Outfielder Randal Grichuk is returning to the Arizona Diamondbacks on a one-year, $5-million cont...

<p>Outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2561" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2561">Randal Grichuk</a> is returning to the Arizona Diamondbacks on a one-year, $5-million contract with a mutual option for 2026, the club announced Tuesday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Grichuk’s base salary for 2025 is $2 million, with a $5 million mutual option for 2026 ($3 million buyout), per source. So the guarantee is $5 million plus $500K in incentives in 2025. <a href="https://t.co/yN9V0Q6h4g">https://t.co/yN9V0Q6h4g</a></p>— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) <a href="https://twitter.com/Feinsand/status/1886920930485539317?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Grichuk hit .291/.348/.875 with 12 home runs and 46 RBIs in 279 plate appearances for the Diamondbacks in 2024. He recorded an impressive .913 OPS against left-handed pitching. </p><p>The 33-year-old did most of his damage in September during one of the hottest stretches of his career. He hit seven home runs and five doubles in just 47 at-bats while Arizona fought for a wild-card spot.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Grichuk has also played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays, Colorado Rockies, and Los Angeles Angels across 11 MLB campaigns. He holds a career .768 OPS (104 OPS+) with 203 home runs.</p>

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 27: Randal Grichuk #15 of the Arizona Diamondbacks bats during the game against the San Diego Padres at Chase Field on September 27, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Padres defeated the Diamondbacks 5-3.

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D-Backs re-sign Grichuk to 1-year, $5M deal

The Baltimore Orioles signed outfielder Ramón Laureano to a one-year, $4-million contract, the cl...

<p>The Baltimore Orioles signed outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5552" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5552">Ramón Laureano</a> to a one-year, $4-million contract, the club announced Tuesday.</p><p>The deal includes a club option for 2026 worth $6.5 million, according to <a href="https://x.com/JonHeyman/status/1886886718701494522">Jon Heyman of the New York Post</a>. </p><p>Laureano hit .259/.311/.437 with 11 home runs and 33 RBIs in 98 games split between the Cleveland Guardians and Atlanta Braves in 2024. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He struggled mightily in 31 games with Cleveland before being released. Laureano joined the Braves on a minor-league deal and fared much better, impressing with an .832 OPS (128 OPS+) in 226 plate appearances.</p><p>The 30-year-old, now entering his eighth MLB season, still has one of baseball's strongest arms. He ranked in the 100th percentile in arm value and 89th percentile in arm strength last season.</p><p>Laureano profiles as a bench bat for the Orioles, whose starting outfield appears set with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13841" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13841">Colton Cowser</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5140" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5140">Tyler O'Neill</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5763" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5763">Cedric Mullins</a>. </p><p>The righty owns a .749 OPS (108 OPS+) for his career. </p><p> </p><p> </p>

ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 02: Ramón Laureano #18 of Atlanta Braves bats in the fifth inning during Game Two of the National League Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on October 2, 2024 in San Diego California.

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Orioles, Laureano agree to 1-year, $4M deal

Veteran reliever Tim Hill is returning to the New York Yankees on a one-year, $2.85-million deal,...

<p>Veteran reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8824" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8824">Tim Hill</a> is returning to the New York Yankees on a one-year, $2.85-million deal, sources told <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1886841016113635515">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a>.</p><p>The contract will pay Hill a $2.5-million base salary in 2025 and also includes a club option for 2026 worth $3 million with a $350,000 buyout, Passan reports.</p><p>Hill, 34, returns to New York after impressing in pinstripes. He pitched to a career-best 2.05 ERA (202 ERA+) and 1.02 WHIP in 44 innings after being acquired midseason from the Chicago White Sox. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The lefty allowed just one earned run across 10 appearances during the postseason for the AL-champion Yankees.</p><p>Hill has also pitched for the Kansas City Royals and San Diego Padres during his seven-year MLB career.</p><p> </p><p> </p>

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 29: Tim Hill #54 of the New York Yankees reacts during game 4 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Yankee Stadium on October 29, 2024, in the Bronx borough of New York City, New York.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30110844/related

Report: Yankees re-sign Hill to 1-year, $2.85M contract

The Tampa Bay Rays acquired pitcher Alex Faedo from the Detroit Tigers for minor-league catcher E...

<p>The Tampa Bay Rays acquired pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9549" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9549">Alex Faedo</a> from the Detroit Tigers for minor-league catcher Enderson Delgado and cash, the clubs announced Monday. </p><p>Detroit designated Faedo for assignment Jan. 29 to make room on its roster for the newly signed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3835" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3835">Tommy Kahnle</a>.</p><p>"I couldn't be more excited," the Tampa native told <a href="https://www.tampabay.com/sports/rays/2025/02/03/rays-add-pitching-depth-with-trade-tampa-product-alex-faedo/">Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times</a>. "From the aspect of growing up a lifelong Rays fan, being born and raised in Tampa, my family lives here, to be close to my wife and kids, I would say I couldn't be happier about it, for sure. ... It's just a really cool feeling."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Faedo recorded a 3.61 ERA and 1.34 WHIP with 55 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings with the Tigers in 2024. He predominantly appeared out of the bullpen after working as a starting pitcher the previous two years.</p><p>Delgado, 20, hit .255/.382/.391 with four home runs and 21 RBIs in 56 games at the Rays' Single-A affiliate, the Charleston RiverDogs. </p><p>Tampa Bay signed him as an amateur free agent in 2022. </p><p> </p>

DETROIT, MI - AUGUST 15: Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Alex Faedo (49) pitches during the first inning of a regular season Major League Baseball game between the Seattle Mariners and the Detroit Tigers on August 15, 2024 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan.

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Rays acquire Faedo in trade with Tigers

An agreement is in place for Canelo Álvarez to defend his super middleweight titles against Teren...

<p>An agreement is in place for Canelo Álvarez to defend his super middleweight titles against Terence Crawford in September on a Riyadh Season card in Las Vegas, according to <a href="https://ringmagazine.com/en/news/canelo-alvarez-vs-terence-crawford-agreement-in-place-for-september-megafight-in-las-vegas">The Ring's Keith Idec</a>.</p><p>The megafight will go down Sept. 13, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/43678073/sources-canelo-alvarez-terence-crawford-finalizing-sept-13-title-bout">ESPN's Mike Coppinger</a>. A venue is still to be determined.</p><p>The agreement won't contain any catchweight or rehydration clauses, Coppinger reports.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Crawford (41-0) would need to move up two weight classes to super middleweight to fight Álvarez (62-2-2), who remains one of the biggest and most marketable stars in the sport.</p><p>Álvarez currently holds the WBA, WBC, and WBO super middleweight titles, and his next fight is expected to be May 3. His opponent has not yet been decided, but William Scull has been considered.</p><p>Crawford made his junior middleweight debut when he last fought Aug. 3 and defeated Israil Madrimov (10-1-1) by unanimous decision.</p><p>It will be 13 months between fights for Crawford if he does not box again before his match with Álvarez. But he's no stranger to extended layoffs, as the last time he fought twice in the same year was 2019.</p><p> </p><p> </p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 14: WBC/WBA/WBO super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez looks on before a title fight at T-Mobile Arena on September 14, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Report: Álvarez, Crawford agree to title fight in September

The Detroit Tigers may not be finished adding to their roster.   The club remains interested in s...

<p>The Detroit Tigers may not be finished adding to their roster. </p><p>The club remains interested in signing free-agent third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5367" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5367">Alex Bregman</a> after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3208169" href="https://thescore.com/news/3208169">reportedly</a> reuniting with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5646" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5646">Jack Flaherty</a> on Sunday night, a source told <a href="https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2025/02/03/detroit-tigers-still-want-alex-bregman-after-signing-jack-flaherty/78172465007/">Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press</a>.</p><p>The Houston Astros, Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, and Chicago Cubs all remain involved in the Bregman sweepstakes, Petzold reports. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Detroit has pursued Bregman, 30, throughout the offseason, forgoing pursuits of other position players like <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8303" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8303">Anthony Santander</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12593" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12593">Ha-Seong Kim</a> in hopes of ultimately landing him.</p><p>Bregman makes sense for the Tigers on several levels: Their lefty-heavy lineup could use a right-handed bat, they have a hole at third base, and their young squad would benefit from his veteran leadership.</p><p>The money, however, remains a sticking point. It was widely reported earlier this offseason that Bregman turned down a six-year, $156-million deal this that would have kept him with the Astros.</p><p>Detroit has already raised its 2025 payroll by more than $60 million with the additions of Flaherty, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4975" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4975">Gleyber Torres</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1757" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1757">Alex Cobb</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3835" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3835">Tommy Kahnle</a>. </p><p>Bregman is a two-time World Series champion coming off a Gold Glove-winning season with the Astros. He owns an .848 OPS (132 OPS+) with 191 home runs and 663 RBIs across nine MLB campaigns.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 23: Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros fields a ball during Game 7 of the ALCS between the Texas Rangers and the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on Monday, October 23, 2023 in Houston, Texas.

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Report: Tigers still interested in Bregman after recent additions

The Cincinnati Reds and Chicago White Sox were on the verge of completing a blockbuster trade bef...

<p>The Cincinnati Reds and Chicago White Sox were on the verge of completing a blockbuster trade before it ultimately fell through.</p><p>Cincinnati was working to acquire outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9624" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9624">Luis Robert Jr.</a>, but talks ended Sunday due to disagreements over how much of his salary Chicago would retain, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6098787/2025/01/30/reds-white-sox-luis-robert-pujols/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=mlbtw&amp;source=mlbtw">The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon</a>.</p><p>The 27-year-old is owed $15 million in 2025 and has club options for 2026 and 2027 at $20 million apiece, each with a $2-million buyout.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Prospect Edwin Arroyo was among the names discussed in a potential return for Robert, who also drew interest from the San Francisco Giants earlier in the offseason, Rosenthal and Sammon report. </p><p>Cincinnati decided to instead shore up its outfield by signing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8511" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8511">Austin Hays</a> to a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3202925" href="https://thescore.com/news/3202925">reported</a> one-year deal worth $5 million. </p><p>Robert is coming off a down season for the lowly White Sox in which he slashed just .224/.278/.379 with 14 home runs and 23 stolen bases. He struck out 141 times in 425 plate appearances. </p><p>He fared much better in 2023, accruing 4.9 fWAR while setting personal bests in home runs (38) and RBIs (80). It remains the only year of his career in which he played in more than 100 games.</p><p>Robert owns a .790 OPS (117 OPS+) across five MLB campaigns. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 04: Luis Robert Jr. #88 of the Chicago White Sox warms up before the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 4, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30040747/related

Report: Reds explored trade with White Sox for Robert 

Reliever Ryne Stanek is returning to the New York Mets on a one-year deal, the team announced.  T...

<p>Reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5911" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5911">Ryne Stanek</a> is returning to the New York Mets on a one-year deal, the team announced.</p><p>The contract will pay Stanek $4.5 million in 2025 and includes an additional $500,000 worth of incentives, sources told <a href="https://x.com/Feinsand/status/1884660722811978240">MLB.com's Mark Feinsand</a>.</p><p>Stanek, 33, recorded a 6.06 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over 16 1/3 innings for the Mets down the stretch after they acquired him from the Seattle Mariners ahead of the 2024 trade deadline.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The righty fared much better in the postseason, allowing just three earned runs across seven appearances for New York. </p><p>Stanek established himself as a high-leverage reliever during a three-year tenure with the Houston Astros that began in 2021. He posted a microscopic 1.15 ERA (224 ERA+) in 2022 for the eventual World Series champions. </p><p>The veteran has also pitched for the Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins throughout his eight-year career.</p><p>New York designated right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5543" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5543">Dylan Covey</a> for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Stanek. </p>

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 01: Ryne Stanek #55 of the New York Mets celebrates after beating the Milwaukee Brewers 8-4 in Game One of the Wild Card Series at American Family Field on October 01, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30028500/related

Mets re-sign Stanek to 1-year contract

Three of baseball's brightest young stars are coming together to star on the cover for MLB The Sh...

<p>Three of baseball's brightest young stars are coming together to star on the cover for MLB The Show 25. </p><p>MLB on Tuesday officially revealed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14246" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14246">Elly De La Cruz</a> of the Cincinnati Reds, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12258" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12258">Gunnar Henderson</a> of the Baltimore Orioles, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17521" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17521">Paul Skenes</a> of the Pittsburgh Pirates as the latest cover athletes for the popular video game.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Your 2025 <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBTheShow?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MLBTheShow</a> cover stars are Paul Skenes, Elly De La Cruz and Gunnar Henderson ⭐️ <a href="https://t.co/zx90he3Za5">pic.twitter.com/zx90he3Za5</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1884285496676987234?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>It's the first time in the franchise's lengthy history that multiple players have appeared on the same cover. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The news comes after each of the stars staked their claim to the cover Monday, beginning with De Le Cruz on social media.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFVxU3OJoWE/?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/reel/DFVxU3OJoWE/?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/reel/DFVxU3OJoWE/?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 Elly De La Cruz ☠️💀 (@la_cocoa_____18)</a></p>
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<script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>Henderson disputed De La Cruz's claim hours later, saying he had actually been tabbed to be the cover athlete.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">It sounds like Gunnar Henderson will also be on the cover of MLB The Show 25! 🎮<br><br>🎥: g_henderson002/IG <a href="https://t.co/9SC7BokF8a">pic.twitter.com/9SC7BokF8a</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1883975966701281677?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Skenes then entered the conversation to throw another wrench into the mix. Last season's NL Rookie of the Year claimed the cover was his and wanted to "settle this" with De La Cruz and Henderson before the game is released.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">You can add Paul Skenes to the list of players coming for the cover of MLB The Show 25! 🎮<br><br>🎥: paulskenes/IG <a href="https://t.co/3tAhFzGHMc">pic.twitter.com/3tAhFzGHMc</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1883996005693346024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>MLB The Show 25 is slated to release in March.</p>

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Elly, Gunnar, Skenes named cover athletes for MLB The Show 25

The Pittsburgh Pirates and reliever Tim Mayza agreed to a one-year, $1.15-million contract, sourc...

<p>The Pittsburgh Pirates and reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5834" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5834">Tim Mayza</a> agreed to a one-year, $1.15-million contract, sources told <a href="https://x.com/AlexJStumpf/status/1884049680788775287">MLB.com's Alex Stumpf</a>.</p><p>Mayza, 33, split the 2024 season between the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees. He uncharacteristically struggled to a 6.33 ERA and 1.62 WHIP with 28 strikeouts in 42 2/3 innings.</p><p>However, the lefty didn't allow a run across three postseason appearances with the Yankees during their run to the World Series.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>His best season came in 2023 with the Blue Jays when he pitched to a 1.52 ERA (284 ERA+) across a career-high 69 games. He accrued 1.3 fWAR, his most in a single campaign.</p><p>Mayza should bolster a Pirates bullpen that finished bottom five in the National League in ERA (4.49), FIP (3.95), and WAR (3.4).</p><p> </p><p> </p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 29: Tim Mayza #58 of the New York Yankees pitches during the ninth inning of Game Four of the 2024 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Yankee Stadium on October 29, 2024 in the Bronx borough of New York City.

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Report: Pirates agree to 1-year deal with Mayza

The San Diego Padres traded cash to the Chicago White Sox for relief pitcher Ron Marinaccio, the ...

<p>The San Diego Padres traded cash to the Chicago White Sox for relief pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13637" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13637">Ron Marinaccio</a>, the clubs announced Friday.</p><p>Chicago designated Marinaccio for assignment Tuesday to make room on the 40-man roster for free-agent signing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1406" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1406">Martín Pérez</a>. The White Sox claimed Marinaccio off waivers from the New York Yankees in September.</p><p>He spent the last three seasons pitching out of the bullpen in New York. The 29-year-old recorded a 3.86 ERA and 1.20 WHIP with 25 strikeouts in 23 1/3 innings in 2024 before being cut loose.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The righty's best showing came in 2022 when he pitched to a 2.05 ERA (193 ERA+) with a 11.5 K/9 in 40 appearances as a rookie. </p><p>San Diego's had a quiet offseason and needed bullpen help following the departure of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5525" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5525">Tanner Scott</a>, who signed a four-year, $72-million contract with NL West rivals the Los Angeles Dodgers.</p><p> </p><p> </p>

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 10: Ron Marinaccio #97 of the New York Yankees pitches during the game between the Texas Rangers and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Saturday, August 10, 2024 in New York, New York.

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Padres acquire Marinaccio from White Sox for cash

The Los Angeles Angels signed utility man J.D. Davis to a minor-league deal with an invite to spr...

<p>The Los Angeles Angels signed utility man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5038" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5038">J.D. Davis</a> to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ByRobertMurray/status/1882771552208650543">Robert Murray of FanSided</a>.</p><p>Davis struggled in 46 games split between the Athletics and New York Yankees in 2024. He hit just .218/.293/.338 with four home runs and six RBIs.</p><p>The 31-year-old was more productive with the San Francisco Giants in 2023, putting up a .738 OPS (104+) across a career-high 144 games.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Davis has experience playing third base, first base, and left field. If he makes the team out of spring training, he could provide a versatile bench bat for the Angels.</p><p>Davis has also played for the New York Mets and the Houston Astros as part of an eight-year MLB career.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 24: J.D. Davis #38 of the New York Yankees in action against the New York Mets at Yankee Stadium on July 24, 2024 in New York City. The Mets defeated the Yankees 12-3.

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Report: Angels, Davis agree to minor-league contract

The Polar Bear could be heading to the Great White North.  The Toronto Blue Jays and All-Star fir...

<p>The Polar Bear could be heading to the Great White North.</p><p>The Toronto Blue Jays and All-Star first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8674" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8674">Pete Alonso</a> are "advancing" in contract discussions, a source told <a href="https://x.com/martinonyc/status/1882523213844123989">Andy Martino of SNY</a>.</p><p>But despite the sides talking, there's no momentum toward a deal, <a href="https://x.com/ShiDavidi/status/1882567407358914931">Sportsnet's Shi Davidi and Ben Nicholson-Smith</a> report.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Alonso spent the previous six seasons with the New York Mets before hitting free agency. It was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3191773" href="https://thescore.com/news/3191773">reported</a> earlier in January that the club expects him to sign elsewhere after negotiations stalled.</p><p>If the 30-year-old did join the Blue Jays, he would form a powerful trio with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8267" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8267">Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8303" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8303">Anthony Santander</a>, the latter of whom recently signed a five-year, $92.5-million deal.</p><p>Alonso's positional fit in Toronto is unclear; he'd likely split time at first base and designated hitter with Guerrero, who remains unsigned beyond 2025.</p><p>Adding Alonso would push the Blue Jays further into the upper luxury-tax thresholds. Their tax payroll already sits at just over $245 million, which is fifth in MLB, per <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/tax/_/year/2025/sort/tax_total">Spotrac</a>.</p><p>Toronto also added relievers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4786" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4786">Jeff Hoffman</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3943" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3943">Yimi García</a> this winter and traded for second baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8766" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8766">Andrés Giménez</a>.</p>

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 09: Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets takes the field prior to Game 4 of the Division Series presented by Booking.com between the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Mets at Citi Field on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 in New York, New York.

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Report: Blue Jays, Alonso 'advancing' in contract talks

Newly-elected Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki took a playful shot at the lone baseball writer who did...

<p>Newly-elected Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki took a playful shot at the lone baseball writer who didn't vote for him.</p><p>"I was able to receive many votes from the writers, and (I'm) grateful for them," Suzuki said at his Hall of Fame news conference, per SNY.</p><p>"But there was one writer that I wasn't able to get a vote from. I would like to invite him over to my house, and we'll have a drink together, and we'll have a good chat."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ichiro Suzuki offers to have the only writer that did not vote him into the Baseball Hall of Fame over to his house to "have a drink together and have a good chat" 🤣 <a href="https://t.co/FlMzAbEp4R">pic.twitter.com/FlMzAbEp4R</a></p>— SNY (@SNYtv) <a href="https://twitter.com/SNYtv/status/1882477090777243882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Suzuki fell just short of a unanimous admission, receiving 393 of a possible 394 votes. He joins New York Yankees legend and former teammate Derek Jeter as the only players to receive 99.7% of the votes.</p><p>As such, all-time great closer Mariano Rivera remains the only player in MLB history to be inducted unanimously.</p><p>Suzuki earned his place in baseball lore with 3,089 hits over 19 MLB seasons. He also won seven batting titles and amassed 1,278 hits in Japan before coming to North America.</p><p>He'll be officially inducted into the Hall of Fame on July 27 alongside C.C. Sabathia, Billy Wagner, Dick Allen, and Dave Parker. Allen and Parker were elected by the Classic Baseball Era Committee last month.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

COOPERSTOWN, NY - JANUARY 23: Ichiro Suzuki speaks to the media after being elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2025 on January 23, 2025 in Cooperstown, New York.

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Ichiro wants to 'have a drink' with writer who didn't vote for him for HOF

Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman dismissed talk of having a p...

<p>Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman dismissed talk of having a prearranged deal with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18692" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18692">Roki Sasaki</a>.</p><p>"There's going to be noise, it's so ridiculous," Friedman said during a radio interview on <a href="https://x.com/DoyersFR/status/1882229739282420061">AM 570 LA Sports</a>. </p><p>"The funniest, for me, is people who said before the process started 'Oh he's gonna go to the Dodgers' and then he went to the Dodgers and they said 'See, the fix is in!' No, the reasons you thought he was going to come to the Dodgers were pretty compelling reasons. And he agreed and felt like we would be the best place to partner with."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Sasaki chose the Dodgers after generating interest from most teams across the league due to his affordability as an international amateur free agent. He named two other finalists, the San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays, before ultimately deciding to go to L.A.</p><p>MLB also conducted an investigation before Sasaki was posted by the Chiba Lotte Marines in December and found no indication of a handshake deal between him and the Dodgers. </p><p>Friedman believes several factors helped tip the scales.</p><p>"Our city, our fans, our ability to help make players better, friends and familiar faces that he already knows - there are so many reasons that we felt like - and obviously we are biased - that it made sense but we weren't sure how it was going to land with a 23-year-old," the executive explained.</p><p>Sasaki <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3197768" href="https://thescore.com/news/3197768">praised</a> the Dodgers' front office stability during his introductory press conference on Wednesday. He also said that while he is excited to play alongside <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17234" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17234">Yoshinobu Yamamoto</a>, he didn't prioritize teaming up with other Japanese players when evaluating his options.</p><p>The right-hander is set to join an incredible Dodgers starting rotation that includes Ohtani, Yamamoto, <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/5351" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5351">Blake Snell</a>. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

Los Angeles, CA - January 22: Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki with Andrew Friedman, president of baseball operations along with general manager Brandon Gomes, left, and manager Dave Roberts as he is introduced as the newest Dodger during a press conference at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, January 22, 2025.

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Friedman: 'Ridiculous' to say Sasaki chose Dodgers ahead of time

The Cleveland Guardians signed veteran reliever Paul Sewald to a one-year contract, the team anno...

<p>The Cleveland Guardians signed veteran reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5444" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5444">Paul Sewald</a> to a one-year contract, the team announced Wednesday.</p><p>The deal is worth $7 million, according to Zack Meisel of The Athletic.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Guardians' deal with Paul Sewald, per source:<br><br>Guaranteed one year, $7M<br><br>$1M signing bonus, $5M salary<br>$1M buyout or $10M salary for 2026<br><br>He'll earn an extra $100k for 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 appearances in 2025.</p>— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZackMeisel/status/1882158514669588889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Sewald, who will turn 35 in May, recorded a 4.31 ERA and 1.13 WHIP with 43 strikeouts in 39 2/3 innings with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2024. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The righty converted 16 of his 20 save opportunities but ultimately lost the full-time closer role down the stretch. He pitched to a 7.04 ERA from July 1st onward after allowing just one earned run in his first 18 appearances.</p><p>If Sewald can return to form, he'll provide the Guardians with another effective high-leverage arm in a bullpen that already includes <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11259" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11259">Emmanuel Clase</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14023" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14023">Cade Smith</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15380" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15380">Hunter Gaddis</a>.</p><p>The eight-year veteran has also spent time with the New York Mets and Seattle Mariners.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 15: Relief pitcher Paul Sewald #38 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches against the Cincinnati Reds during the ninth inning at Chase Field on May 15, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks defeated the Reds 2-1.

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Guardians ink Sewald to 1-year contract reportedly worth $7M

Topps announced Tuesday that an 11-year-old collector from Los Angeles has pulled its highly soug...

<p>Topps announced Tuesday that an 11-year-old collector from Los Angeles has pulled its highly sought-after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17521" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17521">Paul Skenes</a> rookie card.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: The Paul Skenes 1/1 Rookie Debut Patch Autograph card has been pulled by an 11-year-old collector from Los Angeles, CA. <a href="https://t.co/tYZe5KuqM2">pic.twitter.com/tYZe5KuqM2</a></p>— Topps (@Topps) <a href="https://twitter.com/Topps/status/1881756640476832250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Earlier this offseason, the Pittsburgh Pirates <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3129250" href="https://thescore.com/news/3129250">promised a massive haul</a> for the fan who found the one-of-one rookie debut patch autograph card. </p><p>The team is hoping to trade the lucky fan for the collectible, offering a package that includes season tickets behind home plate for 30 years, a meet and greet with Skenes, two autographed jerseys, and a 30-person softball game at PNC Park featuring coaches and Pirates alumni. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>It remains to be seen how much money the Skenes card could fetch in a sale if the collector chooses to sell it instead.</p><p>Skenes won the National League Rookie of the Year award after dominating in his first taste of MLB action. He pitched to a sparkling 1.96 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in 133 innings while striking out 170 batters. </p><p>The 22-year-old finished third in the NL Cy Young Award voting. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 10: Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (30) looks on during the MLB game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Los Angeles Dodgers on August 10, 2024 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA.

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11-year-old collector pulls rare Skenes rookie card

Although the Los Angeles Dodgers continued to add to their star-studded roster by signing Japanes...

<p>Although the Los Angeles Dodgers continued to add to their star-studded roster by signing Japanese phenom <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18692" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18692">Roki Sasaki</a>, San Francisco Giants third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5380" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5380">Matt Chapman</a> knows World Series titles aren't won in the offseason.</p><p>"Nothing's guaranteed," he said, according to <a href="https://x.com/justdelossantos/status/1880681383372501502">Justice delos Santos of The Mercury News</a>.</p><p>"You have to go out there and do it. On paper, your team can look great. Obviously, they're probably the favorites, but that doesn't change anything for us. Our goals are to win the division, to make the playoffs."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Chapman's Giants have also added their fair share of talent. They inked shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4784" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4784">Willy Adames</a> to a seven-year, $182 million contract in December and recently bolstered their rotation with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/195" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/195">Justin Verlander</a>. </p><p>Beyond Sasaki, the Dodgers have also added two former Giants in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5351" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5351">Blake Snell</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4772">Michael Conforto</a> while re-signing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4472" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4472">Teoscar Hernández</a> and extending NLCS MVP <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9695" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9695">Tommy Edman</a>.</p><p>Los Angeles has roughly $273 million on the books for 2025, while San Francisco has approximately $163 million, per <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/payroll/_/year/2025/sort/cap_maximum_space2">Spotrac</a>.</p><p>The Giants are looking to return to the playoffs after falling short for a third straight year in 2024.</p>

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 29: Matt Chapman #26 of the San Francisco Giants stands on the field after their game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Oracle Park on September 29, 2024 in San Francisco, California.

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Giants' Chapman won't crown Dodgers yet: 'Go out there and do it'

The St. Louis Cardinals are still hoping to find a suitable trade partner for third baseman Nolan...

<p>The St. Louis Cardinals are still hoping to find a suitable trade partner for third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2381" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2381">Nolan Arenado</a>.</p><p>President of baseball operations John Mozeliak called moving him "Priorities 1, 2, and 3" for his club, with other needs still needing to be addressed, according to <a href="https://www.stltoday.com/sports/professional/mlb/cardinals/trading-nolan-arenado-is-priority-1-2-and-3-says-mozeliak-live-from-cardinals-warm/article_b2d5eb72-d5b6-11ef-817a-d3c162ab83ed.html">Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch</a>.</p><p>"There is still time. Obviously, by the time we get to Jupiter and open up camp, we would like to have some closure," Mozeliak said. "That's not to say we will."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"We're going to have to be patient throughout the next 8-10 weeks to see where it gets us. We'll continue to try to find a place that he's happy with, and we'll use our time as best we can on that."</p><p>Facilitating an Arenado trade has proven easier said than done. He exercised his no-trade clause earlier this offseason to block a deal with the Houston Astros, who have since pivoted elsewhere.</p><p>The Cardinals would've absorbed roughly $15 million of the $74 million remaining on Arenado's contract in that trade and aren't looking to take on more in the eventual swap, per Goold.</p><p>St. Louis has talked with the Boston Red Sox, but nothing has materialized as they remain interested in free-agent third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5367" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5367">Alex Bregman</a>.</p><p>Arenado, winner of 10 Gold Glove awards, hit just 16 home runs with a .719 OPS (101 OPS+) across 152 games in 2024. He's just two seasons removed from a top-three finish in NL MVP voting.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12469" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12469">Nolan Gorman</a> is one of several internal candidates to play third base for the Cardinals if Arenado is ultimately moved.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 09: Nolan Arenado #28 of the St. Louis Cardinals bats against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on July 09, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Mozeliak: Trading Arenado is 'Priorities 1, 2, and 3'

The future is murky in San Diego after striking out on Roki Sasaki.  The club has entertained the...

<p>The future is murky in San Diego after striking out on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/15889" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/15889">Roki Sasaki</a>.</p><p>The club has entertained the idea of trading away some of its star players to lower payroll commitments for 2025 and pursue more affordable talent, according to <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>. </p><p>The Padres already have roughly $194 million committed to player salaries despite a quiet offseason thus far, per <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/san-diego-padres/payroll/_/year/2025">Spotrac</a>. Key 2024 contributors <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2876" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2876">Jurickson Profar</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5525" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5525">Tanner Scott</a> remain unsigned free agents. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>San Diego has several massive long-term deals on its books. </p><p>Infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3629" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3629">Xander Bogaerts</a> will make $25 million annually through 2033, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2577" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2577">Manny Machado</a> still has nine years and more than $300 million on his contract, and the 14-year, $340-million deal <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8286" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8286">Fernando Tatis Jr</a>. signed runs until 2034.</p><p>Tatis is still just 26 and remains a relative bargain despite back-to-back down seasons by his standards. Bogaerts and Machado, however, are 32 and would theoretically be challenging to move given their salaries.</p><p>On the pitching side, 38-year-old <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2901" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2901">Yu Darvish</a> is still owed $67 million over the next four years. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5369" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5369">Joe Musgrove</a> will make $20 million in 2025 but is expected to miss the entire season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. </p><p>San Diego will have a hole in left field and its bullpen if these contracts ultimately prevent reunions with Profar and Scott.</p><p>The Padres are coming off a promising 93-win season in 2024. However, they have to share the NL West with the juggernaut Los Angeles Dodgers, who have added Sasaki and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5351" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5351">Blake Snell</a> and re-signed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4472" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4472">Teoscar Hernández</a> among a plethora of moves this offseason.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 06: San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (13) and San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) talk with San Diego Padres pitcher Yu Darvish (11) during game two of the National League Division Series game between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers on October 6, 2024 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA.

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Report: Padres mulling trading away stars to lower payroll

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Ben Wrixon

Associate Baseball News Editor

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