Tarik Skubal reigns supreme after an exceptional season.   The Detroit Tigers left-hander unanimo...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11799" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11799">Tarik Skubal </a>reigns supreme after an exceptional season. The Detroit Tigers left-hander unanimously won his first career American League Cy Young Award over Kansas City Royals right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5533" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5533">Seth Lugo</a> and Cleveland Guardians closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11259" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11259">Emmanuel Clase</a>.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-DVMng" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/DVMng/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="197" 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>"It's pretty special. All the hard work, all the stuff that goes on behind the scenes, moments like this make it extremely worth it," Skubal said. "To have the support system that I have and the people that are right behind me, it means a lot to have those guys in my corner."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Skubal put together a breakout 2024 campaign following a strong finish to 2023. The southpaw earned the AL pitching Triple Crown by leading in wins (18), ERA (2.39), and strikeouts (228).<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
“I love to play the game. I love to win. That’s all the motivation I need.” Cy Young dreams become reality for <a href="https://twitter.com/TarikSkubal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TarikSkubal</a>. <a href="https://t.co/iKkzXFx89H">pic.twitter.com/iKkzXFx89H</a>— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) <a href="https://twitter.com/tigers/status/1859386435704406198?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>His 170 ERA+, 2.50 FIP, and 5.9 fWAR were also tops in the AL.It was a particularly special 28th birthday for Skubal as he became the fifth Tigers pitcher to win a Cy Young and the first since <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/633" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/633">Max Scherzer</a> in 2013. He's also the first left-handed starting pitcher in franchise history to take home the award.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
gotta love the “Happy Birthday” in the background of a Cy Young celebration <a href="https://t.co/5QLvgR61YT">pic.twitter.com/5QLvgR61YT</a>— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) <a href="https://twitter.com/Alden_Gonzalez/status/1859385876528365585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Skubal joins Roy Campanella (1953 MVP) as the only two players in MLB history to win an individual BBWAA award on their birthday, according to <a href="https://x.com/SlangsOnSports/status/1859385024866550114">MLB.com's Sarah Langs</a>.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 01: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers reacts after recording a strikeout against the Houston Astros to end the fourth inning during Game One of the Wild Card Series at Minute Maid Park on October 01, 2024 in Houston, Texas.

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Tigers' Skubal unanimously wins 1st Cy Young

The Colorado Rockies re-signed catcher Jacob Stallings to a one-year, $2-million deal, the club a...

The Colorado Rockies re-signed catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5095" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5095">Jacob Stallings</a> to a one-year, $2-million deal, the club announced Wednesday.The contract includes a $2-million mutual option for 2026 with a $500,000 buyout, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/rockies-stallings-mlb-720ac482b27f20cc6bb2416fde016710">The Associated Press</a>. Stallings can earn three additional bonuses totaling $500,000 for reaching 80, 90, and 100 games played at catcher.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Stallings is fresh off the best offensive season of his career in which he slashed .263/.357/.453 across 82 games. The 118 OPS+ he posted was his highest with at least 200 plate appearances.The 34-year-old catcher, who won a Gold Glove with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2021, ranked in the 94th percentile for blocks above average. He caught a dozen runners stealing, the 12th most among NL backstops.Stallings own a .672 OPS across parts of nine MLB campaigns.

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 22: Jacob Stallings #25 of the Colorado Rockies looks to the dugout during the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on August 22, 2024 in Washington, DC.

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Rockies re-sign Stallings to 1-year, $2M contract

New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner said his club "had a good meeting" that was "very honest"...

New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner said his club "had a good meeting" that was "very honest" with free-agent superstar Juan Soto on Monday, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/soto-steinbrenner-yankees-28a82bb3842332b55efa0fb74d6f0222">The Associated Press</a>. "I've got ears," he added when asked about the importance of getting a deal done. "I know what's expected of me."Steinbrenner said president Randy Levine, general manager Brian Cashman, manager <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/873" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/873">Aaron Boone</a>, and senior adviser for baseball operations Omar Minaya all attended the meeting. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Yankees didn't make an offer, but the team believes a second meeting about dollar-driven negotiations is possible in the coming weeks, a source told <a href="https://www.nj.com/yankees/2024/11/yankees-encouraged-by-juan-soto-response-in-face-to-face-meeting-klapisch.html">Bob Klapisch of NJ Advance Media</a>.Steinbrenner is seen as "100% committed" to being financially competitive with Soto's other suitors, including the New York Mets, Klapisch adds."We're in a better starting position than we were a year ago. There's no doubt about that," Steinbrenner said. "Year after year after year after year, payrolls similar to this year and the luxury taxes they produce are not sustainable, not feasible, and that’s the case for the vast majority of owners, maybe all the owners, year after year after year."It doesn’t mean in any given year I can’t do what I want to do. We’ve got the ability to sign any player we want to sign.”Soto, meanwhile, apparently wanted Steinbrenner to commit to sustained excellence and highlighted areas where the Yankees need to improve.Bidding for Soto's new deal is expected to begin around $500 million and likely exceed $600 million. Steinbrenner said he hasn't yet discussed a walk-away number, according to <a href="https://x.com/ChrisKirschner/status/1859290718495441254">The Athletic's Chris Kirschner</a>. The star's decision is expected to coincide with the winter meetings, which run from Dec. 9-12 in Dallas.Both parties are coming off a successful first season together in which Soto led the Yankees to their first World Series since 2009. However, they lost the Fall Classic in five games to the Los Angeles Dodgers.Soto authored one of the finest seasons of his historic career in New York. The AL MVP finalist and Silver Slugger winner slashed .288/.419/.569 with a career-high 41 home runs.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 30: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Yankees jogs to the dugout before the game against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on March 30, 2024 in Houston, Texas.

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Steinbrenner: Yankees had 'good meeting' with Soto

The Philadelphia Phillies are planning to meet with star free agent Juan Soto, according to Jon H...

The Philadelphia Phillies are planning to meet with star free agent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a>, according to <a href="https://x.com/JonHeyman/status/1858916995216838824">Jon Heyman of the New York Post</a>. Whichever team signs Soto will now have to surrender draft pick compensation after he, as expected, declined the New York Yankees' qualifying offer on Tuesday, per <a href="https://x.com/JonHeyman/status/1858914150757339611">Heyman</a>.Adding Soto would be a game-changing move for a Phillies squad looking to shake things up after another early playoff exit. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Philadelphia is coming off a 95-win regular season in which it sent a franchise-record eight players to the All-Star Game. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4786" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4786">Jeff Hoffman</a>, one member of that group, is a free agent, while another, third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10702" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10702">Alec Bohm</a>, is reportedly <a href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/news/3126542">available in trade talks</a>.The Phillies already have nearly $223 million committed to payroll allocations for 2025, the most in MLB, per <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/payroll/_/year/2025/sort/cap_maximum_space2">Spotrac</a>. Owner John Middleton said earlier this offseason that he expects the team's payroll next year to "<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3119164" href="https://thescore.com/news/3119164">be higher</a>" than it was in 2024. He also expressed a willingness to exceed the highest luxury tax threshold.Soto's positional fit in Philadelphia isn't clear-cut. Current right fielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2880" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2880">Nick Castellanos</a> would likely have to move unless Soto is comfortable switching back to left field, which he played in 2023 with the San Diego Padres. Soto's new deal is widely expected to exceed $600 million.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 29: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Yankees interacts with Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on July 29, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Yankees defeated the Phillies 14-4.

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Report: Phillies planning to meet with Soto

John Sterling's successor on New York Yankees radio has been chosen.  The Yankees hired Seattle M...

John Sterling's successor on New York Yankees radio has been chosen.The Yankees hired Seattle Mariners broadcaster Dave Sims as their new radio play-by-play announcer following Sterling's retirement, they announced Thursday, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5923012/2024/11/14/dave-sims-yankees-john-sterling-replacement/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=mlbtw&amp;source=mlbtw">The Athletic's Andrew Marchand</a>.Sims signed a two-year contract with the Yankees, Marchand added.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Sims has been the Mariners' play-by-play commentator since 2007 and is known for his energy. The 71-year-old delivered a signature call in 2022 on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10827" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10827">Cal Raleigh</a>'s home run that ended the Mariners' 21-year playoff drought. <figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Cal Raleigh sends the Mariners to the postseason for the first time in 21 years with a walk-off home run! <a href="https://t.co/1P7PpxlPhL">pic.twitter.com/1P7PpxlPhL</a>— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkinBaseball_/status/1576067381050449921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2022</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Sims will team up with Suzyn Waldman on the broadcasts. "It's great to be home," Sims said in a statement, according to <a href="https://x.com/GaryHPhillips/status/1857211990533460411">Gary Phillips of NY Daily News Sports</a>. "What an honor to be part of the iconic Yankees franchise. New York is where it all started for me, and I can't wait for Opening Day and to work with my good friend Suzyn!"Sterling, 86, retired from the Yankees' booth midseason but returned to call games during their run to the World Series. He spent 36 seasons in the Yankees booth and called over 5,400 regular-season games. Rickie Ricardo, who stepped in during the regular season, was also considered a candidate for the job.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MAY 31: J.P. Crawford #3 and broadcaster Dave Sims of the Seattle Mariners share a laugh during bats practice at T-Mobile Park on May 31, 2024 in Seattle, Washington.

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Yankees hire Dave Sims as successor to John Sterling

Carlos Beltrán, the New York Mets' special assistant to the president of baseball operations, con...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1007" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1007">Carlos Beltrán</a>, the New York Mets' special assistant to the president of baseball operations, confirmed the club is considering going all-in on free-agent phenom <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a>."The Mets want to improve the team, and there is no doubt that they will go after all the players that are on the open market knowing that the piece that everyone wants is Juan Soto," Beltrán said, according to <a href="https://www.primerahora.com/deportes/beisbol/notas/carlos-beltran-asegura-que-los-mets-haran-todo-lo-necesario-para-firmar-a-juan-soto/">Primera Hora</a>, as translated by theScore."And the Mets do not rule out going full blast after him."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Soto, fresh off a World Series appearance and top-3 AL MVP finish with the New York Yankees, is expected to command one of the most lucrative free-agent contracts in MLB history.The Mets have been consistently linked to Soto as one of the few clubs capable of giving him a contract in excess of $600 million, especially with extensive money coming off their books. "The Mets owner (Steve Cohen) is one of the wealthiest in the game and wants to win," Beltran said."When he tells the press that he wants to win, he doesn't say it to rile up fans. It's personal for him, and I got to see that being with the team this year."Soto would give the Mets the firepower needed to compete with the Los Angeles Dodgers, who ousted them in the NLCS en route to a second World Series title in five years.The 26-year-old slugged a career-high 41 home runs in 2024 while walking (129) more than striking out (119). His career .421 on-base percentage is tops among all active players.Soto has accrued a whopping 36.3 fWAR in just seven seasons.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 24: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Yankees stands at second base during the fifth inning with Francisco Lindor #12 of the New York Mets at Yankee Stadium on July 24, 2024 in New York City.

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Beltrán: Mets considering 'full blast' pursuit of Soto in free agency

The Boston Red Sox inked free-agent reliever Justin Wilson to a one-year contract, the club annou...

The Boston Red Sox inked free-agent reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2064" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2064">Justin Wilson</a> to a one-year contract, the club announced Thursday.The pact pays him $2.25 million with $750,000 of added bonuses triggered by games played, according to <a href="https://x.com/bradfo/status/1857138232418308566">Rob Bradford of WEEI</a>.Wilson, 36, is coming off a season with the Cincinnati Reds in which he recorded a 5.59 ERA and 1.46 WHIP in 60 appearances. His 51 strikeouts over 46 2/3 innings equated to a 9.8 K/9.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The left-hander missed all of 2023 recovering from Tommy John surgery.Wilson owns a 3.61 ERA (114+) across 12 MLB seasons, during which he's also played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, and Detroit Tigers.

CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 24: Relief pitcher Justin Wilson #32 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches during the sixth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on September 24, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Red Sox sign Justin Wilson to 1-year deal

The demands of the Chicago White Sox in a potential trade involving pitcher Garrett Crochet are b...

The demands of the Chicago White Sox in a potential trade involving pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12246" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12246">Garrett Crochet</a> are becoming clearer with baseball's winter meetings approaching.White Sox general manager Chris Getz wants a package of talent centered on one high-ceiling prospect, preferably a position player, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/insider/story/_/id/42351725/garrett-crochet-best-fits-phillies-yankees-dodgers-white-sox-trade-target">ESPN's Buster Olney</a>.Getz's willingness to accept a pitcher as the centerpiece would depend on the depth and quality of other pieces involved, Olney reports. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Chicago's decision to hold onto Crochet at the trade deadline surprised many given the high level of interest he generated. However, the club's patience may ultimately pay off, as one executive told Olney they expect Getz will get "at least as much" as he was asking for during the season.The Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, and New York Mets are all considered potential suitors.Boston could part with outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13925" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13925">Wilyer Abreu</a> in a deal for Crochet, and the White Sox are interested in making him the headliner of a package, according to <a href="https://x.com/FoulTerritoryTV/status/1856773378298057089">MassLive's Sean McAdam</a>.The expectation remains that whichever team acquires Crochet, who's under team control through 2026, will sign him to the lucrative long-term contract extension he has been seeking.Crochet impressed in his first season as a starting pitcher, punching out 209 batters in 146 innings en route to his first All-Star team.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 13: Garrett Crochet #45 of the Chicago White Sox pitches in the first inning of a game against the Oakland Athletics at Guaranteed Rate Field on September 13, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Report: White Sox prefer position player as main piece in Crochet trade

Seattle Mariners general manager Justin Hollander is making it known he'd like to bring Justin Tu...

Seattle Mariners general manager Justin Hollander is making it known he'd like to bring <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/43" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/43">Justin Turner</a> back next season. "We've already had discussions with JT and reiterated our interest that we expressed at the end of last season," Hollander said, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/mariners-takeaways-from-gm-meetings-2024">MLB.com's Daniel Kramer</a>. Turner played well down the stretch for the Mariners after being acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays. The 39-year-old put up a .766 OPS (128 OPS+) with five home runs and 24 RBIs in 48 games. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He also made a positive impression off the diamond. "He's a player that connected with a lot of different parts of our clubhouse and really did make a connection with our team, with our coaches, (and) with our front office," Hollander said. "We'd love to have JT back."Turner is a 16-year veteran with two All-Star appearances, two top-10 MVP finishes, and a World Series title on his decorated resume.He owns an .821 OPS across 1,678 career games.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 28: Justin Turner #2 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates his walk-off fielder's choice during the tenth inning against the Oakland Athletics at T-Mobile Park on September 28, 2024 in Seattle, Washington.

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Mariners GM: Club has 'already had discussions' with Turner

Juan Soto signing with a New York team may not be a forgone conclusion.  The Toronto Blue Jays ar...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a> signing with a New York team may not be a forgone conclusion.The Toronto Blue Jays are considered a viable obstacle to the favored New York Mets and New York Yankees for Soto, sources told <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/11/11/sports/blue-jays-could-play-spoiler-in-yankees-mets-juan-soto-sweepstakes/">Jon Heyman of the New York Post</a>.The field of suitors also includes the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox, and two mystery teams, Heyman reports. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>All eight clubs will reportedly meet with Soto in California beginning this week.The Blue Jays are coming off a last-place finish in the AL East and need a left-handed power bat. They made a serious but unsuccessful attempt at signing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a> last offseason. Soto told reporters after the World Series that he'd consider "all 30 teams" when choosing his new home, but he prefers those that win and show how much they want him.His new deal is expected to be at least 13 years long and eclipse the $40-million annual value of former Yankee teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a>, setting a new benchmark for position players.Soto, 26, is coming off an exceptional season in New York for which he was named an American League MVP finalist.The Dominican phenom slugged a career-high 41 home runs while posting a .989 OPS (178 OPS+). His 8.1 fWAR ranked third in the AL behind Judge (11.2) and Kansas City Royals shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12336" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12336">Bobby Witt Jr.</a> (10.4).Soto owns a 160 OPS+ across seven MLB seasons.

BRONX, NY - APRIL 05: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Yankees and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays talk in the outfield prior to the game on April 5, 2024 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York.

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Report: Blue Jays considered serious obstacle to Mets, Yankees for Soto

Los Angeles Angels general manager Perry Minasian won't guarantee Anthony Rendon an everyday role...

Los Angeles Angels general manager Perry Minasian won't guarantee <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2908" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2908">Anthony Rendon</a> an everyday role heading into the 2025 season. "Anthony knows what type of player he is when he's healthy," Minasian said Monday while appearing on "<a href="https://x.com/FoulTerritoryTV/status/1856053267576349064">Foul Territory</a>.""We need him healthy. We need him on the field. He knows that. He knows the expectations coming into camp. We talked about it. He's gonna have to come in and show us he can still play and earn the right to play every day."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Rendon slumped through another injury-plagued campaign in 2024, hitting .218/.307/.267 with no home runs and 14 RBIs across 57 games. The now 34-year-old third baseman has played in just 257 of a possible 708 games since joining the Angels on a seven-year, $245-million contract ahead of the 2020 season.He is slated to make $38.5 million in 2025 and 2026. Rendon drew the ire of fans in February when he <a href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/news/2848710">said</a> baseball has "never been a top priority for me" amid concerns that he wasn't putting in his best effort to stay healthy and produce. "Are we a better team with Anthony Rendon on the field? Absolutely," Minasian said. "Do we need a healthy Anthony Rendon that is that dynamic hitter in the box and (has) one of the highest aptitudes as far as feel for the game (goes) playing today? Yes. We need it."Rendon was one of MLB's best infielders during his time with the Washington Nationals. He posted an .859 OPS (126 OPS+) across his seven-year tenure and finished third in NL MVP voting in 2019.The Angels have not had a winning season since signing Rendon, with their best finish being 77-85 in 2021.

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 4: Anthony Rendon #6 Los Angeles Angels runs the bases as he heads home to score on a home run hit by Mickey Moniak #16 in the first inning during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on September 4, 2024 in Anaheim, California.

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Angels GM: Rendon has to 'earn the right to play every day'

Major League Baseball's offseason just got a lot more interesting.  The Chiba Lotte Marines annou...

Major League Baseball's offseason just got a lot more interesting.The Chiba Lotte Marines announced Saturday that star Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki will be posted at some point this winter, opening the door for the 23-year-old to sign with any organization.Sasaki will be considered an international free agent because of his age and will only be permitted to sign a minor-league deal, similar to when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a> came to the United States.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Since I joined the (Marines), the team has been listening to my thoughts about my future challenge in the MLB, and I am very grateful to the team for officially allowing me to post now," Sasaki said in a club-issued statement.Sasaki added, "I will do my best to work my way up from my minor contract to become the best player in the world, so that I will have no regrets in my one and only baseball career and so that I can live up to the expectations of everyone who has supported me this time."The Dodgers - who employ Ohtani and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17234" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17234">Yoshinobu Yamamoto</a> - are expected to be strongly linked to Sasaki, while the San Diego Padres, both New York teams, the Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays, Texas Rangers, and Tampa Bay Rays could all be potential landing spots, <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/42280725/chiba-lotte-marines-post-japanese-star-roki-sasaki-mlb">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a> reports.Sasaki will have a 45-day window to sign once he's posted, the timing of which will determine whether he falls under the 2024 or 2025 international amateur class. Signing periods run annually from Jan. 15 to Dec. 15.The amount of international bonus pool money a team has to spend is tied to its payroll, revenue, and market size.Most teams have already spent their bonus pool money for the 2024 period. For 2025, smaller clubs are expected to max out at $7.5 million, while big spenders paying the luxury tax will only have around $5.1 million. The majority of clubs will fall somewhere in between.Bonus pool money can be acquired via trade.Sasaki will draw interest from just about every team as a dynamic arm with prodigious potential. His fastball regularly sits near 100 mph, as seen during his start for Japan against Mexico at the 2023 World Baseball Classic.The young right-hander went 10-5 with a 2.35 ERA and 129 strikeouts in 111 innings for the Marines this past season.

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 20: Roki Sasaki #14 of Team Japan pitches during the 2023 World Baseball Classic Semifinal game against Team Mexico at loanDepot Park on March 20, 2023 in Miami, Florida.

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Star Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki to be posted

The New York Yankees announced Friday that they exercised their club option on manager Aaron Boon...

The New York Yankees announced Friday that they exercised their club option on manager <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/873" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/873">Aaron Boone</a> for 2025.Boone will return for an eighth season as New York's skipper after leading the club to its first World Series since 2009, which it lost in five games to the Los Angles Dodgers."I am grateful for the trust placed in me to lead this team. It's a responsibility – and an opportunity – that I will never take lightly," Boone said in a statement, according to <a href="https://x.com/BryanHoch/status/1854925979774284154">MLB's Bryan Hoch</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I'm already looking forward to reporting for spring training in Tampa and working tirelessly to return the Yankees to the postseason to compete for a World Championship."The Yankees won their third AL East division title under Boone's leadership in 2024 with a 94-68 record. The team has gone 603-429, good for a .584 winning percentage, since he took over in 2018.Boone, largely considered a player's manager, is known for his short fuse with umpires. His 39 ejections since 2018 lead baseball.The 51-year-old also played MLB 12 seasons and spent one year with the Yankees in 2003, during which he famously hit a walk-off home run in Game 7 of the ALCS against the Boston Red Sox.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 30: Manager Aaron Boone #17 of the New York Yankees motions to the bullpen during the eighth inning of Game Five of the 2024 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Yankee Stadium on October 30, 2024 in the Bronx borough of New York City.

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Boone returning as Yankees manager in 2025

The Boston Red Sox are "right in the thick" of the trade discussions surrounding Chicago White So...

The Boston Red Sox are "right in the thick" of the trade discussions surrounding Chicago White Sox lefty <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12246" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12246">Garrett Crochet</a>, a source told <a href="https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2024/11/mlb-notebook-source-red-sox-right-in-the-thick-of-garrett-crochet-talks.html">MassLive's Sean McAdam</a>. The Baltimore Orioles, San Diego Padres, and Los Angeles Dodgers are also expected to pursue Crochet."It will come down to (what they're willing to offer), but from a talent standpoint, (the Red Sox) match up well," McAdam's source said.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Crochet broke out in 2024 after converting from a reliever into a starting pitcher. He struck out 209 batters in a career-high 146 innings while recording a 3.58 ERA and 1.07 WHIP.At just 25 years old, Crochet presents a younger option for pitching-needy clubs who may balk at signing the likes of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9580" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9580">Corbin Burnes</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5351" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5351">Blake Snell</a>, or <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4259" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4259">Max Fried</a> - all thirty or older - to a nine-figure deal. Red Sox owner John Henry has typically shied away from such deals. Boston undoubtedly has the prospect capital to swing a trade for Crochet. The organization has six players on <a href="https://www.mlb.com/prospects">MLB Pipeline's Top 100</a> list, three of whom are inside the top ten. The source told McAdam that while Roman Anthony, baseball's third-ranked prospect, is likely off-limits, a potential package could include a controllable major-league player such as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13925" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13925">Wilyer Abreu</a>. Crochet is estimated to make $2.9 million in 2025 after salary arbitration and remains under team control through 2026, per <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/player/_/id/48366/garrett-crochet">Spotrac</a>.The fire-baller could raise his price on whichever team acquires him, however, as he controversially stated he wouldn't pitch in the postseason without an extension if dealt to a contender at the 2024 trade deadline.Crochet owns a 3.29 ERA (128 ERA+) over four MLB seasons.

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 13: Garret Crochet #45 of the Chicago White Sox pitches against the Cincinnati Reds at Guaranteed Rate Field on April 13, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Report: Red Sox 'match up well' in Crochet trade talks

The Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles are among teams showing interest in signing free-agent o...

The Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles are among teams showing interest in signing free-agent outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4472" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4472">Teoscar Hernández</a>, sources told <a href="https://x.com/jonmorosi/status/1854613239855763465">MLB Network's Jon Morosi</a>.Hernández, 32, is fresh off winning the World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers after joining on a one-year deal last offseason.The slugger enjoyed an All-Star season in Los Angeles, crushing a career-high 33 home runs to along with 99 RBIs. His 137 OPS+ was the second-highest mark of his career.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Red Sox have a need for a right-handed power bat with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/5140" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/5140">Tyler O'Neill</a> hitting free agency. They reportedly pursued Hernández last winter before he ultimately agreed to terms with the Dodgers.Baltimore, meanwhile, could be looking to replace the production of free agent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8303" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8303">Anthony Santander</a> should he sign elsewhere.Both clubs know Hernández well after seeing him frequently during his six-year stint with the AL East-rival Toronto Blue Jays.Hernández has hit 192 home runs in nine MLB campaigns.

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 30: Teoscar Hernández #37 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a two-run double in the fifth inning during Game 5 of the 2024 World Series presented by Capital One between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 in New York, New York.

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Report: Red Sox, Orioles among teams eyeing Teoscar Hernández

Longtime third baseman Alex Bregman is willing to play second base, his agent, Scott Boras, told ...

Longtime third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5367" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5367">Alex Bregman</a> is willing to play second base, his agent, Scott Boras, told <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2024/11/06/scott-boras-mlb-rumors-juan-soto-free-agent/76089894007/">USA Today's Bob Nightengale</a>.Several interested teams have asked whether Bregman would be willing to consider a position switch, Nightengale reports. Bregman won his first career Gold Glove at third base in 2024. He ranked in the 91st percentile in outs above average at the position, but his arm strength ranks in the 26th percentile.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 30-year-old has only made nine career appearances (two starts) at second base, most recently in 2018.This winter's free-agent markets at third and second base are thin.Bregman overcame a slow start to post another strong season at the plate in 2024, hitting 26 home runs while posting a .768 OPS (118 OPS+). His 4.1 fWAR tied with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5400" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5400">Rafael Devers</a> for second-most among AL third baseman.Bregman has spent his entire nine-year career with the Houston Astros, winning two World Series championships.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 23: Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros throws to first base in the eighth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park on September 23, 2024 in Houston, Texas.

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Bregman open to playing 2B, says Boras

The Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays are in on starting pitcher Max Fried...

The Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays are in on starting pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4259" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4259">Max Fried</a>, according to <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/11/06/sports/yankees-check-in-corbin-burnes-blake-snell-including-mets-target/">Jon Heyman of the New York Post</a>. The New York Yankees have also checked in on Fried as well as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9580" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9580">Corbin Burnes</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5351" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5351">Blake Snell</a>, Heyman adds.Fried, 30, is a free agent after pitching to a 3.25 ERA and 1.16 WHIP with 166 strikeouts over 174 1/3 innings, the second-highest total of his career, with the Atlanta Braves this past season. He led MLB in complete games (two) and shutouts (one).<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The lefty also made his second All-Star appearance in three years in 2024.Baltimore, Boston, and Toronto all have rotation needs to address. The Orioles could be looking for help if Burnes signs elsewhere.Fried owns a 73-36 record with a 3.07 ERA (140 ERA+) for his career.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 02: Max Fried #54 of the Atlanta Braves throws a pitch against the San Diego Padres during the second inning in Game Two of the Wild Card Series at Petco Park on October 02, 2024 in San Diego, California.

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Report: Orioles, Red Sox, Blue Jays in on Fried; Yankees checked in

We're looking at the top 20 free-agent pitchers with the offseason now underway (statistics from ...

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Top 21 MLB free-agent pitchers

The San Francisco Giants are the team most interested in infielder Ha-Seong Kim, sources told MLB...

The San Francisco Giants are the team most interested in infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/12593" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/12593">Ha-Seong Kim</a>, sources told <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/ha-seong-kim-a-free-agent-possibility-for-giants?partnerID=mlbapp-iOS_article-share">MLB.com's Mark Feinsand</a>.The Milwaukee Brewers have also been connected to Kim, Feinsand reports. The Toronto Blue Jays also "have some interest in Kim" as they survey middle infielder options, according to<a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/blue-jays-weigh-intriguing-possibilities-at-gm-meetings/"> Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith</a>. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Kim, 29, is widely considered one of the top infielders on the market despite posting a down season with the San Diego Padres in 2024.Before suffering a season-ending torn labrum in August, Kim hit 11 home runs and stole 22 bases with a .700 OPS. He won a Gold Glove at the utility position and accrued 4.2 fWAR during an excellent 2023 campaign.Kim going to the Giants makes sense on several levels: San Francisco is <a href="https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/mlb/san-francisco-giants/buster-posey-free-agency-position/1801477/">looking to add a shortstop</a>, and skipper Bob Melvin previously managed Kim during their shared time with the Padres.Giants outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17231" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17231">Jung Hoo Lee</a> also played with Kim in Korea and during the World Baseball Classic.The Brewers could employ Kim at shortstop if <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/4784" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/4784">Willy Adames</a> signs elsewhere as expected. The Blue Jays, meanwhile, would likely sign Kim to shore up the second base position.Kim has recorded 24 defensive runs saved across four MLB seasons, per <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/players/ha-seong-kim/27506/stats?position=SS#fielding">FanGraphs</a>.

DENVER, COLORADO - AUGUST 18: Ha-Seong Kim #7 of the San Diego Padres runs on an attempted hit and run play in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on August 18, 2024 in Denver, Colorado.

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Report: Giants among teams most interested in Kim

Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins has clear plans for the team after a disappointing ...

Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins has clear plans for the team after a disappointing season. "We want to improve our pitching, improve our offense, and build upon a team that we feel is a good one. It's in a good starting position," Atkins said Wednesday at MLB's GM meetings, per <a href="https://x.com/MLBNetwork/status/1854248386977001795">MLB Network</a>.Atkins' Blue Jays stumbled to last place in the AL East with a 74-88 record in 2024 after making the playoffs the previous two campaigns.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The bullpen, which many considered a strength heading into the season, ended up being the club's Achilles heel - Toronto's relievers ranked last in the AL in ERA (4.82), FIP (4.82), and fWAR (-2.5)."We need to improve our bullpen - that is the clear area of opportunity for us - but (we are) really excited about the energy here and our opportunity to get better," Atkins said. The story for Atkins and Co. last offseason was the Jays' failed pursuit of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a>, who was falsely reported as being on a plane to Toronto before signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers.Atkins praised the organization when asked if that situation reflects the Jays' ability and willingness to pursue big free agents such as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a>."Every situation is different, (I'm) not going to comment on Juan Soto," he said. "I think what we learned from Shohei and that pursuit is that Toronto is very attractive."The Blue Jays' payroll allocations for 2025 are currently expected to be $189 million after arbitration, per <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/toronto-blue-jays/payroll/_/year/2025">Spotrac</a>.Toronto spent $218 million on its roster last season, good for ninth-most in MLB.

TORONTO. Ross Atkins GM of the Jays talks to media in the dugout. Toronto Blue Jays opening day against the Seattle Mariners in Toronto.(R.J.Johnston/Toronto Star) R.J. Johnston/Toronto Star (R.J. Johnston/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

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Atkins: Blue Jays 'excited about our opportunity to get better'

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Ben Wrixon

Associate Baseball News Editor

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