The sports world was shocked Saturday following the announcement of Baseball Hall of Famer Rickey...

<p>The sports world was shocked Saturday following the announcement of Baseball Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson's death at age 65.</p><p>Immediately after the news broke, tributes began pouring in from around baseball from former teammates, opponents, and admirers of one of the sport's greatest and most iconic players.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DD2UPzbuidg/?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/DD2UPzbuidg/?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/DD2UPzbuidg/?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 DAVE WINFIELD | Hall Of Fame (@davewinfieldhof)</a></p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rickey Henderson was a dream to hit behind as teammate and a nightmare for a catcher as an opponent. He was one of the most generous, hysterical and gracious human beings..He will be sorely missed..Prayers for his soul and family..<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MLB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MLB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HOF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HOF</a> <a href="https://t.co/nL7tJeDIrE">pic.twitter.com/nL7tJeDIrE</a></p>— Mike Piazza (@mikepiazza31) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikepiazza31/status/1870560227483173230?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2024</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">My heart hurts and I’m stunned to learn of the passing of my friend, brother, and teammate Ricky Henderson. He will be missed dearly. He was Superman on the field and full of life off the field. I hated playing against him but loved having him as a teammate. RIP my brother!!! <a href="https://t.co/sxLq7Kelw4">pic.twitter.com/sxLq7Kelw4</a></p>— Todd Stottlemyre (@ToddStottlemyre) <a href="https://twitter.com/ToddStottlemyre/status/1870578744924258490?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2024</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rest In Peace Rickey Henderson <br><br>Greatest base stealer in the history of baseball<br><br>One of a kind <a href="https://t.co/VHST8LrPsj">pic.twitter.com/VHST8LrPsj</a></p>— Jeff Passon (@JeffPassson) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffPassson/status/1870549817593942017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2024</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I’m heartbroken and devastated.<br><br>Rickey Henderson was an incredibly talented player but an even better human.<br><br>I’ll never forget all the incredible memories we created together. Memories I’ll never forget.<br> <br>Rest easy my friend <a href="https://t.co/pBcJjSP6fz">pic.twitter.com/pBcJjSP6fz</a></p>— Jose Canseco (@JoseCanseco) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoseCanseco/status/1870621973065396717?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2024</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Saddened by the passing of our friend, Rickey Henderson, the greatest leadoff hitter in <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MLB</a> history! Was proud to induct him into our Hall of Game in 2015 along with Fergie Jenkins, Ozzie Smith and the late Luis Tiant. Condolences to his family, friends and legion of fans! <a href="https://t.co/ZlVyjHwETY">pic.twitter.com/ZlVyjHwETY</a></p>— Bob Kendrick (@nlbmprez) <a href="https://twitter.com/nlbmprez/status/1870546181190979955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2024</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Heavy heart today with this news. Being teammates with him my rookie year was incredible. The banter was real. The wisdom was endless. I was lucky enough to wear #23 next to his #24 virtually everyday. So many stories coming out of that season. Gonna miss you my man. 👊🏻 <a href="https://t.co/OMNySBnQGz">https://t.co/OMNySBnQGz</a></p>— AJ Hinch (@ajhinch) <a href="https://twitter.com/ajhinch/status/1870586285364302014?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2024</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">We join the baseball community in mourning the passing of Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson. <br><br>His impact on the game, in the community, and on our organization will be remembered forever. <br><br>Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time 💙 <a href="https://t.co/tFd1K3oDgv">pic.twitter.com/tFd1K3oDgv</a></p>— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) <a href="https://twitter.com/BlueJays/status/1870606047314075652?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2024</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I was around Rickey Henderson for only one season in Toronto and yet I interviewed him more than almost any Blue Jay ever. He was such a character, a great player, so funny, so amusing, that you couldn’t help but be around him. RIP Rickey. You left an imprint on so many of us.</p>— Steve Simmons (@simmonssteve) <a href="https://twitter.com/simmonssteve/status/1870574960781267089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2024</a>
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<p lang="en">Rickey Henderson's energy is one of the reasons baseball is the best 🫶</p>— slangsonsports.bsky.social (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:2x5bs276hs2ibqgwzhnx2jae?ref_src=embed">@slangsonsports.bsky.social</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:2x5bs276hs2ibqgwzhnx2jae/post/3ldtsencvas2r?ref_src=embed">December 21, 2024 at 4:02 PM</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The active leader in stolen bases is Starling Marte. <br><br>With 354. <br><br>If he’d stolen another 50 a year, he’d still be 200 behind Rickey Henderson.<br><br>RIP to Rickey, a true baseball legend</p>— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) <a href="https://twitter.com/jaysonst/status/1870608771569062106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2024</a>
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<p lang="en">This feels a little silly in retrospect but I think I genuinely believed Rickey Henderson was too cool to die</p>— Michael Baumann (<a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:oz6bkpnskcieebyvfstd4asb?ref_src=embed">@baumann.bsky.social</a>) <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:oz6bkpnskcieebyvfstd4asb/post/3ldtnsh5fyc27?ref_src=embed">December 21, 2024 at 2:40 PM</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sad day Rickey Henderson was an absolute legend!! Loved every second I was around him. R.I.P</p>— Josh Donaldson (@BringerOfRain20) <a href="https://twitter.com/BringerOfRain20/status/1870572853369987405?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2024</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">My favorite Rickey Henderson story. Remember when players wrote the uniform number of a traded or released teammate on their caps? One time, Rickey had 24 on his cap. I asked him to whom that was a tribute. He said “That’s Rickey’s number. It’s a tribute to Rickey!” RIP.</p>— Howie Rose (@HowieRose) <a href="https://twitter.com/HowieRose/status/1870579757370515502?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2024</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Probably my favorite Rickey Henderson story, as told by <a href="https://twitter.com/ToddStottlemyre?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ToddStottlemyre</a>, when Rickey got him off the hook.<br><br>TS has gone on, at length, about how smart of a baseball player that RH was; which was true about many of the greats. RIP, Rickey.<a href="https://t.co/iBAKOanxwh">pic.twitter.com/iBAKOanxwh</a></p>— Tony Wuench (@twuench) <a href="https://twitter.com/twuench/status/1870539230461702509?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2024</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">And this right here folks will forever be my favourite Rickey Henderson story <a href="https://t.co/CQsPK1tdwW">pic.twitter.com/CQsPK1tdwW</a></p>— BaseballHistoryNut (@nut_history) <a href="https://twitter.com/nut_history/status/1870554378463256785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2024</a>
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OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 5: Rickey Henderson addresses the crowd during a pregame ceremony introducing the first members of the Oakland Athletics Hall of Fame prior to the game between the Athletics and the New York Yankees on September 5, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Athletics defeated the Yankees 8-2.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29524484/related

Baseball world mourns, salutes Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson

Carlos Santana just can't quit Cleveland.  The veteran first baseman agreed to a one-year, $12-mi...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1370" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1370">Carlos Santana</a> just can't quit Cleveland.</p><p>The veteran first baseman agreed to a one-year, $12-million contract with the Guardians, sources told <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1870610899620475053">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a>.</p><p>His deal also contains $1 million worth of incentives, a source told <a href="https://x.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/1870611901484503127">Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic</a>. Completion of the agreement is pending a physical.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>This will be Santana's third stint in Cleveland. The 38-year-old played for the organization from 2010-17, and again from 2019-2020. His 216 home runs with the club are tied for sixth in franchise history.</p><p>Santana spent last season with the Minnesota Twins. He'll presumably take over first base for the Guardians from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8240" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8240">Josh Naylor</a>, who the Guardians <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3167112" href="https://thescore.com/news/3167112">traded</a> to the Arizona Diamondbacks.</p><p>Santana enjoyed a bit of a renaissance in Minnesota last campaign, hitting .238/.328/.420 with 23 homers and 71 RBIs over 150 games while winning his first career Gold Glove.</p><p>Over 15 big-league seasons, Santana is a lifetime .242/.354/.431 hitter with 324 home runs and 1,082 RBIs across 2,080 games with seven teams. The Dominican Republic native was an All-Star and Silver Slugger winner in 2019, and he also helped Cleveland to its most recent AL pennant in 2016.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 19: Cleveland Indians first baseman Carlos Santana (41) launches a 3-run home run to the right field stands during the sixth inning of the Major League Baseball game between the Cleveland Indians and Pittsburgh Pirates on August 19, 2020, at PNC Park in Pittsburgh PA.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29524417/related

Report: Guardians bring back Santana on 1-year, $12M deal

Rickey Henderson, MLB's all-time stolen bases leader and a baseball icon, died at age 65, the lea...

<p>Rickey Henderson, MLB's all-time stolen bases leader and a baseball icon, died at age 65, the league announced Saturday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">We are devastated to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson.<br><br>Across a 25-year career, Henderson was a 10-time All-Star, 3-time Silver Slugger Award winner, 2-time World Series champion and the 1990 American League MVP.<br><br>Nicknamed the “Man of Steal,” Henderson… <a href="https://t.co/gOjtSbFkCz">pic.twitter.com/gOjtSbFkCz</a></p>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1870606008797786534?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of my husband, Rickey Henderson," Henderson's wife, Pamela, and his daughters said in a <a href="https://x.com/Athletics/status/1870605721844568350">statement</a>. "A legend on and off the field, Rickey was a devoted son, dad, friend, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a truly humble soul. Rickey lived his life with integrity, and his love for baseball was paramount."</p><p>Henderson recorded 3,055 hits with 297 home runs and 1,115 RBIs over his 25-year career as a prolific leadoff hitter between 1979 and 2003. His 1,406 steals, 2,295 runs scored, and 81 leadoff homers are tops in major-league history.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Rickey epitomized speed, power, and entertainment in setting the tone at the top of the lineup," commissioner Rob Manfred <a href="https://x.com/MLB_PR/status/1870606055438422339">said</a>. "When we considered new rules for the game in recent years, we had the era of Rickey Henderson in mind."</p><p>A 10-time All-Star, Henderson also took home a Gold Glove, three Silver Sluggers, and the 1990 AL MVP. He led his hometown Oakland Athletics to the 1989 World Series title and won that year's ALCS MVP after hitting .400/.609/1.000 with two homers and eight steals against the Blue Jays. Henderson won a second ring with Toronto in 1993.</p><p>But it was on the bases where Henderson truly reigned supreme. He tortured opposing catchers, leading the league in steals 12 times and winning in seven straight years from 1980-86. Henderson had three 100-steal seasons, including a modern-era record 130 in 1982, and stole 90 bases four times and 80 six times. He won his final stolen-base crown in 1998 when he stole 66 during his age-39 season.</p><p>"Somebody asked me did I think Rickey Henderson was a Hall of Famer. I told them, 'If you could split him in two, you'd have two Hall of Famers,'" statistician Bill James wrote of Henderson in his <a href="https://archive.org/details/newbilljameshist00jame/page/653/mode/2up">2001 Historical Abstract</a>.</p><p>On May 1, 1991, Henderson stole his 939th base to break Lou Brock's all-time record. Following the steal, he delivered a signature speech to an adoring Oakland crowd.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">When Rickey Henderson became the all-time stolen bases leader. <br><br>RIP. 💚💛 <a href="https://t.co/sZgdASZb56">pic.twitter.com/sZgdASZb56</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1870557386035073212?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lssLGZH9fQM?si=136pHeEkiXO5L6D4" 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>Henderson entered Cooperstown wearing an Athletics hat in 2009. That same year, the A's retired his No. 24, the number he's most associated with. Henderson was also an inaugural member of the A's Hall of Fame in 2018.</p><p>Born in Chicago on Christmas Day 1958 and raised in Oakland, Henderson debuted with his hometown team partway through 1979 and stole 100 bases the following year. He revitalized the A's franchise during his early days, helping them to a playoff berth in 1981.</p><p>Oakland traded him to the Yankees in 1985, and he enjoyed some of his best individual seasons in New York. Henderson stole 326 bases in 596 games as a Yankee to become the franchise's stolen-base leader; it took Derek Jeter almost 17 seasons to break Henderson's record. The Yankees dealt him back to Oakland in 1989.</p><p>A half-season in Toronto in 1993 interrupted Henderson's second and third stints with the A's. Though he stole just 12 bases in 44 games with the Blue Jays, Henderson left his mark on the franchise, drawing a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xSfWrmMwow">leadoff walk</a> off Mitch Williams in Game 6 of the '93 World Series to set the stage for Joe Carter's winning homer.</p><p>Henderson bounced around in his later years, suiting up for the San Diego Padres and A's twice each, as well as the Anaheim Angels, New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers over his final decade in the majors. In 2001, he recorded his 3,000th hit and broke Ty Cobb's runs scored record.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1ueNfNu38eg?si=DRiHJqGVgc8EnICe" 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>Known for his quirky personality as much as his play, many stories and myths have circulated about Henderson over the years. He was said to have framed his first million-dollar paycheck instead of cashing it. He often referred to himself in the first person and played the game with a unique swagger that could leave his opponents in awe.</p><p>Many found Henderson's personality to be self-serving and cocky, but teammates often spoke glowingly of him. At his Hall of Fame induction ceremony, he displayed a rarely-seen softer side while talking about his love of the game.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mJHrztoIN04?si=BO3UCc3YkXUUNKiz" 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>

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: Former Oakland Athletics player Rickey Henderson looks on prior to the game between the Texas Rangers and the Oakland Athletics at RingCentral Coliseum on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 in Oakland, California.

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Rickey Henderson, MLB's all-time stolen bases leader, dies at 65

The Cleveland Guardians traded All-Star first baseman Josh Naylor to the Arizona Diamondbacks for...

<p>The Cleveland Guardians traded All-Star first baseman Josh Naylor to the Arizona Diamondbacks for right-hander Slade Cecconi and a 2025 competitive balance round B draft pick, the teams announced.</p><p>Naylor, 27, immediately slots in as the D-Backs' starting first baseman following Christian Walker's departure in free agency. </p><p>The native of Mississauga, Ontario, was a first-time All-Star for the Guardians last season, hitting .243/.320/.456 with a career-high 31 homers and 108 RBIs across 152 games for the AL Central champions. That slash line marked a bit of a downturn from a breakout 2023 campaign that saw him post a .842 OPS and receive some down-ballot MVP votes.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Although Naylor emerged as an important part of Cleveland's lineup and clubhouse in recent seasons, the small-market Guardians opted to trade him ahead of his reaching free agency next winter. Naylor is projected by <a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/10/projected-arbitration-salaries-for-2025.html?utm_source=twitter">MLB Trade Rumors</a> to earn $12 million through arbitration in 2025.</p><p>Originally drafted 12th overall by the Miami Marlins in 2015, Naylor made his big-league debut with the San Diego Padres four years later and was dealt to Cleveland in a blockbuster midseason trade during the 2020 season. Naylor's a lifetime .262/.323/.444 hitter with 84 homers and 343 RBIs over parts of six big-league seasons.</p><p>The Guardians moved quickly to find Naylor's replacement at first base, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3167196" href="https://thescore.com/news/3167196">reportedly</a> agreeing to a one-year, $12-million contract with veteran Carlos Santana. With Santana at first base, young slugger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14506" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14506">Kyle Manzardo</a> will likely DH on a full-time basis.</p><p>Cecconi made his big-league debut with Arizona in 2023. The 25-year-old owns a 6.06 ERA and 1.35 WHIP with a 7.3 K/9 rate and 1.8 BB/9 rate across 27 appearances (17 starts) over the last two seasons. His four-pitch arsenal includes a fastball that averages nearly 95 mph, as well as a changeup thrown primarily to left-handed hitters.</p><p>Arizona sent the third pick of competitive balance round B to Cleveland as part of the deal. Competitive balance round B will take place following the second round of next July's draft.</p>

CLEVELAND, OHIO - AUGUST 1: Josh Naylor #22 of the Cleveland Guardians gestures as he scores on David Fry #6's three-run home run in the third inning of the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field on August 1, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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D-Backs acquire Josh Naylor from Guardians

Don't bother keeping any cheesesteaks warm for Roki Sasaki.  Philadelphia Phillies president of b...

<p>Don't bother keeping any cheesesteaks warm for Roki Sasaki.</p><p>Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said Friday that his team is unlikely to sign Sasaki, the Japanese phenom who's been posted for a move to the major leagues. While he has interest, Dombrowski revealed that the right-hander's camp has yet to offer the Phillies a meeting.</p><p>"We have not been invited to talk to him at this point. We sent in our original info, they know we would very much like to have a presentation, but we haven't been invited to the table," the longtime executive told reporters, according to <a href="https://x.com/Paul_CasellaMLB/status/1870242284471759201">Paul Casella of MLB.com</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Dombrowski added that the Phillies are unlikely to make any more "impactful" signings this winter. Philadelphia's made a pair of free-agent additions already this offseason, inking former All-Star closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8362" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8362">Jordan Romano</a> and outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3559" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3559">Max Kepler</a> to one-year contracts.</p><p>Adding Sasaki would have been something of a luxury for the Phillies, who already own a star-studded rotation led by NL Cy Young runner-up <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2917" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2917">Zack Wheeler</a>.</p><p>Sasaki is presumably drawing interest from all 30 teams, even though his exact preferences continue to remain a bit of a mystery. Because he was posted before turning 25, he's being treated as an amateur free agent and his signing bonus will be limited under the international bonus pool cap, leveling the playing field for the entire league. If the Phillies did get a meeting with Sasaki, they'd only be able to offer him a maximum bonus of $6,261,600.</p><p>The 23-year-old met with both the New York Yankees and Mets on Thursday, <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/12/20/sports/yankees-made-pitch-to-roki-sasaki-on-same-day-as-mets/">Jon Heyman of the New York Post</a> reports. He also sat down with the Chicago Cubs, who were granted a meeting thanks to their recent success with Japanese players, a source told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6010120/2024/12/20/cubs-roki-sasaki-meeting/">Patrick Mooney of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>Sasaki is in the middle of a 45-day window to negotiate with MLB teams after being posted earlier this month by his NPB club, the Chiba Lotte Marines. While he can take meetings right now, he's not eligible to sign a contract until Jan. 15.</p><p>In four seasons with the Marines, Sasaki put up a 2.10 ERA and 0.89 WHIP along with an 11.5 K/9 rate across 414 2/3 innings. He made headlines in 2022 by tossing a 19-strikeout perfect game.</p>

TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 15: General manager Dave Dombrowski of the Philadelphia Phillies speaks with a media member during the 2024 Grapefruit League Spring Training Media Day at George M. Steinbrenner Field on Thursday, February 15, 2024 in Tampa, Florida.

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Dombrowski: Phillies 'haven't been invited' to meet with Sasaki

The Athletics have agreed to a one-year contract with veteran infielder Gio Urshela, Martín Galle...

<p>The Athletics have agreed to a one-year contract with veteran infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/3741" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/3741">Gio Urshela</a>, <a href="https://x.com/MartinJGallegos/status/1869970125270724894">Martín Gallegos of MLB.com</a> reports.</p><p>Financial terms aren't yet known, and completion of the agreement is pending a physical.</p><p>Urshela becomes an immediate candidate to start at third base for the A's next season. Second-year player <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16029" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16029">Darell Hernaiz</a> was projected to man the hot corner in West Sacramento, while utility player <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14339" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14339">Max Schuemann</a> could also see time there.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Urshela also gives the A's some additional infield depth around the diamond. While third base is his primary position, he also has experience playing shortstop and first base.</p><p>The 33-year-old split last season between the Detroit Tigers and Atlanta Braves, hitting .250/.286/.361 with nine home runs and 52 RBIs across 128 total games. After struggling in Detroit leading up to his mid-August release, Urshela found a groove in Atlanta down the stretch, putting up a .711 OPS with four homers in 136 plate appearances to help the Braves reach the playoffs.</p><p>Urshela is best known for his defensive work at third base. In 2023, he accrued a career-high six defensive runs saved at the hot corner.</p><p>The native of Cartagena, Colombia, is a lifetime .273/.316/.413 hitter with 73 homers and 332 RBIs across parts of nine big-league seasons with seven teams.</p>

SAN DIEGO, CA - OCTOBER 02: Gio Urshela #13 of the Atlanta Braves throws to first base during Game 2 of the Wild Card Series presented by T-Mobile 5G Home Internet between the Atlanta Braves and the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 in San Diego, California.

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Report: Athletics agree to 1-year deal with Urshela

The Texas Rangers added another arm to their bullpen, signing left-hander Hoby Milner to a one-ye...

<p>The Texas Rangers added another arm to their bullpen, signing left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8389" href="/mlb/players/8389">Hoby Milner</a> to a one-year contract, they announced Friday.</p><p>Milner's deal is worth $2.5 million, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/rangers-milner-contract-f994a3bd1ea0ac43918f25dc55c9e07c">The Associated Press</a>. He also gets up to $500,000 worth of performance bonuses based on innings pitched.</p><p>To make room for Milner on the 40-man roster, right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14610" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14610">Owen White</a>, a former top-100 prospect, was designated for assignment.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Milner, a Dallas-area native, heads home after spending the last four seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers. The 33-year-old became a free agent last month when he was non-tendered by Milwaukee.</p><p>Milner, a soft-tossing, sidearming southpaw, is coming off an up-and-down campaign in which he posted a 4.73 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with 64 strikeouts and one save across 61 appearances (one start). However, he allowed just six home runs in 64 2/3 innings and issued only 14 walks for a 1.9 BB/9 rate.</p><p>He's also just one year removed from a quietly excellent season: He put up a career-best 1.82 ERA and 0.96 WHIP over 73 games for the Brewers in 2023.</p><p>Milner adds a third left-hander to Texas' projected 2025 bullpen, joining <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12818" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12818">Jacob Latz</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15604" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15604">Walter Pennington</a>. He could be a candidate to pitch in the later innings as a setup man for likely closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10583" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10583">Jacob Webb</a>, who the Rangers also signed this month.</p><p>Over parts of eight big-league campaigns with four teams, Milner owns a 3.82 ERA, 3.89 FIP, and 1.23 WHIP with 263 strikeouts and one save.</p>

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 14: Relief pitcher Hoby Milner #55 of the Milwaukee Brewers pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the game at Chase Field on September 14, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Brewers defeated the Diamondbacks 15-8.

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Rangers sign lefty reliever Milner to 1-year deal

Japanese star pitcher Roki Sasaki is set to meet with MLB teams this week ahead of an expected Ja...

<p><em>Japanese star pitcher Roki Sasaki is set to meet with MLB teams this week ahead of an expected January signing. Because the 23-year-old can only sign a minor-league deal, all 30 clubs are operating with an almost even playing field for recruiting. Here, we imagine each team's quick pitch to Sasaki. </em></p><p><strong>Jump to:</strong><br><a href="#ari">ARI</a> | <a href="#ath">ATH</a> I <a href="#atl">ATL</a> | <a href="#bal">BAL</a> | <a href="#bos">BOS</a> | <a href="#chc">CHC</a> | <a href="#chw">CWS</a> | <a href="#cin">CIN</a> | <a href="#cle">CLE</a> | <a href="#col">COL</a> | <a href="#det">DET</a> | <a href="#hou">HOU</a> | <a href="#kc">KC</a> | <a href="#laa">LAA</a> | <a href="#lad">LAD</a> | <a href="#mia">MIA</a> | <a href="#mil">MIL</a> | <a href="#min">MIN</a> | <a href="#nym">NYM</a> | <a href="#nyy">NYY</a> | <a href="#phi">PHI</a> | <a href="#pit">PIT</a> | <a href="#sd">SD</a> | <a href="#sf">SF</a> | <a href="#sea">SEA</a> | <a href="#stl">STL</a> | <a href="#tb">TB</a> | <a href="#tex">TEX</a> | <a href="#tor">TOR</a> | <a href="#was">WSH</a></p><p><strong><a id="ari" name="ari">Arizona Diamondbacks:</a> </strong>We think you can be one of the final pieces for us to not only get back to the playoffs, but finish the job. You and Zac Gallen atop our rotation could cause a lot of problems for the rest of the NL. Plus, you get to live in the warmth of Phoenix and pitch in a controlled environment.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong><a id="ath" name="ath">Athletics:</a> </strong>Your agent recently <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3156098" href="https://thescore.com/news/3156098">said</a> a smaller market "could be more beneficial" for you. Well, it <em>literally</em> doesn't get smaller than West Sacramento! By joining us, you'll get the chance to pitch in a minor-league park in a temporary home city and market that we're not even pretending to care about, in front of citizens who don't want us there. The Athletics are the perfect team for you to work on your craft in peace and anonymity while awaiting your 2028 trade to a team that will pay you properly.</p><p><strong><a id="atl" name="atl">Atlanta Braves:</a> </strong>We've suddenly got a large hole in our rotation, and you're the perfect fit to fill it. Our franchise has recent championship pedigree and a track record of getting the most out of pitchers. Just look at Chris Sale's Cy Young-winning renaissance. A rotation of Sale, Spencer Strider, you, and Reynaldo López is as good as anybody's - or even better.</p><p><strong><a id="bal" name="bal">Baltimore Orioles:</a> </strong>In Baltimore, you'll work with Adley Rutschman, the best young catcher in baseball, and have several Gold Glove-caliber defenders playing behind you. But most importantly, you'll be the piece that we need to truly go toe-to-toe with the rest of the AL East. Come join our tremendously talented young squad in a baseball-mad city and help the Orioles reach their true potential.</p><p><strong><a id="bos" name="bos">Boston Red Sox:</a> </strong>Imagine you and Garrett Crochet on the same staff. Pretty sweet, right? Well, we just traded for Crochet, and now we want you to join him in Boston. We're on the way back up after a couple of rough years, and we're ready to compete. If you help us win - and we know you can - you'll be a hero in New England forever. There's no better place in the majors than Fenway.</p><p><strong><a id="chc" name="chc">Chicago Cubs:</a> </strong>Everything you need to be comfortable in Chicago is right here on the North Side. Your rotation-mate Shota Imanaga can not only tell you how great it is to pitch at Wrigley Field, he'll help you settle into life in our awesome city. Ditto for Seiya Suzuki. We've got one of the most popular managers in baseball, a new superstar in Kyle Tucker, and we think we're about to take charge of a very winnable division.</p><p><strong><a id="chw" name="chw">Chicago White Sox:</a> </strong>Come to the South Side, where you'll get all the perks of living in Chicago with the anonymity of a small market you'll appreciate. You'll give our loyal fans, who've stuck with us for reasons we can't quite seem to understand, a reason to watch us. And look on the bright side: We set the modern-day loss record last year, so it can't get any worse, right? Right?</p><p><strong><a id="cin" name="cin">Cincinnati Reds:</a> </strong>Here in Cincinnati, we've been quietly putting together a bright young roster with loads of potential. We just hired a future Hall of Fame manager, Terry Francona, who's worked with the likes of Pedro Martínez in the past and knows how to get the best out of a talent like you. With you and Hunter Greene atop our staff, the sky's the limit for our historic franchise. Take a chance on us.</p><p><strong><a id="cle" name="cle">Cleveland Guardians:</a> </strong>The question isn't why should you come to Cleveland; it's why <em>wouldn't</em> you? Our organization is a pitching factory. We've turned plenty of live arms into absolute monsters over the past few years, and we're going to make you even better than you already are. Plus, we're coming off a surprising ALCS appearance, so you'll get to be the ace of a winner right away. And if you lead the Guardians to their first title since 1948, you'll be a legend forever.</p><p><strong><a id="col" name="col">Colorado Rockies:</a> </strong>Japan has one of the most famous mountains in the world, Mount Fuji. We also have mountains in Denver. Our city is a great place to live, and you'll love pitching in altitude. Just, uh, please don't ask anyone who's ever pitched here about how great pitching in altitude is - you have to take our word for it. That's a sign of trust. Did we mention Denver is fun in the summer? God, we need a pitcher so badly. We'll give you a Nikola Jokic jersey if you sign here.</p><p><a id="det" name="det"><strong>Detroit Tigers: </strong></a>Roki, think about how ridiculous of a duo you and Tarik Skubal would be at the top of our rotation. With you two wearing the "Olde English D," opponents don't stand a chance. Our surprising playoff berth last year showed how ahead of schedule we are, and you'll make sure we rule the AL Central for years. Comerica Park is perfect for a pitcher like you.</p><p><strong><a id="hou" name="hou">Houston Astros:</a> </strong>No AL team has won more games over the past decade than us, and we're not ready to stop now. We also need young starting pitching desperately, and they don't come much better than you. You're going to be the next star we build around to keep us in contention for the next several years. Ask your old Marines teammate Dallas Keuchel about how great it is to win here in Houston.</p><p><strong><a id="kc" name="kc">Kansas City Royals:</a> </strong>The rebuild is over, Roki. Here in Kansas City, we've got the next great superstar in Bobby Witt Jr. ready to play behind you at shortstop, and a future Hall of Fame catcher in Salvador Perez ready to guide you on the mound as you transition to life in the majors. You'll also get to pitch in Kauffman Stadium, one of the best pitcher's parks around. We're a smaller market that knows how to treat a superstar like you, and we're ready to win.</p><p><strong><a id="laa" name="laa">Los Angeles Angels:</a> </strong>Hey Roki, remember us? You used to see our hats everywhere in Japan. We just signed a star Japanese pitcher already this winter, Yusei Kikuchi, and we're in the market for a second. That's you! We think you'll enjoy the next six years playing alongside Mike Trout and helping us return to the playoffs. And if it doesn't work out, don't worry - we'll give you permission to go play in the actual city of Los Angeles in six years.</p><p><strong><a id="lad" name="lad">Los Angeles Dodgers:</a> </strong>Come on, do we have to explain this? We're the defending champions. You'll be teammates with the best player in the world on the best team in the world in the city of stars. You'll be a star in the U.S. and an even bigger star back home. The rules say we can't pay you a ton right now, but we'll give you the bag in a few years. You were born to wear Dodger blue, Roki.</p><p><strong><a id="mia" name="mia">Miami Marlins:</a> </strong>We'll be honest with you: Right now, our team is going through a rebuild. But our starting pitching isn't terrible, and it would be even better with you on board. Plus, Florida has no state income tax, so you'll get to keep more of your money while you enjoy all that life in Miami offers. And hey, maybe we'll even unexpectedly make the playoffs one season. Or we'll trade you for no reason next winter. Roll the dice and join us.</p><p><strong><a id="mil" name="mil">Milwaukee Brewers:</a> </strong>One thing to know about us is that we just find a way to win. Everyone wrote us off last year when we traded Corbin Burnes instead of paying him, and we went out and won the NL Central! With you in our rotation, we'll do it again in 2025 and beyond. Our franchise knows how to get the most out of pitchers, and we're going to make sure we do that for you. Milwaukee's the kind of small market that has everything you're seeking to start your career off right.</p><p><strong><a id="min" name="min">Minnesota Twins:</a> </strong>The Twin Cities are perfect for you, Roki. We're a mix of a big market with the laid-back, quiet feel you seem to want. We're also always in contention because we play in the AL Central. Of course, things ended poorly last season, but with you on board that won't happen again. We can win with you.</p><p><strong><a id="nym" name="nym">New York Mets:</a> </strong>Listen here: We're not the "other team" in town anymore. We just stole Juan Soto away from the Yankees, our pitching program is as good as it gets, and we're ready to win now. The only thing we're missing is an ace, and that's where you come in. You're the last piece of this puzzle here, Roki. We're about to own New York for a long, long time.</p><p><strong><a id="nyy" name="nyy">New York Yankees:</a> </strong>Gerrit Cole, Roki Sasaki, Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Luis Gil. Is there a better rotation in baseball? Of course not. You know you want to be a Yankee. Baseball legends are made in pinstripes. Help us finish the job in October and etch your name in Yankees lore forever.</p><p><strong><a id="phi" name="phi">Philadelphia Phillies:</a> </strong>Roki, forget what the Yankees just said about having the best rotation, because you're actually gonna find it in Philadelphia when you team with Zack Wheeler and Cristopher Sánchez, among others. You're going to become one of the most popular athletes in a sports-mad city. And you'll be on a winning team, one that's hungry to flip the script in October - but we need you to help us get there and push us over the top in a tough division.</p><p><strong><a id="pit" name="pit">Pittsburgh Pirates:</a> </strong>We already have Paul Skenes, the best young pitcher in MLB who's about to take it to the next level. A Skenes-Sasaki duo? Now that's downright scary. Our coaching staff, which now includes veteran pitching coach Brent Strom, will turn you into an even better pitcher and get the most out of your talent. Plus, you'll be part of the revitalized Pirates, and you'll be a hero in a great sports city that's dying to support a winner at PNC Park. You can help reshape an entire franchise.</p><p><strong><a id="sd" name="sd">San Diego Padres:</a> </strong>Roki, we know how much Yu Darvish means to you. As a kid, you idolized him, and now you two are close friends. Come be his teammate on the Padres. You'll be joining a winning club that's ready to take the next step and bring a championship to San Diego, while you'll also be able to pick the brain of a good friend and teammate every day. Plus, you get to live in San Diego - and they don't call us "America's Finest City" for nothing.</p><p><strong><a id="sf" name="sf">San Francisco Giants:</a> </strong>There are few better places for you to ease into major-league life than Oracle Park. Our stadium is a pitcher's paradise, giving you perhaps the best chance for instant success. You'll bolster an already solid rotation and give us an even better chance to knock off the hated Dodgers, which we haven't done in a few years.</p><p><strong><a id="sea" name="sea">Seattle Mariners:</a> </strong>What's not to like about Seattle? Summers in the Pacific Northwest are awesome, we have a pitcher-friendly ballpark, and we're poised to take over the AL West. There's also our long history of Japanese stars on the Mariners, so you're joining a well-known brand back home. If you sign with us and make our underrated rotation even better than it already is, we'll be sure to get you some hitters and try to score you some runs.</p><p><strong><a id="stl" name="stl">St. Louis Cardinals:</a> </strong>It's a transitional time for our proud franchise, so we can't promise you winning. But we can give you life in the best baseball town on Earth and a place as the foundational piece of the next great Cardinals teams. You'll allow us to shift into win mode a bit faster over the next few years. There's really nothing like wearing our uniform, so come experience it for yourself.</p><p><strong><a id="tb" name="tb">Tampa Bay Rays:</a> </strong>If you care about your craft as a pitcher, come join us in Tampa. We have all the tools to develop you into the best pitcher in the game while quietly contending in a difficult division. You'll be in a minor-league park this year, but that's only out of circumstance. Our development system and track record speak for themselves.</p><p><strong><a id="tex" name="tex">Texas Rangers:</a> </strong>We're two years removed from a title, and most of the major players are still here. We can give you a championship-caliber team, the chance to learn from some greats in fellow starters Nathan Eovaldi and Jacob deGrom, and a commitment to winning. Your friend Yu Darvish made his name here in Texas. Come follow in his footsteps and win with us.</p><p><strong><a id="tor" name="tor">Toronto Blue Jays:</a> </strong>When you join the Blue Jays, you won't just be playing for a city: You'll be representing the entire country of Canada. That's a big responsibility, but it's one we know you're up for. On the field, you'll be lined up for success pitching in the newly renovated Rogers Centre with the best defense in baseball behind you. You shut them down, and we'll win 1-0 every five days.</p><p><strong><a id="was" name="was">Washington Nationals:</a> </strong>Yes, we're asking you to join the long shots in what might be baseball's most difficult division. But here's the thing: We're on the way up. Here in Washington, we've been carefully putting together the future core of a winner. We've got a ton of tremendously bright young talent that's learning to win together, and you'll get us closer to that goal. It might not be in Year 1, but it will happen sooner than you think.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29477864/related

Imagining every MLB team's quick pitch to Roki Sasaki

You might still be able to find a rate at the corner of 35th and Shields, but it's no longer a gu...

<p>You might still be able to find a rate at the corner of 35th and Shields, but it's no longer a guarantee.</p><p>The Chicago White Sox announced a new name for their home stadium Tuesday, rechristening their longtime ballpark as Rate Field in honor of the Chicago-based mortgage company.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The home of the White Sox adopts a new name: Rate Field <a href="https://t.co/OiWKxqMqho">pic.twitter.com/OiWKxqMqho</a></p>— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) <a href="https://twitter.com/whitesox/status/1869182037426417980?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The ballpark had been named Guaranteed Rate Field since the company purchased naming rights under a 13-year agreement. Tuesday's renaming brings the stadium's name in line with that of the company, which rebranded in July to Rate while keeping its signature downward-pointing arrow.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The news also came just a few months after the White Sox set a new modern-era record for futility by going 41-121 in 2024. With that record, and last week's trade of ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12246" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12246">Garrett Crochet</a>, still top of mind on the South Side, White Sox fans were quick to roast their team over the sudden name change.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">They removed guaranteed from the name because they cannot guarantee a win next year</p>— RamosIsKing❄️☃️⚾️ (@Whiteso53605833) <a href="https://twitter.com/Whiteso53605833/status/1869184566466093334?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">White Sox Baseball: It Can Always Get Worse <a href="https://t.co/lBKFr7uCnv">https://t.co/lBKFr7uCnv</a></p>— Tyrone (@TheTyroneP) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTyroneP/status/1869182173649183195?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rating that place half a star</p>— KP (@KevinPawell23) <a href="https://twitter.com/KevinPawell23/status/1869185012492329127?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rate field with an arrow pointing down. Perfection <a href="https://t.co/YYtuwY2Nob">https://t.co/YYtuwY2Nob</a></p>— Sergio Santos fan club (@santossergio46) <a href="https://twitter.com/santossergio46/status/1869183464685424993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I rate this field 41/121</p>— Not Jake 🥷🏻 (@CincyHub) <a href="https://twitter.com/CincyHub/status/1869185373311746449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">More name changes than playoff wins, or appearances, in the last 20 years <a href="https://t.co/44mq2WwSen">https://t.co/44mq2WwSen</a></p>— GKerch (@GrantKercher) <a href="https://twitter.com/GrantKercher/status/1869182726223597946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Rate Field marks the fourth different name for the White Sox stadium, which opened as a replacement for venerable Comiskey Park in 1991. Originally known as Comiskey Park II, it was rebranded as U.S. Cellular Field in 2003 before Guaranteed Rate bought the rights in 2016.</p><p>In January, the White Sox began <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2825023" href="https://thescore.com/news/2825023">discussions</a> with developers about constructing a new ballpark in Chicago's South Loop neighborhood. The team's lease at <s>Guaranteed</s> Rate Field expires after the 2029 season.</p>

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 03: A general exterior view prior to the game between the San Francisco Giants and the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on Monday, April 3, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois.

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White Sox fans roast team after ballpark name changed to Rate Field

The Baltimore Orioles signed star Japanese pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano to a one-year contract, the cl...

<p>The Baltimore Orioles signed star Japanese pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano to a one-year contract, the club announced Monday.</p><p>Sugano's contract is worth $13 million, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/1868816067029876835">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a>.</p><p>The 35-year-old right-hander heads to the majors after a dominant season with the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball. Sugano won his third Central League MVP award after going 15-3 with a 1.67 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 111 strikeouts across 24 starts to lead Yomiuri to a pennant. He walked just 16 batters and allowed only six home runs in 156 2/3 innings while also throwing three complete games and one shutout.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Sugano is one of the most accomplished pitchers in recent NPB history, sporting a lifetime 136-75 record with a 2.45 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 1,596 strikeouts over 12 seasons with the Giants. An eight-time NPB All-Star, he also owns two Eiji Sawamura Awards (Japan's Cy Young equivalent) and three Gold Gloves in addition to his three MVPs. Sugano's won four Central League ERA titles and led his league in strikeouts twice while also winning Japan's pitching Triple Crown in 2018.</p><p>Although he never won a Japan Series title, Sugano had plenty of individual postseason accolades, including the 2013 Climax Series MVP and a postseason no-hitter in 2018. He also represented his country at the 2017 World Baseball Classic, where he led the tournament in strikeouts and shut down a star-studded Team USA in the semifinal.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tomoyuki Sugano is expected to sign with a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MLB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MLB</a> team in free agency per <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffPassan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jeffpassan</a>.⁰⁰How good is he? Here’s him striking out Christian Yelich, Adam Jones, Giancarlo Stanton and Nolan Arenado x3 in the 2017 WBC Semifinal <a href="https://t.co/L8KcSH8Szh">pic.twitter.com/L8KcSH8Szh</a></p>— World Baseball Network (@WorldBaseball_) <a href="https://twitter.com/WorldBaseball_/status/1842375148277494120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Sugano's six-pitch arsenal includes a fastball that tops out at around 92 mph, as well as a cutter and slider.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761009/cropped_sugano_pitch_profile.jpg?ts=1734397727" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761009/w220xh124_sugano_pitch_profile.jpg?ts=1734397727 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761009/w320xh180_sugano_pitch_profile.jpg?ts=1734397727 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761009/w640xh360_sugano_pitch_profile.jpg?ts=1734397727 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761009/w768xh432_sugano_pitch_profile.jpg?ts=1734397727 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761009/w1080xh607_sugano_pitch_profile.jpg?ts=1734397727 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">NPB Pitch Profiler</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Giants posted Sugano for a move to the majors after the 2020 season, but he failed to sign with an MLB team and returned to Yomiuri. He signed with the Orioles as an international free agent, meaning they don't have to pay the Tokyo-based club a posting fee.</p><p>In Baltimore, he'll likely slot in at the back of the team's rotation, giving the Orioles some much-needed length and depth. Sugano will likely compete for a back-end spot with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17501" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17501">Albert Suárez</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9579" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9579">Trevor Rogers</a>, among others.</p><p>The Orioles, who boasted one of the best rotations in the majors last year, may not be done shopping for starting help. The team is apparently <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3161909" href="https://thescore.com/news/3161909">still in contact</a> with free agent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9580" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9580">Corbin Burnes</a> about a reunion while also reportedly <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3161781" href="https://thescore.com/news/3161781">showing</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3160550" href="https://thescore.com/news/3160550">interest</a> in signing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5646" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5646">Jack Flaherty</a> and trading for the Seattle Mariners' <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5526" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5526">Luis Castillo</a>.</p><p>Baltimore's already added offense this winter by signing outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5140" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5140">Tyler O'Neill</a> and catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2902" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2902">Gary Sánchez</a>.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 21: Tomoyuki Sugano #11 of Team Japan pitches during Game 2 of the Championship Round of the 2017 World Baseball Classic against Team USA on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California.

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Orioles sign Japanese star Sugano to 1-year deal worth reported $13M

Ryan Garcia announced Sunday he postponed his exhibition fight against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya ...

<p>Ryan Garcia announced Sunday he postponed his exhibition fight against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo after suffering a wrist injury during training.</p><p>The bout was slated to take place Dec. 30 in Tokyo. It will be rescheduled for a to-be-determined date in early 2025.</p><p>Garcia was examined by Dr. Steven Shin in Los Angeles, who recommended the postponement due to Garcia's "aggravated bilateral wrist pain," according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/42993847/ryan-garcia-boxing-exhibition-vs-kickboxer-postponed-injury">ESPN's Mike Coppinger</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Garcia accepted the invitation to face Anpo in a 153-pound, eight-round exhibition bout last month. He's currently serving a one-year ban after testing positive for the banned substance ostarine prior to his April 20 fight against Devin Haney but is eligible to face Anpo because exhibition fights are excluded from suspensions.</p><p>However, the 26-year-old and his promoters appeared to be involved in a recent dispute relating to the bout. Last month, Golden Boy Promotions insisted they had not given Garcia-Anpo the green light.</p><p>"Golden Boy Promotions has exclusive rights to Ryan Garcia's fights. The organizers of this event (Garcia vs. Anpo) have acknowledged as such and have agreed in writing that our sign-off is needed for this event to occur," Oscar De La Hoya's promotion company <a href="https://twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing/status/1861570101818073179">wrote</a> Nov. 26. "As no such sign-off has been given, as of today there is no event with Ryan Garcia."</p><p>Garcia appeared to react to Golden Boy's statement that same night by <a href="https://x.com/RyanGarcia/status/1861567543720460469">posting</a> a shrug emoji. He hasn't addressed the issue on X since then.</p><p>The former WBC interim lightweight champion was hoping to use Anpo as a stepping stone toward fighting Jake Paul.</p><p>Garcia's collected a 24-1 record over 26 professional fights. His win over Haney in April was overturned to a no-contest following his positive drug test.</p><p>Anpo's lone foray into boxing was a three-round exhibition draw against Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao in July.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 20: Ryan Garcia (white trunks) prepares to fight Devin Haney during their WBC Super Lightweight title bout at Barclays Center on April 20, 2024 in New York City.

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Ryan Garcia postpones exhibition bout vs. Anpo due to wrist injury

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 

The Chicago Cubs bolstered their catching depth Friday, announcing the signing of veteran catcher...

<p>The Chicago Cubs bolstered their catching depth Friday, announcing the signing of veteran catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3911" href="/mlb/players/3911">Carson Kelly</a> to a two-year contract.</p><p>Kelly's contract is worth $11.5 million in guaranteed money, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/1867719134357897628">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a>. His deal also contains a $7.5-million mutual option for 2027 with a $1.5 million buyout, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/sahadevsharma/status/1867720283920212231">Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic</a>. Kelly also gets a $250,000 bonus if he starts 81 and 91 games in each season of the deal, per Sharma.</p><p>The 30-year-old hit .238/.313/.374 with nine home runs and 37 RBIs across 91 games last season split between the Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers. He was solid defensively behind the plate, throwing out 21 would-be base-stealers while collecting one catcher framing run and a 48.5% strike rate.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Kelly, who was born in Chicago and raised in Oregon, will likely split time behind the plate with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8927" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8927">Miguel Amaya</a>, the Cubs' primary catcher last season. Amaya and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8187" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8187">Matt Thaiss</a>, who was acquired from the Los Angeles Angels in November, are the only other catchers on the team's 40-man roster. None of them have any minor-league options remaining.</p><p>A veteran of nine big-league seasons, Kelly is a lifetime .224/.307/.373 hitter with 54 homers and 207 RBIs across 556 big-league contests with four teams.</p><p>Kelly's signing caps a busy Friday for the Cubs, who <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3158672" href="https://thescore.com/news/3158672">acquired</a> star outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8173" href="/mlb/players/8173">Kyle Tucker</a> from the Houston Astros for three players earlier in the day.</p><p> </p>

DETROIT, MI - JULY 9: Carson Kelly #15 of the Detroit Tigers bats against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning at Comerica Park on July 9, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.

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Cubs sign veteran catcher Kelly to 2-year deal reportedly worth $11.5M

Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown maintained that his team has no plans to rebuild despit...

<p>Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown maintained that his team has no plans to rebuild despite <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3158672" href="https://thescore.com/news/3158672">trading</a> star outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8173" href="/mlb/players/8173">Kyle Tucker</a>.</p><p>"The window is definitely still open. ... Make no mistake, we're still going to compete," Brown told reporters Friday after the trade was announced, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/Chandler_Rome/status/1867705045544026513">The Athletic's Chandler Rome</a>.</p><p>To that end, Brown added that the trade will have no impact on the Astros' quest to retain star third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5367" href="/mlb/players/5367">Alex Bregman</a>, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/matthewkawahara/status/1867703796241248438">Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Tucker has been one of the American League's best all-around outfielders over the last several seasons and until Friday was a staple of the Astros' lineup. The three-time All-Star helped Houston to a pair of pennants as well as the 2022 World Series championship, where he caught the final out.</p><p>But with Tucker set to hit free agency next winter, Houston made the decision to deal the 27-year-old to the Chicago Cubs for three players, including corner infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9550" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9550">Isaac Paredes</a>.</p><p>Friday's trade could mark the end of the most prosperous era in franchise history. Over the last decade, the Astros have made nine playoff appearances and won seven division titles, four pennants, and two World Series titles. They won a fourth straight AL West crown in 2024 but were swept out of the wild-card series by the Detroit Tigers in a monumental upset that led to questions about their future direction.</p><p>Speculation had been growing about Houston potentially trading top starting pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8415" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8415">Framber Valdez</a>. Brown admitted he's received phone calls about the left-hander but dismissed the idea that he's looking to trade Valdez, which would almost certainly signal a rebuild.</p><p>"With Valdez, we are not aggressively trying to move him, but we'll listen," Brown said, per <a href="https://twitter.com/Chandler_Rome/status/1867705705530372281">Rome</a>. "If you ask me do you think we're going to trade Valdez, I don't think we're going to trade Valdez."</p>

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 01: Manager Joe Espada #19 of the Houston Astros talks with Astros General Manager Dana Brown prior to Game 1 of the Wild Card Series presented by T-Mobile 5G Home Internet between the Detroit Tigers and the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 in Houston, Texas.

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Astros GM: 'We're still going to compete' despite Tucker trade

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman acknowledged Friday that he's had contract talks w...

<p>New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman acknowledged Friday that he's had contract talks with free-agent third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5367" href="/mlb/players/5367">Alex Bregman</a>.</p><p>"He's been a thorn in our sides for years, along with a lot of other peoples' sides," Cashman said of the longtime Houston Astros star, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/BryanHoch/status/1867689365800935866">Bryan Hoch of MLB.com</a>. "He's now into free agency, and I'm sure he's got a whole boatload of choices. Really good players like him make a lot of money."</p><p>Cashman did not elaborate on the state of his talks with Bregman's camp or when those discussions may have occurred. Bregman is represented by Scott Boras.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Bregman is the top third-base option available in free agency this offseason after nine years in Houston as a pillar of the Astros' recent run of success. The 30-year-old hit the open market after winning his first Gold Glove in 2024 while also hitting 26 home runs, although his .768 OPS was a new career low.</p><p>On the field, he'd be a near-perfect fit for the Yankees. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9520" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9520">Jazz Chisholm Jr.</a> is still slated to open next season at the hot corner, but Bregman's presence would allow the team to move Chisholm to his natural position of second base. Bregman would also bring plenty of championship pedigree to a team that hasn't won a championship in 15 years, having won two rings in Houston.</p><p>Bregman is, of course, no stranger to the Yankees and their fans thanks to their rivalry with Houston over the past decade. His presence on the 2017 World Series champion Astros, who beat the Yankees en route to the title and were later found to have illegally stolen signs, has turned him into something of a villain in the Bronx. All told, Bregman's Astros eliminated New York in the ALCS three times over the past eight seasons.</p><p>The Yankees face stiff competition for Bregman's services. There's reportedly <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3157668" href="https://thescore.com/news/3157668">mutual interest</a> between the two-time All-Star and the Detroit Tigers, and Houston wants to bring him back. Boras said earlier this winter that Bregman would consider switching positions, which could open up even more suitors.</p><p>New York has wasted no time building its 2025 roster after losing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a> to the crosstown rival Mets. The club traded for award-winning closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11736" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11736">Devin Williams</a> on Friday and reportedly inked star left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4259" href="/mlb/players/4259">Max Fried</a> to an eight-year, $218-million deal at the winter meetings.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 09, 2024: Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros hits a single during the sixth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on May 09, 2024 in New York, New York.

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Cashman: Yankees have had contract talks with Bregman

The Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees have had discussions about a trade that would send former N...

<p>The Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees have had discussions about a trade that would send former NL MVP <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4899" href="/mlb/players/4899">Cody Bellinger</a> to the Bronx, <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/12/11/sports/yankees-targeting-cubs-cody-bellinger-but-money-issues-remain/">Jon Heyman of the New York Post</a> reports.</p><p>While there was a bit of progress in talks Wednesday, no deal is imminent, Heyman reports.</p><p>The main issue appears to be regarding money. Chicago wants the Yankees to assume most of Bellinger's remaining contract, while New York has been asking for the Cubs to include cash in any deal, according to Heyman.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Bellinger chose not to opt out earlier this offseason. He's owed $52.5 million over the final two years of his contract and has another player option next winter.</p><p>The 29-year-old wasn't able to replicate his comeback 2023 season with the Cubs this past year, hitting .266/.325/.426 with 18 homers and 78 RBIs over 130 games. Chicago reportedly made Bellinger and outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13692" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13692">Seiya Suzuki</a> available this winter and is apparently <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3151207" href="https://thescore.com/news/3151207">trying</a> to move at least one of them.</p><p>Bellinger could be a good fit for the middle of the Yankees' lineup as a left-handed power bat who could potentially rebound hitting into Yankee Stadium's short porch. He also plays plus defense at center field and first base, two positions where New York is looking for upgrades.</p><p>In addition to their apparent trade talks with one another, the Yankees and Cubs are said to be <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3156737" href="https://thescore.com/news/3156737">pushing hard</a> to acquire Houston Astros outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8173" href="/mlb/players/8173">Kyle Tucker</a>.</p>

DENVER, COLORADO - SEPTEMBER 15: Cody Bellinger #24 of the Chicago Cubs runs before scoring a run in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on September 15, 2024 in Denver, Colorado.

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Report: Yankees, Cubs have discussed Bellinger trade

The New York Yankees are re-signing right-hander Jonathan Loáisiga to a one-year contract with a ...

<p>The New York Yankees are re-signing right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/9856" href="/wbc/players/9856">Jonathan Loáisiga</a> to a one-year contract with a club option for 2026, a source told <a href="https://twitter.com/jorgecastillo/status/1866999530090049853">ESPN's Jorge Castillo</a>.</p><p>Financial terms of the agreement are not yet known.</p><p>Loáisiga made only three appearances for the Yankees last season before undergoing surgery to repair a torn elbow ligament. He's pitched in just 20 games over the past two years because of a variety of elbow issues. Loáisiga's expected to be ready for a return to the mound in late April, according to Castillo.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Once he's healthy, the 30-year-old will add even more depth to the Yankees' bullpen, perhaps in a middle relief role.</p><p>Loáisiga owns a lifetime 3.44 ERA, 3.59 fielding independent pitching, and 1.23 WHIP along with 207 strikeouts and seven saves across 163 appearances, all with the Yankees. His best season came in 2021, when he put up a 2.17 ERA in 70 2/3 innings as a key member of New York's bullpen.</p><p> </p>

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 15: Jonathan Loaisiga #43 of the New York Yankees pitches during the sixth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on August 15, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Report: Yankees agree to 1-year deal with Loáisiga

The Cleveland Guardians traded infielder Spencer Horwitz to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange fo...

<p>The Cleveland Guardians traded infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13830" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13830">Spencer Horwitz</a> to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15398" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15398">Luis L. Ortiz</a>, and left-handed pitching prospects Josh Hartle and Michael Kennedy, both teams announced.</p><p>Cleveland had acquired Horwitz from the Toronto Blue Jays in a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3156249" href="https://thescore.com/news/3156249">separate trade earlier Tuesday</a> that sent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8766" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8766">Andrés Giménez</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12325" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12325">Nick Sandlin</a> north of the border.</p><p>While he's played 39 games at second base in the majors, Horwitz is a first baseman by trade, and he will presumably be the Pirates' everyday first baseman in 2025. The position has been something of a black hole for Pittsburgh in recent years; Pirates first basemen ranked 25th in the major leagues in total production last season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 27-year-old, who debuted in 2023, hit .265/.357/.433 with 12 homers and 40 RBIs across 97 games in 2024 while splitting time between first, second, and DH. All 13 of his big-league homers have come against right-handed pitching; conversely, he's struggled against southpaws, sporting a lifetime .523 OPS in 87 plate appearances versus lefties.</p><p>Horwitz will find some familiar faces waiting for him in Pittsburgh. New Pirates hitting coach Matt Hague held the same position in Toronto last season, and the two had a close relationship, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/bnicholsonsmith/status/1866692990309372266">Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith</a>. General manager Ben Cherington, meanwhile, was working in the Blue Jays' front office when they drafted Horwitz in 2019.</p><p>"Spencer has been a consistently strong offensive performer throughout his pro career, including his first extended major-league experience this season," Cherington <a href="https://twitter.com/Pirates/status/1866700984732488181">said</a>. "As a left-handed hitting first baseman with on-base skill, we believe he's a strong fit for our lineup and team."</p><p>Ortiz, who turns 26 next month, began last season in the bullpen but was moved to the rotation down the stretch amid a quiet breakout season. He finished the year with a career-best 3.32 ERA, 4.25 FIP, and 1.11 WHIP with 107 strikeouts and a 2.8 BB/9 rate over 135 2/3 innings. The Dominican Republic native throws five pitches, including a fastball and sinker that average around 95 mph, per <a href="https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/luis-l-ortiz-682847?stats=statcast-r-pitching-mlb">Baseball Savant</a>.</p><p>In Cleveland, Ortiz should be a candidate to start full time next season. He might also become a key piece for the Guardians over the long haul, as he has another five years of team control remaining, including four seasons of arbitration.</p><p>Hartle, Pittsburgh's third-round pick out of Wake Forest this past summer, was ranked as the Pirates' No. 16 prospect by <a href="https://www.baseballamerica.com/teams/2016-pittsburgh-pirates/prospects/?season=2024">Baseball America</a> prior to the trade. The 21-year-old put up a 5.79 ERA with 81 strikeouts over 51 starts in his junior year with the Demon Deacons and appeared in only one professional game after the draft.</p><p>Kennedy, 20, was the Pirates' No. 19 prospect, per BA. The former fourth-round draft pick posted a combined 3.66 ERA and 1.09 WHIP with 95 strikeouts and a 10.2 K/9 rate across 18 appearances (17 starts) between Low-A Bradenton and High-A Greensboro in 2024.</p>

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 7: Spencer Horwitz #48 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates after hitting his second solo home run of the game during the fourth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on September 7, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Guardians trade newly acquired Horwitz to Pirates

Alec Bohm's future in Philadelphia has been the subject of much speculation this winter, but Phil...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10702" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10702">Alec Bohm</a>'s future in Philadelphia has been the subject of much speculation this winter, but Phillies manager Rob Thomson insists the team is not looking to trade the third baseman.</p><p>"I know the rumors are flying all over the place. We're not shopping him," Thomson said on <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBNetwork/status/1866605691235860874">MLB Network</a>. "But people are approaching us on him, so you gotta listen."</p><p>Bohm, the Phillies' primary third baseman for the past five seasons, was a first-time All-Star in 2024. Over 143 games, he hit .280/.332/.448 with 15 homers and 97 RBIs, along with a career-high 3.0 bWAR.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>However, his bat went silent in October, as Bohm went 1-for-13 with a walk during the Phillies' shocking NLDS loss to the New York Mets. Thomson left Bohm on the bench to start Game 2 in an ill-fated attempt to spark his club.</p><p>That disappointing playoff performance led to reports the Phillies were shopping Bohm in an attempt to shake up their roster. The Kansas City Royals, Chicago White Sox, and Seattle Mariners were among the teams said to have interest in acquiring him.</p><p>Philadelphia also seems to be inquiring about alternatives at the hot corner. The Phillies <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3156213" href="https://thescore.com/news/3156213">apparently</a> have interest in St. Louis Cardinals star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2381" href="/mlb/players/2381">Nolan Arenado</a> and are one of several teams said to have spoken with the 10-time Gold Glover's agent about facilitating a trade.</p><p>Still, Thomson gave Bohm a huge vote of confidence Tuesday, highlighting how he feels the 28-year-old has grown as a player during his career.</p><p>"This guy has improved so much, not just physically but mentally over the course of the three or four years he's been in the big leagues. (Infield coach) Bobby Dickerson ... has done an unbelievable job with Alec, getting (him) to be better defensively. Throwing accuracy, glove action. He's a really good hitter. </p><p>"... He's so good hitting behind (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1688" href="/mlb/players/1688">Bryce Harper</a>), 'cause he's gonna put the ball in play with runners in scoring position. He's not gonna strike out. You can pretty much book an RBI if Alec is at the plate with less than two out and a runner in scoring position."</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 19: Alec Bohm #28 of the Philadelphia Phillies runs to first base after he hit a three-run home run against the Washington Nationals during the eighth inning of a game at Citizens Bank Park on May 19, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Nationals 11-5.

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Thomson: Phillies aren't trying to trade Bohm

Max Fried has found his bag in the Bronx.  The longtime Atlanta Braves ace agreed to an eight-yea...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4259" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4259">Max Fried</a> has found his bag in the Bronx.</p><p>The longtime Atlanta Braves ace agreed to an eight-year, $218-million contract with the New York Yankees, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/1866615806186209355">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a>.</p><p>It's the largest contract given to a left-hander in baseball history, topping David Price's $217-million deal with the Red Sox, and the fourth-largest for a pitcher. The Yankees now have two of those top five contracts - Fried and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2913" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2913">Gerrit Cole</a> - in their rotation.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The deal contains no deferred money or opt-outs, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/BNightengale/status/1866617739663552905">Bob Nightengale of USA Today</a>. He also gets a full no-trade clause, <a href="https://twitter.com/Joelsherman1/status/1866624116112998906">Joel Sherman of the New York Post</a> reports.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Fried’s $27.25M average annual value ranks 37th all-time, just below Tyler Glasnow among pitchers. Yankees presumably extended deal to eight years to lower luxury-tax hit, which is based on AAV.</p>— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/1866618667540124103?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Fried, 30, owns a lifetime 3.07 ERA, 3.29 fielding independent pitching, and 1.16 WHIP with 863 strikeouts in 168 appearances (151 starts) across eight seasons with the Braves. The two-time All-Star also owns three Gold Glove awards, a Silver Slugger from the pre-DH era, and was the NL Cy Young runner-up in 2022. His 2.81 ERA since the start of 2020 is the lowest among pitchers with at least 550 innings over that span, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/SlangsOnSports/status/1866622872682193222">Sarah Langs of MLB.com</a>.</p><p>The California native also brings plenty of postseason experience to New York after several years at the top of Atlanta's rotation. Fried was the ace of the Braves' 2021 World Series championship club and helped clinch that title with six shutout innings on the road in Game 6.</p><p>Last year saw Fried rebound from an injury-plagued 2023 campaign to put up a 3.25 ERA and 1.16 WHIP along with 166 strikeouts, two complete games, and one shutout over 174 1/3 innings. He crossed the 165-inning mark for the fourth time since 2019, and went over 170 for the second time in three seasons.</p><p>Now, he'll immediately form one half of a formidable duo atop New York's rotation alongside former Cy Young winner Cole. His presence lengthens the Yankees' rotation and leaves them with a surplus of capable starters on their active roster.</p><p><strong>Yankees' projected 2025 rotation</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pitcher</th>
<th>Throws</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Gerrit Cole</td>
<td>RH</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Max Fried</td>
<td>LH</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Carlos Rodón</td>
<td>LH</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Luis Gil</td>
<td>RH</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Marcus Stroman</td>
<td>RH</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The addition of Fried comes barely 48 hours after the Yankees lost superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a> to the Mets on a $765-million mega-deal.</p><p>The Boston Red Sox were among the finalists for Fried's services, but their final offer came in well below what he got from the Yankees, a source told <a href="https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2024/12/as-red-sox-lose-out-to-yankees-on-max-fried-team-preps-corbin-burnes-offer.html">MassLive's Chris Cotillo</a>. The Toronto Blue Jays also had interest in Fried, but were not involved in the final round of bidding, <a href="https://twitter.com/bnicholsonsmith/status/1866622751773167631">Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith</a> reports.</p><p>The Texas Rangers also made a late attempt to sign Fried, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/Joelsherman1/status/1866624688878965049">Sherman</a>.</p><p>Because Fried declined Atlanta's qualifying offer, the Braves will receive an extra draft pick after the end of the fourth round in the 2025 draft as compensation for his signing with the Yankees.</p>

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 27: Max Fried #54 of Atlanta Braves pitches in the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Truist Park on September 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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