The Philadelphia Phillies put one of their highest-paid players on the block as they look to resh...

<p>The Philadelphia Phillies put one of their highest-paid players on the block as they look to reshape their outfield.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2880" href="/mlb/players/2880">Nick Castellanos</a> is available in trade talks, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5941104/2024/11/22/phillies-austin-hays-outfield-2025/">Matt Gelb of The Athletic</a>. While the Phillies are open to trading Castellanos, no deal is imminent and it's not clear who his potential suitors could be.</p><p>His contract also hinders a potential trade. The outfielder is owed $40 million over the next two seasons, and the Phillies would likely have to pay down a large chunk of the remaining money, according to Gelb. Castellanos does not own a no-trade clause, per <a href="https://legacy.baseballprospectus.com/compensation/cots/national-league/philadelphia-phillies/">Cot's Contracts</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Castellanos signed a five-year, $100-million contract with the Phillies before the 2022 season on the heels of a Silver Slugger-winning campaign in Cincinnati. The 32-year-old was an All-Star in 2023 and slugged 23 homers this past year while appearing in all 162 regular-season games as well as four playoff contests.</p><p>However, his Phillies tenure has fallen short of expectations overall. Castellanos owns a .263/.309/.435 slash line in Philadelphia and has yet to post an OPS above .788 despite playing in the friendly confines of Citizens Bank Park. His outfield defense has also been poor, with a career-worst minus-11 defensive runs saved in 2024.</p><p>The Phillies appear ready to shake up their roster following their early playoff exit, targeting the outfield for improvements. Philadelphia is reportedly <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3136256" href="https://thescore.com/news/3136256">non-tendering</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8511" href="/mlb/players/8511">Austin Hays</a>, who struggled after joining the club in a midseason trade. The Phillies are also reportedly <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3133357" href="https://thescore.com/news/3133357">meeting</a> with superstar free agent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a>.</p><p>With Hays gone, the Phillies' outfield consists of Castellanos in right, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12670" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12670">Johan Rojas</a> in center, and a platoon of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8188" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8188">Brandon Marsh</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8890" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8890">Weston Wilson</a> in left. Any outfield upgrades likely have to come from outside the organization; top prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17816" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17816">Justin Crawford</a> is expected to need more development time, while the Phillies won't move <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1688" href="/mlb/players/1688">Bryce Harper</a> back to the outfield, according to Gelb.</p><p>Philadelphia reportedly put third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10702" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10702">Alec Bohm</a> on the trade block earlier this offseason. The team has also been gauging interest in left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9813" href="/mlb/players/9813">Ranger Suárez</a>, Gelb reports.</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 10: Nick Castellanos #8 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts following an at bat during the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Citizens Bank Park on September 10, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Report: Phillies shopping Castellanos

The Philadelphia Phillies are non-tendering former All-Star outfielder Austin Hays ahead of Frida...

<p>The Philadelphia Phillies are non-tendering former All-Star outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8511" href="/mlb/players/8511">Austin Hays</a> ahead of Friday's 8 p.m. ET deadline, <a href="https://twitter.com/JonHeyman/status/1860028264208818465">Jon Heyman of the New York Post</a> reports.</p><p>The move will make Hays a free agent for the first time in his career, a year earlier than expected.</p><p>Philadelphia acquired Hays, an All-Star in 2023, from the Baltimore Orioles ahead of this year's trade deadline. He was supposed to form the right-handed half of a left-field platoon with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8188" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8188">Brandon Marsh</a> but was limited to 22 games down the stretch because of a kidney infection. When he was healthy, he struggled, hitting .256/.275/.397 with two homers and six RBIs over 80 plate appearances for the Phillies.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>His struggles likely prompted the Phillies to move on rather than pay him a higher salary through arbitration. <a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/10/projected-arbitration-salaries-for-2025.html?utm_source=twitter">MLB Trade Rumors</a> projected he'd earn $6.4 million in 2025 if Philadelphia tendered him a contract.</p><p>Hays, 29, offers some potential value for teams seeking outfield depth at a cheaper price in free agency. He's just one year removed from his best individual season, when he put up a .769 OPS with 16 homers and six defensive runs saved. Hays was named both an All-Star and AL Gold Glove finalist in left field in 2023.</p><p>A 2016 third-round draft selection by Baltimore, Hays is a lifetime .261/.313/.432 hitter with 68 homers and 248 RBIs over parts of seven big-league seasons.</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 31: Austin Hays #9 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on after flying out to end the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Citizens Bank Park on July 31, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Yankees defeated the Phillies 6-5.

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Report: Phillies non-tender former All-Star Hays

The Athletics' early pitches about life in Sacramento don't appear to be popular with free agents...

<p>The Athletics' early pitches about life in Sacramento don't appear to be popular with free agents.</p><p>During an appearance at the University of Southern California's Sports Business Association Summit on Thursday, A's manager Mark Kotsay revealed that the club had conversations with free-agent starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8193" href="/mlb/players/8193">Walker Buehler</a>. However, the skipper said that Buehler shot down the A's overtures because he didn't want to play in Sacramento, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/kaseyjkaz/status/1859737295399813247">Kasey Kazliner of Annenberg Media</a>.</p><p>The A's will call the Sacramento area home for the next three seasons while awaiting completion of their new ballpark in Las Vegas. They'll play at Sutter Health Park in the suburb of West Sacramento and share the venue with the Triple-A River Cats.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>That the Sacramento experiment isn't going over well with players isn't a huge surprise. The idea of playing MLB games in a small minor-league facility is likely undesirable for many, especially in a city that won't be their long-term home. MLB-caliber clubhouses and facilities are being built to house the A's, but questions remain about just how equipped those facilities will be.</p><p>Day games in Sacramento's summer heat - temperatures regularly top 100 degrees in July and August - also won't help the team's cause. This issue was a particular concern for the players' union due to the A's initial plans for an artificial surface at Sutter Health Park. These concerns were somewhat placated when MLB agreed to use natural grass.</p><p>Buehler's sentiments about joining the A's in Sacramento appear to be commonplace around the league. Los Angeles Dodgers reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1813" href="/mlb/players/1813">Ryan Brasier</a> hinted that the vagabond franchise might have better luck recruiting players had it remained in Oakland and used the aging Coliseum as an interim home.</p><p>"You have a - I'm not gonna say perfectly good stadium (in Oakland) - but you have a stadium," Brasier said on the <a href="https://twitter.com/bradfo/status/1859979814494769569">"Baseball Isn't Boring" podcast</a>. "And I know nobody shows up, but I'd rather play in a stadium with nobody than Sacramento."</p><p>Brasier continued: "You have to walk from the first-base dugout through the left-field fence to get to the visiting clubhouse (in Sacramento). (At least) it used to be (that way). And let's say, you know, (you) renovate it all and do some new stuff, but I think that is just complete B.S."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mark Kotsay said the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Athletics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Athletics</a>’ personnel ultimately doesn’t care about moving to Sacramento, they’re a baseball team first.</p>— Kasey Kazliner (@kaseyjkaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/kaseyjkaz/status/1859738215323926923?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The A's called Oakland home for 56 seasons before officially becoming the first franchise to relocate three times. Sacramento-related branding will not be used by the franchise, which will play as simply the "Athletics" or "A's" until leaving for Las Vegas.</p>

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 30: Walker Buehler #21 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after closing out the ninth inning to win 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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Kotsay: Buehler rejected A's interest due to Sacramento move

Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki now has a timeline for his move across the Pacific.  Commissioner Rob...

<p>Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki now has a timeline for his move across the Pacific.</p><p>Commissioner Rob Manfred said Wednesday that Sasaki is expected to sign as part of the 2025 international signing class, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanDrellich/status/1859369106144653593">Evan Drellich of The Athletic</a>. That means Sasaki won't sign with an MLB team before Jan. 15, 2025.</p><p>Sasaki's Japanese club, the Chiba Lotte Marines, previously announced plans to post the 23-year-old pitcher for MLB clubs this winter. However, because he's being posted before turning 25, Sasaki is only eligible to sign a minor-league contract with a signing bonus that will come out of teams' international bonus money allocations. Usually, such money would be reserved for amateur prospects who are around 16 years old, primarily in Latin America.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>International bonus pools will reset for 2025 on Dec. 15, when last year's period officially ends. Players in next year's class can't sign between Dec. 15, 2024, and Jan. 15, 2025.</p><p>Although he's leaving a significant amount of money on the table by jumping to the majors now, waiting until January works to the benefit of both Sasaki and the Marines. Sasaki can potentially get a team's full bonus pool as part of his contract, while the Marines will earn a larger posting fee (a percentage of his contract) from his new team once he signs the deal.</p><p>Once Sasaki is officially posted, he'll have a 45-day window to negotiate with all 30 MLB teams and sign a contract. If for some reason he doesn't sign within 45 days, his rights would revert to the Marines. The actual date that he'll be posted is at the discretion of Chiba Lotte.</p><p>Eight teams can offer Sasaki the full bonus pool allotment of $7,555,500 next year. Teams can also grow or shrink their pools by including international bonus money in trades.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="2025 Bonus Pools" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-n1OZs" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/n1OZs/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="1545" 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}}}))}();</figure><p>Buzz surrounding Sasaki has grown across the globe ever since his unprecedented 19-strikeout perfect game in 2022. This past season, he went 10-5 with a 2.35 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 129 strikeouts, and one complete game with only two homers allowed over 18 starts for the Marines. He was limited to 111 innings because of arm fatigue.</p></script></figure>

CHIBA, JAPAN - MAY 05: Roki Sasaki of the Chiba Lotte Marines throws in the 5th inning against Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks at Zozo Marine Stadium on May 5, 2023 in Chiba, Japan.

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Manfred expects Sasaki to sign in January as part of 2025 class

The Chicago Cubs landed some much-needed bullpen help, acquiring right-hander Eli Morgan from the...

<p>The Chicago Cubs landed some much-needed bullpen help, acquiring right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12324" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12324">Eli Morgan</a> from the Cleveland Guardians for outfield prospect Alfonsin Rosario, the teams announced.</p><p>To make room for Morgan on the 40-man roster, the Cubs designated corner infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3893" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3893">Patrick Wisdom</a> for assignment.</p><p>Morgan, 28, is coming off a career-best season that saw him emerge as a key cog in the Guardians' league-best bullpen. Though he missed some time due to shoulder and elbow inflammation, he put up a 1.93 ERA and 0.98 WHIP along with 34 strikeouts and 11 walks across 42 innings.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>While his fastball isn't overwhelming, opponents hit just .176 against Morgan's fastball, which averaged 92.2 mph last year. His 2.5% barrel percentage - the amount of batted balls classified as barrels - ranked third among relievers with at least 40 innings.</p><p>He appears to have been an expendable piece for Cleveland due to the depth of its relief corps, which includes AL Reliever of the Year <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11259" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11259">Emmanuel Clase</a>, plus set-up men <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14023" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14023">Cade Smith</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15380" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15380">Hunter Gaddis</a>. That'll likely change in Chicago, where Morgan appears to be in line for a more prominent late-inning role. The Cubs' bullpen ranked 20th in total production last season.</p><p>Morgan is entering his first year of arbitration and is projected by <a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/10/projected-arbitration-salaries-for-2025.html?utm_source=twitter">MLB Trade Rumors</a> to earn $1 million in 2025.</p><p>Wisdom, meanwhile, was a feel-good story for the Cubs in 2021, when he hit 28 homers and finished fourth in NL Rookie of the Year voting in his age-29 season. But he's since struggled to recapture that form despite crossing the 20-homer mark again in 2022 and '23, and he was surpassed at both first and third base on the Cubs' depth chart last year. He hit a career-low .171/.237/.392 over 75 games in 2024, primarily as a pinch-hitter.</p><p>If he goes unclaimed, the 32-year-old could have some appeal to teams as a low-cost free agent who can capably cover first and third base, as well as the corner outfield spots in a pinch. MLBTR projected Wisdom, entering his fourth year of arbitration, to earn $3 million next year.</p><p>Rosario, who heads to Cleveland in the Morgan trade, was ranked as the Cubs' No. 27 prospect by <a href="https://www.baseballamerica.com/teams/2005-chicago-cubs/prospects/?season=2024">Baseball America</a>. The 20-year-old South Carolina native hit .230/.344/.423 with 16 homers, 73 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases across 109 games at Low-A in 2024, his first full professional season. He was Chicago's sixth-round draft pick in 2023.</p><p>The Cubs also made a second minor trade Wednesday, acquiring catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8187" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8187">Matt Thaiss</a> from the Los Angeles Angels for cash considerations. Thaiss, 29, is a lifetime .208/.313/.342 hitter across parts of six seasons with the Halos.</p><p>Chicago DFA'd right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8861" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8861">Trey Wingenter</a> to make room for Thaiss on the 40-man roster.</p>

CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 18: Eli Morgan #49 of the Cleveland Guardians throws a pitch in the fifth inning against the New York Yankees during Game Four of the American League Championship Series at Progressive Field on October 18, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Cubs acquire Morgan from Guardians, DFA Wisdom

Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy was named 2024 National League Manager of the Year by the Ba...

<p>Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy was named 2024 National League Manager of the Year by the Baseball Writers' Association of America.</p><p>Murphy received 27 first-place votes to beat out fellow finalists Carlos Mendoza of the New York Mets and San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt. He was the only skipper named on every ballot.</p><p>Here's a look at the full vote totals:</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>MANAGER</th>
<th>TEAM</th>
<th>1ST</th>
<th>2ND</th>
<th>3RD</th>
<th>POINTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Murphy</td>
<td>MIL</td>
<td>27</td>
<td>3</td>
<td></td>
<td>144</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shildt</td>
<td>SD</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>70</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mendoza</td>
<td>NYM</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>35</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Torey Lovullo</td>
<td>ARI</td>
<td></td>
<td>2</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rob Thomson</td>
<td>PHI</td>
<td>1</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brian Snitker</td>
<td>ATL</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td>4</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dave Roberts</td>
<td>LAD</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td>3</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oliver Marmol</td>
<td>STL</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td>1</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Murphy is the first Brewers skipper to win the award, which was established in 1983. Milwaukee had been the only franchise left without a Manager of the Year winner before Tuesday. Brewers managers had finished second in Manager of the Year voting six times in previous years.</p><p>The Brewers promoted Murphy from bench coach to manager last offseason when longtime skipper Craig Counsell left to take the Chicago Cubs' job. Murphy inherited a Brewers squad that wasn't expected to contend after the departure of Counsell and the trade of ace Corbin Burnes.</p><p>Under his watch, Milwaukee defied all expectations to go 93-69 en route to the club's second consecutive NL Central title and its fourth since 2018. Murphy kept the Brewers steady, pushing them to the playoffs despite not having starter Brandon Woodruff all season, missing closer Devin Williams for the first several months, and then losing Christian Yelich to a back injury late in the year.</p><p>Murphy becomes the 10th Manager of the Year winner who didn't play in the major leagues. He only played parts of three seasons as a professional, topping out at A-ball in 1983.</p><p>The 65-year-old is the second-oldest first-time winner of the award behind Jack McKeon, who won it at age 68 in 1999.</p><p>Murphy's award is the culmination of a long baseball coaching career that's taken him to multiple levels of the sport. He won over 900 games in the NCAA with Notre Dame and Arizona State before starting his professional managerial career in the Padres' system. Murphy was San Diego's interim skipper for 96 games in 2015 before moving to Milwaukee as Counsell's bench coach.</p>

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 01: Manager Pat Murphy of the Milwaukee Brewers makes a pitching change in the fifth inning against the New York Mets during Game One of the Wild Card Series at American Family Field on October 01, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Brewers' Murphy named NL Manager of the Year

Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes was named the 2024 National League Rookie of the Year...

<p>Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17521" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17521">Paul Skenes</a> was named the 2024 National League Rookie of the Year by the Baseball Writers' Association of America on Monday.</p><p>Skenes received 23 first-place votes to edge out San Diego Padres outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14111" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14111">Jackson Merrill</a> and Milwaukee Brewers outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14481" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14481">Jackson Chourio</a>. Chicago Cubs pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17236" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17236">Shota Imanaga</a>, the only other rookie to receive votes, finished fourth. It's the fewest number of players to earn votes for NL Rookie of the Year under the BBWAA's three-player-per-ballot format, which began in 1980.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-tSj5m" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/tSj5m/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="470" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Skenes is the second Pirates player to win Rookie of the Year, joining Jason Bay in 2004, and the first NL starting pitcher to win it since <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4311" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4311">Jacob deGrom</a> in 2014. He's the fifth former first overall pick to earn the award in either league, following Bob Horner in 1978, Darryl Strawberry in 1983, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1688" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1688">Bryce Harper</a> in 2012, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3992" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3992">Carlos Correa</a> in 2015.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"This is cool, and I think the coolest part is it puts a bow on this past year, and we can kind of look forward to next year," the 22-year-old said on <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBNetworkPR/status/1858655204406927759">MLB Network</a> after receiving the award.</p><p>Skenes left quite an impression barely a year after the Pirates selected the pitcher out of LSU. Armed with a six-pitch arsenal that includes a fastball averaging 99 mph and a devastating "splinker," he went 11-3 with a 1.96 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 170 strikeouts, along with an 11.5 K/9 rate across 133 innings.</p><p>Though he didn't have a complete game, Skenes threw at least six innings in 16 of his 23 starts and worked into the seventh inning five times, including an 8 1/3-inning gem against the St. Louis Cardinals on July 23. He only allowed more than three runs in a start once - when he gave up four against the Dodgers on Aug. 10 - and had five starts with no runs allowed and eight-plus strikeouts. His season-high in Ks was 11, which he achieved twice.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Since Paul Skenes debuted on May 11, no one had a lower ERA than his 1.96. He did it with 170 SO in 133 IP. He allowed 2 runs all of September, a 196/255/314 slash line a 3rd time thru the order. At times, he seemed to carry an entire city on his shoulders. A worthy RoY.</p>— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) <a href="https://twitter.com/Alden_Gonzalez/status/1858657076370960703?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Skenes was picked to start this year's All-Star Game for the NL despite having just 11 big-league starts under his belt to that point. He's also a finalist for this year's NL Cy Young Award, which will be announced Wednesday.</p><p>His award win also gained Skenes an additional full year of service time, meaning he'll now reach free agency in 2029 instead of 2030, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/Travis_Sawchik/status/1858659819109875892">theScore's Travis Sawchik</a>. The Pirates had Skenes open his season with Triple-A Indianapolis before he got the call-up May 11.</p><p>Despite his brilliant pitching, the Pirates finished 2024 in last place and posted a losing record for the ninth straight season. But Skenes said he feels positive about the team's future and is confident he'll be the ace of a contender in Pittsburgh next summer.</p><p>"I'm optimistic. We obviously have a really good core in our starting rotation. I think we have a really good core in the lineup, too," Skenes said, according to <a href="https://x.com/JMackeyPG/status/1858667683006251018">Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette</a>. "We have an opportunity to get the guys that we have better. That's something I'm bought in on.</p><p>"You can say as much as you want about wanting to compete and wanting to win, but doing it and being intentional with it are two different things," he added. "I think we are on the right track there."</p><p>Skenes and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3132413" href="https://thescore.com/news/3132413">AL winner</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11752" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11752">Luis Gil</a> are the first pair of starting pitchers to win their respective league's Rookie of the Year award in the same season since Fernando Valenzuela and Dave Righetti in 1981, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/SlangsOnSports/status/1858660154574516653">Sarah Langs of MLB.com</a>. It's the fifth time pitchers have won in both leagues.</p>

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JULY 11: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates throws a pitch during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on July 11, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Pirates' Skenes claims NL ROY over Merrill, Chourio

The Baseball Writers' Association of America announced Monday the ballot for the 2025 Hall of Fam...

<p>The Baseball Writers' Association of America announced Monday the ballot for the 2025 Hall of Fame class, highlighted by newcomers Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia, Félix Hernández, Ian Kinsler, and Dustin Pedroia.</p><p>BBWAA voters with 10 years of active membership have until Dec. 31 to submit their ballots. The results will be revealed Jan. 21 on MLB Network. Eligible candidates that receive 75% of the vote will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown on July 27. Candidates who receive less than 5% of the vote will be dropped from future ballots.</p><p>Billy Wagner (73.8% of the vote in 2024), Andruw Jones (61.6%), and Carlos Beltrán (57.1%) are among 14 holdovers from last year's ballot that remain eligible for election.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><em>Note: This portion of the article was previously published in July. </em></p><h2><strong>The newcomers</strong></h2><h3>First-ballot lock</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/398651/cropped_GettyImages-1138897932.jpg?ts=1585156914" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/398651/w220xh124_GettyImages-1138897932.jpg?ts=1585156914 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/398651/w320xh180_GettyImages-1138897932.jpg?ts=1585156914 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/398651/w640xh360_GettyImages-1138897932.jpg?ts=1585156914 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/398651/w768xh432_GettyImages-1138897932.jpg?ts=1585156914 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/398651/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1138897932.jpg?ts=1585156914 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Zagaris / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-8JryO" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/8JryO/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="136" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Ichiro owns the single-season hit record, compiled 10 straight 200-hit campaigns, and led the majors in hits seven times. His trophy case includes two batting titles, 10 Gold Gloves, and the AL MVP and Rookie of the Year awards in 2001. He's a member of the 3,000-hit club despite not debuting in the majors until age 27. If you include his years in Japan, he recorded over 4,300 hits across 28 professional seasons. The only question is whether Ichiro will make even more history as the first position player to be elected unanimously. It's a real possibility.</p><h3>Likely first-ballot inductee</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/362976/cropped_GettyImages-1151920498.jpg?ts=1561685328" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/362976/w220xh124_GettyImages-1151920498.jpg?ts=1561685328 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/362976/w320xh180_GettyImages-1151920498.jpg?ts=1561685328 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/362976/w640xh360_GettyImages-1151920498.jpg?ts=1561685328 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/362976/w768xh432_GettyImages-1151920498.jpg?ts=1561685328 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/362976/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1151920498.jpg?ts=1561685328 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Steven Ryan / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-6FHnX" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/6FHnX/3/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="154" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Sabathia's career includes almost everything you could ask of a Hall of Fame pitcher: a Cy Young, 3,000 strikeouts, 250 wins, and playoff heroics that include an ALCS MVP and World Series ring. He was also one of the last true workhorse starters, standing out as a virtual lock for 200 innings during his prime and often putting teams on his back like a true ace. However, Sabathia's not necessarily a first-ballot lock like Ichiro, and some may balk at his rather high 3.74 ERA. Still, the combination of his on-field accolades and the respect he garnered around the baseball world should be enough. It won't be by much if Sabathia isn't elected in January.</p><h3>Most intriguing newcomers</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/403479/cropped_GettyImages-150319563.jpg?ts=1589300576" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/403479/w220xh124_GettyImages-150319563.jpg?ts=1589300576 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/403479/w320xh180_GettyImages-150319563.jpg?ts=1589300576 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/403479/w640xh360_GettyImages-150319563.jpg?ts=1589300576 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/403479/w768xh432_GettyImages-150319563.jpg?ts=1589300576 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/403479/w1080xh607_GettyImages-150319563.jpg?ts=1589300576 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-44o6R" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/44o6R/5/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="296" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>During his all-too-brief peak, "King Félix" was indisputably one of the best in the business. Hernández won a Cy Young, claimed two ERA titles, earned six All-Star berths, tallied over 2,500 strikeouts, and threw a perfect game. But his drop-off was incredibly fast, with Hernández out of the majors before his 35th birthday. He also never got the chance to boost his resume by pitching in the playoffs. Voters have often spurned short-peak, high-value pitchers, but Hernández probably did enough to at least warrant a second look. As the first true "modern" starter to hit the ballot, his upcoming candidacy could help us define what makes a Hall of Fame pitcher in today's game.</p><p>Kinsler and Pedroia, two of the best second basemen of their era, both sit in the top 20 at their position in JAWS and the top 25 in WAR. Pedroia owns an MVP and was a staple of the Red Sox during their most successful era, while Kinsler has a pair of 30-30 seasons and multiple Gold Gloves. Yet the pair fell short of the standards in many other important areas, and both missed out on 2,000 hits, usually a benchmark for expansion-era Hall of Famers (Kinsler retired with 1,999). Kinsler and Pedroia also sit well behind the pack in many other more traditional stats, meaning their cases likely rest on metrics, peak performance, or other outside factors. They could rise or fall on the ballot together.</p><h3>Other notable first-timers</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/377043/cropped_GettyImages-620758238.jpg?ts=1569177110" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/377043/w220xh124_GettyImages-620758238.jpg?ts=1569177110 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/377043/w320xh180_GettyImages-620758238.jpg?ts=1569177110 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/377043/w640xh360_GettyImages-620758238.jpg?ts=1569177110 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/377043/w768xh432_GettyImages-620758238.jpg?ts=1569177110 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/377043/w1080xh607_GettyImages-620758238.jpg?ts=1569177110 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Pool / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-nSOON" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/nSOON/4/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="804" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Martin and McCann were important cogs of winners at each stop. But they also retired with low counting stats, even by catcher's standards. Zobrist's HOF case rests almost entirely on him being arguably the best true utility player in MLB history - a unique distinction, but one that's hardly getting him into Cooperstown on its own. Still, Zobrist had a far better career than you might have realized and left an impact on the sport.</p><p>Granderson was a three-time All-Star, a key contributor to multiple playoff teams, and one of the most respected players of his era by peers and fans. He could get some courtesy votes, which wouldn't be out of place. Ramirez and Tulowitzki will go down as two of the biggest "what-ifs" in modern history. Both had a litany of injuries, and Tulowitzki, in particular, seemed snakebitten at times with his health struggles. However, they also ranked among the top shortstops of the 2010s when healthy.</p><p>While they're unlikely to receive anywhere close to 5% of the vote, González, Jones, and Rodney each earned a spot on the ballot after excellent careers with multiple franchises.</p>

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Ichiro, Sabathia headline 2025 Baseball HOF ballot newcomers

Toronto Argonauts quarterback Nick Arbuckle was named the Most Valuable Player of the 111th Grey ...

<p>Toronto Argonauts quarterback Nick Arbuckle was named the Most Valuable Player of the 111th Grey Cup on Sunday.</p><p>Argos wideout Dejon Brissett earned Most Outstanding Canadian honors.</p><p>Arbuckle completed 26 of 37 passes for 252 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions in the victory. He also added 11 rushing yards.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 31-year-old's award-winning game will go down as one of the most unlikely and remarkable performances in Grey Cup history. Arbuckle spent the season as one of Toronto's backup QBs but was thrust into the starter's job when Chad Kelly suffered a leg injury in the East final.</p><p>Arbuckle, a six-year CFL veteran, joined the Argos in training camp after failing to stick in Ottawa. He had been considering retirement before Toronto called in late May.</p><p>"Without my family's faith and my wife's belief in me, and her sacrifices that she's made, and my kids have made ... we never thought that all of this would come," he told <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXn_c3_qZCE">TSN's James Duthie</a>. "Like you said, I was a few weeks away from calling it quits when I got this opportunity, and it's unbelievable."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">You couldn't have scripted it any better 🥹🌊 <a href="https://t.co/S5q2LAQb4W">pic.twitter.com/S5q2LAQb4W</a></p>— Toronto Argonauts (@TorontoArgos) <a href="https://twitter.com/TorontoArgos/status/1858349790376923411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Georgia State product is the eighth Argos player to win Grey Cup MVP since the award returned to its current format in 1991. Arbuckle is also the club's first QB to claim the honor since Damon Allen in 2004.</p><p>Brissett, a native of Mississauga, Ontario, hauled in three receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown and recovered an onside kick on special teams. His 17-yard major in the fourth quarter made it a two-score game and kick-started Toronto's 24-point outburst in the final period.</p><p>The 28-year-old is the fifth Argos player to win the Dick Suderman Trophy, joining Mike Vanderjagt, Paul Masotti, Ricky Foley, and Henoc Muamba.</p>

VANCOUVER, CANADA - NOVEMBER 17: Quarterback Nick Arbuckle #4 of the Toronto Argonauts throws a pass against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers during the first half in CFL football action during the 2024 Grey Cup at BC Place on November 17, 2024 in Vancouver, Canada.

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Argos' emergency starter Arbuckle named Grey Cup MVP

The Toronto Argonauts derailed another dynasty.  The Argos again upset the Winnipeg Blue Bombers ...

<p>The Toronto Argonauts derailed another dynasty.</p><p>The Argos again upset the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the CFL championship game, riding a massive fourth quarter to win the 111th Grey Cup 41-24 at BC Place on Sunday. The result is their second Grey Cup win over Winnipeg in three years.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Toronto Argonauts lift the Grey Cup! 🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GreyCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GreyCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/xhNLVJknV9">pic.twitter.com/xhNLVJknV9</a></p>— TSN (@TSN_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/1858349845464928725?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Toronto pulled away with 24 fourth-quarter points, tying a Grey Cup record for the most put up in the final period, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/CFLStats/status/1858350855981785311">CFL Stats</a>. The last team to score 24 points in the fourth quarter was the Argos, who did it in 1938 against Winnipeg.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The title is the Argos' league-record 19th championship. The franchise has won each of its last eight Grey Cup appearances since 1991 and has never lost a title game with general manager and franchise icon Michael "Pinball" Clemons in the organization. Toronto also improved to 8-0 in Grey Cup contests against the Blue Bombers.</p><p>Although Argos quarterback Nick Arbuckle was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3131817" href="https://thescore.com/news/3131817">named</a> Grey Cup MVP, the defense carried the team to victory. The Boatmen picked off Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros four times to tie a single-game Grey Cup record, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/CFLStats/status/1858346749112266770">CFL Stats</a>. They also set a new Grey Cup record with 164 interception return yards, shattering the old mark of 88.</p><p>Defensive back Robert Priester put the game away with a 61-yard pick-6 late in the fourth. His return was the second-longest pick-6 in Grey Cup history and third-longest interception return in a championship game.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">PICK! SIX! <br><br>Robert Priester has picked off Zach Collaros and returned it for a HUGE Argos touchdown! Argos lead BIG late in the game! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GreyCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GreyCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/3kGW2AXFZt">pic.twitter.com/3kGW2AXFZt</a></p>— TSN (@TSN_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/1858339753604599997?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Wynton McManis, DaShaun Amos, and Benjie Franklin also hauled in interceptions during the victory. Franklin's <a href="https://www.x.com/CFL/status/1858311642657837077">pick</a> in the second quarter was his fourth INT in three playoff games this year.</p><p>Although the Argos' vaunted defensive line sacked Collaros only once, the defense held Winnipeg to 283 net offensive yards.</p><p>"We knew from actually the beginning of the season this was our destiny," McManis said postgame on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IeoTK-HeyM">TSN</a>. "Don't ride the wave, don't never be too high, never be too low. For us, it's just stay the course."</p><p>Collaros threw for 202 yards but failed to find the end zone for a third straight Grey Cup game. He was also hampered by a cut finger on his throwing hand late in the third quarter that forced him to the locker room for a series before he returned wearing a glove. Collaros threw three of his four picks while his throwing hand was gloved.</p><p>"Obviously, disappointed. Things kind of snowballed there," Collaros said about the cut. "It was just a tough situation."</p><p>The two-time Most Outstanding Player is the third QB to throw four picks in a Grey Cup game, joining Montreal's Sam Etcheverry in 1956 and Edmonton's Bruce Lemmerman in 1977.</p><p>Newly-crowned MOP Brady Oliveira rushed for 84 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. But the Argos did a great job containing him overall considering almost half of Oliveira's 84 yards came from one 35-yard gain.</p><p>The contest began as a tight defensive battle, with Winnipeg taking a 10-9 lead into halftime. Things began turning in Toronto's favor early in the third quarter when Blue Bombers returner Lucky Whitehead fumbled a punt back into the Argos' hands at Winnipeg's 17-yard line. On the next play, Arbuckle found slotback Kevin Mital for what ended up as the go-ahead touchdown.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">KEVIN MITAL! 🌊🌊🌊<br><br>HIS FIRST <a href="https://twitter.com/CFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CFL</a> TOUCHDOWN COMES IN THE <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GREYCUP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GREYCUP</a> <a href="https://t.co/ywGGr7AZKe">pic.twitter.com/ywGGr7AZKe</a></p>— Toronto Argonauts (@TorontoArgos) <a href="https://twitter.com/TorontoArgos/status/1858327145900056976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Blue Bombers were playing in their fifth straight Grey Cup but lost the last two after winning consecutive titles in 2019 and '21. Instead, they became the first team since the 1954-56 Alouettes to lose three straight Grey Cup games.</p>

VANCOUVER, CANADA - NOVEMBER 17: DaShaun Amos #8 of the Toronto Argonauts lifts the Grey Cup after defeating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the 2024 Grey Cup at BC Place on November 17, 2024 in Vancouver, Canada.

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Argos upset Bombers again to win 2nd Grey Cup in 3 years

It's the Grey Cup rematch everyone wanted, one year later than expected.  The Toronto Argonauts a...

<p>It's the Grey Cup rematch everyone wanted, one year later than expected.</p><p>The Toronto Argonauts and Winnipeg Blue Bombers face off in the 111th Grey Cup on Sunday, and CFL fans everywhere are hoping this one's as thrilling as their last showdown. Two years ago in Regina, these teams played one of the greatest Grey Cup games ever, a 24-23 Argos win clinched on a last-second blocked field goal.</p><p>The dynastic Bombers enter their fifth straight Grey Cup looking to silence the critics and return to the top after two straight gut-wrenching defeats. Toronto, as in 2022, is the underdog with little to lose - although that's largely because of Chad Kelly's injury. Can the Argos improbably upend a dynasty yet again?</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Here's everything you need to know about the 111th Grey Cup.</p><h3>The basics</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/325708/cropped_GettyImages-1016632842.jpg?ts=1639013089" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/325708/w220xh124_GettyImages-1016632842.jpg?ts=1639013089 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/325708/w320xh180_GettyImages-1016632842.jpg?ts=1639013089 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/325708/w640xh360_GettyImages-1016632842.jpg?ts=1639013089 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/325708/w768xh432_GettyImages-1016632842.jpg?ts=1639013089 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/325708/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1016632842.jpg?ts=1639013089 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>When: </strong>Sunday, Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. ET<br><strong>Where:</strong> BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia (17th Grey Cup hosted by Vancouver, 10th at BC Place)<br><strong>Who:</strong> Toronto Argonauts (25th Grey Cup appearance) vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (29th)<br><strong>TV:</strong> TSN and CTV; RDS (French); CBS Sports Network (United States); <a href="https://www.cfl.ca/plus/">CFL+</a> (Outside North America)<br><strong>Line: </strong>Winnipeg -475<br><strong>Spread: </strong>Winnpeg -9.0<br><strong>Over/Under: </strong>50.5 points</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Tale of the tape" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-NKIV3" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/NKIV3/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="958" 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><h3>How they got here</h3><p><strong>Argonauts: </strong>Toronto's season began with a serious off-field issue. Star quarterback Chad Kelly was suspended for the first nine games of the regular season after violating the CFL's gender-based violence policy. On the field, the Argos went 5-4 to start the year before Kelly was reinstated under a last-chance agreement with the league. Kelly's return and a powerful defense helped the Argos clinch a home playoff date for the fourth straight year. Toronto put up a franchise playoff-record 58 points versus Ottawa in the semifinal, then got some revenge for last year against Montreal in the East final, holding them off after Kelly's injury to clinch their second Grey Cup berth in three seasons.</p><p><strong>Blue Bombers: </strong>It sure looked like the dynasty was ending at the start of the year. The Bombers had all of Manitoba sweating by stumbling to an 0-4 start and were 2-6 through eight weeks. Then something finally clicked in Week 9, when the Bombers shut out BC 25-0 to kick off an eight-game winning streak. They won nine of their final 10 regular-season games to finish on top of the West Division for a fourth straight year. After a bye, Winnipeg thoroughly dismantled Saskatchewan in the West final to become the third team in modern CFL history with five straight Grey Cup appearances.</p><h3>Previous meetings</h3><p>Both regular-season games between these clubs were tight, low-scoring battles. In Week 8 at BMO Field, the Argos won 16-14 despite QBs Cameron Dukes and Nick Arbuckle combining for just 124 passing yards. Bombers QB Zach Collaros threw for 317 yards, but it wasn't enough. The Argos' defense forced a late turnover on downs, and Lirim Hajrullahu booted a walk-off overtime field goal.</p><p>The Oct. 11 rematch in Winnipeg saw the Argos win 14-11 to clinch a playoff berth. Kelly threw for 203 yards and a touchdown, but once again Toronto's defense engineered the victory by forcing two turnovers and sacking Collaros seven times. Folarin Orimolade sealed the win with an interception on the final play. These two defeats to Toronto are Winnipeg's only losses since July 19.</p><h3>Storylines to follow</h3><p><strong>Arbuckle's moment</strong></p><p>All eyes will be on Arbuckle, the six-year veteran who's suddenly Toronto's unlikely Grey Cup starter following Kelly's season-ending leg injury last week.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754866/cropped_GettyImages-2163991553.jpg?ts=1731365124" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754866/w220xh124_GettyImages-2163991553.jpg?ts=1731365124 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754866/w320xh180_GettyImages-2163991553.jpg?ts=1731365124 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754866/w640xh360_GettyImages-2163991553.jpg?ts=1731365124 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754866/w768xh432_GettyImages-2163991553.jpg?ts=1731365124 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754866/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2163991553.jpg?ts=1731365124 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">John E. Sokolowski / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>If Arbuckle has any nerves, he can seek counsel from head coach Ryan Dinwiddie, who found himself in this exact situation 17 years ago. Dinwiddie was Winnipeg's little-used backup QB in 2007 and was forced into action when Kevin Glenn <a href="https://youtu.be/uRRKhf6V6MU?t=6026">broke his arm</a> in the fourth quarter of that year's East final. After finishing the Bombers' 19-9 win over the Argos, of all teams, Dinwiddie made his first CFL start in the Grey Cup; though he held his own given the circumstances, he threw three interceptions in his team's loss.</p><p>While the 2007 parallels are fascinating, there's one important difference: Sunday won't be Arbuckle's first real CFL action. The 31-year-old's a veteran with starting experience, and won a ring as Bo Levi Mitchell's backup in Calgary (he had a few short-yardage rushes in the 2018 Grey Cup). Dinwiddie attempted just 52 passes in two CFL seasons before he was thrust into a championship game; Arbuckle, by contrast, completed 65 passes for 799 yards and four TDs this year alone, and won one of his two starts. He looked very comfortable after taking over for Kelly in the East final, especially on the final drive that sealed Toronto's win.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D02t_E03Jy4?si=oo5kERxJ6TXz3gqx&amp;start=569" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>This isn't to say Arbuckle's going to torch a powerful Winnipeg squad that's firing on all cylinders. He's likely going to face tons of pressure from a Bombers defense that allowed the fewest points in the CFL all season long. It will be an uphill battle. But having a veteran under center on Sunday instead of the inexperienced and inconsistent Dukes gives Toronto that much more a fighting chance. Arbuckle's waited a long time for this moment, he's got plenty of weapons at his disposal, and shouldn't be too overcome by the moment's magnitude. He'll be in Grey Cup lore forever if he can somehow pull this off.</p><p><strong>Keeping Brady Oliviera quiet</strong></p><p>Pulling off the upset will require Toronto to stop or at least slow down Oliveira. The Argos are talented enough to do that, allowing the second-fewest rushing yards in the league while holding Oliveira to only 160 yards across their two meetings with Winnipeg this season.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754867/cropped_GettyImages-2176823653.jpg?ts=1731365199" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754867/w220xh124_GettyImages-2176823653.jpg?ts=1731365199 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754867/w320xh180_GettyImages-2176823653.jpg?ts=1731365199 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754867/w640xh360_GettyImages-2176823653.jpg?ts=1731365199 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754867/w768xh432_GettyImages-2176823653.jpg?ts=1731365199 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754867/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2176823653.jpg?ts=1731365199 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">John E. Sokolowski / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Of course, those regular-season stats against the Argos may not matter. Oliveira was held to under 50 yards in each of his three regular-season games versus Saskatchewan, then torched the Riders for 119 yards and a touchdown in the West final. Toronto has to assume he'll want to do the same thing to them Sunday. The Argos' front should be focused on finishing tackles and not letting the newly-crowned Most Outstanding Player find even a sliver of daylight, which is where he thrives like no one else - Oliveira collected a league-leading 891 yards after contact in 2024.</p><p>There's another reason for the Argos to be a bit worried Sunday. Their normally stingy rush defense sprung a bit of a leak in the East final, when Montreal rushed for 156 yards while averaging over nine yards per carry as a team. The Argos' overall defensive performance Saturday was very good, with six turnovers and four forced fumbles, but the Als' success on the ground should cause a bit of concern. Whatever happened with the run D on Saturday needs to be patched up quick, because if Oliveira breaks free even a little bit, the Cup's probably coming back to Winnipeg.</p><p><strong>Bombers' line vs. the 'Sack Exchange'</strong></p><p>The Blue Bombers' offensive line, anchored once again by future Hall of Famer Stanley Bryant, remains a strength of the team and turned in perhaps its best performance of the season last week. But some cracks started to show at various points this year - particularly against the Argos.</p><p>The "Toronto Sack Exchange" is the league's most feared defensive front for a reason, tallying 48 sacks in the regular season and another six in the playoffs so far. Four Argos had at least six sacks this year; Jake Ceresna and Ralph Holley were both tied for the league lead with eight. This group ran wild against the Bombers, sacking Collaros 12 times in two games, with seven of those coming in Week 19. Winnipeg can't let that happen again Sunday.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754871/cropped_GettyImages-2163984881.jpg?ts=1731365611" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754871/w220xh124_GettyImages-2163984881.jpg?ts=1731365611 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754871/w320xh180_GettyImages-2163984881.jpg?ts=1731365611 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754871/w640xh360_GettyImages-2163984881.jpg?ts=1731365611 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754871/w768xh432_GettyImages-2163984881.jpg?ts=1731365611 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754871/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2163984881.jpg?ts=1731365611 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">John E. Sokolowski / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Keeping Collaros protected against such a dominant defense is enough of a challenge on its own. But the O-line also has to worry about opening space for Oliveira, something it couldn't do against Toronto previously. And then there's the task of containing Argos linebacker and defensive captain Wynton McManis, who had eight tackles and a knockdown the last time he saw Winnipeg. McManis has been a beast in the playoffs so far, and will be all over the field Sunday. He may even try to get Collaros himself.</p><p>The key to a Bombers victory likely lies with their O-line. Protect Collaros as well as they did last week and he can turn this into a shootout, which should favor Winnipeg given the Argos' QB situation. A big day for the "Sack Exchange" will have the closing bell ringing loudly in Toronto.</p><p><strong>Special teams factor</strong></p><p>From rouges to blocks, special teams played a significant role in recent Grey Cup results for both these franchises. Expect this again Sunday.</p><p>The big game-breaker to watch is Janarion Grant, this year's Most Outstanding Special Teams player.<strong> </strong>Grant was a big part of two Bombers championship teams, and had a record 102-yard punt return TD in the 109th Grey Cup against Toronto - but he's an Argo now, and you know he's itching to stick it to his old club. His 71-yard TD return last week helped shift the East final's momentum back to Toronto. Beyond the house calls, Grant - who averaged nearly 15 yards per punt return - can tilt the field-position battle in the Argos' favor, a huge factor as they try to win a Grey Cup with their backup QB. A shorter field could allow Arbuckle to lean on star running back Ka'Deem Carey more often, rather than tempting fate by airing it out against the league's best secondary.</p><p>The Blue Bombers' special teams are solid; Sergio Castillo remains a reliable field-goal kicker, and they had a blocked punt in the West final. However, Saturday's game wasn't clean for their special-teams unit: they fell victim to a fake punt in the third quarter, and returner Lucky Whitehead's fumble of a punt deep in his own zone nearly got the Roughriders back into the game. Winnipeg will need to clean up those issues Sunday.</p><p><strong>Finish the job, Zach</strong></p><p>Collaros is one of the premier QBs of his era, yet his Grey Cup struggles are mounting. In four Grey Cup games with the Bombers, he's thrown just two touchdown passes, both in their 2021 win over Hamilton.</p><p>Certainly, some credit should be given where it's due for that performance three years ago. Collaros came up huge in 2021 despite also throwing two picks, and the Bombers don't go back-to-back without him. But he's hardly looked himself in the last two games and it's cost Winnipeg dearly. Point to Cody Fajardo engineering the drive of his life or Robbie Smith's shocking block all you want, but the fact is the Bombers lost the last two because Collaros didn't give his team - the better team - the best chance to win.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754513/cropped_GettyImages-2178642146.jpg?ts=1731205324" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754513/w220xh124_GettyImages-2178642146.jpg?ts=1731205324 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754513/w320xh180_GettyImages-2178642146.jpg?ts=1731205324 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754513/w640xh360_GettyImages-2178642146.jpg?ts=1731205324 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754513/w768xh432_GettyImages-2178642146.jpg?ts=1731205324 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754513/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2178642146.jpg?ts=1731205324 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">John E. Sokolowski / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>For the third straight season, the Bombers are the clear Grey Cup favorite, as they should be. They have the better record, the better QB, and enter the game playing their best football. Collaros was nearly flawless in the West final. Yet once again, none of that will matter if he fails to throw a TD in a third straight Grey Cup.</p><p>Collaros needs to do more than just win another ring Sunday. He needs to win it with a career-defining game. He's a Hall of Fame QB no matter what, but his legacy - and perhaps that of these great Blue Bombers teams, whose back-to-back Grey Cup wins to start this run might be forgotten with a third straight loss - are hinging on his performance.</p><h3>Prediction</h3><p>We picked the favorite Blue Bombers each of the last two years, only to watch them snatch defeat from the jaws of victory both times. These Bombers teams are among the best in CFL history no matter Sunday's result and deserve plenty of respect - but we're not falling for this a third time. Plus, Toronto's defense seems to have Winnipeg's number. <strong>Argos 16, Blue Bombers 13</strong></p>

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111th Grey Cup primer: Can Argos upset Bombers again without Kelly?

The CFL handed out its 2024 awards Thursday in Vancouver.  The Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Toronto ...

<p>The CFL handed out its 2024 awards Thursday in Vancouver.</p><p>The Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Toronto Argonauts, who'll square off in Sunday's Grey Cup at BC Place, were the evening's big winners, with each team claiming two of the seven major on-field awards. Voting for the seven major on-field awards was conducted by members of the Football Reporters of Canada, as well as the nine CFL head coaches.</p><p>Here's a look at all of the night's big winners:</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>George Reed Most Outstanding Player: Brady Oliveira, Blue Bombers</h3><p>Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Brady Oliveira entered some rare company Thursday, winning the George Reed Most Outstanding Player award for the first time in his career. He beat Hamilton Tiger-Cats quarterback and two-time MOP Bo Levi Mitchell 31-25 to win this year's honor.</p><p>The Winnipeg native is the fourth Canadian in CFL history to win MOP, joining Jon Cornish in 2013, Tony Gabriel in 1978, and legendary QB Russ Jackson in 1963, '66, and '69.</p><p>Oliveira was dominant from start to finish in 2024. He earned his second consecutive rushing title by scampering for 1,353 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. He was also an efficient weapon through the air, hauling in 57 receptions for 476 yards and one major, while his 420 yards after catch placed fourth in the league. His 891 yards after contact, 1,829 yards from scrimmage, and 11 rushing attempts of 20-plus yards were all tops in the CFL in 2024.</p><p>Oliveira is the 11th Blue Bombers player to win MOP, and the third Winnipeg player to win it since 2021. He's just the fourth tailback to take home this honor in the last 35 years, following Cornish, Mike Pringle, and Pinball Clemons. The only other Blue Bombers running back to claim MOP was Willard Reaves in 1984.</p><h3>Most Outstanding Canadian: Oliveira</h3><p>Oliveira's MOP win made him the easy choice to claim the CFL's top Canadian honor for a second straight year. He received 55 of 56 votes over Montreal Alouettes defensive lineman Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund.</p><p>Oliveira, a product of Winnipeg's Oak Park High School, joined Cornish and former Bombers teammate Andrew Harris as the only Canadians with multiple 1,300-yard rushing seasons. He's now the 18th two-time winner of this award and the sixth to claim it in back-to-back years.</p><p>"I stand up here with immense pride, gratitude, and (am) truly honored to receive the Most Outstanding Canadian award," he <a href="https://twitter.com/CFL/status/1857287823273202099">said</a> upon accepting the honor. "I just would like to thank all the great Canadians that have paved the way before me, and now I'm up here standing here receiving this amazing award. And now I hope to do the same, to inspire and pave the way for the younger generation."</p><p>This is the 12th time a Blue Bombers player has won Most Outstanding Canadian, moving them into a tie with the Ottawa franchise (across all three nicknames) for most in CFL history.</p><h3>Most Outstanding Defensive Player: Rolan Milligan Jr., Roughriders</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755438/cropped_GettyImages-2181905184.jpg?ts=1731644934" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755438/w220xh124_GettyImages-2181905184.jpg?ts=1731644934 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755438/w320xh180_GettyImages-2181905184.jpg?ts=1731644934 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755438/w640xh360_GettyImages-2181905184.jpg?ts=1731644934 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755438/w768xh432_GettyImages-2181905184.jpg?ts=1731644934 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755438/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2181905184.jpg?ts=1731644934 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Brent Just / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Milligan was a beast in the secondary all season for Saskatchewan's stellar defense and led the CFL with eight interceptions. He also tallied 91 tackles, with 71 of those on defense. His 111 total defensive plays ranked fifth overall in the league. The Florida native is just the second defensive back to win this award since its inception in 1974, joining Winnipeg's Jovon Johnson (2011). He's also one of only three Roughriders players to be named Most Outstanding Defensive player, joining Jearld Baylis in 1983 and John Chick in 2009.</p><p>Milligan beat Montreal's Tyrice Beverette 35-21 for the award.</p><h3>Most Outstanding Rookie: Nick Anderson, Elks</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755443/cropped_GettyImages-2165273000.jpg?ts=1731645390" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755443/w220xh124_GettyImages-2165273000.jpg?ts=1731645390 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755443/w320xh180_GettyImages-2165273000.jpg?ts=1731645390 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755443/w640xh360_GettyImages-2165273000.jpg?ts=1731645390 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755443/w768xh432_GettyImages-2165273000.jpg?ts=1731645390 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755443/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2165273000.jpg?ts=1731645390 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Brent Just / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Anderson left a big impression on the CFL in his debut season, tying for the league lead with 111 defensive tackles. The Tulane product also had three sacks, two forced fumbles, and an interception, along with an additional five tackles on special teams. Anderson is the fifth Edmonton player to win Most Outstanding Rookie, and the first since Derel Walker in 2015.</p><p>The 24-year-old linebacker earned 43 of 56 votes to win the award over Ticats wideout Shemar Bridges.</p><h3>Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman: Ryan Hunter, Argos</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755444/cropped_GettyImages-2182749705.jpg?ts=1731645467" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755444/w220xh124_GettyImages-2182749705.jpg?ts=1731645467 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755444/w320xh180_GettyImages-2182749705.jpg?ts=1731645467 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755444/w640xh360_GettyImages-2182749705.jpg?ts=1731645467 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755444/w768xh432_GettyImages-2182749705.jpg?ts=1731645467 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755444/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2182749705.jpg?ts=1731645467 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">John E. Sokolowski / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Hunter was one of the anchors of an Argos offensive line that paved the way for Toronto's running backs to rush for an East Division-high 2,183 yards in 2024. He was a constant presence all year, starting 17 games at both guard and tackle. This marks the second straight year an Argos lineman won this award, following Dejon Hunter in 2023. Hunter, a native of North Bay, is the first Canadian lineman to win it since Chris Van Zeyl in 2019.</p><p>Hunter was a runaway winner, receiving 40 of 56 votes to beat Saskatchewan's Logan Ferland.</p><h3>Most Outstanding Special Teams Player: Janarion Grant, Argos</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755442/cropped_GettyImages-2182749839.jpg?ts=1731645291" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755442/w220xh124_GettyImages-2182749839.jpg?ts=1731645291 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755442/w320xh180_GettyImages-2182749839.jpg?ts=1731645291 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755442/w640xh360_GettyImages-2182749839.jpg?ts=1731645291 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755442/w768xh432_GettyImages-2182749839.jpg?ts=1731645291 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755442/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2182749839.jpg?ts=1731645291 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">John E. Sokolowski / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Grant is the second straight Argos return man to win this award, following Javon Leake last year. The 30-year-old was almost unstoppable on special teams, collecting 1,989 total return yards and four return touchdowns. He averaged nearly 15 yards per punt return, and was the only player in the CFL with multiple return touchdowns this season.</p><p>Grant was the consensus winner over BC Lions kicker Sean Whyte, receiving 45 of 56 votes.</p><h3>Annis Stukus Trophy (Coach of the Year): Jason Maas, Alouettes</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755448/cropped_GettyImages-2181846788.jpg?ts=1731646464" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755448/w220xh124_GettyImages-2181846788.jpg?ts=1731646464 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755448/w320xh180_GettyImages-2181846788.jpg?ts=1731646464 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755448/w640xh360_GettyImages-2181846788.jpg?ts=1731646464 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755448/w768xh432_GettyImages-2181846788.jpg?ts=1731646464 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755448/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2181846788.jpg?ts=1731646464 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">John E. Sokolowski / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>One year after leading the Alouettes to an unlikely Grey Cup win, Maas was named CFL Coach of the Year for the first time. The 48-year-old guided Montreal to a 12-5-1 record, its best mark in 14 years, and first place in the East Division for the first time since 2012. Maas joins Marv Levy (1974), Charlie Taaffe (1999 and 2000), Don Matthews (2002), and Marc Trestman (2009) as Alouettes coaches to win this award.</p><p>Maas earned 30 of 56 votes to defeat Saskatchewan's Corey Mace.</p><h3>Tom Pate Memorial Trophy: Adam Bighill, Blue Bombers</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755446/cropped_GettyImages-2163978814.jpg?ts=1731645932" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755446/w220xh124_GettyImages-2163978814.jpg?ts=1731645932 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755446/w320xh180_GettyImages-2163978814.jpg?ts=1731645932 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755446/w640xh360_GettyImages-2163978814.jpg?ts=1731645932 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755446/w768xh432_GettyImages-2163978814.jpg?ts=1731645932 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755446/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2163978814.jpg?ts=1731645932 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">John E. Sokolowski / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The CFL Players' Association bestows this award to recognize sportsmanship and significant contributions to both the team and the community. Bighill, 36, was honored for giving back to his community in Winnipeg as a coach with Football Manitoba and the Manitoba Minor Football Association, as well as community speaker and leader. Born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate, he now works as the president of Making Faces, a charity organization that works with cranio-facial affected children and families.</p><h3>Jake Gaudaur Veterans' Award: Jorgen Hus, Roughriders</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755441/cropped_GettyImages-2181396551.jpg?ts=1731645238" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755441/w220xh124_GettyImages-2181396551.jpg?ts=1731645238 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755441/w320xh180_GettyImages-2181396551.jpg?ts=1731645238 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755441/w640xh360_GettyImages-2181396551.jpg?ts=1731645238 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755441/w768xh432_GettyImages-2181396551.jpg?ts=1731645238 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755441/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2181396551.jpg?ts=1731645238 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Brent Just / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>This award is presented to a Canadian player "who demonstrates the attributes of Canada's veterans." Hus, the Roughriders' long snapper and Saskatchewan's longest-tenured player, was honored for his work in the Regina and Saskatchewan community. The Saskatoon native has made 127 school presentations through the Win with Wellness and Rider Reading programs over the last two years, and also works as an ambassador for Ronald McDonald House and the Roughriders foundation. On the field, the 35-year-old is a constant for the Green Riders, missing only nine games since 2016.</p><h3>CFL Commissioner's Award: Amar Doman, Lions</h3><p>This award is presented annually by the CFL commissioner to a person who's made significant contributions to the league. Doman purchased the Lions in August 2021 and the franchise has been revitalized in Vancouver under his watch. </p><p>"This award is in recognition of the foundations that Amar and his family have built, but it's also in celebration of what's to come," outgoing commissioner Randy Ambrosie said, per <a href="https://twitter.com/3DownNation/status/1857279829546041372">3DownNation</a>. "I know I'm not alone in saying the CFL and the entire Canadian football community can't wait to see what's next."</p><h3>Jane Mawby Tribute Award: Carolyn Cody, Lions</h3><p>This honor was established in 2019 and is given to an unsung CFL employee who works behind the scenes and outside of the spotlight. Cody, the Lions' vice president of business operations and marketing, has worked in BC's front office for over a decade.</p><p>The league <a href="https://www.cfl.ca/2024/11/07/best-of-the-best-oliveira-mitchell-lead-2024-all-cfl-selections/">announced</a> this year's All-CFL team, formerly known as the CFL All-Star team, last week.</p>

HAMILTON, CANADA - OCTOBER 4: Brady Oliveira #20 of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers reacts after scoring a rushing touchdown against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Tim Hortons Field on October 4, 2024 in Hamilton, Canada.

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2024 CFL Awards: Oliveira becomes 4th Canadian to win MOP

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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 25: Shohei Ohtani #17 and Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate after Ohtani scored in the eighth inning of Game 1 of the 2024 World Series presented by Capital One between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Friday, October 25, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

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2024 Silver Sluggers: Dodgers, Padres win big

The Miami Marlins hired former Los Angeles Dodgers first base coach Clayton McCullough as their n...

<p>The Miami Marlins hired former Los Angeles Dodgers first base coach Clayton McCullough as their next manager, the team announced Monday.</p><p>"Following an incredible past few weeks, it is exciting to end the year by finding the right opportunity for me and my family," McCullough said in a statement. "We have called South Florida home for the last 10 years, and now I get to lead the Marlins franchise forward with a culture that is built on determination, focus, and care."</p><p>McCullough becomes the 14th full-time manager in franchise history. He replaces Skip Schumaker, who left the club via mutual agreement after the season ended.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 44-year-old spent the last four seasons on Dave Roberts' staff in Los Angeles. He previously spent seven years as the Dodgers' minor-league field coordinator, providing him with player development experience that may have given him an edge for the job with the rebuilding Marlins.</p><p>During his time in the Dodgers' front office, McCullough worked closely with Gabe Kapler, then the franchise's director of player development. Kapler is now an assistant general manager with the Marlins.</p><p>Miami and McCullough have been on each others' radar for some time. He interviewed with the club when it last had a managerial opening two years ago, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/CDeNicola13/status/1855743785080435162">Christina De Nicola of MLB.com</a>. The team ultimately hired Schumaker.</p><p>A native of North Carolina, McCullough played parts of four seasons in the minors. He retired at age 25 having made just five appearances above A-ball. McCullough moved into coaching as the skipper of the Blue Jays' Gulf Coast League affiliate in 2007 and spent the next seven seasons managing in Toronto's farm system before joining the Dodgers organization.</p><p>The Marlins made the playoffs under Schumaker in 2023 but fell back to last place with a dismal 62-100 record this past season. It marked the franchise's 13th losing campaign since 2010 and the fourth 100-loss season in team history.</p><p>McCullough is the first manager hired by Marlins president of baseball operations Peter Bendix, who took the role last November after Kim Ng departed the organization.</p><p>Cleveland Guardians bench coach Craig Albernaz and then-Texas Rangers associate manager Will Venable were also finalists for the Marlins job, <a href="https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/mlb/miami-marlins/article294672179.html">Barry Jackson and Craig Mish of the Miami Herald</a> reported in October. Albernaz <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1852048797137768654">reportedly withdrew</a> from consideration to remain in Cleveland, while Venable accepted an offer to manage the Chicago White Sox.</p><p>McCullough didn't waste any time getting to work on his staff: The Marlins are also hiring Pedro Guerrero as their hitting coach, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5913713/2024/11/10/marlins-hire-pedro-guerrero-hitting-coach/">Katie Woo and Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic</a>. Guerrero, 35, spent the last four seasons as an assistant hitting coach with the San Francisco Giants.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 31, 2024: Dodgers first base coach Clayton McCullough on the field during the game against the St Louis Cardinals on March 31, 2024 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

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Marlins hire ex-Dodgers coach McCullough as manager

The West still runs through Winnipeg.  The Blue Bombers are heading back to the Grey Cup for a fi...

<p>The West still runs through Winnipeg.</p><p>The Blue Bombers are heading back to the Grey Cup for a fifth straight season after beating the Saskatchewan Roughriders 38-22 in the West Division final at Princess Auto Stadium.</p><p>It's the Bombers' record 29th appearance in the Grey Cup game and 18th of the CFL's modern era (since 1958). They'll face the East Division champion Toronto Argonauts in next Sunday's 111th Grey Cup game at BC Place in a rematch of the classic 2022 contest that was won by the Boatmen.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>After starting the season 0-4, the Blue Bombers clawed back into contention and continued their West Division dynasty that dates back to the last pre-pandemic season. They're the fourth team in the CFL's modern era to reach five straight Grey Cup games, joining the 1961-65 Hamilton Tiger-Cats and 1977-1982 Edmonton Eskimos. The Regina Roughriders, as they were then known, played in five straight Grey Cups during the pre-CFL era from 1928-1932.</p><p>Saturday's contest was all Bombers from the jump. Zach Collaros had a masterful game, throwing for 301 yards and four touchdowns, while West MOP finalist Brady Oliveira rushed for 119 yards and one score. Wideout Kenny Lawler hauled in 177 receiving yards on just four catches, three of which were touchdowns.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">KENNY LAWLER FOR THE THIRD TIME! <br><br>That's 177 yards on just four grabs, THREE have been scores for the <a href="https://twitter.com/Wpg_BlueBombers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Wpg_BlueBombers</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GCPlayoffs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GCPlayoffs</a> on TSN &amp; RDS<br>📱: Stream on CFL+ <a href="https://t.co/AgSqdSSZ2x">pic.twitter.com/AgSqdSSZ2x</a></p>— CFL (@CFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/CFL/status/1855424147054043236?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Roughriders quarterback Trevor Harris threw for 283 yards and one touchdown in the loss.</p><p>Saskatchewan looked to be mounting a comeback early in the third quarter when A.J. Ouellette punched one in shortly after a successful fake punt extended the drive. But Collaros threw his third TD pass to Lawler a few minutes later to open the Winnipeg lead back up.</p><p>Any last hopes for the Roughriders were extinguished early in the fourth quarter. Down 15 points at their own 24-yard line, head coach Corey Mace elected to go for it on third down, but his offense came up short. Winnipeg immediately turned that short field into an Oliveira score that iced the game.</p><p>Winnipeg's defense also effectively eliminated Saskatchewan's ground game, holding the 'Riders to just 77 rushing yards.</p><p>The Blue Bombers will now attempt to flip the script and bring the Grey Cup back to Winnipeg after two straight heartbreaking losses in the title game. They started this run by beating Hamilton twice for back-to-back titles in 2019 and '21 but fell short in last-second thrillers against the Argos in 2022 and Montreal last year.</p><p>Next week's game will be the eighth Grey Cup matchup between the Bombers and Argos but just the second since 1950. The teams have met in the CFL playoffs 16 times, including several matchups when Winnipeg played in the East.</p>

HAMILTON, CANADA - OCTOBER 4: Zach Collaros #8 of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers looks back at the scoreboard during a game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Tim Hortons Field on October 4, 2024 in Hamilton, Canada.

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Blue Bombers oust Roughriders to reach 5th straight Grey Cup

There will be a new Grey Cup champion in 2024.  Despite quarterback Chad Kelly suffering a broken...

<p>There will be a new Grey Cup champion in 2024.</p><p>Despite quarterback Chad Kelly suffering a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3123490" href="https://thescore.com/news/3123490">broken ankle</a> in the contest, the Toronto Argonauts clinched a berth in the 111th Grey Cup after holding off the Montreal Alouettes to win the 2024 East Division final 30-28 at Molson Stadium on Saturday.</p><p>The Argos will face the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in next Sunday's Grey Cup game at BC Place after the Bombers knocked off the Saskatchewan Roughriders 38-22 in the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3123676" href="https://thescore.com/news/3123676">West final</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Montreal, which upset the Argos on the road in last year's East final en route to a championship, had its fourth-quarter comeback finish just short. Cody Fajardo threw two touchdown passes in the final frame, making it a two-point game when he tossed a 22-yard touchdown to Walter Fletcher with 1:59 left. But Benjie Franklin intercepted Fajardo's pass on the Alouettes' two-point convert attempt that could've tied the contest.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The two-point attempt is NO GOOD.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GCPlayoffs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GCPlayoffs</a> <a href="https://t.co/nPdjFsahxC">pic.twitter.com/nPdjFsahxC</a></p>— TSN (@TSN_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/1855384895671189867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>On the ensuing Argos drive, backup quarterback Nick Arbuckle hit David Ungerer III for a huge first down at midfield. Two plays later, referees flagged Alouettes linebacker Tyrice Beverette for pass interference on Dejon Brissett, which allowed Toronto to kneel out the victory deep in Montreal territory.</p><p>Kelly had an up-and-down day before his injury, throwing a pair of interceptions but completing 11 passes for 182 yards and one major, along with 26 rushing yards. The 2023 Most Outstanding Player found Damonte Coxie in the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown on the final play of the first half. Arbuckle completed 5 of 8 passes in relief.</p><p>The Alouettes were uncharacteristically sloppy all afternoon, turning the ball over six times, including four fumbles. Fajardo tossed two interceptions, including a pick-6 in the first quarter. Montreal's special teams also didn't help, allowing Toronto to rack up 183 total return yards.</p><p>Argos return specialist Janarion Grant, the East's Outstanding Special Teams Player nominee, had a 71-yard punt-return TD in the second quarter. It was Grant's second career postseason punt-return major, tying the league record, per <a href="https://twitter.com/CFLStats/status/1855368135328563251">CFL Stats</a>.</p><p>This will be the Argos' 25th all-time Grey Cup appearance and 12th in the modern CFL era (since 1958), as well as their second under head coach Ryan Dinwiddie. The Boatmen have won each of their last seven Grey Cup appearances since 1991.</p>

TORONTO, CANADA - SEPTEMBER 20: Adam Guillemette #47 and Lirim Hajrullahu #70 of the Toronto Argonauts celebrate a successful field goal against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at BMO Field on September 20, 2024 in Toronto, Canada.

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Argos upset Als in East final, reach 2nd Grey Cup in 3 years

Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly suffered a right tibia injury during his team's East Div...

<p>Toronto Argonauts quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///cfl/players/173799" href="https://thescore.com/cfl/players/173799">Chad Kelly</a> suffered a right tibia injury during his team's East Division final win over the Montreal Alouettes on Saturday, <a href="https://twitter.com/TSNDaveNaylor/status/1855406874587267472">TSN's Dave Naylor</a> reports.</p><p>The 30-year-old will undergo surgery in Montreal on Saturday and is expected to miss six-to-nine months, according to Naylor.</p><p>Kelly also sustained a broken ankle on the play, head coach Ryan Dinwiddie told <a href="http://twitter.com/TSNScianitti/status/1855396496621043781">TSN's Matthew Scianitti</a> postgame.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>With Kelly out, veteran Nick Arbuckle, who finished Saturday's game under center, will be the Argos' starting quarterback for next week's Grey Cup, Dinwiddie added, per Scianitti.</p><p>Kelly suffered the <a href="https://twitter.com/theseventhman/status/1855376354469920836">injury</a> while rushing for a 9-yard gain late in the third quarter. After being tackled, Kelly emerged from the pile hobbling before immediately falling to the ground while clutching his lower right leg. He was tended to on the field for several minutes before being stretchered off and taken to Montreal General Hospital.</p><p>The 2023 Most Outstanding Player passed for 182 yards and one touchdown while rushing for another 26 yards Saturday before the injury. Arbuckle completed five of eight passes for 73 yards in relief.</p><p>Next Sunday's Grey Cup will mark Arbuckle's first career playoff start. The six-year CFL veteran did appear in the 106th Grey Cup game for Calgary as a rookie, when he rushed for 4 yards as a short-yardage specialist in a Stampeders victory.</p><p>Arbuckle, 31, completed 65 of 100 passes for 799 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions during the regular season. He started two regular-season games for the Argos, including the season finale that saw him pass for 378 yards and a pair of majors against Edmonton.</p><p>Cameron Dukes, the third-stringer on Saturday's depth chart, will presumably back up Arbuckle next week. Toronto also plans to bring in a third QB who will be active for Sunday's championship game, Dinwiddie said, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/TSNScianitti/status/1855409896809779356">Scianitti</a>.</p>

OTTAWA, ON - SEPTEMBER 07: Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly (12) before the snap during Canadian Football League action between the Toronto Argonauts and Ottawa Redblacks on September 7, 2024, at TD Place at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa, ON, Canada.

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The next great Japanese sensation is on his way to Major League Baseball.  On Saturday, the Chiba...

<p>The next great Japanese sensation is on his way to Major League Baseball.</p><p>On Saturday, the Chiba Lotte Marines announced they'll be posting their young ace, Roki Sasaki, clearing the way for his long-awaited move to North America. Sasaki's never thrown a pitch in the majors, but his exploits in Nippon Professional Baseball have fans buzzing with anticipation.</p><p>Before he officially arrives, here's everything you need to know about the 23-year-old sensation.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Just who is this kid?</h3><p>Sasaki has been pitching for the Marines, who play in Japan's Pacific League, one of two leagues that make up NPB. His childhood was not smooth: At age 10, his father and grandparents died when the family home was swept away in the tsunami caused by the devastating Tohoku earthquake in 2011. After living with his remaining family members in a nursing home for a year, the family moved to Ofunato, Japan, where he began playing baseball.</p><p>Sasaki's star rose rapidly in high school, where he regularly topped 100 mph and drew interest from MLB teams. However, he stayed in Japan when the Marines drafted him first overall in 2020. He debuted in NPB in 2021 and has dominated ever since.</p><h3>What makes him so good?</h3><p>First and foremost, Sasaki's stuff is electric. His main pitch is a fastball that regularly gets above 100 mph. In 2023, he threw a 102.5 mph fastball that tied Shohei Ohtani's NPB record for fastest pitch. During the 2023 World Baseball Classic, he topped 100 mph with 26 of his 28 fastballs, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/breaking-down-roki-sasaki-s-statcast-data">David Adler of MLB.com</a>. His arsenal also includes a splitter and a slider with lots of movement.</p><p>Sasaki's fastball velocity dropped from 98.9 mph to 96.9 in 2024, per <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5900748/2024/11/07/mlb-free-agency-roki-sasaki-japan-pitcherroki-sasaki-pitching-arsenal-mlb/">Eno Sarris of The Athletic</a>, but his overall stuff remains as nasty as you'll find on either side of the Pacific. Here's a small sampling from the WBC:</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rōki Sasaki, 92mph Splitter and 102mph Fastball, Individual Pitches + Overlay <a href="https://t.co/pSu8cvaW9n">pic.twitter.com/pSu8cvaW9n</a></p>— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) <a href="https://twitter.com/PitchingNinja/status/1853873546285457670?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>What's he done as a pro so far?</h3><p>Lived up to the hype. While the Marines have capped his innings to protect him, he has dominated when on the mound. In nearly 400 NPB innings, he owns a 2.10 ERA and 0.89 WHIP along with a 11.5 K/9 and just 16 homers allowed. In 2022, he came to worldwide attention by throwing a 19-strikeout perfect game that included an NPB-record 13 straight Ks. He nearly did it again in his next start, throwing eight perfect innings before being pulled.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ptEOiHuO23w?si=c3dULrmwTjuHS1iu" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>Sasaki threw a career-high 129 1/3 innings in '22 and finished that season with a 2.02 ERA. His 173 strikeouts in 2022 were second in the Pacific League to Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a pitcher you might have heard of. The following year he put up a sparkling 1.78 ERA with a 13.4 K/9 and 1.7 BB/9, albeit in just 91 innings due to an oblique injury.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-fML8V" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/fML8V/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="172" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>He came back to earth a bit this past year, putting up a 2.35 ERA and 1.04 WHIP with 129 strikeouts (10.5 K/9), while being limited to 111 innings because of fatigue. Still, Sasaki would have led the PL in K/9 and ranked fourth in ERA if he qualified.</p><h3>When can he sign, and for how much?</h3><p>This is still the complicating factor. Although we now know Sasaki will be posted this winter, the Marines haven't said <em>when</em> the official transaction will occur. Ultimately, the exact posting date is at Lotte's discretion.</p><p>By making the move now, Sasaki is electing to leave money - potentially a substantial amount - on the table. Because he's being posted before age 25, he's only eligible to sign a minor-league contract with a signing bonus that would come out of an MLB team's international bonus pool money. The bonus pools will reset Dec. 15, so if he waits until then, his signing bonus could top out in the $7-million range. If it's any time before that, he might have to settle for around $2.5 million, as most teams have already spent the majority of their 2024 bonus money. No team's bonus pool will exceed $8 million in 2025.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="2025 Bonus Pools" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-n1OZs" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/n1OZs/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="1545" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>This is the exact same path that Ohtani followed to the majors. He left money on the table to come over early, went through the normal arbitration process for six years, and then inked a record $700-million deal with the Dodgers last offseason. Sasaki clearly wants to bet on himself similarly.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Roki Sasaki will be represented by Wasserman <a href="https://twitter.com/WassBaseball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WassBaseball</a> and agent Joel Wolfe who has clients such as Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Yu Darvish, Kodai Senga, Seiya Suzuki, Giancarlo Stanton and Nolan Arenado. <a href="https://t.co/2QijgYkeQs">pic.twitter.com/2QijgYkeQs</a></p>— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) <a href="https://twitter.com/francysromeroFR/status/1855273461725159445?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Once he's officially posted, the process will unfold as normal under the NPB-MLB posting agreement. Sasaki will have 45 days from the posting date to negotiate with all 30 teams and sign with the MLB club of his choosing. The Marines will receive a percentage of his next contract as a posting fee. In the unlikely event he doesn't sign in the majors within the 45-day window, Sasaki's rights will revert back to Lotte.</p><h3>What's the downside for teams?</h3><p>Given that he's only going to cost international bonus money, there really isn't one. The only red flags are obviously Sasaki's fatigue and arm soreness this past season as well as his slightly declining velocity over the past few years. Long term, it could cause some worry about his durability. But it's an easy risk to take given the low price tag.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/613771/cropped_GettyImages-1530092424.jpg?ts=1706397928" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/613771/w220xh124_GettyImages-1530092424.jpg?ts=1706397928 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/613771/w320xh180_GettyImages-1530092424.jpg?ts=1706397928 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/613771/w640xh360_GettyImages-1530092424.jpg?ts=1706397928 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/613771/w768xh432_GettyImages-1530092424.jpg?ts=1706397928 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/613771/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1530092424.jpg?ts=1706397928 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Sports Nippon / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>Who's going to be involved?</h3><p>Realistically, all 30 teams should be, and if they're not then something's gone very wrong in that front office. Even with his lower cost creating a relatively even playing field, the reigning champion Los Angeles Dodgers are heavily favored to add Sasaki to their already star-studded rotation given their recent championship and long history with Asian players, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/insider/story/_/id/42189340/mlb-2024-2025-top-50-free-agents-rankings-contract-projections">ESPN's Kiley McDaniel</a>.</p><p>Both the New York Yankees and Mets are said to be extremely interested in Sasaki, while his close relationship with Japanese star Yu Darvish could help the San Diego Padres in this race, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/42280725/chiba-lotte-marines-post-japanese-star-roki-sasaki-mlb">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a>.</p><p>At the same time, some within baseball told McDaniel that Sasaki may prefer a smaller market, perhaps giving teams such as the Tampa Bay Rays a true opportunity. Right now, all that we know for sure is that he's on his way, and he'll be a lot of fun to watch no matter where he lands.</p>

TOKYO, JAPAN - MARCH 08: Roki Sasaki #14 of Team Japan poses during the 2023 WBC Workout Day Tokyo at Tokyo Dome on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 in Tokyo, Japan.

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<p>Seattle Mariners catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10827" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10827">Cal Raleigh</a> and Milwaukee Brewers second baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10687" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10687">Brice Turang</a> won the 2024 Platinum Glove awards as their respective league's top overall defenders.</p><p>Both players are first-time Platinum Glove winners after each claimed their first career Gold Glove last week.</p><p>Raleigh was a rock behind the plate for Seattle, leading all AL catchers with 17 defensive runs saved, 13 catcher framing runs, and a 49.1% strike rate. He also caught an MLB-high 32 runners stealing and led Junior Circuit backstops in putouts (1,138), assists (51), and double plays (eight).</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 27-year-old is the first Mariners player to win a Platinum Glove and the second AL catcher, joining the Yankees' <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5665" href="/mlb/players/5665">Jose Trevino</a> in 2022.</p><p>Turang's 22 defensive runs saved led all second baseman. He also led NL second basemen in putouts (240) and assists (379) and was worth six outs above average.</p><p>Turang is both the first member of the Brewers, and the first NL second baseman, to earn a Platinum Glove. He and Cleveland's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8766" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8766">Andrés Giménez</a>, who won it last year, are the only second basemen in either league to win a Platinum Glove since it was first awarded in 2011.</p><p>All positional Gold Glove winners in both leagues were automatically nominated for their league's Platinum Glove award. The winners were decided through a combination of fan voting and advanced metrics through the SABR Defensive Index.</p><p>Major League Baseball also announced the winners of this year's team Gold Glove awards. The Toronto Blue Jays were named the AL's top defensive team for the second time, while the Brewers won the NL honor for a second straight year.</p>

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 05: Cal Raleigh #29 of the Seattle Mariners looks on against the Oakland Athletics in the bottom of the third inning at the Oakland Coliseum on September 5, 2024 in Oakland, California.

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The San Francisco Giants are anticipating a payroll reduction in 2025, sources told Andrew Baggar...

<p>The San Francisco Giants are anticipating a payroll reduction in 2025, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5905307/2024/11/08/sf-giants-payroll-reduction-2025/">Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>San Francisco was a big spender last year, exceeding the first luxury-tax threshold for the first time since 2018. The team finished 2024 with a payroll above $216 million and an adjusted payroll of just over $206 million, which ranked 10th in the majors, per <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/payroll/_/year/2024/sort/cap_total2">Spotrac</a>.</p><p>While the payroll will be reduced, the Giants are still expecting to be aggressive in free agency with an eye toward competing in 2025, according to Baggarly. The team has already been <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3121009" href="https://thescore.com/news/3121009">linked</a> to free-agent infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/12593" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/12593">Ha-Seong Kim</a>, as well as this winter's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3120691" href="https://thescore.com/news/3120691">biggest prize</a> in superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>In order to find room to spend this winter, San Francisco plans to explore trades involving some arbitration-eligible players, including first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8896" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8896">LaMonte Wade Jr.</a>, closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12516" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12516">Camilo Doval</a>, and outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4392" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4392">Mike Yastrzemski</a>. The team isn't committed to trading any of those players, though, and they could all still be in a Giants uniform on Opening Day, Baggarly reports.</p><p>"(We) never have a set budget, just a fairly wide range," Giants chairman Greg Johnson told Baggarly on Thursday. "The end number depends on plenty of movement between trades and free agents. Our goal is to try to field the most competitive team. It's way too early in the process to set a number. We want to make smart baseball decisions that balance the short term and long term."</p><p>The Giants added significant payroll last year by signing free agents <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3605" href="/mlb/players/3605">Jorge Soler</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5351" href="/mlb/players/5351">Blake Snell</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5380" href="/mlb/players/5380">Matt Chapman</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9599" href="/mlb/players/9599">Jordan Hicks</a>, and Jung Hoo Lee, as well as trading for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4388" href="/mlb/players/4388">Robbie Ray</a> and the $73 million remaining on his contract. Chapman then signed a $151-million extension in September. They also made a play for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a> before he re-signed with the New York Yankees.</p><p>The spending spree didn't quite pay off, though, as the Giants finished the season 80-82, while longtime president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi was dismissed. The team's revenue streams were also unable to offset the payroll additions, sources told Baggarly.</p><p>San Francisco hired former All-Star catcher Buster Posey as its new head of baseball operations in October.</p>

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 1: Buster Posey and Greg Johnson speak during a press conference announcing Posey as the new President of Baseball Operations of the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on October 1, 2024 in San Francisco, California.

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