can replicate his 2021-2023 performance, this could be a bargain even if he misses time due to injuries. While Robert’s 2024 season had its silver linings, including a rebound in sprint speed and strong defensive range, his high strikeout rate remains an issue. The White Sox must weigh his potential against his injury history as they navigate trade discussions.  The Seattle Mariners are making a strategic addition to their coaching staff by planning to hire Kevin Seitzer as their new hitting coach, according to Daniel Kramer ofMLB.com.
Edgar Martinez's New Role Edgar Martinez, who served as the team's hitting coach last season, will transition to an overarching role. Seitzer will report directly to Martinez, indicating that the Mariners legend remains the primary hitting voice within the organization. Although Martinez will not regularly travel with the team for road games, he will be heavily involved during Spring Training and most home games. His new title will be Senior Director of Hitting Strategy, as confirmed by Adam Jude of the Seattle Times. Addition of Bobby Magallanes In addition to Seitzer, the Mariners are hiring Bobby Magallanes as assistant hitting coach. Magallanes, 55, has spent the past four seasons as an assistant hitting coach with the Braves under Seitzer, bringing valuable experience to the Mariners' coaching team. Seitzer's Extensive Experience Kevin Seitzer brings two decades of hitting coach experience to Dan Wilson’s staff. His coaching career includes stints with the Diamondbacks, Royals, and Blue Jays before joining the Braves during the 2014-15 offseason. Seitzer spent 10 seasons as Atlanta’s hitting coach, a period during which the Braves were consistent contenders. The Mariners are poised to benefit from Seitzer's wealth of experience and the new structure with Martinez overseeing hitting strategy. This reshuffle aims to bolster the team's offensive performance for the upcoming season.  The Tampa Bay Rays are up against a critical deadline. By Sunday, they must decide whether to commit to constructing a $1.3 billion stadium, a project initially approved in July.
Decision Time Kathleen Peters, chairperson of the Pinellas County Commission, issued a letter on Monday to Rays presidents Brian Auld and Matt Silverman, urging them to make a decision on the stadium. Team's Concerns Last week, Auld and Silverman expressed reservations about the stadium deal in a letter to the County Commission. They indicated that the team might not agree to the current terms and is open to exploring alternative solutions within the area. In the letter dated November 19, Rays officials highlighted that the new stadium could not be completed in time for the 2028 season. They also pointed out that opening the stadium in 2029 would be prohibitively expensive. The team claimed to have already invested over $50 million in the project, but alleged that the county had "suspended work on the entire project." Financial Implications "As we have informed the county administrator and St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch, the county's failure to finalize the bonds last month ended the ability for a 2028 delivery of the ballpark," the Rays stated in their letter. "A 2029 ballpark delivery would result in significantly higher costs that we are not able to absorb alone." County's Response In response, Peters dismissed the Rays' concerns, labeling the claim that a 2029 completion would be too costly as a "fallacious statement." She emphasized that the Rays are responsible for any additional costs that may arise with the project. With the deadline looming, the Rays' decision will significantly impact the future of their home games and the proposed $1.3 billion stadium project.  Juan Soto's journey through free agency has evolved significantly. Initially centered around meetings with teams and listening to their general pitches, the landscape has now changed. According to MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi, five teams have submitted contract offers to the 26-year-old superstar. These teams are the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, New York Yankees, and Toronto Blue Jays. This development marks a crucial step in Soto's free agency.
Over the weekend, ESPN's Buster Olney also reported that contract offers were expected to start coming in this week. With these offers on the table, the competition to secure Soto's exceptional talents is intensifying.  In response to the extensive damage at Tropicana Field caused by Hurricane Milton, Major League Baseball has made adjustments to the Tampa Bay Rays' schedule for the upcoming season. The aim is to minimize disruptions due to summer rain at Steinbrenner Field, the Rays' temporary home.
Early-Season Home Advantage The Rays are set to play 19 of their first 22 games at home and 37 of 54 games through May 28. However, this front-loaded home schedule means they will spend 64 of their last 108 games on the road, with only eight home games each in July and August. Series Adjustments To avoid peak summer rains, MLB has rescheduled several series. A series initially slated for April 7-9 at the Los Angeles Angels will now take place in Tampa from April 8-10. The return series will be held in Anaheim from August 4-6 instead of St. Petersburg from August 5-7. Additionally, the Minnesota Twins will play their first series against the Rays at Steinbrenner Field from May 26-28, with the second series at Target Field in Minneapolis from July 4-6. Road Trips The Rays face a demanding road schedule, including a 10-game trip to Minnesota, Detroit, and Boston leading into the All-Star break, followed by a 12-game stretch visiting the Angels, Seattle, Oakland, and San Francisco from August 4-17. Impact of Hurricane Milton Hurricane Milton struck on October 9, severely damaging Tropicana Field, leaving much of its fabric roof shredded. The Rays, who have called the Trop home since their inception in 1998, are unlikely to return until 2026 at the earliest, if at all. Weather Considerations Historically, Tampa sees significant rainfall during the summer months. According to the National Weather Service, average monthly rainfall rises dramatically from 2.25 inches in April and 2.60 inches in May to 7.37 inches in June, peaking at 9.03 inches in August before tapering off. Steinbrenner Field Challenges The Class A Tampa Tarpons, who usually play at Steinbrenner Field, experienced multiple weather-related disruptions this past season, including six home postponements, two cancellations, and four suspended games from June 21 through their season finale on September 8. Opening Series The Rays will start their season with six home games against the Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates, followed by a three-game road series in Texas. They will then return for a 13-game homestand featuring the Angels, Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, and New York Yankees.  The Philadelphia Phillies are actively exploring trade options to reshape their roster for the 2025 season. Last week, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reported that the Phillies were considering trading outfielder Nick Castellanos, infielder Alec Bohm, prospect Justin Crawford, or left-hander Ranger Suárez. This week, Bob Nightengale of USA Today confirmed that Alec Bohm is being made available, and if traded, the Phillies are expected to pursue free agents Alex Bregman or Willy Adames.
Limited Options for Roster Changes The Phillies face constraints in making roster changes, as many of their current position players are expensive veterans who are firmly established due to their performance or contracts. Bohm, however, remains in his arbitration years and is slated for free agency after the 2026 season. MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz projects Bohm’s salary for next year at $8.1 million, with another raise due for 2026. Bohm’s Performance and Potential Upgrades While Bohm’s performance has been solid, it hasn’t reached star levels. He has a career batting line of .277/.327/.416, translating to a 103 wRC+, indicating he’s been 3% better than the league-average hitter. In 2024, he posted a 115 wRC+, though this was skewed by a strong first half (128 wRC+) and a weaker second half (90 wRC+). Additionally, he has a career 135 wRC+ against lefties but just 91 wRC+ against righties. Defensively, Bohm has shown improvement, moving from below average to league average in 2024 according to Defensive Runs Saved. In contrast, Bregman and Adames represent potential upgrades. Bregman has hit .272/.366/.483 in his career with a 135 wRC+ and is a strong defender at third base. Adames, with a career line of .248/.322/.444 and a 109 wRC+, is known for his strong defense at shortstop and is open to playing other infield positions. Financial Considerations Bohm’s projected modest salary is significantly lower than what Bregman or Adames might command. MLBTR projects Bregman to earn $182 million and Adames $160 million over six years, with average annual values around $26-27 million. The Phillies’ payroll is already projected to increase. RosterResource estimates a payroll of $263 million for next year, $15 million higher than 2024. Their competitive balance tax (CBT) number is projected at $282 million, above the third tier of penalization. As a third-time CBT payor, any additional spending up to $301 million would incur a 95% tax, and beyond that, a 110% tax rate. Potential Trade Moves To balance the financial impact, the Phillies have explored using Bohm and Crawford to acquire Garrett Crochet from the White Sox. Crochet had a breakout season in 2024 with a 3.58 ERA, 35.1% strikeout rate, and 5.5% walk rate over 146 innings. His performance and affordable $2.9 million projected salary make him an attractive trade target. If the Phillies can use Bohm to secure a cost-effective ace like Crochet, potentially offloading Taijuan Walker’s $36 million contract, they could then use the savings to sign a star like Bregman or Adames.  The Toronto Blue Jays are making strategic moves in the offseason, showing interest in free agent outfielder Anthony Santander, as reported by Bob Nightengale of USA Today. In addition to Santander, the Blue Jays are pursuing top pitchers like Corbin Burnes and Max Fried, aligning with their previous connections to top free agent starters such as Fried and Blake Snell.
Why Santander Makes Sense Santander is a logical target for the Blue Jays. MLBTR’s Anthony Franco had already predicted Santander to sign with Toronto in their Top 50 Free Agents list earlier this month. The Blue Jays are in need of an outfielder with a powerful bat, and Santander fits that bill perfectly. Current Outfield Scenario At present, the Blue Jays have George Springer and Daulton Varsho as the primary outfielders. However, Varsho underwent shoulder surgery in September and might miss the start of the 2025 season. Springer, now 35, has seen a steady decline in his wRC+ over the past five years, from 155 in 2019 to just 95 in the most recent season. In addition to Springer and Varsho, the Blue Jays have several other outfield options on their 40-man roster, including Nathan Lukes, Joey Loperfido, Jonatan Clase, Davis Schneider, Addison Barger, and Steward Berroa. However, there is a lack of certainty and proven performance among these players. Schneider, for example, is the only one with more than 81 big league games under his belt, and he’s coming off a frustrating season. This leaves plenty of room for an external addition like Santander. The Need for Power The Blue Jays could benefit from more home run power in their lineup. In 2024, the team ranked 26th in the majors for home runs, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. being the only player to hit more than 20 homers. Santander, who hit 44 home runs last year and has 105 homers over the past three seasons, could provide the power boost they need. His switch-hitting ability would also complement the right-handed bats of Guerrero, Springer, Bo Bichette, and Alejandro Kirk. Defensive Considerations While Santander is not known for his defense, his offensive production could offset any defensive shortcomings. He has slashed .244/.317/.478 over the past three years, resulting in a 124 wRC+. Additionally, the Blue Jays do not have a full-time designated hitter, which could allow them to mitigate the impact of his defensive limitations. Backup Plan for Juan Soto It seems that Santander might be a fallback option if the Blue Jays do not succeed in landing Juan Soto. The Blue Jays are one of the teams still in the mix for Soto, with offers expected to come in this week. As the Blue Jays continue to make moves in the offseason, their pursuit of players like Santander and top pitchers highlights their commitment to strengthening the roster for a competitive 2025 season.  The Atlanta Braves are actively seeking outfield help after non-tendering Ramon Laureano, with a preference for a left-handed bat, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
Focus on Depth, Not Big Names Atlanta doesn't appear to be targeting top-tier free agents, such as Juan Soto, who remains a speculative dark horse. Veterans like Anthony Santander, Teoscar Hernandez, Jurickson Profar, and Tyler O’Neill are expected to demand notable multi-year contracts, which the Braves may not pursue. Instead, they're looking for depth to cover the early season, especially if Ronald Acuna Jr. starts on the injured list, as suggested by president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos during the GM Meetings. Current Outfield Scenario Without Acuna, the Braves’ outfield lineup would feature Jarred Kelenic, Michael Harris II, and a mix of Eli White, Luke Williams, and recently signed Carlos D. Rodriguez. While some might think Laureano could fill this gap, his impressive stint with the Braves was supported by an unusually high .380 BABIP, alongside a concerning 3.5% walk rate and 28.3% strikeout rate. These numbers hint at potential regression, as his previous performance in 2022-23 was much lower. Anthopoulos' Strategy So far, most of Atlanta's moves in free agency and trades have been modest. Anthopoulos typically avoids long-term deals, preferring trades and relying on in-house development. Under his leadership, Atlanta has awarded only three free-agent contracts longer than two years: to Will Smith, Reynaldo Lopez, and Marcell Ozuna. While not ruling out a bigger deal, it's historically unlikely. Available Options Fortunately, there is a deep pool of inexpensive left-handed hitters available this offseason. Potential targets include Max Kepler, Michael Conforto, Alex Verdugo, Jesse Winker, David Peralta, Mike Tauchman, and switch-hitting Dylan Carlson. Kepler and Conforto, in particular, might need multi-year deals, but the trade and waiver markets also offer opportunities. Anthopoulos has indicated that he expects payroll to rise in 2025. The Braves spent about $232 million last year and have a projected $202 million payroll for 2025, leaving room for some additions despite a crowded luxury-tax ledger. The Samsung Lions of the KBO League have announced the re-signing of first baseman Lewin Díaz and right-hander Denyi Reyes. According to Dan Kurtz ofMyKBO.netand Jiheon Pae, Díaz will receive a $100,000 signing bonus, a $500,000 salary, and $200,000 in incentives, while Reyes will receive a $200,000 signing bonus, a $700,000 salary, and $300,000 in incentives.
Lewin Díaz's Journey Lewin Díaz, now 28, has had an interesting journey in professional baseball. During his time in North America, he became a popular player despite not getting an extended big league opportunity. He began his major league career with the Miami Marlins, but only got limited chances from 2020 to 2022. After exhausting his options, Díaz was designated for assignment by the Marlins and subsequently moved to the Pirates, Orioles, and Atlanta through waivers or cash trades. The Orioles eventually ran him through waivers and did not call him up in 2023. Despite his struggles in the majors, where he hit .181/.227/.340, Díaz excelled at the Triple-A level, posting a .258/.340/.479 line over the 2021-2023 seasons. Known for his strong defense at first base, he caught the attention of various teams. In 2024, Díaz moved to the Mexican League and put up impressive numbers, hitting .376/.452/.647 in 75 games. This performance earned him a mid-August deal with the Samsung Lions, where he continued to shine, hitting .282/.331/.518 in 29 games in Korea. This strong showing convinced the Lions to bring him back for another season. Denyi Reyes's Performance Denyi Reyes, also 28, has had a similar trajectory as a fringe roster player in affiliated ball. He made three appearances for the Orioles in 2022 and played nine games for the Mets in 2023, posting a 6.26 ERA in 27 1/3 innings. Despite intriguing rate stats in the minors, Reyes struggled with home runs, allowing 47 long balls over 209 1/3 innings from 2021 to 2023, resulting in a 5.59 ERA. Reyes joined the Samsung Lions for the 2024 season and found a better fit in the groundball-heavy KBO League. He logged 144 innings over 26 starts with a 3.81 ERA, an 18.5% strikeout rate, a 4.9% walk rate, a 62.3% ground ball rate, and allowed only 15 home runs. The Lions were pleased with his performance and have decided to bring him back for the 2025 season. With these signings, the Samsung Lions aim to build on their roster strength and continue their success in the upcoming season.  The Cleveland Guardians have brought back former top outfield prospect George Valera on a minor league deal, inviting him to big league Spring Training as a non-roster player.
A Promising Start Valera, now 24, was a notable international amateur signee in 2017. He excelled in the lower minors and reached Double-A at just 20 years old. His impressive offensive potential made him one of Cleveland’s most highly regarded minor leaguers, earning him a spot in Baseball America’s Top 100 prospects in 2022 and 2023. The Guardians added him to the 40-man roster after the 2021 season to protect him from the Rule 5 draft. Recent Struggles Unfortunately, Valera's stock has dropped over the past couple of years. While he had a strong showing in Double-A at age 21, his performance at Triple-A Columbus has been less impressive. Over three seasons, he posted a .229/.336/.424 batting line. Despite a solid 13.5% walk rate, his strikeout rate was a concerning 26.7% over 865 Triple-A plate appearances. Injury Setbacks Valera’s progress has been further hindered by a series of injuries. He has dealt with hamstring issues and had surgery to repair a hamate fracture in his right hand during the 2022-23 offseason. His 2024 campaign was cut short in September due to a knee injury that required patellar tendon surgery, with an expected recovery timeline of at least six months, putting his availability for Spring Training in doubt. As Valera prepares to rejoin the Guardians, the team and fans alike will be eager to see if he can regain his form and fulfill the promise he showed early in his career. The Milwaukee Brewers have reached an agreement on a minor league deal with left-handed pitcher Thomas Pannone, as reported by Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. The BHSC client will join the major league camp as a non-roster invitee for the 2025 spring training.
Second Stint with the Brewers This will mark Pannone’s second stint with the Brewers. He was previously with the organization in 2023. Though his overall Triple-A track record may not stand out, Pannone has shown impressive performance against non-MLB competition in recent years. In 2023, he posted a 2.70 ERA over 53 1/3 innings with the Brewers’ Triple-A team. Additionally, he spent parts of the 2022-23 seasons playing for the KBO's Kia Tigers, achieving a combined 3.49 ERA across 165 innings. Most recently, Pannone recorded a 3.54 ERA over 152 1/3 innings split between the Triple-A affiliates for the Cubs and Yankees in 2024, with a 21.9% strikeout rate and a 5.9% walk rate. Competing for a Spot Pannone will head to camp with the Brewers, where he will compete for a rotation spot or a long relief role. He is fully stretched out and built up, ensuring that workload will not be an issue if the Brewers need to utilize him as a starter between their Nashville and Milwaukee rosters. However, it's notable that he is out of minor league options, meaning if he is added to the 40-man roster at any point, he would have to stick with the team or be placed on waivers. Pannone's return to the Brewers highlights the team's ongoing efforts to bolster their pitching depth as they prepare for the upcoming season. Fans will be watching closely to see how he performs in spring training and whether he secures a spot on the major league roster.  The Cincinnati Reds have brought Mike Napoli on board for an unspecified position within the organization, according to a report by WEEI’s Rob Bradford. Napoli, who previously spent five seasons with the Chicago Cubs as a quality assurance coach and then as a first base coach, was let go in October.
Napoli's connection with the Reds' new manager, Terry Francona, runs deep. Napoli played under Francona during the 2016 season with the Cleveland Indians, a team that came close to clinching the World Series title. As Cleveland's everyday first baseman/DH, Napoli hit .239/.335/.465 with 34 home runs in 645 plate appearances, significantly contributing to the club's American League pennant run. His peak years in the majors included this stellar performance, although his production dipped with the Rangers in 2017, and a subsequent return to Cleveland in 2018 did not result in any major league playing time. Currently, the specifics of Napoli’s role with the Reds remain unclear. The Reds have already announced their coaching staff for Francona’s inaugural season as manager, with new additions like co-bench coach Brad Mills and hitting coach Chris Valaika, both of whom have ties to Francona's Cleveland tenure. Since there haven’t been any sudden departures from the Cincinnati staff, it's possible that Napoli’s position might be a newly created one or perhaps a non-coaching role. According to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com, Napoli will be a staff assistant not officially part of the coaching staff.  Today marks the beginning of the Padres' annual Holiday Giving Tour, a cherished tradition where the team dedicates several weeks to supporting local organizations that aid underserved communities. This year’s tour promises to be especially meaningful as it pays tribute to the late owner Peter Seidler, whose philanthropic efforts have left an enduring impact on the community.
Giving Back: The First Steps The Holiday Giving Tour kicks off with a Turkey Distribution event for 1,000 families. In partnership with Northgate Market and the San Diego Food Bank, the Padres will distribute turkeys and other Thanksgiving essentials. Notable figures such as right-handed pitcher Jeremiah Estrada, broadcaster Mark Grant, and CEO Erik Greupner will be present to support the cause. Extending Throughout the Region The tour will continue throughout the month, reaching various parts of San Diego and the Baja region. This initiative aligns with the Padres’ long-standing commitment to giving back, a legacy that Seidler greatly advanced. Honoring a Beloved Owner Peter Seidler, who would have turned 64 earlier this month, was deeply involved in combating homelessness through various foundations, both connected to the Padres and independently. In his honor, the team organized a special initiative on his birthday, November 7th, where front office employees assembled care packages and distributed them to homeless-focused charities in San Diego. "We're trying to honor him today by supporting several local organizations that minister to the needs of the unhoused, which was a cause that was near and dear to Peter's heart," said Greupner in a heartfelt video posted by the Padres. "He spent a lot of time and resources devoted to that. So we want to carry on his legacy and tradition—not only this year but for the years to come, to continue to do the things that Peter did to help support the most vulnerable in our community." Continuing Seidler’s Mission Seidler’s dedication to addressing homelessness was unparalleled. He was actively involved in the city of San Diego’s leadership council for its homelessness reduction plan and supported numerous organizations seeking solutions to homelessness. His contributions earned him recognition as the 2022 San Diegan of the Year by The San Diego Union-Tribune and the 2023 Herb Klein Spirit of San Diego Award by the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. The Padres’ Holiday Giving Tour not only reflects Seidler's generous spirit but also reinforces the team's commitment to community service, ensuring his legacy of compassion and support continues to thrive.  After much anticipation, the Lakeshore Chinooks are thrilled to introduce the Nook Nation alternate brand! This fresh "city connect" style branding will complement our existing logos, colors, and branding, offering an exciting new look for select dates in the upcoming season and beyond.
Honoring Our Roots Nook Nation has been the nickname for our dedicated fanbase since 2013. The new branding honors our fans and our team’s location along the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. The updated logo suite is a creative reimagining of our primary logo and the iconic fish logo. Chinooks GM Eric Snodgrass expressed, “The Nook Nation alternate brand has been years in the making. We wanted an alternate and fresh look that we could use occasionally throughout the off-season and during the summer while still keeping our classic branding as our primary look. From the unique elements in the logos to the new color palette, we think the new brand will be a great representation of our fan base in the Northshore and the Milwaukee metro area.” Exciting Merchandise Launch The first line of Nook Nation merchandise is available now and will be on sale until December 13th. Additional merchandise will be unveiled in the spring and sold at the Tackle Box Team Store at Moonlight Graham Field for the 2025 season. Looking Ahead to 2025 The Nook Nation alternate uniform and jersey will be officially unveiled in early 2025. Fans can look forward to seeing the team take the field in these new uniforms on select game dates in the upcoming seasons. Stay tuned for more updates and be sure to grab your Nook Nation gear today!  "It's a refresh, not a rebrand. We would say it's an evolution, not a revolution."
This sentiment from Ashley Havili, VP of marketing and merchandise for the Salt Lake Bees, perfectly captures the essence of the team's latest announcement. On Monday, the Triple-A Angels affiliate unveiled its refreshed logos and uniforms, marking a significant milestone as they prepare for their move to the new Daybreak Field in 2025. A Nod to Tradition with a Modern Twist The Salt Lake Bees, established in the Pacific Coast League in 1994, have undergone several name changes over the years—from the bee-adjacent Buzz (1994-2000) to the Stingers (2001-2005), before settling on the Bees in 2006. The "Beehive State" heritage runs deep, and the team has been a staple in Salt Lake City's professional baseball history since 1915. Embracing Their Legacy "We're moving to a new ballpark in the southwest quadrant of the [Salt Lake] Valley. With the move, do we completely go through a rebrand and come up with a new identity for the team? Or do we stay the Bees?" said Havili. "[The Bees] are one of Utah's most beloved and recognizable brands. Instead of pivoting and abandoning the brand equity that we've built, we decided to lean into it." The New Look The updated color palette of the Bees remains predominantly black and gold, with the addition of "Angels red" as an accent color, visible on the sleeve patch and the sleeve trim of a cream-colored alternate uniform. A new custom primary script, black with yellow accents, adorns the home and black alternate jerseys. The primary logo features Bumble, the team's beloved mascot, who has received a slight makeover to appear a bit more serious, yet still fun and iconic. "Bumble is our most famous player because it's Minor League Baseball," explained Havili. "There's so much transition with the players, they come and go. But Bumble is an icon for us. He's a little bit more serious of a bee now, like a killer bee, but he's really fun. He's going to be on our on-field hat, which will probably be one of our most popular." This refresh celebrates the Salt Lake Bees' rich history while embracing a fresh, modern look that fans will enjoy for years to come. As the team prepares for its move to Daybreak Field in 2025, the new logos and uniforms symbolize a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.  The Baltimore Orioles have solidified their coaching lineup for the 2025 season, announcing on Monday that former big league catcher Robinson Chirinos has been appointed as their new bench coach. Chirinos, who retired as a player in May 2023, joins the Orioles' staff for his first professional coaching role.
Robinson Chirinos: From Player to Coach At 40 years old, Chirinos embarks on his new journey in professional baseball. He was often seen as a future managerial candidate during his playing career, making this transition a natural progression. The Orioles were also reportedly interested in former Cubs skipper David Ross for the bench coach position, though it's unclear if Ross was formally approached or showed mutual interest. Moving forward, the Orioles have placed their confidence in Chirinos to take on this critical role. Adding Depth with Buck Britton Baltimore also announced the addition of Triple-A manager Buck Britton to the major league coaching staff, where he will serve with the broad title of “major league coach.” This move brings additional experience and leadership to the team as they look to build a competitive roster for the upcoming season. Chirinos' Playing Career and Legacy Chirinos concluded his playing career with the Orioles in 2022, participating in 67 games and posting a .179/.265/.287 batting line in his age-38 season. Despite the struggles of his final year, Chirinos enjoyed a productive peak period from 2014-21, hitting .232/.327/.438 with a 104 wRC+ over 2147 plate appearances. Throughout his career, he played for several teams, including the Rangers, Astros, Rays, Cubs, Orioles, and Mets, earning a reputation as a dependable catcher with solid offensive contributions. The Orioles' decision to bring in Chirinos and Britton reflects their commitment to leveraging experienced and knowledgeable professionals to guide their players. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as these new coaches begin to make their mark on the team. |