TORONTO - You won't find a more enthusiastic ambassador for the College World Series than Dallas ...

<p>TORONTO - You won't find a more enthusiastic ambassador for the College World Series than Dallas Braden. </p><p>You'll want to book the next flight to Omaha, Nebraska, seconds into speaking with the former major leaguer and A's analyst.</p><p>"It's the purest form of baseball and competition that we'll come across," Braden told theScore. "From Little League to the College World Series, love is still the first reason they take the field. I don't care if you never went to college. I don't care if you didn't play Little League. Get there and soak that up."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Braden spent one season at Texas Tech in 2004 but his team failed to get past the regionals. Still, he eventually found his way to Omaha. After his MLB career ended, Braden transitioned into broadcasting and called the Red Raiders' first College World Series game and home run.</p><p>"I was in the booth with Alex Cora, a University of Miami alum, and (Texas Tech) were playing Florida," Braden recalled. "I'm losing my mind internally - haven't said a word - and Alex is fist bumping because any time Florida's losing, he's happy about that.</p><p>"To call that game, call that home run, just being in the booth - it was an incredible feeling. I told the folks at ESPN: 'I don't need to see the inside of a big-league booth ever again. Send me to the College World Series, send me to the Little League World Series. Give me Williamsport and Omaha, and I'm good because I love it that much.'"</p><h3>'Getting there is a big deal'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790108/cropped_GettyImages-1208243849.jpg?ts=1749745267" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790108/w220xh124_GettyImages-1208243849.jpg?ts=1749745267 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790108/w320xh180_GettyImages-1208243849.jpg?ts=1749745267 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790108/w640xh360_GettyImages-1208243849.jpg?ts=1749745267 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790108/w768xh432_GettyImages-1208243849.jpg?ts=1749745267 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790108/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1208243849.jpg?ts=1749745267 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Diamond Images / Diamond Images / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The 2025 College World Series begins Friday with Arizona, Arkansas, Coastal Carolina, Louisville, LSU, Murray State, Oregon State, and UCLA vying for the title.</p><p>The NCAA Division I baseball tournament doesn't get the same publicity as March Madness, but it's garnered more attention in recent years. The 64-team tournament is a grind, culminating each year in Omaha, where the final eight teams participate in a double-elimination bracket to decide a national champion.</p><p>"It's a bloodbath," Braden said. "You need a lot of good things to happen consecutively."</p><p>To illustrate how challenging it is to even reach the College World Series: not a single team that appeared in the tournament last season qualified for the final eight this year. The two top national seeds - Vanderbilt and Texas - were eliminated in the regionals, and only two of the top seven seeds are in Omaha this year.</p><p>"(The) difficulty just getting there, it's so hard to do," Philadelphia Phillies shortstop and NC State alum Trea Turner told me.</p><p>"I think every college player, all they think about is the College World Series and winning, but just getting there is a big deal. It's big for programs. It put us on the map and heightened our program."</p><p>Turner was originally selected in the 20th round by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2011 but opted to attend college. In his sophomore season, Turner helped lead the Wolfpack to only their second College World Series appearance, where they beat rival North Carolina in the opening game before eventually being eliminated by the Tar Heels.</p><p>"I remember everything being so important," Turner said. "That's kind of the first time you experience something like professional playoff baseball. It feels the same - you're in a bigger stadium, bigger setting, TV, and all that."</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790109/cropped_GettyImages-478210620.jpg?ts=1749745917" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790109/w220xh124_GettyImages-478210620.jpg?ts=1749745917 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790109/w320xh180_GettyImages-478210620.jpg?ts=1749745917 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790109/w640xh360_GettyImages-478210620.jpg?ts=1749745917 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790109/w768xh432_GettyImages-478210620.jpg?ts=1749745917 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790109/w1080xh607_GettyImages-478210620.jpg?ts=1749745917 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Peter Aiken / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>'Some of the most fun I've had playing baseball'</h3><p>Blue Jays infielder Ernie Clement lights up when asked about the College World Series.</p><p>Sitting on the couch in the Toronto clubhouse next to teammate Daulton Varsho, Clement fired a light jab at his teammate when I asked him about his time with the 2015 national champion Virginia Cavaliers.</p><p>"Varsh, I don't know if you know, but I played in the College World Series," Clement joked.</p><p>Clement was part of a Cinderella Cavaliers team that knocked off Vanderbilt in the final to win the program's first and only national title. He was named to the All-Tournament team.</p><p>"It was awesome," Clement told me. "We had such a great group in 2015. It feels like so long ago, but it also feels like just the other day. It was some of the most fun I've had playing baseball."</p><p>The Cavaliers might not have even made it to Omaha if it wasn't for Clement's heroics in the super regionals, where he walked off Maryland.</p><p>"That was wild," Clement said. "I got body slammed into the infield dirt. I think I'm still suffering from a concussion."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N2d13InktnI?si=ELzTu-JhKjurMnGy" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>Clement's time in Virginia was an important stop on his baseball journey. Two years after winning the College World Series, he was selected in the fourth round of the 2017 draft by Cleveland.</p><p>Despite the added exposure that comes with playing college baseball's marquee event, Clement said being drafted and playing in the majors wasn't even on his radar during his early years in Virginia.</p><p>"No, not at all," Clement said. "Honestly, I was just so into winning and helping the team back then that I didn't even think about the fact I would have a chance to even get drafted. I think it was more of me just being naive, but I just love hanging out with my teammates. I didn't really have to think about any of that, it kind of took care of itself."</p><p>For Braden, that team-first mentality Clement described is what he and so many others love about college baseball.</p><p>"You have freshmen, you have sophomores, you have kids that just love the game and want to win, and they'll do anything they need to win," Braden said. "You've got the best teammates going at that stage. If you want to enjoy baseball in its purest form, which is guys willing to do anything to win, that's where it happens."</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790161/cropped_GettyImages-94183139.jpg?ts=1749763369" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790161/w220xh124_GettyImages-94183139.jpg?ts=1749763369 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790161/w320xh180_GettyImages-94183139.jpg?ts=1749763369 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790161/w640xh360_GettyImages-94183139.jpg?ts=1749763369 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790161/w768xh432_GettyImages-94183139.jpg?ts=1749763369 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790161/w1080xh607_GettyImages-94183139.jpg?ts=1749763369 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Andy Lyons / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>'Bragging rights'</h3><p>Big-league clubhouses keep tabs on the college tourney, even as the June grind hits. Turner said there's plenty of trash talk among Phillies players when former schools face off.</p><p>"We had a couple Clemson guys in here," Turner said. "There's definitely banter back and forth. There's bragging rights."</p><p>A's manager Mark Kotsay enjoyed one of the most decorated college careers of any player. He won the 1995 Golden Spikes Award and was the Most Outstanding Player of the College World Series with Cal State Fullerton when it won the national title.</p><p>Thirty years later, Kotsay still follows the college game closely. As Kotsay recently walked to his media availability in the visiting dugout at the Rogers Centre, he discussed the West Coast regionals with another reporter.</p><p>"When you look at the impact, I was 18 and 19 years old, in a College World Series environment - that was electric," Kotsay said. "Just to grow with that group of guys, go through those experiences, I think it really advanced my opportunity to have a professional career and understand what it took to go compete. This is a fun time of year for me."</p><p>While collegiate players are far from finished products, they're molded in their programs; they develop into who they become by going through integral moments as young men with their teammates in settings like the College World Series. That's why no matter how many years go by, the road to Omaha is followed closely by players who made that same journey. </p><p>"I love watching college baseball," Clement said. "The NCAA Tournament is some of the best baseball you can watch - it's very team oriented. And it takes me back to my college days. Anytime there's a college baseball game (on TV), I like to flip it on."</p>

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MLBers share College World Series memories: 'Most fun I've had playing baseball'

This year was supposed to be different in Boston.   The Red Sox believed the organization turned ...

<p>This year was supposed to be different in Boston. </p><p>The Red Sox believed the organization turned a corner<strong> </strong>going into 2025, with team president Sam Kennedy declaring in November that the priority moving forward is "90-95 wins" and "winning the division for multiple years."</p><p>That hope is far from reality two months into the season. The Red Sox head into play Friday at 27-31, fourth in the AL East, despite playing one of the easiest schedules. They're already 9 1/2 games behind the division-leading New York Yankees and four games back of the final wild-card spot.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Boston needs to go 68-36 (.654) to finish with 95 wins. </p><p>As much as the Red Sox want to believe they're ready to contend, the 2025 team is more like the Boston clubs that occupied the bottom of the division the last three years. It's a team that still plays poor fundamentally, commits too many baserunning and defensive errors, and gets inconsistent results from its pitching staff.</p><p>The Red Sox offensive core remains a group of young players trying to learn at the highest level. The expectations for this team may be too high for the talent on the current roster. It's the reason why they're 6-15 in one-run games.</p><p><strong>Bregman injury major blow</strong></p><p>Alex Bregman was exactly what the Red Sox needed. His right-handed bat in the middle of the order provided balance and power. His Gold Glove solidified third base. His leadership is perfect for a youthful clubhouse.</p><p>And his long-term injury suffered last weekend deflated the team.</p><p>The Red Sox have dropped five straight games since Bregman landed on the IL with a quad injury, scoring only 10 runs over that span (five came in one game). They were walked off on back-to-back days by the Brewers.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Red Sox offense in May" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-EJGXg" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/EJGXg/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="400" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Losing Bregman and Triston Casas to long-term injuries is a seismic blow. Any organization would struggle after losing its Opening Day No. 3 and 4 hitters long term. But there's plenty more that's gone wrong early in the season for Boston that's contributed to its frustrating start.</p><p>The front office's mishandling of moving Rafael Devers off third base in the spring was an organizational misstep, and the team's still reeling from the fallout. It spoiled what otherwise was a strong winter for Craig Breslow, Boston's chief baseball officer.</p><p>Breslow prides himself on being an executive who was a former player, but he botched the communication. Manager Alex Cora saying Devers put his glove completely away was also a mistake. It didn't take long for that decision to backfire.</p><p>Devers isn't without blame, either. Moving off third full time is best for the team and for his health. He had every right to be upset about the poor communication, but his disinterest in doing what's best for the team - even after owner John Henry flew to Kansas City to speak with him - is unacceptable.</p><p>As the team tries to piece things together on the fly, its highest-paid player doing whatever it takes to win sets the tone. Devers, who in previous years publicly challenged the front office to bring in more talent, is at least speaking with his bat, posting a 1.005 OPS over his last 53 games after a woeful opening five games (hitless with 15 strikeouts).</p><p>Trevor Story coming out of a miserable slump (.439 OPS and two extra-base hits over his last 33 games) would be helpful. The pitching staff - other than Garrett Crochet - needs to perform better, too. A lot of pressure would come off a young lineup if those things happen.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="MLB Ranks" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-cVwGK" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/cVwGK/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="400" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Cora's said numerous times that the organization doesn't want to throw too much at its rookies, yet that's exactly what's happening.</p><p>Kristian Campbell, April's top rookie, is hitting .120/.175/.160 in May. At a time when he should be working on keeping things simple, he's been asked to take ground balls at first base, a position he's never played.</p><p>Marcelo Mayer, in only his fifth career big-league game, hit cleanup Wednesday while also playing a secondary position.</p><p>The Red Sox have already had three different rookies hit fourth this season. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Red Sox infield production" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-j3HVc" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/j3HVc/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="400" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>These rookies are supposed to be complementary pieces to the roster, not the focal point. The Red Sox need to make sure they're not risking the long-term development of cornerstone pieces.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Red Sox starting lineup" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-V3RVf" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/V3RVf/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="400" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Calling up top prospect Roman Anthony, who's dominating Triple-A, could help in the short term, but adding another rookie may not be the most prudent idea. The Red Sox owe it to these players to put them in positions to succeed.</p><p>And yet, as poorly as things have gone, there are still signs of life. The roster is still full of talent when playing up to expectations. The players also seem to deeply care. They're pissed off by the results, and they should be.</p><p>With a little better execution, they may be able to turn more of those one-run losses into wins. Two-thirds of the season remains, and a mediocre American League gives the Red Sox a lifeline, but they'll need to reach out and grab it.</p><p>Otherwise, maybe next year is when things turn around.</p>

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The Red Sox are losing their grip on the season

The Sacramento Kings wasted no time making a leadership change after losing their play-in game We...

<p>The Sacramento Kings wasted no time making a leadership change after losing their play-in game Wednesday.</p><p>General manager Monte McNair and the Kings mutually agreed to part ways, the team announced Thursday.</p><p>"I want to sincerely thank Monte for his leadership and the invaluable contributions he made during his time in Sacramento," Kings owner Vivek Ranadive said in a statement, according to <a href="https://x.com/James_HamNBA/status/1912892972108255241">ESPN 1320's James Ham</a>. "He helped build a strong foundation for continued success here, and we wish him and his family all the best in their future endeavors."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Kings quickly found a successor, finalizing a deal Thursday with former New York Knicks GM Scott Perry to replace McNair, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1912904593534754826">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>. Perry ran the Knicks' basketball operations from 2017-23 following a brief three-month stint with the Kings' front office.</p><p>McNair took over as GM ahead of the 2020-21 season and signed a multi-year extension in January 2023, months before being named NBA Executive of the Year.</p><p>The 40-year-old was behind multiple high-profile acquisitions for the franchise, including the February 2022 blockbuster that sent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93893" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93893">Tyrese Haliburton</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/24735" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/24735">Buddy Hield</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6364" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6364">Tristan Thompson</a> to the Indiana Pacers for a package centered around <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/38429" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/38429">Domantas Sabonis</a>.</p><p>Ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, McNair landed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/470" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/470">DeMar DeRozan</a> from the Chicago Bulls in a sign-and-trade as part of a three-team deal with the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/25" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/25">San Antonio Spurs</a>. Those three teams swung another swap this past February, reuniting DeRozan with former Bulls teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30738" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30738">Zach LaVine</a> in Sacramento while sending star guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53733" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53733">De'Aaron Fox</a> to San Antonio.</p><p>Under McNair, however, the Kings struggled to add impactful players through the draft.</p><p>Of the team's four first-round picks since 2021, only <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102776" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102776">Keegan Murray</a>, the fourth overall pick in 2022, remains part of the team's rotation. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96105" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96105">Davion Mitchell</a> (No. 9 in 2021), was sent away in a June 2024 move to dump Sasha Vezenkov's salary on the Toronto Raptors.</p><p>Last year's No. 13 pick, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121681" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121681">Devin Carter</a>, averaged 11 minutes across 36 games for the Kings as a rookie. He injured his shoulder in a pre-draft workout and missed the first few months of the season recovering from surgery. The Kings took <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110269" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110269">Olivier-Maxence Prosper</a> with their first-rounder in 2023 (No. 24) but two weeks later traded the forward alongside <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/24525" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/24525">Richaun Holmes</a> to the Dallas Mavericks for cash.</p><p>Sacramento made one playoff appearance under McNair, finishing 48-34 in 2022-23, but was eliminated by the Golden State Warriors in the first round. It was the first time the organization reached the playoffs in 16 years.</p><p>The Kings went 40-42 this season and were eliminated from playoff contention after falling at home to the Dallas Mavericks in the play-in game. </p>

SACRAMENTO, CA - JUNE 25: Sacramento Kings 2022 NBA Draft Pick Keegan Murray and General Manager, Monte McNair talks to the media on June 25, 2022 at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE

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Kings mutually part ways with GM McNair, will reportedly hire Perry 

Oscar Piastri will start the Bahrain Grand Prix from the front of the grid after knocking George ...

<p>Oscar Piastri will start the Bahrain Grand Prix from the front of the grid after knocking George Russell off provisional pole with a sensational lap of 1:29.841 during qualifying Saturday. </p><p>The pole is the McLaren driver's second of his F1 career in his 50th race, and it's the first time the team has ever secured pole position in Bahrain.</p><p>"I felt confident out there all weekend, to be honest," Piastri said. "There's no better place to start than on pole."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Piastri, who sits third in the drivers' standings, also claimed pole position and a race win at the Chinese GP in March.</p><p>Charles Leclerc qualified third for Ferrari's best result of the season, but will start second after Russell received a one-place grid penalty for entering the fast lane in the pit before a restart time was confirmed. Kimi Antonelli was also penalized for the same reason and will start fifth after qualifying fourth.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Bahrain GP Qualifying 🇧🇭" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Ywq3x" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Ywq3x/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="854" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Championship leader Lando Norris qualified sixth, while Max Verstappen will start seventh.</p><p>"No idea, just not quick enough," a dejected Norris said when asked why he struggled with pace. </p><p>Bahrain marked the first time both Red Bull cars advanced to Q3.</p><p>Esteban Ocon caused a red flag during Q2 after crashing heavily into the wall at Turn 3. The Haas driver was unable to finish qualifying but said he was OK. </p><p>Alex Albon was originally eliminated in Q1 but was later bumped up to 15th after Nico Hulkenberg had his lap time deleted in Q2 and was demoted to 16th.</p>

BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - APRIL 12: Pole position qualifier Oscar Piastri of Australia and McLaren celebrates on arrival in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on April 12, 2025 in Bahrain, Bahrain.

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Piastri claims pole at Bahrain, Norris qualifies 6th 

Welcome to theScore's roundup of everything you need to know from around MLB. Here we'll touch on...

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Covering the Bases: The best stuff happening in MLB this week

Nothing's better than making a strong first impression. Here we identify 11 players who authored ...

<p>Nothing's better than making a strong first impression. Here we identify 11 players who authored incredible performances during Major League Baseball's 2025 Opening Day.</p><h3>11. Spencer Torkelson, Tigers</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>PA</th>
<th>R</th>
<th>H</th>
<th>HR</th>
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<td>5</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>4</td>
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</table></div></figure><p>Torkelson wasn't even guaranteed to make the Tigers' Opening Day roster entering spring training, but the former first overall pick looks like a different hitter of late. Torkelson reached base in all five of his plate appearances and is sporting an MLB-best 5.000 OPS to start the year.</p><h3>10. Nathan Eovaldi, Rangers</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
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<td>6</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>0</td>
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</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>"Nasty Nate" looked terrific against his former team, striking out nine - including Rafael Devers three times - before exiting with the game tied. Boston's top six hitters went 0-for-15 with nine strikeouts against the right-hander.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>9. Framber Valdez, Astros</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>IP</th>
<th>H</th>
<th>R</th>
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<td>7</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Valdez silenced Juan Soto and the New York Mets during Houston's 3-1 win. The southpaw tossed seven shutout innings against one of the more imposing lineups in the majors. Valdez was one of only two pitchers to throw at least seven innings on Opening Day.</p><h3>8. Jorge Polanco, Mariners</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>AB</th>
<th>H</th>
<th>R</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Polanco's second time around in Seattle is already going better than the first. The third baseman blasted the go-ahead home run in the eighth inning off A's reliever José Leclerc in an eventual 4-2 win. Polanco only had one homer and three RBIs in his first 15 games with the Mariners last season. Also, shoutout to Logan Gilbert, who allowed just two hits (one home run) in seven innings of work. </p><h3>7. Miguel Amaya, Cubs</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>AB</th>
<th>H</th>
<th>2B</th>
<th>RBI</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Amaya made the most of his RBI opportunities against the Diamondbacks, cashing in five runs with a pair of doubles to match his career high. The Cubs catcher is now the early-season MLB leader in RBIs with six after picking up one during Chicago's two-game series in Japan against the Dodgers.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777644/cropped_GettyImages-2207234935.jpg?ts=1743129670" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777644/w220xh124_GettyImages-2207234935.jpg?ts=1743129670 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777644/w320xh180_GettyImages-2207234935.jpg?ts=1743129670 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777644/w640xh360_GettyImages-2207234935.jpg?ts=1743129670 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777644/w768xh432_GettyImages-2207234935.jpg?ts=1743129670 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777644/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2207234935.jpg?ts=1743129670 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Vaughn Ridley / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>6. Tyler O'Neill, Orioles</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>PA</th>
<th>R</th>
<th>H</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
<th>BB</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>O'Neill is a first-ballot Opening Day Hall of Famer. The Orioles outfielder has now homered on six consecutive Opening Days after going deep in Toronto. It's one of the most hilarious and unbelievable active records in MLB. It wasn't just the homer, though, as O'Neill reached base in all five plate appearances.</p><h3>5. Adley Rutschman, Orioles</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>AB</th>
<th>R</th>
<th>H</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Rutschman's bounce-back season is off to a terrific start after feasting on Blue Jays starter José Berríos once again. The All-Star catcher is an absurd 17-for-28 with five homers against the right-hander in his career. It's also the third time Rutschman has posted a two-homer game, with all of them coming against Toronto.</p><h3>4. Kyle Manzardo, Guardians</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>AB</th>
<th>R</th>
<th>H</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Manzardo finished a single short of hitting for the cycle after collecting a two-run homer, two-run double, and a triple in a win over the Royals. The 24-year-old admitted postgame that he's only done that once before - in college.</p><h3>3. Cedric Mullins, Orioles</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>AB</th>
<th>R</th>
<th>H</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Mullins' two-homer performance was his first game with multiple home runs since June 2021 - also against the Blue Jays. Mullins, who hit seventh Thursday, also drove in a career-high five runs.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777649/cropped_GettyImages-2206574611.jpg?ts=1743130826" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777649/w220xh124_GettyImages-2206574611.jpg?ts=1743130826 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777649/w320xh180_GettyImages-2206574611.jpg?ts=1743130826 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777649/w640xh360_GettyImages-2206574611.jpg?ts=1743130826 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777649/w768xh432_GettyImages-2206574611.jpg?ts=1743130826 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777649/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2206574611.jpg?ts=1743130826 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Cooper Neill / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>2. Wilyer Abreu, Red Sox</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>AB</th>
<th>R</th>
<th>H</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Abreu clearly likes to do things in pairs. After welcoming twins 10 days ago, the Red Sox outfielder went deep twice in a 5-2 win over the Rangers. Abreu hit a game-tying home run in the fifth inning before belting the game-winning, three-run homer in the ninth. </p><h3>1. MacKenzie Gore, Nationals </h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>IP</th>
<th>H</th>
<th>R</th>
<th>K</th>
<th>BB</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Gore can now be mentioned in the same sentence as legendary pitcher Bob Gibson. The former matched the Hall of Famer to become just the second pitcher in AL/NL history with 13 strikeouts and no walks during a scoreless Opening Day start. Gore also set a franchise record for strikeouts in the opener. Somehow, the Nationals still managed to lose to the Phillies.</p>

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<p>The Toronto Blue Jays will be without Gold Glove-winning center fielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9524" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9524">Daulton Varsho</a> to open the season.</p><p>Manager John Schneider told reporters Saturday that Varsho will begin the campaign on the injured list as he continues to rehab from rotator cuff surgery in September.</p><p>Despite the issue, Varsho has been able to swing a bat and run during spring training but has yet to play defensively. He's been productive at the plate, hitting .276/.333/.793 with four home runs across 10 games, albeit with most of his plate appearances against minor-league pitching.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>While the Blue Jays could've used Varsho in a DH role until he was ready to play defensively, the club will instead have him ramp up in Florida before moving him to an affiliate for rehab games. The team is hopeful he can return at some point in April, according to <a href="https://x.com/ArdenZwelling/status/1903437582983106573">Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet</a>.</p><p>A handful of options can cover center field in Varsho's absence. With Toronto already optioning Joey Loperfido to Triple-A Buffalo, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5788" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5788">Nathan Lukes</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8938" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8938">Myles Straw</a> (who the club will need to add to the 40-man roster) could form a platoon. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14072" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14072">Steward Berroa</a> is also an option.</p><p>Rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15710" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15710">Alan Roden</a> remains in camp and could make the Opening Day roster, though he's only played 31 innings in center field. </p><p>Varsho hit 18 home runs with a .700 OPS in 136 games last season. He finished second on the team in fWAR (3.3).</p><p>Schneider added that infielder/outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14134" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14134">Davis Schneider</a> and catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4412" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4412">Tyler Heineman</a> made the team, according to <a href="https://x.com/ShiDavidi/status/1903435700302655937">Shi Davidi of Sportsnet</a>.</p>

DUNEDIN, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 28: Daulton Varsho #5 of the Toronto Blue Jays at bat in the fourth inning during a spring training game against the Detroit Tigers at TD Ballpark on February 28, 2025 in Dunedin, Florida.

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<p>The reigning constructors' champions couldn't have asked for a better start to the 2025 Formula 1 season.</p><p>McLaren's Lando Norris grabbed pole position for Sunday's Australian Grand Prix ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri. </p><p>Norris posted the fastest lap of 1:15.096 on Saturday at Melbourne's Albert Park Circuit for the 10th pole position of his career.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"It's a track where you've got to commit," the 25-year-old said, according to <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/c3e4wwj1jxko">Andrew Benson of BBC Sport</a>. "You know what your target is, and once you turn in you're kind of hoping for the best in a lot of cases. You want to take those risks.</p><p>"Obviously, I took too many on my first lap and got track limits, so I was in a difficult position knowing how much risk I wanted to take. But I put it together well. It was just a clean lap, no mistakes, and that was enough. So happy. A perfect way to start the season."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Australian GP Qualifying 🇦🇺" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-KL2hA" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/KL2hA/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="886" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Yuki Tsunoda of Racing Bulls and Alex Albon of Williams qualified fifth and sixth, respectively, in what was the biggest surprise of qualifying.</p><p>Lewis Hamilton qualified eighth in his Ferrari debut.</p><p>Carlos Sainz claimed victory in Australia last season ahead of Charles Leclerc and Norris.</p><p>Ferrari has won four of the last six races at the Albert Park Circuit. McLaren hasn't won in Australia since 2012.</p><p>It's the first time since 2019 that the Australian GP is serving as the season's opening race. COVID-19 forced the event's cancellation in 2020 and 2021.</p>

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 15: Lando Norris of Great Britain and McLaren celebrates in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit on March 15, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia.

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<p>The New York Mets agreed to a one-year contract with infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10651" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10651">Nick Madrigal</a> on Friday.</p><p>The deal is worth $1.35-million, according to <a href="https://x.com/Joelsherman1/status/1885446732965667252">Joel Sherman of the New York Post</a>.</p><p>Madrigal spent the last three seasons with the Chicago Cubs before being non-tendered in November. He hit .221/.280/.256 with no home runs, three doubles, and one stolen base in 51 games.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Year</th>
<th>GP</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>SB</th>
<th>AVG/OBP/SLG</th>
<th>OPS+</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>2024</td>
<td>51</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>.221/.280/.256</td>
<td>54</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2023</td>
<td>92</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>.263/.311/.352</td>
<td>83</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2022</td>
<td>59</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>.249/.305/.282</td>
<td>66</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2021</td>
<td>54</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>.305/.349/.425</td>
<td>111</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The 27-year-old was selected fourth overall in the 2018 MLB Draft by the Chicago White Sox but has struggled throughout his career. He's appeared in 285 contests across five campaigns, slashing .274/.323/.344 with four home runs and 39 doubles.</p><p>Madrigal has made 170 appearances at second base and 108 at third base as a major leaguer. He ranked in the 96th percentile in outs above average in 2023 but struggled defensively last season.</p><p>Infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14190" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14190">Luis De Los Santos</a> was designated for assignment to make room for Madrigal. </p>

SEATTLE, WA - APRIL 12: Nick Madrigal #1 of the Chicago Cubs throws the ball during warmups before a game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on April 12, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners won 4-2.

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<p>The Toronto Blue Jays have certainly kept things interesting this offseason. </p><p>It was a disappointing start to the winter for general manager Ross Atkins. The club took big swings in pursuing Corbin Burnes, Juan Soto, and Roki Sasaki but walked away empty-handed. However, persistence - and a lot of money - paid off in recent weeks, with the club adding reliever Jeff Hoffman, outfielder Anthony Santander, and, on Thursday, starter Max Scherzer.</p><p>Hoffman and Santander will likely provide the biggest impact, but Scherzer might be the most intriguing acquisition the Blue Jays make this winter. While Scherzer's best years are behind him, bringing in a future first-ballot Hall of Famer will always cause a stir.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>We break down the pros and cons of the Blue Jays' <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3205026" href="https://thescore.com/news/3205026">reported signing</a> of Scherzer to a one-year, $15.5-million deal.</p><h3>Pro - Blue Jays get Mad Max: Fury Road</h3><p>Even at 40 years old, Scherzer will draw a crowd.</p><p>As much as Scherzer will want to win, he'll also be be chasing down some major milestones: He's 122 innings away from 3,000 and 93 strikeouts away from 3,500. Only nine pitchers in MLB history have reached the 3,500-strikeout plateau.</p><p>But Scherzer isn't just in Toronto to pad stats to cap off his career. Though he's battled injuries (we'll touch on that later), Scherzer's remained an effective starter when he's been able to take the mound. He posted a 3.95 ERA, 4.18 FIP, 1.15 WHIP, and 40 strikeouts across 43 1/3 innings last season. Those aren't ace numbers, but any team would love those results from the back end of its rotation. </p><p>There's no denying Scherzer's stuff is in decline, but his chase rate (36.4%), whiff rate (29.2 %), and walk rate (5.6%) from last season all remain strong, and that's coming off back surgery. Scherzer's 8.31 K/9 last season was the second-worst rate of his career but still represents a respectable number, and it was higher than Kevin Gausman (8.06 K/9) and Jose Berrios (7.16) in 2024.</p><p>While the Blue Jays have struggled to draft and develop pitching in the lower levels, the club has had success keeping its veteran starters healthy. Chris Bassitt, Gausman, and Berrios have all made at least 30 starts in their combined eight seasons in Toronto. That's important when considering Scherzer's biggest red flag is his injury history.</p><p>Scherzer's addition not only solidifies the back end of the rotation but also pushes Yariel Rodríguez into the bullpen. A depth starter who can also slot in as a reliever feels like a more appropriate fit for Rodríguez.</p><p>Adding veteran leadership is often overstated, especially considering this isn't a young Blue Jays team. Bo Bichette <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/bo-bichette-on-blue-jays-its-time-to-get-it-done/">made that clear</a> last season. But it never hurts to bring in someone with Scherzer's resume: three-time Cy Young winner, eight-time All-Star, two-time World Series champion. He brings credibility to the organization and can also help mentor young starters.</p><p>"Obviously, people know the talent that he has, but mentally, how intelligent he is, is off the charts," Bassitt told <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/blue-jays-crucial-mission-to-stay-ahead-of-rangers-goes-through-ace-hurler-scherzer/">David Singh of Sportsnet</a> in 2023. "I've never been around a guy who's more prepared and more in tune with what the other team's trying to do than him."</p><p>The most encouraging part of the signing might be ownership's continued commitment to increase payroll. The Blue Jays have spent $156 million in free agency so far, took on more than the $100 million remaining on Andrés Giménez's deal, and are operating with a franchise-record $273-million CBT payroll, per <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/roster-resource/payroll/blue-jays">FanGraphs</a>. Is that money well spent? We'll see, but this also comes on the heels of Rogers sinking considerable money into stadium renovations despite a struggling Canadian dollar. Toronto has underachieved during Atkins' 10-year tenure, but it's not because of ownership's financial commitment.</p><h3>Cons - Blue Jays get Mad Max: The Wasteland </h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768230/cropped_GettyImages-1765993931.jpg?ts=1738343610" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768230/w220xh124_GettyImages-1765993931.jpg?ts=1738343610 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768230/w320xh180_GettyImages-1765993931.jpg?ts=1738343610 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768230/w640xh360_GettyImages-1765993931.jpg?ts=1738343610 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768230/w768xh432_GettyImages-1765993931.jpg?ts=1738343610 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768230/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1765993931.jpg?ts=1738343610 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Christian Petersen / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The shine from the Scherzer signing will come off quick at the first sign of injury. There's always durability concerns when you add any pitcher - that's the nature of the sport - but Scherzer will be one of only three MLB starting pitchers 40 or older this season.</p><p>He's not exactly coming off the healthiest season, either. Scherzer was limited to a career low in innings pitched and went on the injured list three times in 2024 due to a hamstring strain, shoulder fatigue, and recovery from back surgery. He made just one start over the final two months of the season.</p><p>Scherzer did make 50 starts and threw a combined 298 innings over the previous two seasons. Even if he can remain an effective starter, it's hard to know how much his body can withstand after so much wear and tear over 17 MLB seasons. </p><p>Scherzer's fastball averaged 94 mph in 2022. That number dropped slightly to 93.7 mph in 2023, and then down to 92.5 mph last season. He was able to find some success by using his slider more, which could be an option moving forward should his velocity continue to decline.</p><p>Hitters slugged .492 off his four-seamer in 2024 after slugging .370 two years prior. Scherzer was able to have continued success against right-handed hitters last season (.228/.237/.435), though lefties slashed .260/.345/.438. It'll be interesting to see how he continues to tweak his repertoire as his power diminishes.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-6HLHd" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/6HLHd/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="352" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Although the top free-agent starting pitchers are off the market, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5646" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5646">Jack Flaherty</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8297" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8297">Nick Pivetta</a> (rejected qualifying offer) remain unsigned. Both pitchers would likely require a longer commitment and much more money than Scherzer, but they also come with less risk and a higher ceiling. With less than two weeks until pitchers and catchers report, the Blue Jays could've taken advantage of their depressed market.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="2024 season" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-MV4ht" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/MV4ht/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="150" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The current starting staff is solid but has little margin for error. If Scherzer is sidelined for any amount of time, that lack of depth will be tested immediately.</p><p>Toronto's already blown by the first luxury-tax threshold, and despite what projects to be a franchise-record payroll, the offense still needs at least one more impact bat. Depending on how much more ownership is willing to spend, there's a case to be made that those resources would've been better served elsewhere than taking a $15.5-million gamble on Scherzer.</p><p>There's a path where Scherzer remains healthy and hits incredible career milestones in a Blue Jays uniform while helping the club fight for a playoff spot. There's another path where all the signs that Scherzer's body was breaking down were right in front of everyone's eyes. We'll find out if the gamble pays off soon enough.</p>

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Max Scherzer #31 of the Texas Rangers looks on during pregame ceremonies prior to Game 1 of the 2023 World Series between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on Friday, October 27, 2023 in Arlington, Texas.

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Scherzer signing represents fun gamble for Blue Jays

Star Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki agreed to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday. We exami...

<p>Star Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3189576" href="https://thescore.com/news/3189576">agreed to sign</a> with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday. We examine the fallout from his decision across the league.</p><h3>Dodgers remain fully operational Death Star </h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749564/cropped_GettyImages-2178038356.jpg?ts=1729801216" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749564/w220xh124_GettyImages-2178038356.jpg?ts=1729801216 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749564/w320xh180_GettyImages-2178038356.jpg?ts=1729801216 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749564/w640xh360_GettyImages-2178038356.jpg?ts=1729801216 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749564/w768xh432_GettyImages-2178038356.jpg?ts=1729801216 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749564/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2178038356.jpg?ts=1729801216 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Harry How / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Agent Joel Wolfe stood in front of reporters at the winter meetings in early December declaring his client would entertain pitches from any and all markets. Wolfe said no team - despite it being reported that the Dodgers were overwhelming favorites to land Sasaki - had an advantage. The 23-year-old was going into free agency with an open mind. </p><p>While Sasaki did weigh all his options and tour other cities, in the end, he landed in Chavez Ravine like almost everyone thought he would.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>It's hard to blame Sasaki for his decision. </p><p>The Dodgers have built the sustainable powerhouse organization that so many other executives promise to deliver. They're the reigning World Series champions. They're loaded with stars under contract long term. Ownership commits considerable financial resources. They've built a pipeline of young talent that ensures they always have pieces to use in trades. The Dodgers have a massive following in Japan.</p><p>Sasaki has familiarity in the clubhouse in Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who can help him adjust on and off the field.</p><p>When the best team with the best players is actively recruiting you, how can you say no? </p><p>Sasaki likely slots in as the Dodgers' No. 4 or 5 starter - he'd be an ace on most teams - behind Blake Snell, Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Shohei Ohtani (when he's healthy enough to resume pitching). The club has Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May as depth options should it go with a six-man rotation. L.A. will likely also bring Clayton Kershaw back for another season.</p><p>There are plenty of issues surrounding the durability of this group, but it has the potential to be historically dominant, with the Dodgers possessing arguably five of the top 25 pitchers in MLB right now.</p><p>Los Angeles didn't need Sasaki. You can sympathize with fans from other teams being annoyed with the Dodgers adding yet another star. But there's no fanbase in the world that wouldn't want their team to operate like this. They've set the standard in the sport, and they're probably still not done this winter.</p><p>At least Juan Soto opted to sign elsewhere.</p><h3>When will the pain stop in Toronto?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765986/cropped_GettyImages-668264328.jpg?ts=1737169617" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765986/w220xh124_GettyImages-668264328.jpg?ts=1737169617 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765986/w320xh180_GettyImages-668264328.jpg?ts=1737169617 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765986/w640xh360_GettyImages-668264328.jpg?ts=1737169617 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765986/w768xh432_GettyImages-668264328.jpg?ts=1737169617 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765986/w1080xh607_GettyImages-668264328.jpg?ts=1737169617 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Richard Lautens / Toronto Star / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Blue Jays should probably fold their hand the next time they find themselves at the final table with the Dodgers fighting for a star free agent. </p><p>It won't end well. In fact, the universe will find a way to make it hurt even more than it should.</p><p>A little over a year after Ohtani was believed to be on <em>the plane</em>, Blue Jays' fans were dealt another cruel blow when Sasaki passed on Toronto. There was no expectation that the Blue Jays would even be in the running for his services going into the winter. But Toronto found itself a finalist. Then, hours before Sasaki posted he's signing with the Dodgers, the Blue Jays pulled off a surprising trade with Cleveland to acquire international bonus pool money in what appeared to be in preparation for landing Sasaki.</p><p>It seemed unthinkable that the front office would make such a trade if it didn't have assurances from Sasaki's camp. </p><p>We now know there was no agreement; the trade quickly backfired. It's a pretty shocking show of form for a front office that's been so careful with its evaluations - almost to a fault at times - and shows how desperate it finds itself at this juncture in its tenure.</p><p>Not only did the Blue Jays miss on Sasaki, but they took on Myles Straw in the deal with the Guardians. Straw is owed roughly $12 million over the next two seasons. He spent the majority of last year in the minors and has hit one home run to go with a .579 OPS in 306 MLB games since 2022.</p><p>Among the 96 MLB outfielders with at least 1,000 plate appearances over the last three seasons, Straw ranks last in wRC+, slugging, and home runs. He's a gifted defensive outfielder and baserunner, but there's a real chance Straw never cracks the Blue Jays' lineup.</p><p>Of course, none of this is Straw's fault, but he now walks into somewhat of an uncomfortable situation in Toronto. </p><p>Twisting the knife further is the fact that Sasaki agreed to his deal with the Dodgers for a $6.5-million signing bonus (they traded for extra bonus pool money <em>after</em> Sasaki decided to sign). Prior to the trade with Cleveland, the Blue Jays could've offered Sasaki a max of $6.25 million. So it was never about the money for him. Now, the Blue Jays have the highest bonus pool remaining ($8.25M) of any team for 2025 but might not have anywhere to spend it all.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Blue Jays now have this added bonus pool space. They'll attempt to make the most of it, but execs from other teams say there are no elite players left to steal right now. And Dodgers don't need it for Sasaki, so you can't flip that space to LAD.</p>— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) <a href="https://twitter.com/bnicholsonsmith/status/1880428345252585977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>When speaking with reporters last month, Atkins was asked what message he has for the fanbase after the Blue Jays failed in numerous attempts to sign top free agents.</p><p>"We understand that certain pursuits may create a level of excitement, and then that may intensify the level of disappointment," Atkins <a href="http://Atkins%20on%20Blue%20Jays%20offseason,%20Soto%20pursuit,%20fan%20expectations">said</a>. "But I don't know a better way to pursue it than to do the best possible job we can to improve our team."</p><p>It's easy to understand where Atkins is coming from. Fans want their leadership group to be trying to attract the biggest stars - it's a good thing to be in the mix. But swinging and missing has become far too common for this front office. Sooner or later, something needs to change. Part of a great front office is to understand when you're being used as leverage, and some of the Blue Jays' pursuits in recent years make you question if this group is able to sniff that out.</p><p>There's still time for Toronto to salvage this offseason, but the likes of Anthony Santander, Pete Alonso, and Alex Bregman all come with flaws and carry significant risk on long-term deals. You have to wonder what exactly is Toronto building toward at this point, and how many chances are left for this leadership group.</p><p>The Blue Jays also have the impending free agency of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette hanging over the organization. Time is ticking to figure it out. For a front office that's taken so many hits in recent years, the club really needs to hope at least one of its homegrown stars is the one that actually takes its money.</p><h3>Padres' plan also blows up</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/539059/cropped_GettyImages-1240087305.jpg?ts=1666626273" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/539059/w220xh124_GettyImages-1240087305.jpg?ts=1666626273 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/539059/w320xh180_GettyImages-1240087305.jpg?ts=1666626273 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/539059/w640xh360_GettyImages-1240087305.jpg?ts=1666626273 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/539059/w768xh432_GettyImages-1240087305.jpg?ts=1666626273 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/539059/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1240087305.jpg?ts=1666626273 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Rob Leiter / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>At least the Blue Jays don't have to watch Sasaki play for a division rival.</p><p>The Padres heavily scouted Sasaki and believed they had an advantage given his close relationship with Yu Darvish. San Diego's yet to sign anyone this winter; its full attention was said to be on landing Sasaki. </p><p>Not only was Sasaki's skill set desirable, but his league-minimum salary would've been perfect for a team currently dealing with an ownership dispute and budgetary limitations. Sasaki would've covered Joe Musgrove's absence this year and helped long term with Dylan Cease and Michael King set to hit free agency after this season.</p><p>San Diego remains one of the NL's better teams but will need general manager A.J. Preller to be very creative if he wishes to improve while simultaneously remaining under the luxury tax. Trading away veterans on expiring deals like Luis Arraez or Dylan Cease could clear some money, but it's hard to improve while trading away core pieces. The Padres don't have another Soto they can package away this time.</p><p>Sasaki's decision, at least, provides closure for Preller. We'll see what arguably the league's most creative executive has lined up for a Plan B, C, and D.</p><h3>Guardians take advantage of the madness </h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/536652/cropped_GettyImages-1242866145.jpg?ts=1665447188" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/536652/w220xh124_GettyImages-1242866145.jpg?ts=1665447188 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/536652/w320xh180_GettyImages-1242866145.jpg?ts=1665447188 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/536652/w640xh360_GettyImages-1242866145.jpg?ts=1665447188 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/536652/w768xh432_GettyImages-1242866145.jpg?ts=1665447188 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/536652/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1242866145.jpg?ts=1665447188 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Diamond Images / Diamond Images / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>President of baseball operations Chris Antonetti and GM Mike Chernoff were able to benefit from the Sasaki market by attaching Straw's contract to international bonus pool money they likely had no use for.</p><p>Every dollar counts for a small-market team like the Guardians, and being able to eliminate close to $12 million of dead money from the books is incredible business. Straw was Cleveland's fourth-highest-paid position player in 2025 despite not being on the 40-man roster. He was no longer part of the Guardians' plan moving forward, and now they no longer need to pay him to play in Triple-A.</p><p>The Straw trade comes a month after the Guardians dealt defensive wizard Andrés Giménez to the Blue Jays in a move that cleared roughly $100 million in future payroll commitments. It was reported that Cleveland opted to trade Giménez this winter rather than risk him having another down year in 2025, which likely would've made his contract difficult to move going forward.</p><p>Cleveland took advantage of a team in a desperate situation and moved out a contract the team likely believed was untradeable. It was exceptional work and might open the door to another expenditure this winter the Guardians didn't previously believe they had the budget for.</p>

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What Sasaki's decision means for Dodgers, Blue Jays, Padres

Roki Sasaki has made his decision.   The star Japanese right-hander announced Friday that he's si...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18692" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18692">Roki Sasaki</a> has made his decision. </p><p>The star Japanese right-hander announced Friday that he's signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DE8cyBEz4xS/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DE8cyBEz4xS/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
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</div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DE8cyBEz4xS/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by 佐々木朗希 (@rouki.sasaki)</a></p>
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<script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>"It was a very difficult decision, but I will do my best," Sasaki said.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He added: "At my news conference for joining the club, I hope to wear my Dodgers uniform, feeling gratitude for all those who have supported me."</p><p>The San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays were reportedly the other two finalists for Sasaki, who narrowed his decision down to three franchises after his agent Joel Wolfe said as many as 20 MLB teams showed interest earlier in the offseason.</p><p>"At the end of the day, we want players that want to be here," Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller said, per <a href="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/01/17/rolki-sasaki-chooses-dodgers-over-padres-blue-jays/">Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune.</a> "We’ll move forward and look to add to a really talented roster."</p><p>The 23-year-old will only be eligible to receive a modest contract as a foreign pro under the age of 25 with less than six years of experience.</p><p>The former Chiba Lotte Marines star is moving to North America after a terrific four-season stint in Japan's top professional league. He owns a career 2.10 ERA with 11.5 K/9 across 64 appearances. He also posted a 3.52 ERA with 11 strikeouts across 7 2/3 innings for Japan at the 2023 World Baseball Classic.</p><p>Sasaki's signing bonus will be $6.5 million, a source told <a href="https://x.com/ByJackHarris/status/1880409621221040327">Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times</a>.</p><p>The Dodgers traded outfield prospect Dylan Campbell to the Philadelphia Phillies for international bonus pool space. They also acquired additional bonus pool space from the Cincinnati Reds for minor-league outfielder Arnaldo Lantigua.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome to Los Angeles and the World Champion Los Angeles <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dodgers</a> Roki Sasaki! It’s a great day to be a Dodger fan! 🙌🏾 <a href="https://t.co/UtExlQEmP0">pic.twitter.com/UtExlQEmP0</a></p>— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/MagicJohnson/status/1880455542017343651?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Sasaki will join what could be the most talented rotation in baseball in 2025. The Dodgers can roll out a group comprised of Sasaki, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5351" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5351">Blake Snell</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17234" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17234">Yoshinobu Yamamoto</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4257" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4257">Tyler Glasnow</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a>. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9723" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9723">Tony Gonsolin</a> and<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9566" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9566"> Dustin May</a> are also capable of starting games.</p>

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 20: Roki Sasaki #14 of Team Japan reacts after an out in the third inning against Team Mexico during the World Baseball Classic Semifinals at loanDepot park on March 20, 2023 in Miami, Florida.

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Japanese star Sasaki to sign with Dodgers

The Boston Red Sox and outfielder Jarren Duran avoided arbitration Friday by agreeing to a one-ye...

<p>The Boston Red Sox and outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12272" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12272">Jarren Duran</a> avoided arbitration Friday by agreeing to a one-year contract that includes a 2026 team option.</p><p>Duran will earn $3.85 million in 2025, while the 2026 option is valued at $8 million, sources told <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1880296730287337704">Jeff Passan of ESPN</a>.</p><p>The agreement includes numerous performance escalators.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Max club option salary is $12m. <br>If traded, the club option is eliminated and $100k buyout converts to an assigment bonus payable by assignee club. There are also $50K bonuses for 450, 500, and 550 PAs.</p>— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) <a href="https://twitter.com/alexspeier/status/1880296682484830392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Red Sox originally filed at $3.5 million, with Duran asking for $4 million ahead of last week's deadline.</p><p>Duran, 28, is coming off a breakout campaign for the Red Sox. He made his first All-Star team and finished eighth in AL MVP voting after hitting .285/.342/.492 with 21 home runs, 48 doubles, 14 triples, 75 RBIs, and 34 steals in 160 games.</p>

BOSTON, MA - MAY 16: Jarren Duran #16 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after hitting a two-run home run during the fifth inning of a game against the Seattle Mariners on May 16, 2023 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Red Sox, Duran agree to 1-year deal, avoid arbitration

The Toronto Blue Jays and star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. avoided arbitration last week,...

<p>The Toronto Blue Jays and star first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8267" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8267">Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</a> avoided arbitration last week, agreeing to a one-year, $28.5-million contract for 2025. It will be Guerrero's final year under team control before hitting free agency.</p><p>Earlier this winter, Guerrero acknowledged he would not negotiate an extension after spring training starts, and it was reported the sides are close to $100 million apart.</p><p>With time ticking on an extension, our editors Brandon Wile and Josh Goldberg discuss whether it's time for the Blue Jays to just pay Guerrero what he wants.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Pay the man!</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/746301/cropped_GettyImages-2171273454.jpg?ts=1727011800" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/746301/w220xh124_GettyImages-2171273454.jpg?ts=1727011800 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/746301/w320xh180_GettyImages-2171273454.jpg?ts=1727011800 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/746301/w640xh360_GettyImages-2171273454.jpg?ts=1727011800 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/746301/w768xh432_GettyImages-2171273454.jpg?ts=1727011800 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/746301/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2171273454.jpg?ts=1727011800 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Brandon Sloter / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Sometimes it's OK to admit you've lost your leverage and accept it. That's where the Blue Jays' front office finds itself with Guerrero. The opportunity to sign him to a long-term extension earlier in his career is gone, and the market is totally different after Juan Soto's contract. It's time to throw out whatever evaluation they had and just get a deal done.</p><p>The Blue Jays swung and missed on Shohei Ohtani. They swung and missed on Soto. They demonstrated they have the cash to pull it off, and you'd better believe Guerrero was watching it all unfold, likely asking himself why they aren't backing up the truck for him. Guerrero knows he has the upper hand at this point, and his side has played the negotiations well. He said earlier this winter that Toronto's offer wasn't close to what he wanted, and he has the court of public opinion on his side, even as he seeks close to $450 million, which would be the third-richest contract in MLB history. He's done, and said, all the right things to put pressure on the front office.</p><p>While history would say a first baseman is not worth that type of contract, baseball has changed in recent years; younger players are getting paid more. Guerrero will be entering his age-26 season in 2025, which is one of the main reasons why his value will be so high.</p><p>"The market is driven by different factors. To get a player, you have to pay a certain price," Red Sox president Sam Kennedy told <a href="https://x.com/NESN/status/1878109645828477197">NESN</a> on Saturday when speaking generally about free agency. "So, you didn't overpay, you paid what you need to pay to get the player."</p><p>Considering where the Blue Jays are at, there will be no overpay with Guerrero. It will be the cost of doing business. While Toronto would be bidding against itself right now, the cost could go even higher if he reaches free agency. We watched how this winter played out with Soto and how one aggressive owner can drive up the price to a previously unthinkable number.</p><p>The reality is, at this point, the Blue Jays need Guerrero more than Guerrero needs the Blue Jays.</p><p>Toronto is coming off a last-place finish in the AL East. The farm system ranks among the worst in baseball as this regime has traded away a lot of prospect capital while simultaneously struggling to develop talent to supplement the major-league club. The Blue Jays' reputation for failing to attract free agents is a bit of a misconception, but they've watched a number of key targets sign elsewhere in recent years. The most difficult thing to do in pro sports is to acquire star talent, so when you do, it's essential to do everything possible to keep them signed long term.</p><p>After spending over $300 million in renovations, the Blue Jays can't risk attendance taking a dive in upcoming years. This front office and ownership can't risk the reputation hit that would come with having Guerrero walk. Seeing Guerrero hit free agency and potentially sign with a division rival could cause irrevocable damage to the fan base. There will be no shortage of suitors next winter when Guerrero would headline the position-player class.</p><p>Baseball has no salary cap, and the Blue Jays have a lot of money coming off the books in upcoming years. They could comfortably absorb whatever extension Guerrero receives. He's been open about wanting to stay, and the fan base adores him. Is there significant risk involved? Of course there is. There's risk in every contract signed. But sometimes you have to roll the dice and hope it works in your favor. It's time for the front office to accept reality and pay Guerrero what he wants and use him as the foundational piece you build around for the next decade. <em> - Wile</em></p><h3>No. There has to be a limit </h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/740915/cropped_GettyImages-1709874903.jpg?ts=1730489568" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/740915/w220xh124_GettyImages-1709874903.jpg?ts=1730489568 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/740915/w320xh180_GettyImages-1709874903.jpg?ts=1730489568 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/740915/w640xh360_GettyImages-1709874903.jpg?ts=1730489568 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/740915/w768xh432_GettyImages-1709874903.jpg?ts=1730489568 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/740915/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1709874903.jpg?ts=1730489568 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Winslow Townson / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>I'm not saying the Blue Jays should walk away from Guerrero without making an effort to retain him. It's more a case of having a number in mind and a willingness to hold firm. This is the most prominent contract negotiation in the history of the franchise. Guerrero is a homegrown star that fans have been drawn to since he was signed as an international free agent in 2015. But he isn't without some flaws.</p><p>Guerrero has had two explosive offensive seasons during his career. If he could consistently approach that level of production for the remainder of his playing days, signing him long term would be the easiest decision a front office ever faced. However, the situation is a little bit more nuanced than that. Guerrero posted a 166 wRC+ in 2021 and a 165 wRC+ in 2024. He accompanied those two monster campaigns with fWARs of 6.3 and 5.5. Those are valuable figures at a position like first base that historically depresses a player's overall WAR as a result of defensive value. But beyond those two seasons, Guerrero's been more of a very good player than a truly great one.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-WMUjs" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/WMUjs/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="223" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The market has certainly changed over time, but it's still notable that first basemen historically get less in free agency than other positions. Miguel Cabrera inked an eight-year, $248-million extension with the Detroit Tigers in 2014 at the age of 31. Albert Pujols joined the Los Angeles Angels on 10-year, $254-million deal ahead of his age-32 campaign in 2012. Guerrero's age makes the situation a different one, but it nonetheless complicates the idea of ponying up for somebody that isn't a five-tool player.</p><p>The Blue Jays are not in an enviable position. The farm system is thin, and even if Guerrero stays long term, the future doesn't look incredibly bright. However, that doesn't mean they should feel forced to give him an exorbitant contract. The Blue Jays should make their highest offer, and if Guerrero doesn't take it, test the trade waters and see what they turn up. The Blue Jays missed their chance to sign Guerrero for a lower number. It could end up costing them his services in the long run. <em>- Goldberg</em></p>

TORONTO, CANADA - AUGUST 19: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates after hitting a home run against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning in their MLB game at Rogers Centre on August 19, 2024 in Toronto, Canada.

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Should the Blue Jays just pay Guerrero what he wants?

San Diego Padres right-hander Michael King, Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker, Milwaukee Brewer...

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 01: Michael King #34 of the San Diego Padres throws a pitch against the Atlanta Braves during the second inning in Game One of the Wild Card Series at Petco Park on October 01, 2024 in San Diego, California.

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MLB arbitration deadline tracker: 17 players facing potential hearing

Major League Baseball saw two heavyweight trades Friday, which featured four All-Star players cha...

<p><em>Major League Baseball saw two heavyweight trades Friday, which featured four All-Star players change clubs. Here, we break down the deals and hand out grades for each team.</em></p><h3>Cubs land 3-time All-Star Tucker</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759887/cropped_GettyImages-2181571620.jpg?ts=1733791261" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759887/w220xh124_GettyImages-2181571620.jpg?ts=1733791261 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759887/w320xh180_GettyImages-2181571620.jpg?ts=1733791261 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759887/w640xh360_GettyImages-2181571620.jpg?ts=1733791261 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759887/w768xh432_GettyImages-2181571620.jpg?ts=1733791261 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759887/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2181571620.jpg?ts=1733791261 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Diamond Images / Diamond Images / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-m66JG" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/m66JG/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="160" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Cubs: A</strong></p><p>By trading for Tucker, the Chicago Cubs announced to the baseball world that they're back and serious about contending.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>It's often felt like Tucker hasn't gotten the appreciation he deserves outside of Houston. A lot of this probably has to do with the fact he was playing alongside Yordan Alvarez, who had a much louder presence overall. But while he may not quite be Juan Soto - who is? - Tucker is the kind of position player you dream of building a franchise around.</p><p>The Cubs just acquired a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger-winning outfielder who's averaged 28 homers, 90 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases over the last four seasons. He's a perennial 30-30 threat and missed joining that club in 2023 by one homer. (An inside-the-park shot was ruled a triple and fielder's choice.) Last year, he hit 23 homers despite playing just 78 games because of a shin injury. He's one of the toughest players to strike out, never doing so more than 95 times in a season.</p><p>Tucker's patient, all-fields approach is a perfect fit for Wrigley Field. His <a href="https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/kyle-tucker-663656?stats=career-r-hitting-mlb">Baseball Savant</a> spray chart, having been freshly updated for his new home, shows that six of his doubles in 2024 would have been homers at the Friendly Confines.</p><p>Most importantly, perhaps, is that Tucker lengthens the Cubs' lineup and gives president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer plenty of options. Hoyer now has a clear path to trade Cody Bellinger for pitching or a third baseman or simply for salary relief that allows the club to make another splash.</p><p>There's still a lot more work to be done here. The Cubs, as mentioned, could use some more pitching, and Paredes must be replaced at the hot corner. There's also the long-term question of whether they can extend Tucker before he hits free agency next winter. But there's no question that Tucker makes the Cubs a much better team right now and improves their chances of returning to the top of the NL Central. This was a trade they had to make, and full credit to them for making it.</p><p><strong>Astros: C</strong></p><p>In Houston, this feels like the beginning of the end. General manager Dana Brown <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3158911" href="https://thescore.com/news/3158911">insisted</a> that's not the case, saying the Astros still plan to contend in 2025. We'll give Brown and owner Jim Crane a chance to back up those words over the next few weeks, but at this moment it's hard to not scoff at that statement. It's difficult to envision them contending without Tucker, and this trade doesn't look great right now.</p><p>This isn't to say the return is bad. On that front, the Astros didn't do terribly. In Paredes, the Astros get an intriguing power bat who didn't work out in Chicago but might have just landed in his dream ballpark. Check out his spray chart superimposed on soon-to-be Daikin Park:</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><a href="" target="_blank"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760537/Screenshot_2024-12-13_at_8.13.59_PM.jpg?ts=1734139071" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760537/Screenshot_2024-12-13_at_8.13.59_PM.jpg?ts=1734139071 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760537/Screenshot_2024-12-13_at_8.13.59_PM.jpg?ts=1734139071 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760537/Screenshot_2024-12-13_at_8.13.59_PM.jpg?ts=1734139071 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760537/Screenshot_2024-12-13_at_8.13.59_PM.jpg?ts=1734139071 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/760537/Screenshot_2024-12-13_at_8.13.59_PM.jpg?ts=1734139071 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></a></figure><p>(Source: <a href="https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/">Baseball Savant</a>)</p><p>Paredes' pull-heavy approach (the word "spray" might not even be in his vocabulary) could turn him into a monster with the cozy Crawford Boxes sitting 315 feet away in left. Once again, it's important to know your ballpark, and the Astros took advantage of a poor fit in Chicago to grab someone who should thrive in this new environment.</p><p>Paredes also offers the Astros some versatility as they continue with their offseason. If Brown's words are accurate and the club follows up this trade by re-signing longtime third baseman Alex Bregman, the new guy can simply shift across the diamond to fill the glaring hole at first base. Should Bregman walk away, they have his long-term replacement lined up.</p><p>The Astros also picked up Wesneski, an older but interesting arm who could fit in the back end of the rotation. The 27-year-old Houston native pitched mostly in relief for the Cubs last season but had some success during his seven spot starts, pitching into the seventh inning twice. Smith, the prospect, is a legitimate piece to get excited about, even though he won't be in the majors for another year or two. His arrival gives the Astros' barren farm system multiple top-100 prospects on MLB.com's list for the first time since 2021. Their system really needed this injection of talent, even if it's only from one player.</p><p>With all that said, we come back to the Astros viewing themselves as contenders after trading Tucker. It feels like they're deluding themselves. Teams that fancy themselves contenders do not trade players like Kyle Tucker. Even when faced with a barren farm system after an early playoff exit, contenders re-sign Kyle Tucker and build around him. Brown's <a href="https://twitter.com/Chandler_Rome/status/1867704750097281408">plan</a> right now is apparently to contend while replacing Tucker in right field with Chas McCormick, whose minus-0.6 bWAR last year was second worst on the team. A real contender wouldn't trade a superstar and then replace him with the equivalent of a shrug emoji.</p><p>This all changes if the Astros take whatever money they feel was saved by not paying Tucker and re-invest it into re-signing Bregman or signing Pete Alonso or acquiring a better right fielder - anything to signal they're still very much trying to stay with the Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners in a winnable division. For now, though, the Astros got an interesting yet underwhelming return for a franchise pillar that makes them worse and may signal the end of their golden era.</p><h3>Yankees land bullpen anchor in Williams </h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/490458/cropped_GettyImages-1344284012.jpg?ts=1641423073" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/490458/w220xh124_GettyImages-1344284012.jpg?ts=1641423073 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/490458/w320xh180_GettyImages-1344284012.jpg?ts=1641423073 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/490458/w640xh360_GettyImages-1344284012.jpg?ts=1641423073 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/490458/w768xh432_GettyImages-1344284012.jpg?ts=1641423073 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/490458/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1344284012.jpg?ts=1641423073 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Justin Casterline / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-xL6U8" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/xL6U8/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="133" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Yankees: A</strong></p><p>The New York Yankees solidified the back end of their bullpen by acquiring two-time All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers. The right-hander has been one of the majors' most dominant relievers since breaking into the league in 2019. Over the last three seasons, Williams ranks first among qualified relievers in ERA (1.66) and opponent average (.138), second in K/9 (14.1), third in fWAR (4.9), K-BB% (27.2) and FIP (2.29), and 10th in WHIP (0.96). He's been absolutely incredible.</p><p>Williams' addition allows last season's breakout star, Luke Weaver, to transition to a setup role and gives manager Aaron Boone the ability to deploy the right-hander in multiple innings when needed. Having Weaver now available in a type of fireman role makes the Yankees' bullpen that much more daunting. With Williams set to make virtually the same amount of money in his final year of arbitration as Nestor Cortes Jr., it leaves plenty of payroll available for general manager Brian Cashman to spend in other areas.</p><p>Moving on from Cortes frees up the logjam of starting pitchers the Yankees built up following the Max Fried signing. Cashman was able to eliminate some redundancy in the rotation while simultaneously addressing an area of need.</p><p>Williams made at least 58 appearances each season from 2021-23 but missed the first half of last year due to a stress fracture in his back. He was able to make a full recovery without surgery and was dominant upon his return, posting a 1.25 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 21 2/3 innings, so there shouldn't be any durability concerns.</p><p>Tanner Scott and Jeff Hoffman are the top two relievers on the free-agent market but are likely seeking huge paydays. In Williams, the Yankees arguably get the better arm while paying a minimal cost in terms of what they sent to Milwaukee. As disappointing as seeing Soto leave the Bronx was for the Yankees, the early job Cashman's done to pivot has been exceptional.</p><p><strong>Brewers: B</strong></p><p>Few small-market teams do as good a job with what they have as the Brewers. For a second straight season, GM Matt Arnold opted to trade one of his star impending free agents for an opportunity to not only continue to compete in the present but also set up for the future.</p><p>While Williams is unquestionably the best player in the deal, the Brewers were able to fill multiple needs while also trimming some salary. Cortes is an effective starter and is only a couple seasons removed from an All-Star appearance. He's made 70 starts and thrown close to 400 innings over the last three seasons and is coming off a year in which he posted a 3.77 ERA, a 1.15 WHIP, and 162 strikeouts over 174 1/3 innings. Cortes would have led the Brewers in innings pitched and sat second in strikeouts in 2024. He gives Milwaukee a much-needed left-handed starter.</p><p>With the incredibly high price for free-agent starting pitching this winter - Alex Cobb landed a one-year, $15-million deal - Arnold likely realized he would need to go through the trade market to find the impact he was looking for. Cortes is projected to earn $7.7 million in his final year of arbitration. The biggest knock on the return for the Brewers here is that Cortes only has one more year of team control before hitting the open market.</p><p>Much like the Corbin Burnes return a year ago, the Brewers were able to land a position player on the verge of reaching the majors. Durbin, 24, spent the bulk of last season in Triple-A, hitting .287/.396/.471 with 10 home runs and 29 stolen bases. He'll fit right in with a club that stole the second-most bases in 2024. Durbin also possesses an elite eye, striking out in just 10% of his 375 plate appearances last season. Milwaukee is hoping that elite command of the strike zone, as well as an ability to play third base, second, and shortstop, will help cover multiple areas on the roster. There are plenty of at-bats to go around following Willy Adames' departure should the Brewers not bring in another infielder.</p><p>At the end of the day, you have to wonder if the Brewers could have received more for Williams if they were willing to add pieces further away from the majors, but it's always a difficult job for a GM of a low-payroll team to trade away stars and try to compete. We'll give Arnold, the reigning Executive of the Year, the benefit of the doubt here.</p>

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Grading the Astros-Cubs, Yankees-Brewers All-Star trades 

Major League Baseball's winter meetings wrapped up Thursday, leaving us with plenty to digest. He...

<p>Major League Baseball's winter meetings wrapped up Thursday, leaving us with plenty to digest. Here are our biggest takeaways.</p><h3>Astros throw major star into trade market</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/578541/cropped_GettyImages-1491610187.jpg?ts=1684555859" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/578541/w220xh124_GettyImages-1491610187.jpg?ts=1684555859 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/578541/w320xh180_GettyImages-1491610187.jpg?ts=1684555859 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/578541/w640xh360_GettyImages-1491610187.jpg?ts=1684555859 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/578541/w768xh432_GettyImages-1491610187.jpg?ts=1684555859 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/578541/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1491610187.jpg?ts=1684555859 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Bob Levey / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown delivered one of the biggest surprises of the meetings when he said he's willing to listen on anyone in trade talks - including star outfielder Kyle Tucker and two-time All-Star starter Framber Valdez, who are both under team control for one more season.</p><p>All indications are that Tucker will be moved, and as shocking as that is, it makes sense from Houston's perspective. The Astros are finally showing significant cracks after ruling the AL for almost a decade. Alex Bregman is a free agent and reportedly asking for more than what owner Jim Crane is likely willing to spend, while the farm system ranks among the worst - if not the worst - in baseball. Houston still has enough pieces to remain competitive, but it's going to need to get creative in order to extend this window. That's where trading Tucker comes in. Juan Soto's monster contract likely sent a direct message to Crane, who is reluctant to hand out deals longer than six years, that a path to extend Tucker no longer exists. Houston needs to maximize the asset.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>It's reported that the Astros are seeking MLB-ready players in return for Tucker, which makes sense considering the team still has a talented core under contract. There's a real opportunity here for Brown to acquire the type of package the San Diego Padres received from the New York Yankees in the Soto deal last winter - a return that arguably made San Diego better than it would be had it held on to Soto. We saw the Milwaukee Brewers take the same approach with Corbin Burnes, turning him into two valuable MLB-ready pieces that are now under team control long term.</p><p>As difficult as it would be to move on from a player as talented as Tucker, the Astros have made a habit of watching stars leave without missing a step. And moving Tucker might be the only way for Houston to extend this window a little longer.</p><h3>Red Sox-White Sox blockbuster is big win for both sides</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637563/cropped_GettyImages-2158562892.jpg?ts=1723813082" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637563/w220xh124_GettyImages-2158562892.jpg?ts=1723813082 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637563/w320xh180_GettyImages-2158562892.jpg?ts=1723813082 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637563/w640xh360_GettyImages-2158562892.jpg?ts=1723813082 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637563/w768xh432_GettyImages-2158562892.jpg?ts=1723813082 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/637563/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2158562892.jpg?ts=1723813082 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Boston Red Sox chief baseball office Craig Breslow has been extremely vocal about how important this offseason is for the organization, saying the front office needs to get uncomfortable in order to improve the club. After watching one of his top targets in Max Fried sign with the Yankees, Breslow quickly pivoted to the trade market and sent out an enormous amount of prospect capital to the Chicago White Sox for Garrett Crochet.</p><p>While the cost was high, this is exactly the type of move the Red Sox have been building toward. Not every prospect can reach the majors, and Breslow was able to move a number of pieces that were likely blocked at the major-league level. Boston landed a legitimate ace that's projected to earn just $2.9 million in arbitration this winter, and Breslow was also able to hold on to the organization's top three prospects. Crochet's contract also opens the door for the Red Sox, who can use that additional payroll flexibility to continue to add in free agency or take on more money in trades as they pursue another starter, backend relief help, and an impact bat. This trade is another example of how important scouting and player development is, even for the high-payroll, big-market teams. Nailing selections - especially your first-round picks - is crucial to achieving success.</p><p>While they're celebrating in Boston, you have to believe they're doing the same on the South Side of Chicago. The haul the White Sox received is the type of package that can really accelerate a rebuild. Kyle Teel and Braden Montgomery project to be everyday major leaguers, Chase Meidroth showed exceptional plate discipline in the minors, and Wikelman Gonzalez possesses incredible strikeout numbers if the club can reign in his control. Chicago received a lot of high-ceiling players who also have a high floor. This was both quantity and quality.</p><h3>The price for starting pitching is insane</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744035/cropped_GettyImages-2169898858.jpg?ts=1725675416" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744035/w220xh124_GettyImages-2169898858.jpg?ts=1725675416 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744035/w320xh180_GettyImages-2169898858.jpg?ts=1725675416 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744035/w640xh360_GettyImages-2169898858.jpg?ts=1725675416 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744035/w768xh432_GettyImages-2169898858.jpg?ts=1725675416 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744035/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2169898858.jpg?ts=1725675416 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Todd Kirkland / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>It's not hard to see why the Red Sox were willing to part with so many prospects for Crochet when seeing the price for free-agent starting pitching. Fried, who is an elite arm but has never thrown more than 181 innings, inked an eight-year, $218-million deal with the Yankees while entering his age-31 season - a record for a left-handed starter. That will likely drive up Corbin Burnes' eventual deal to around $250 million (at least that's Scott Boras' hope).</p><p>It will be interesting to see how big of a contract Burnes ultimately lands. While the Fried signing likely raised the bar, it also took away a Burnes suitor. The Red Sox should still be in the mix for Burnes, but they're less desperate to add a starter after acquiring Crochet. The Giants and Blue Jays are rumored to be in talks for Burnes, but are they really that inclined to go all-in for the right-hander? The negotiations will be fascinating.</p><p>Even if Burnes doesn't land a record contract, he'll still be well-compensated. It's never been a better time to be a free-agent pitcher - Blake Snell (five-year, $182-million deal), Nathan Eovaldi (three-year, $75-million deal), Luis Severino (three-year, $67-million deal), Yusei Kikuchi (three-year, $63-million deal), Frankie Montas (two-year, $34-million deal), Matt Boyd (two-year, $29-million deal), Alex Cobb (one-year, $15-million), and Shane Bieber (one-year, $14-million) all signed in the last three weeks.</p><p>With the prices so high, it's not a surprise to see other teams dangling some really attractive arms. The Pittsburgh Pirates are reportedly interested in moving Mitch Keller or Jared Jones, while the Seattle Mariners are rumored to be willing to part with some of their starters for offensive help.</p><h3>Romano benefits from being non-tendered</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/635057/cropped_GettyImages-2155233017.jpg?ts=1725048766" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/635057/w220xh124_GettyImages-2155233017.jpg?ts=1725048766 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/635057/w320xh180_GettyImages-2155233017.jpg?ts=1725048766 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/635057/w640xh360_GettyImages-2155233017.jpg?ts=1725048766 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/635057/w768xh432_GettyImages-2155233017.jpg?ts=1725048766 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/635057/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2155233017.jpg?ts=1725048766 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Justin Casterline / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>It's not often that a player actually lands more money after being non-tendered, but that was the case when the Toronto Blue Jays decided they would no longer continue their partnership with closer Jordan Romano. </p><p>The two-time All-Star was projected to earn $7.75 million in his final year of arbitration, but the Blue Jays opted to cut ties in order to use those financial resources elsewhere. Romano then inked a one-year, $8.5-million deal with the reigning NL East champions, the Philadelphia Phillies.</p><p>Blue Jays general manger Ross Atkins said he believes Romano is healthy - he missed most of last season with an elbow injury - and the decision was for financial reasons. That's what makes the entire situation a bit confusing. The Blue Jays are desperate for bullpen help, and to release Romano for nothing is a head-scratcher. Why didn't the Blue Jays tender Romano a contract and at least shop him when there were clearly interested teams?</p><h3>Would you prefer Bregman or Arenado?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/604766/cropped_GettyImages-1741633993.jpg?ts=1701733990" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/604766/w220xh124_GettyImages-1741633993.jpg?ts=1701733990 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/604766/w320xh180_GettyImages-1741633993.jpg?ts=1701733990 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/604766/w640xh360_GettyImages-1741633993.jpg?ts=1701733990 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/604766/w768xh432_GettyImages-1741633993.jpg?ts=1701733990 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/604766/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1741633993.jpg?ts=1701733990 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Daniel Shirey / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Teams in need of third-base help have two very different paths they can travel. Alex Bregman and Nolan Arenado - two of baseball's premier defenders - are available this winter, and both are said to be flexible when it comes to moving positions, even though both are most valuable at third base.</p><p>Bregman is entering his age-31 season and coming off a year in which he hit 26 home runs to go with a .768 OPS. It was the third straight season in which his OPS declined. The Astros reportedly offered him a six-year, $156-million contract, though it's believed he's seeking a deal closer to $200 million. The Red Sox, Yankees, and Detroit Tigers are reportedly interested in Bregman, who will also cost a draft pick and international bonus pool money to sign after he rejected a qualifying offer.</p><p>Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak made it clear at the winter meetings that he will try and deal Arenado, and the 33-year-old is reportedly willing to waive his no-trade clause to go to the Los Angels Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Padres, Phillies, New York Mets, or Red Sox.</p><p>Arenado is coming off the worst season of his career since his 2013 rookie year. He hit 16 home runs and posted a .719 OPS over 152 games. It was his second straight season with an OPS below .800, but he remains an elite defender and doesn't strike out. Teams will bank on a potential change of scenery giving him a boost. He's owed $64 million over the final three years of his deal, making him a less risky addition than Bregman, even if he comes with a lower ceiling. There's a chance the Cardinals would be willing to eat some of the remaining money or even take a contract in return.</p><h3>Plenty of work left to be done</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754943/cropped_GettyImages-2179052587.jpg?ts=1731419537" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754943/w220xh124_GettyImages-2179052587.jpg?ts=1731419537 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754943/w320xh180_GettyImages-2179052587.jpg?ts=1731419537 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754943/w640xh360_GettyImages-2179052587.jpg?ts=1731419537 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754943/w768xh432_GettyImages-2179052587.jpg?ts=1731419537 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754943/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2179052587.jpg?ts=1731419537 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Luke Hales / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>This year's winter meetings were busy but not completely crazy, and executives departed Dallas with plenty of work to be done before spring training opens in February. Expect the weeks leading into Christmas to be pretty busy, as a number of players will try to get deals done before the new year.</p><p>For teams still looking to fill holes, there are lots of players remaining on the free-agent market. In addition to the players discussed above, Pete Alonso, Christian Walker, Gleyber Torres, Anthony Santander, Teoscar Hernández, Jurickson Profar, Joc Pederson, Sean Manaea, Jack Flaherty, Nick Pivetta, Walker Buehler, Tanner Scott, Jeff Hoffman, Kenley Jansen, Kirby Yates, Carlos Estévez, and many others remain unsigned.</p>

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What we learned at MLB's winter meetings

The Texas Rangers added another power bat to their lineup.  Texas acquired first baseman Jake Bur...

<p>The Texas Rangers added another power bat to their lineup.</p><p>Texas acquired first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12550" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12550">Jake Burger</a> from the Miami Marlins for infield prospects Echedry Vargas and Max Acosta, in addition to left-handed starter Brayan Mendoza, the clubs announced Wednesday.</p><p>Burger is one of the more underrated sluggers in MLB. He's homered 63 times across 278 games over the last two seasons - the third-highest mark among first basemen over that span.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 28-year-old is coming off a year in which he hit .250/.301/.460 with 29 home runs, 23 doubles, and 150 strikeouts in 137 games. He spent 69 contests at first base and also appeared in 59 games at third.</p><p>While Burger does have over 200 outings defensively at third base under his belt, he grades as a poor defender and will likely see the majority of time at first moving forward. He could serve as the right-handed hitting part of a first-base platoon with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9902" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9902">Nathaniel Lowe</a> or spend time as a designated hitter. Burger posted a .799 OPS against right-handed pitchers last season and a .678 OPS against lefties.</p><p>Burger isn't arbitration-eligible until next offseason and is under team control through 2028.</p><p>It's the second significant move at the winter meetings for the Rangers, who also <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3156320" href="https://thescore.com/news/3156320">reportedly</a> re-signed starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2345" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2345">Nathan Eovaldi</a> to a three-year, $75-million deal. </p><p>Vargas was the Rangers' No. 17 prospect, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/milb/prospects/rangers">MLB Pipeline</a>. The 19-year-old shortstop hit .276/.321/.454 with 14 homers and 29 stolen bases in 97 appearances in Single-A last season.</p><p>Acosta is a 22-year-old middle infielder and was not ranked in the Rangers' top 30 prospects. He slashed .288/.353/.425 with eight home runs, 23 doubles, and 26 stolen bases in 104 games with Double-A Frisco in 2024. </p><p>Mendoza, 20, spent last season between two levels in Single-A. He posted a 2.32 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 109 strikeouts over 101 innings (19 starts). </p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 17: Jake Burger #36 of the Miami Marlins in action against the New York Mets at Citi Field on August 17, 2024 in New York City. The Mets defeated the Marlins 4-0.

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Marlins trade Burger to Rangers for 3 prospects

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Jonathan Soveta

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Tom Ruminski

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