The Seattle Mariners are finalizing a six-year, $105-million contract extension with catcher Cal ...

The Seattle Mariners are finalizing a six-year, $105-million contract extension with catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10827" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10827">Cal Raleigh</a>, sources told <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1904598572496282007">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a>.The 28-year-old hit 34 home runs and 100 RBIs for the Mariners last season while winning the Gold Glove at his position. The deal is set to begin immediately and buy out three years of arbitration eligibility, Passan added. Raleigh's new contract features a $20 million vesting player option for a seventh year in 2031, which is attached to a $2 million buyout, per <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1904614105605881970">Passan</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Big Dumper" also gets a full no-trade clause as part of the extension, according to <a href="https://x.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/1904600717878579462">Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic</a>.Raleigh's 5.4 fWAR led all American League catchers in 2024 and tied him with Milwaukee Brewers All-Star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9741" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9741">William Contreras</a> for the major-league lead at the position.The 13.9 fWAR by Raleigh since 2022 is tops among all catchers.Seattle's pitchers have thrived with Raleigh calling the shots behind the dish. Over the past two years its staff leads MLB in ERA (3.62), ranks second in FIP (3.81), and has the fifth-best fWAR (36.3).The switch-hitter owns a career .740 OPS (112 OPS+) with 93 home runs.

PEORIA, ARIZONA - MARCH 7: Cal Raleigh #29 of the Seattle Mariners runs to first base on a pop out in the third inning during a spring training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Peoria Stadium on March 7, 2025 in Peoria, Arizona.

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Report: Mariners, Raleigh finalizing 6-year, $105M extension

The Texas Rangers' Opening Day roster is taking shape.  Manager Chris Young announced Tuesday tha...

The Texas Rangers' Opening Day roster is taking shape.Manager Chris Young announced Tuesday that starting pitchers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13876" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13876">Jack Leiter</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15735" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15735">Kumar Rocker</a> made the team, according to <a href="https://x.com/kennlandry/status/1904574440458899894">Kennedi Landry of MLB.com</a>.Young also said outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14466" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14466">Evan Carter</a> did not make the big league club, per <a href="https://x.com/kennlandry/status/1904574102620561912">Landry</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Leiter had a respectable 3.48 ERA in six appearances this spring. The 24-year-old struggled in his first taste of MLB action in 2024, allowing 35 earned runs in 35 2/3 innings pitched.Rocker, the third overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, made three starts for the Rangers last season. Opposing hitters shelled him for 13 earned runs in nine innings this spring.Young said the pair will slot into the Rangers' starting rotation, according to <a href="https://x.com/Evan_P_Grant/status/1904574293079359903">Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News.</a>Carter entered last season as a popular Rookie of the Year candidate after an impressive 23-game stint and playoffs in 2023. A back injury ended up limiting him to just 45 games.The 22-year-old hit just .154/.214/.205 with three walks and no home runs in 15 spring training games.Texas opens its season Thursday against the Boston Red Sox.

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Kumar Rocker #80 of the Texas Rangers pitches during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Oakland Athletics at RingCentral Coliseum on Thursday, September 26, 2024 in Oakland, California.

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Rocker, Leiter make Rangers; Carter to start season in minor leagues

Philadelphia Phillies starter Ranger Suárez will begin the season on the injured list, president ...

Philadelphia Phillies starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9813" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9813">Ranger Suárez</a> will begin the season on the injured list, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said Monday, according to <a href="https://x.com/ToddZolecki/status/1904190673860829331">Todd Zolecki of MLB.com</a>.Suárez, 29, pitched just five innings this spring before being sidelined with a back injury. Dombrowski estimated the All-Star's absence as "three weeks or something at least."<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3163" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3163">Taijuan Walker</a> will step into the Phillies' rotation for the time being.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Suárez also dealt with back issues during the second half of his breakout 2024 campaign. He still made 27 starts and finished the year with a 3.46 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 150 2/3 innings pitched.The lefty owns a career 3.42 ERA (121 ERA+) through seven MLB seasons, all spent with the Phillies.

CLEARWATER, FLORIDA - MARCH 4: Ranger Suarez #55 of the Philadelphia Phillies delivers a pitch during the fourth inning of a spring training game against the New York Yankees at BayCare Ballpark on March 4, 2025 in Clearwater, Florida.

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Phillies' Suárez to open season on IL with back issue

The New York Yankees agreed to a one-year contract with veteran pitcher Ryan Yarbrough, the club ...

The New York Yankees agreed to a one-year contract with veteran pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5350" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5350">Ryan Yarbrough</a>, the club announced Monday. Yarbrough will earn a $2-million base salary and can receive an additional $250,000 in performance incentives, reports <a href="https://x.com/Joelsherman1/status/1904200230112797164">Joel Sherman of the New York Post</a>.The Toronto Blue Jays released Yarbrough on Sunday rather than adding him to their MLB roster after he exercised the opt-out clause in the minor-league deal he signed in February.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 33-year-old will be on the Yankees' Opening Day roster, per <a href="https://x.com/Joelsherman1/status/1904177045451456538">Sherman</a>. Yarbrough pitched to a 3.19 ERA and 1.03 WHIP in 44 appearances between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Blue Jays in 2024. He was especially good in Toronto, allowing seven earned runs in 31 1/3 innings.The lefty has extensive experience pitching in the AL East, having also made 127 appearances for the Tampa Bay Rays from 2018-22.Yarbrough owns a career 4.21 ERA (98 ERA+) through seven MLB campaigns.

ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 22: Ryan Yarbrough #35 of the Toronto Blue Jays delivers a pitch agains the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on September 22, 2024 in St Petersburg, Florida.

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Yankees sign Yarbrough to 1-year deal reportedly worth $2M

A tumultuous 2024 season tested Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette more than he ever thought...

A tumultuous 2024 season tested Toronto Blue Jays shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9615" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9615">Bo Bichette</a> more than he ever thought possible. "Honestly, I had a tough year, maybe the toughest year of my adult life, my baseball life," he said, according to <a href="https://torontosun.com/sports/baseball/toronto-blue-jays/blue-jays-bo-bichette-goes-in-depth-on-toughest-year-of-his-life-why-hes-ready-to-put-on-a-show?taid=67e12d3f142e3e00010cd3d5&amp;utm_campaign=trueanthem&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter">Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun</a>. "But I’m still standing. I’m still super grateful for the life that I have."I think going through tough times in your life and you’re still alive and still breathing and still have an opportunity to do what you’ve always dreamed of and accomplishing what you’ve always dreamed of, you kind of realize that (tough) stuff is not the end of the world."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Bichette, previously a beacon of consistency, struggled through injuries and poor performance last season. The two-time All-Star hit an uncharacteristic .225/.277/.322 with just four home runs in 81 games in 2024. He graded as a below-average hitter by OPS+ (71) for the first time in his career. While Bichette called failure "humbling," he believes his tough year has ultimately set him up to succeed in 2025. "I feel that by going through that made me realize in a way how good I am," he said. "In a great way, it made me realize that I have nothing to fear because what I do is a blessing. I’m just really excited about going out there and trying to do something special this year."Bichette's track record suggests an imminent return to form. During a three-year stretch from 2021-23, he led the American League in hits twice while maintaining an OPS of at least .802.The 27-year-old, like his teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8267" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8267">Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</a>, will be playing for a new contract as he is slated for free agency at season's end. Bichette owns a career .290/.332/.466 slash line through six MLB campaigns.

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 17: Bo Bichette #11 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts after striking out during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on September 17, 2024 in Arlington, Texas.

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Jays' Bichette excited about new season after 'toughest year' in 2024

Boston Red Sox prospect Kristian Campbell has made the Opening Day roster.  Manager Alex Cora qui...

Boston Red Sox prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17342" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17342">Kristian Campbell</a> has made the Opening Day roster.Manager Alex Cora quizzed the 22-year-old on every MLB player to play collegiate baseball at Georgia Tech and told him he was going to be added to the list when breaking the news, reports <a href="https://x.com/IanMBrowne/status/1904289204265202030">MLB.com's Ian Browne</a>.Campbell ranks seventh on <a href="https://www.mlb.com/milb/prospects/top100/">MLB Pipeline's Top 100</a> and second in the Red Sox organization behind <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17320" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17320">Roman Anthony</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 22-year-old recorded eight hits in 48 at-bats this spring for the Red Sox, including one home run and two doubles. He also worked 10 walks despite striking out 18 times.Campbell climbed three minor-league levels in 2024. He hit a combined .330/.439/.558 with 20 home runs and 24 stolen bases in 115 games split between High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A. The youngster appears most likely to play second base for the Red Sox after starting 10 contests there this spring. He has also played third base, shortstop, and in the outfield in the minor leagues.Boston selected Campbell in the fourth round of the 2023 MLB Draft.

PORT CHARLOTTE, FLORIDA - MARCH 13: Kristian Campbell #28 of the Boston Red Sox reacts in the dugout after hitting a home run during a 2025 MLB Spring Breakout game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Charlotte Sports Park on March 13, 2025 in Port Charlotte, Florida.

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Top prospect Campbell makes Red Sox roster

Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash announced starting pitcher Shane McClanahan will begin the seas...

Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash announced starting pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10721" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10721">Shane McClanahan</a> will begin the season on the injured list with an inflamed nerve in his triceps, according to <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1903904173864653263">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a>.The lefty <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3248184" href="https://thescore.com/news/3248184">exited</a> his spring training start Saturday in visible pain but ultimately avoided a worst-case scenario."Really good news on Mac," Cash said of the injury, according to <a href="https://x.com/romano_tbtimes/status/1903900208154763596">John Romano of the Tampa Bay Times</a>. "Basically, it was more nerve-related. Calm the nerve down and then see how he progresses, get a ball back in his hand. Probably the best news we could have heard."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>McClanahan is not expected to miss significant time.The 27-year-old was nearing a long-awaited return from Tommy John surgery before suffering the triceps injury. He looked sharp throughout the spring, not allowing an earned run across his three starts.He last pitched in a regular-season game in 2023. McClanahan worked to a 3.29 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 115 innings that year before getting hurt.McClanahan owns a 3.02 ERA (130 ERA+) across 74 career starts.

CLEARWATER, FLORIDA - MARCH 06: Shane McClanahan #18 of the Tampa Bay Rays delivers a pitch in the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during a Grapefruit League spring training game at BayCare Ballpark on March 06, 2025 in Clearwater, Florida.

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Rays' McClanahan to begin season on IL with triceps injury

The Seattle Mariners announced Sunday they released outfielder Mitch Haniger, making him a free a...

The Seattle Mariners announced Sunday they released outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4003" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4003">Mitch Haniger</a>, making him a free agent.Haniger, 34, has been sidelined since early March with shoulder soreness. He's owed $15.5 million this year as part of the three-year contract he signed with the San Francisco Giants ahead of the 2023 season.Seattle is on the hook for the entirety of his 2025 salary.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Putting on a Mariners uniform and playing at T-Mobile Park is something I’ll cherish forever," Haniger said in a statement obtained by <a href="https://x.com/DKramer_/status/1903869777933906097">Daniel Kramer of MLB.com</a>."To our fans, my teammates, and everyone a part of this organization, thank you for embracing my family and me. We have so many great memories to look back on."Haniger hit .208/.286/.334 with 12 home runs and 44 RBIs across 121 games in 2024. It was his first season back with the Mariners after they reacquired him in a trade with the Giants.The right-handed hitter was productive during his first stint with the Mariners, earning an All-Star nod in 2018 and hitting 39 home runs in 2021.Haniger has played just 239 games since 2022.

MESA, ARIZONA - MARCH 08: Mitch Haniger #17 of the Seattle Mariners bats during the second inning of a Spring Training game against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park on March 08, 2025 in Mesa, Arizona.

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Mariners release former All-Star outfielder Haniger

The Detroit Tigers agreed to a one-year, $1.3-million contract with veteran outfielder Manuel Mar...

The Detroit Tigers agreed to a one-year, $1.3-million contract with veteran outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4713" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4713">Manuel Margot</a>, the team announced.The deal includes up to $1.2 million in bonuses for plate appearances and will pay Margot $200,000 in the minor leagues.Margot, who the Milwaukee Brewers released Saturday, will join the Tigers on Sunday night and is expected to be active for their Opening Day matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers, <a href="https://x.com/EvanPetzold/status/1903843296369131708">Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 30-year-old hit .238/.289/.626 with four home runs and 31 RBIs in 129 games with the Minnesota Twins in 2024. He spent the prior four seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays.Margot owns a career .686 OPS (90 OPS+) through nine MLB campaigns with 56 home runs and 96 stolen bases. He has experience playing all three outfield positions.

MESA, ARIZONA - MARCH 11: Manuel Margot #20 of the Milwaukee Brewers bats during the game against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park on March 11, 2025 in Mesa, AZ.

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Tigers sign Margot to 1-year, $1.3M contract

With spring training set to wrap up, we review the best player on each team from the exhibition s...

With spring training set to wrap up, we review the best player on each team from the exhibition schedule.Arizona Diamondbacks - Josh Naylor: Since being acquired in an offseason trade, Naylor's made quite the impression. He's got 16 hits in 39 at-bats to go along with seven walks and just three strikeouts.Athletics - Miguel Andujar: The 30-year-old appears to have locked up a bench role following a tremendous spring where he's tied for the team lead in hits and posted a 1.045 OPS with six extra-base hits and five walks.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Atlanta Braves - Grant Holmes: He's quietly outpitched the Braves' bigger names to cement his spot in the rotation, allowing just three earned runs across 15 1/3 innings.Baltimore Orioles - Ryan Mountcastle: He's been tearing the cover off the ball in Sarasota, posting a .778 slugging percentage with five homers and 14 RBIs in 36 at-bats. He should get most of the playing time at first base for the O's this season.Boston Red Sox - Trayce Thompson: The 33-year-old has been one of the best hitters on any team this spring with six homers, 13 RBIs, 10 walks, and a 1.280 OPS. Thompson's done everything in his power to impress the coaching staff after signing a minor-league deal, but it still might not be enough to crack Boston's loaded roster come Opening Day.Chicago Cubs - Pete Crow-Armstrong: The soon-to-be 23-year-old is hitting a ridiculous .519 with three home runs, 11 RBIs, and two stolen bases. A dynamic athlete, he should thrive as the Cubs' everyday center fielder.Chicago White Sox - Brandon Drury: The veteran utility man looks like a shoo-in to make the Opening Day roster after a fantastic spring where he has 11 RBIs. Ten of his 16 hits have been of the extra-base variety. He could wind up being a nice trade chip at the deadline.Cincinnati Reds - Brady Singer: The ground-ball specialist did his best this spring to show the Reds why they traded for him. Singer pitched to a 2.25 ERA in four starts with a surprisingly high 13.5 K/9.Cleveland Guardians - Kyle Manzardo: Trading Naylor won't hurt so much if Manzardo keeps raking like he has this spring. The 24-year-old is slashing .326/.367/.609 with 15 hits in 16 games, including three homers.Colorado Rockies - Nick Martini: Martini stirred up some competition for a bench role by posting a 203 wRC+ with two home runs. He could earn some at-bats on a Rockies team sorely in need of competent hitters.Detroit Tigers - Casey Mize: The right-hander is beginning to show glimpses of the dominant pitcher the Tigers drafted first overall in 2018. Mize seems destined for the rotation after posting a 1.13 ERA this spring while striking out 18 in 16 frames.Houston Astros - Cam Smith: Are the Astros going to win the Kyle Tucker trade? Smith, who came back from the Cubs in the deal, is making a strong case for the Opening Day roster thanks to a .419/.500/.871 spring slash line with four homers and 11 RBIs.Kansas City Royals - Jac Caglianone: The 2024 sixth overall pick will begin the season in the minors, but he's proven he can hang with the big boys. Caglianone owns a ridiculous 1.235 slugging percentage and 1.871 OPS in 13 spring games.Los Angeles Angels - Jorge Soler: The Angels traded for Soler in hopes he'd provide their lineup with some punch. He's done exactly that in camp, crushing four homers while slugging .651, but his all-or-nothing approach has also led to 18 strikeouts.Los Angeles Dodgers - David Bote: The former Cub leads all qualified Dodgers hitters with a 1.171 OPS this spring - just like everyone expected, right? Bote's helped himself out by walking 11.8% of the time.Miami Marlins - Sandy Alcantara: The 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner appears to have fully recovered from Tommy John surgery. Alcantara hasn't allowed an earned run in 12 1/3 innings pitched and his fastball velocity has frequently touched the upper 90s.Milwaukee Brewers - Rhys Hoskins: After a tough 2024 season, the 32-year-old has looked more like himself this spring. Hoskins has hit six home runs, recorded eight RBIs, and walked six times in 38 plate appearances.Minnesota Twins - Matt Wallner: The outfielder isn't hitting for much average, but he's showcased a lot of pop this spring. Wallner is tied for the preseason lead in homers (six) and RBIs (14).New York Mets - Clay Holmes: Holmes made the reliever-to-starter transition look easy this spring, allowing two earned runs in 14 innings pitched while striking out 15. He performed so well that manager Carlos Mendoza named him the team's Opening Day starter with Sean Manaea sidelined.New York Yankees - Cody Bellinger: First impressions are everything, and Bellinger's made a good one on the Yankees. The offseason trade acquisition is slashing .465/.511/.791 with a team-leading 20 hits this spring.Philadelphia Phillies - Max Kepler: The Phillies brought in Kepler to hit, and that's what he's done all spring. The longtime Twin has slugged three home runs with a 1.150 OPS while walking nearly 18% of the time.Pittsburgh Pirates - Jared Jones: Paul Skenes isn't the only exciting young starting pitcher in Pittsburgh. Jones, who authored a strong rookie campaign of his own in 2024, has compiled an impressive 2.25 ERA with 17 strikeouts in 12 innings pitched this spring. However, he's dealing with an ominous case of elbow soreness.San Diego Padres - Gavin Sheets: No other Padre came close to Sheets' power numbers this spring. He leads the team with six home runs and a whopping 12 RBIs, and his production earned him a spot on the Opening Day roster.San Francisco Giants - Hayden Birdsong: Birdsong hit all the right notes this spring to lock down a rotation spot. The 23-year-old right-hander has allowed one earned run through four starts while striking out 18 batters and walking none.Seattle Mariners - Mitch Garver: The veteran DH/catcher's first campaign with the Mariners didn't go well, but Year 2 should be better if he can stay close to his spring pace. Garver owns a .310/.364/.621 slash line, and one-third of his hits have been homers.St. Louis Cardinals - Iván Herrera: Herrera, 24, doesn't look like he's at risk of losing the starting catching job anytime soon. He's put up a gaudy .379/.474/.724 slash line thanks in part to seven walks.Tampa Bay Rays - Curtis Mead: The 24-year-old Australian has been sensational this spring, slashing .543/.628/.657. He looks bound for a bench spot on the Rays with 19 hits in 13 games.Texas Rangers - Kyle Higashioka: The Rangers will employ a dangerous catching tandem of Jonah Heim and offseason addition Higashioka, who's been one of their best hitters this spring. The veteran backstop is tied for the team lead in homers and RBIs.Toronto Blue Jays - Alan Roden: The 25-year-old is making a serious push to be on the Opening Day roster thanks to a spring slash line of .391/.545/.739 with more walks than strikeouts in 17 games. He's a left-handed hitter and versatile defender, which makes him an asset coming off the Blue Jays' bench.Washington Nationals - James Wood: The promising 22-year-old outfielder has been a monster at the plate, hitting four runs and four doubles in 43 spring plate appearances. His video-game level OPS (1.132) and slugging percentage (.737) rank among the best by all hitters.

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1 spring training standout for each MLB team

Liam Hendriks believes teammate Aroldis Chapman has earned the right to close games for the Bosto...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2851" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2851">Liam Hendriks</a> believes teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1366" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1366">Aroldis Chapman</a> has earned the right to close games for the Boston Red Sox to begin the season."I think it's been pretty well proven this spring training who deserves that spot after earning it all spring and that's definitely not me," Hendriks said, according to <a href="https://x.com/SmittyOnMLB/status/1902877296492449860">Christopher Smith of MassLive</a>."I've always said I wanted to win it, but it's not the end of the world if I don't. I'm going to go out there and give my best three outs, six outs, or whatever they need me to do. Things will shake out however they shake out, but if you want to talk about the guy who's looked the best in spring training, that’s Chapman."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Chapman, 37, has made a strong first impression since joining the Red Sox on a one-year, $10.75-million contract this offseason. The lefty has struck out 13 batters in 6 1/3 innings while allowing just three hits.His blazing fastball has been as intimidating as ever. "It's been unbelievable," Hendriks said of his new bullpen mate's performance. "He's been 97 to 100 mph pretty much every outing and he's looked crisp and has looked (a) little fantastic out there."Chapman's 335 career saves rank 16th in MLB history. He recorded 14 with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2024, but the last time he reached the 30-save plateau was in 2021 with the New York Yankees. Hendriks, once a dominant closer himself, has struggled this spring after missing all of last season due to injury. He's allowed seven earned runs on 14 hits across his six appearances. The righty was one of baseball's best relievers from 2019-2022 but missed most of the 2023 campaign while he battled cancer.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12582" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12582">Garrett Whitlock</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17227" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17227">Justin Slaten</a> are two other names that have been discussed as possible ninth-inning options in Boston.

FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - MARCH 12: Aroldis Chapman #44 of the Boston Red Sox throws a pitch during the fifth inning of a spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at JetBlue Park at Fenway South on March 12, 2025 in Fort Myers, Florida.

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Hendriks endorses Chapman as Red Sox closer: 'Been unbelievable'

Houston Astros All-Star Jose Altuve is feeling the growing pains during his transition from being...

Houston Astros All-Star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2841" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2841">Jose Altuve</a> is feeling the growing pains during his transition from being a second baseman to playing left field. "Obviously I'm not really happy about today or yesterday, but one thing I know for sure is when I want something to go my way, I'm going to do everything I can to do it," he said, according to <a href="https://x.com/Chandler_Rome/status/1902518980004270393">Chandler Rome of The Athletic</a>. "I think at the end of the day, I'm going to be playing good left field."Altuve dropped his second fly ball in as many days Wednesday during a spring training game against the New York Mets.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Juan Soto hits a sacrifice fly leading to fielding error, bringing in Brett Baty for another run! <a href="https://t.co/JxB2jRiH04">pic.twitter.com/JxB2jRiH04</a>— SNY (@SNYtv) <a href="https://twitter.com/SNYtv/status/1902491218589704335?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The positional switch comes after an offseason full of change in Houston during which <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5367" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5367">Alex Bregman</a> signed with the Boston Red Sox and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8173" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8173">Kyle Tucker</a> was traded to the Chicago Cubs. Altuve playing left field opens up an infield spot for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9550" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9550">Isaac Paredes</a>, who came over in the Tucker trade. The 34-year-old has started 1,749 career games at second base and never played an inning in the outfield at the major-league level. "I've been in tough situations before and I overcame that," Altuve <a href="https://x.com/Chandler_Rome/status/1902519828138676344">said</a>. "I'm ready to go out there and play a good left field. I promise I'm going to keep working hard and be a great left fielder."Altuve struggled defensively at second base in 2024, ranking in the third percentile for range and seventh percentile for arm strength. The former AL MVP owns a career .831 OPS (129 OPS+).

WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - MARCH 02: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros looks on during a spring training game against the Washington Nationals at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on March 02, 2025 in West Palm Beach, Florida.

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Astros' Altuve: 'Not really happy' with performance in left field

The Atlanta Braves signed catcher James McCann to a minor-league deal, a source told Robert Murra...

The Atlanta Braves signed catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3118" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3118">James McCann</a> to a minor-league deal, a source told <a href="https://x.com/ByRobertMurray/status/1901793816430141830">Robert Murray of FanSided</a>.McCann, 34, hit .234/.279/.388 with eight home runs and 31 RBIs in 65 games with the Baltimore Orioles in 2024. The Braves have short-term uncertainty at the catching position with expected starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8467" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8467">Sean Murphy</a> sidelined due to a cracked rib. He'll open the season on the injured list and miss several weeks. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>McCann hasn't appeared in spring training and the 11-year veteran will begin the season at Triple-A to get up to speed, according to <a href="https://x.com/mlbbowman/status/1901798669508022719">MLB.com's Mark Bowman</a>. Rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15587" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15587">Drake Baldwin</a> and journeyman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5709" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5709">Chadwick Tromp</a> will likely split the majority of the reps for Atlanta in the meantime.McCann owns a career .673 OPS (83 OPS+).

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 21: James McCann #27 of the Baltimore Orioles looks on during the game between the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Mets at Citi Field on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 in New York, New York.

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Report: Braves bring in McCann on minor-league contract

Baltimore Orioles star shortstop Gunnar Henderson believes he can overcome his intercostal strain...

Baltimore Orioles star shortstop <a href="https://x.com/JakeDRill/status/1900893444433748199">Gunnar Henderson</a> believes he can overcome his intercostal strain in time to crack the Opening Day lineup."That's my plan," he said of playing March 27 against the Toronto Blue Jays, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/gunnar-henderson-injury-orioles-opening-day-2025-status">Jake Rill of MLB.com</a>. "That's what I'm hoping for."The 23-year-old hasn't played in a spring training game since he suffered the injury Feb. 27. He resumed baseball activities this week, beginning with hitting drills Tuesday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Henderson described the injury as different than the oblique soreness he worked through last spring. "This one is a little bit unique, in the sense of what I had happen last year," he said. "This one is just kind of lingering. Body was in a weird, awkward position whenever I caught the ball and then landed on it weird. Didn’t feel great.”Henderson has never landed on the injured list as a major leaguer. He was named an All-Star and finished fourth in AL MVP voting last year after hitting .281/.364/.529 with 37 home runs and 92 RBIs. The 8.0 fWAR he accrued ranked fifth in MLB. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15504" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15504">Jackson Holliday</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12662" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12662">Jordan Westburg</a> are candidates to play shortstop for the Orioles if Henderson isn't healthy.

SARASOTA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 20: Gunnar Henderson #2 of the Baltimore Orioles reacts during a Spring Training workout at Ed Smith Stadium on February 20, 2025 in Sarasota, Florida.

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Orioles' Henderson hoping to play Opening Day: 'That's my plan'

New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza has tabbed reliever-turned-starter Clay Holmes with the team...

New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza has tabbed reliever-turned-starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8239" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8239">Clay Holmes</a> with the team's Opening Day assignment."He earned it. We like what we're seeing," Mendoza said, per <a href="https://x.com/SNYtv/status/1900617989377998902">SNY</a>. "I know it's a small sample size here, but it's very encouraging. He really put himself in a really good position. Showed up here early in camp, he was ahead of everyone. The way he's looked so far, making that transition, we're comfortable with him."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Holmes joined the Mets on a three-year, $38-million contract in the offseason after spending the previous three-and-a-half years with the New York Yankees as a reliever. He was their primary closer for much of 2024 but ultimately lost the job down the stretch to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5394" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5394">Luke Weaver</a>. The 31-year-old hasn't started an MLB game since his rookie season in 2018 with the Pittsburgh Pirates."It's awesome, definitely honored," Holmes <a href="https://x.com/SNYtv/status/1900634546237772013">said</a>. "It's been a crazy few months, but I think it's just a testament to the work I've put in and the people I've been around here in the organization. There was a plan in place from the get-go. I believed in it, they believed in me, and there's been a lot of work these past few months. It's an honor to be out there for the first game."<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4239" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4239">Sean Manaea</a>, the presumed ace of the Mets' starting rotation, is expected to begin the season on the injured list as he works his way back from an oblique injury. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15438" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15438">Kodai Senga</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9583" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9583">David Peterson</a> were other candidates to receive the Opening Day nod.Holmes has allowed zero earned runs and just two hits with 13 strikeouts through 9 2/3 innings pitched this spring. The seven-year veteran owns a career 3.71 ERA and 9.6 K/9.

Port St. Lucie, FL: New York Mets pitcher Clay Holmes during a spring training workout at Port St. Lucie, Florida on Feb. 10, 2025.

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Mendoza names Holmes Mets' Opening Day starter: 'He earned it'

Toronto Blue Jays slugger Anthony Santander said he and the Baltimore Orioles never came close to...

Toronto Blue Jays slugger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8303" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8303">Anthony Santander</a> said he and the Baltimore Orioles never came close to a reunion in free agency. "Nah, zero chance," Santander said when asked if accepting the three-year deal they offered him was ever a real possibility, according to <a href="https://x.com/jcalvinmeyer/status/1900264917061570724">Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun</a>."Zero chance at all. They (made) an offer, but it wasn't even close. We get it, we understand. It's a business side. (GM Mike Elias) is really smart about it. We're smart about it, too. You have to be patient, and Toronto gave me an opportunity."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Santander joined the division-rival Blue Jays on a five-year, $92.5-million contract that includes a club option for a sixth year. The 30-year-old cashed in after hitting a career-high 44 home runs in 2024 with the Orioles. He drove in 100 runs for the first time while posting his second-best OPS+ (134) in a season. Baltimore, meanwhile, inked outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5140" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5140">Tyler O'Neill</a> to a three-year, $49.5-million contract that features an opt-out after 2025. He hit 31 home runs in 113 games for the Boston Red Sox last year.Santander owns a .776 OPS (114 OPS+) through eight MLB campaigns.

DUNEDIN, FLORIDA - MARCH 10: Anthony Santander #25 of the Toronto Blue Jays looks against the Houston Astros during a Grapefruit League spring training game at TD Ballpark on March 10, 2025 in Dunedin, Florida.

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Santander: Orioles' offer in free agency 'wasn't even close'

The Philadelphia Phillies announced Thursday that they'll induct iconic shortstop Jimmy Rollins i...

The Philadelphia Phillies announced Thursday that they'll induct iconic shortstop Jimmy Rollins into the team's Wall of Fame on Aug. 1.Rollins played 15 seasons in Philadelphia from 2000-14. He produced his best campaign in 2007, recording a career-high .875 OPS (119 OPS+) with 20 triples to win the National League's MVP.The switch-hitter won a World Series title, four Gold Gloves, and a Silver Slugger award and made three All-Star appearances with the Phillies.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 49.0 fWAR Rollins accrued during his lengthy tenure in Philadelphia is the sixth-most in franchise history for a position player and second only to former teammate Chase Utley this century. Rollins played his last MLB game in 2016 with the Chicago White Sox but officially retired as a member of the Phillies on May 4, 2019.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 18: Former player Jimmy Rollins of the Philadelphia Phillies participates in alumni weekend festivities before a game against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park on August 18, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Nationals won 6-4.

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Phillies to induct former MVP Rollins into Wall of Fame

Tampa Bay Rays owner Stuart Sternberg announced Thursday the club won't proceed with its proposed...

Tampa Bay Rays owner Stuart Sternberg announced Thursday the club won't proceed with its proposed plan for a new ballpark."After careful deliberation, we have concluded we cannot move forward with the new ballpark and development project at this moment. A series of events beginning in October that no one could have anticipated led to this difficult decision," Sternberg said in a statement.In December, both the Pinellas County Commission and St. Petersburg City Council voted in favor of helping to finance a $1.3-billion ballpark to keep the Rays in the Tampa Bay area for another 30 years.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Tropicana Field, the Rays' current home, suffered severe hurricane damage last fall. Tampa Bay will play all 2025 home games at a minor-league park owned by the New York Yankees as a result."Our commitment to the vitality and success of the Rays organization is unwavering," Sternberg added. "We continue to focus on finding a ballpark solution that serves the best interests of our region, Major League Baseball, and our organization."The City of St. Petersburg is currently advancing plans to restore Tropicana Field for the 2026 season. We are thankful for their efforts and are excited to return to our home field next spring."It was recently <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3238107" href="https://thescore.com/news/3238107">reported</a> that MLB commissioner Rob Manfred and some team owners are pushing Sternberg to sell the Rays to one of several interested groups.Sternberg reportedly needed to meet several obligations by March 31 if the proposed plan for a new stadium was to move forward."Major League Baseball remains committed to finding a permanent home for the club in the Tampa Bay region for their fans and the local community," MLB said in a statement, according to <a href="https://x.com/TBTimes_Rays/status/1900240080117100754">Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times</a>."Commissioner Manfred understands the disappointment of the St. Petersburg community from today's announcement, but he will continue to work with elected officials, community leaders, and Rays officials to secure the club's future in the Tampa Bay region.”Tropicana Field has hosted Rays games since 1998.

ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 03: The Tampa Bay Rays and the Texas Rangers line up for the national anthem prior to the start of Game One of the Wild Card Series at Tropicana Field on October 03, 2023 in St Petersburg, Florida.

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Rays won't move forward with plan for new park

We've reached the quarter mark of the 2000s, and to celebrate, theScore's MLB editors constructed...

We've reached the quarter mark of the 2000s, and to celebrate, theScore's MLB editors constructed each organization's best 26-man roster from the last 25 seasons. We continue with the NL East.Jump to: <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3181581" href="https://thescore.com/news/3181581">AL EAST</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3212406" href="https://thescore.com/news/3212406">AL CENTRAL</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3211619" href="https://thescore.com/news/3211619">AL WEST</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3213441" href="https://thescore.com/news/3213441">NL CENTRAL</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3211695" href="https://thescore.com/news/3211695">NL WEST</a><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-yK2V7" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/yK2V7/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" 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><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Lineup" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-KwV8I" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/KwV8I/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="516" 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><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Pitching staff" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-kq0AA" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/kq0AA/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="439" 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>Most important player: Freddie Freeman. His excellent 12-year run with the Braves included an MVP and ended in a World Series championship in 2021, the organization's first since 1995. He was a model of consistency at the plate, averaging an .893 OPS (138 OPS+).<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Best pitcher: John Smoltz. After missing the entire 2000 campaign due to injury, Smoltz returned as a reliever and established himself as a dominant closer. He led the league with 55 saves in 2002 and was a Cy Young finalist. In 2005, he rejoined the rotation as a 38-year-old for the first of three consecutive 5.0 fWAR seasons as a starter.Most underrated: Julio Teheran. The right-hander burst onto the scene in 2013, finishing fifth in NL Rookie of the Year voting. He was named an All-Star in two of the next three seasons and was incredibly durable, pitching at least 174 innings in seven straight years.Best acquisition: Tim Hudson. The Braves acquired Hudson from Oakland ahead of the 2005 season, and he rewarded them with both quality and quantity for almost a decade. The righty's 1,573 innings are still the most of any Braves pitcher this century, and he only posted an ERA+ lower than 110 once during his nine-year stint.Best homegrown player: Chipper Jones. Atlanta took Jones first overall in the 1990 draft, and he still somehow exceeded all expectations. The Hall of Fame third baseman leads the Braves in just about every counting stat imaginable since 2000, including home runs (315), RBIs (1,099), runs scored (1,077), and fWAR (57.2).Toughest omission: Rafael Furcal. The shortstop enjoyed a productive six-year stretch with the Braves but didn't quite hit enough to crack our list. Excluding his 2001 campaign where he only played 79 games, he averaged almost 3.5 fWAR per season from 2000-2005.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-iYOFL" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/iYOFL/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" 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><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Lineup " aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-NY4k7" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/NY4k7/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="483" 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><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Pitching staff" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-G6bZh" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/G6bZh/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="439" 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>Most important player: Giancarlo Stanton. The imposing slugger leads the Marlins this century in home runs (267), RBIs (672), and fWAR (33.6). He won the only MVP award in franchise history in 2017.Best pitcher: Sandy Alcantara. He threw six complete games in 2022 to become the only Marlins pitcher to win the Cy Young Award. However, this spot likely would have gone to José Fernández had he not tragically died in 2016 at age 24.Most underrated: Derrek Lee. While more often remembered for his time with the Chicago Cubs, Lee put up strong numbers during his six years in Miami. He recorded at least 20 home runs and 70 RBIs in four straight seasons from 2000-2003 and twice posting an OPS+ of 131. He only played fewer than 141 games once during that stretch.Best acquisition: Mike Lowell. The Marlins are known for trading away players, but their decision to acquire Lowell ahead of the 1999 season for a trio of prospects paid off in a big way. He was an All-Star three times in Miami and was integral to the 2003 championship team.Best homegrown player: Miguel Cabrera. While "Miggy" became a legend in Detroit with the Tigers, the Marlins deserve credit for developing one of the greatest hitters in MLB history. He averaged a .929 OPS with roughly 28 home runs and 105 RBIs per season in Miami before he was traded.Toughest omission: Kevin Millar. He recorded a 121 OPS+ or better in three straight seasons from 2000-2003 and likely would have made the list had he been in Miami longer. He paired 20 home runs and 85 RBIs with an impressive .314/.374/.557 slash line in 2001.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-J15aO" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/J15aO/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" 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><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Lineup " aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-mAbgJ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/mAbgJ/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="466" 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><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Pitching staff " aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-4Fa3u" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/4Fa3u/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="483" 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>Most important player: David Wright. The iconic third baseman is the franchise leader in games played (1,585), hits (1,777), doubles (390), and RBIs (970). He's arguably the Mets' greatest all-time position player.Best pitcher: Jacob deGrom. He won back-to-back Cy Young awards in 2018 and 2019 during one of the most dominant stretches by a pitcher in MLB history. No other Mets starter accrued even half of his total fWAR this century. His injury history is the only blemish on an otherwise immaculate resume.Most underrated: Curtis Granderson. The lefty-hitting outfielder was a model of consistency during his tenure, collecting at least 20 home runs three straight years with an above-average OPS+. His excellent 5.3 fWAR campaign in 2015 helped New York reach the World Series.Best acquisition: Francisco Lindor. Opportunities to acquire All-Star shortstops in their prime don't come along often, but the Mets took advantage of one when they traded for Lindor. He's averaged 5.9 fWAR per season in New York while surpassing a 121 OPS+ three times. He's one of MLB's best all-around players and is likely headed for Cooperstown.Best homegrown player: David Wright. The Mets selected their future captain in the first round of the 2001 draft. Few players represented the organization better than he did.Toughest omission: Zack Wheeler. He showed flashes of greatness during his five campaigns with the Mets but didn't become a true ace until he joined the Phillies. Wheeler posted four sub-4.00 ERA seasons in New York, and his 12.5 fWAR ranks seventh among Mets starting pitchers this century.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-f0seB" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/f0seB/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" 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><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Lineup" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-gup04" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/gup04/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="466" 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><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Pitching staff" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-2kLkV" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/2kLkV/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="499" 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>Most important player: Chase Utley. He was the best second baseman in baseball during his peak, averaging 7.7 fWAR per season from 2005-2009. He led the Phillies to their only World Series title this century in 2008. Best pitcher: Cole Hamels. He never reached the heights of some of his rotation mates, but Hamels was consistently great during his decade in Philadelphia. He maintained an impressive 3.29 ERA and 3.46 FIP across 1,927 innings, the most of any Phillies pitcher this century. Hamels was also a playoff ace who won NLCS MVP and World Series MVP in 2008.Most underrated: Pat Burrell. The overlooked slugger ranks fourth on the Phillies' all-time home run leaderboard thanks to five seasons with at least 25 round-trippers. He hit 33 during his final campaign in Philadelphia in 2008 as a key member of the championship team.Best acquisition: Bryce Harper. He's been worth every penny of the $330-million deal he signed ahead of the 2019 season. Over his first six campaigns, Harper has won an MVP, delivered several signature moments, and averaged a .924 OPS (148 OPS+). He's likely headed to Cooperstown with a Phillies logo on his cap.Best homegrown player: Chase Utley. Philadelphia took him 15th overall in the 2000 draft. The 59.3 fWAR he accrued with the Phillies puts him more than 10 ahead of the next closet player.Toughest omission: Jim Thome. The Hall of Famer had two massive power seasons in Philadelphia but was left off the list because he missed most of 2005 due to injury. Fellow slugger Kyle Schwarber, whose value cannot be fully appreciated by fWAR, gets the nod instead.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-UQfEe" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/UQfEe/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" 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><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Lineup" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-ypVZ8" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ypVZ8/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="483" 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><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Pitching staff" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-OPvNU" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/OPvNU/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="483" 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>Most important player: Ryan Zimmerman. "Mr. National" earned his nickname as the franchise's all-time leader in games played (1,799), hits (1,846), home runs (284), RBIs (1,061), and runs scored (963).Best Pitcher: Max Scherzer. He won two Cy Young awards and a World Series during his time in Washington to cement himself as one of MLB's all-time greats. Scherzer also threw two no-hitters, earned six All-Star nods, and accrued more fWAR than any other Nationals pitcher.Most underrated: Gio González. He's most often remembered for his MLB-high 21 wins in 2012, but González was as reliable as they come for many years in Washington. He worked to a 3.62 ERA (112 ERA+) while making at least 27 starts in all seven of his seasons with the club.Best acquisition: Max Scherzer. The seven-year, $210-million contract he signed ahead of the 2015 season was a massive win for everyone. Pitcher megadeals rarely work out as well as this one did.Best homegrown player: Bryce Harper. With all due respect to Zimmerman and Stephen Strasburg, Harper debuted as perhaps the most hyped prospect in MLB history and delivered on his potential. He won Rookie of the Year in 2012 and authored a unanimous NL MVP campaign three years later.Toughest omission: Livan Hernandez. He was one of MLB's most effective workhorses during his first stint with the Nationals, making two All-Star teams and leading the league in innings pitched in three straight years with a sub-4.00 ERA. He rejoined the team later in his career and delivered another quality season as a 35-year-old in 2010.

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Each MLB team's best roster last 25 years: NL East

New York Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil won't be ready for Opening Day due to a low-grade right ...

New York Mets second baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4912" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4912">Jeff McNeil</a> won't be ready for Opening Day due to a low-grade right oblique strain."(McNeil) felt it after the last game he played a couple of days ago," Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters, per <a href="https://x.com/SNYtv/status/1900179070765220145">SNY</a>."This could be tricky. The first thing is letting it heal. Hopefully, 7-10 days until he's symptom-free, if it's more, it's more. But they're telling us three-to-four weeks."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>McNeil himself isn't exactly sure how or when the injury happened. "Came out of the game fine, it was later that night I kind of felt a little sore, nothing crazy," he <a href="https://x.com/SNYtv/status/1900209685245853862">said</a>. "Just decided to get it checked out and got a picture on it and showed a minor oblique (strain)."The 32-year-old hit .238/.308/.384 with 12 home runs and 44 RBIs in 129 games for the Mets in 2024. He broke his wrist in September on a hit-by-pitch but returned for the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers.Mendoza named <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15424" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15424">Luisangel Acuña</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12406" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12406">Brett Baty</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8538" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8538">Donovan Walton</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14190" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14190">Luis De Los Santos</a> as options to step up in his absence. "We don't feel like (McNeil's injury) is a long-term (issue), we like the guys we've got here," Mendoza <a href="https://x.com/SNYtv/status/1900181376445337965">said</a>. "The guys we got here in camp that were competing for the last spot, now there's two spots."McNeil joins <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10690" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10690">Francisco Alvarez</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4239" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4239">Sean Manaea</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5006" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5006">Frankie Montas</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10651" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10651">Nick Madrigal</a> on a growing list of Mets to suffer injuries this spring. Mendoza said Manaea, who was dealing with an oblique issue of his own, began throwing two days ago and is symptom-free. He didn't provide a concrete timetable for his return."We gotta build him back up as a starter," he <a href="https://x.com/SNYtv/status/1900180897996874165">said</a>. "The good thing is he's feeling good, there's nothing going on there on that oblique. Now it's just 75, 90, 120 before he gets back on the mound."The Mets open their season against the Astros in Houston on March 27.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - AUGUST 11: Jeff McNeil #1 of the New York Mets removes his batting gloves after hitting a ground out in the eighth inning during a game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on August 11, 2024 in Seattle, Washington.

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Mets' McNeil to miss Opening Day with oblique strain

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Ben Wrixon

Associate Baseball News Editor

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