Major League Baseball 2023 Season

Jason Heyward's new swing impressing at Dodgers camp

Jason Heyward has enjoyed plenty of success during his 13-year big league career. He has made an All-Star team, won a handful of Gold Glove Awards in the outfield and was an integral part of the Cubs team that broke the curse in 2016.

Last season, however, Heyward experienced some of the worst struggles at the plate in his career. He hit .204 with one homer in 137 at-bats and had a strikeout percentage of 21.2%, his highest of any season since 2012 (23.4%). Given those struggles, the Cubs decided Heyward wasn’t going to finish the season with the team in order to give the organization's younger players an opportunity.

The end in Chicago was something Heyward had been expecting. He wasn’t performing and the team was going in another direction. It became even clearer once the Cubs traded Anthony Rizzo, who was the face of the franchise, to the Yankees near the Trade Deadline in 2021.

What Heyward didn’t know was whether another team would take a chance on him. He’s still only 33 years old, but over the years, the industry has prioritized giving younger players more chances when such an opportunity arises.

Albert Pujols rejoins Angels as special assistant

Fresh off a Hall of Fame-worthy 22-year career that saw him become the fourth player in AL/NL history to reach 700 career homers, Albert Pujols has rejoined the Angels’ organization as a special assistant to the club.

Pujols arrived at camp on Tuesday and met with the media on Wednesday to discuss his role with the Angels. He said he always planned to honor his 10-year personal services contract he signed as part of his original 10-year, $254 million deal with the Angels, even after he was released by the club during the 2021 season.

“It was just part of the business, that’s how it is, and there’s nothing holding me back from anything,” Pujols said. “I’m really happy to be back here. What happened two years ago, I don’t hold any grudges on anything. That’s part of the business.”

Albert Pujols rejoins Angels as special assistant

Fresh off a Hall of Fame-worthy 22-year career that saw him become the fourth player in AL/NL history to reach 700 career homers, Albert Pujols has rejoined the Angels’ organization as a special assistant to the club.

Pujols arrived at camp on Tuesday and met with the media on Wednesday to discuss his role with the Angels. He said he always planned to honor his 10-year personal services contract he signed as part of his original 10-year, $254 million deal with the Angels, even after he was released by the club during the 2021 season.

“It was just part of the business, that’s how it is, and there’s nothing holding me back from anything,” Pujols said. “I’m really happy to be back here. What happened two years ago, I don’t hold any grudges on anything. That’s part of the business.”

Jackson Holliday participates in first Major League Spring Training

At just 19, Holliday's camp presence 'not the norm'

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Jackson Holliday isn’t your typical 19-year-old. He was raised around baseball as the son of an All-Star outfielder. At 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds, he’s growing to be a talented player in his own right. Mature for his age, he’s already engaged, having popped the question to his girlfriend, Chloe, during a family vacation in Mexico over the winter.

And despite having only 20 games of professional baseball experience, Holliday is participating in his first big league Spring Training -- even though at this time last year, the shortstop was still in his senior year at Stillwater (Okla.) High School.

After getting selected by the Orioles with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft last July, Holliday was included among the club’s list of non-roster invitees for Major League camp this spring, which was announced early this month.

Jackson Holliday participates in first Major League Spring Training

At just 19, Holliday's camp presence 'not the norm'

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Jackson Holliday isn’t your typical 19-year-old. He was raised around baseball as the son of an All-Star outfielder. At 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds, he’s growing to be a talented player in his own right. Mature for his age, he’s already engaged, having popped the question to his girlfriend, Chloe, during a family vacation in Mexico over the winter.

And despite having only 20 games of professional baseball experience, Holliday is participating in his first big league Spring Training -- even though at this time last year, the shortstop was still in his senior year at Stillwater (Okla.) High School.

After getting selected by the Orioles with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft last July, Holliday was included among the club’s list of non-roster invitees for Major League camp this spring, which was announced early this month.

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An MLB first: Braves lose to Red Sox on pitch clock violation

Cal Conley of the Atlanta Braves thought he had just won the game with a two-out, bases-loaded walk-off walk on Saturday. He took a few steps toward first base, bat still in hand, when umpire John Libka jumped out from behind the plate and indicated strike three.

Game over. Conley couldn't believe it. Neither could his teammates. Fans booed.

Welcome to 2023, where baseball's new rules designed to improve pace of play are coming fast at everyone, particularly the players.

The most dramatic moment of the new pitch clock era arrived on the first full day of spring games, and in the most dramatic scenario possible. Conley, facing reliever Robert Kwiatkowski of the Boston Red Sox, wasn't set in the box as the clock wound under eight seconds.

The penalty is an automatic strike, which led to the game at North Port, Florida, finishing in a 6-6 tie. Kwiatkowski got the strikeout after throwing only two real strikes.

It was a more dramatic moment than when San Diego Padres slugger Manny Machado on Friday became the first player to draw a pitch clock violation when he was called for an automatic strike in the bottom of the first inning against Seattle because he wasn't set in the box in time.

The pitch clock is one of the new rules designed to speed pace of play. Players will have 30 seconds to resume play between batters. Between pitches, pitchers have 15 seconds with nobody on and 20 seconds if there is a baserunner. The pitcher must start his delivery before the clock expires. After a pitch, the clock starts again when the pitcher has the ball back, the catcher and batter are in the circle around home plate, and play is otherwise ready to resume.

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Manny Machado, Padres agree to 11-year extension

The Padres have built a World Series contender around Manny Machado. Now, the superstar third baseman is set to stay put in San Diego for a long, long time.

Machado and the Padres have agreed on an 11-year extension worth $350 million, sources told MLB.com on Sunday. The deal begins this year, meaning Machado would be under contract through the 2033 season, when he will turn 41 years old. The team has not confirmed the deal, which includes a full no-trade clause and no opt-outs, per a source.

Machado had six years and $180 million remaining on the contract he signed with the Padres prior to the 2019 season. But he also had an opt-out clause in that deal, which he could’ve exercised following the ’23 season. This past offseason, he informed the Padres of his plan to opt out unless the two sides could agree on an extension.

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Looking forward to Baseball season ramping up. My Mariners are going to surprise some people.

^ Sadly I think the Giants will be marginal. I see them as 3rd behind Dodgers and Padres. My prediction is 88 - 74. It will take 100 to win the west.

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Originally Posted by Stumpy

Sadly I think the Giants will be marginal.

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ESPN power rankings have the Giants 22nd out of 30.

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The prevailing question surrounding the Giants seems obvious: Where, exactly, are they headed? They began this offseason in pursuit of a star, the type of player they can build their franchise around. But they missed out on Judge, couldn't agree with Correa and instead made moves along the margins once again, adding a couple of outfielders (Mitch Haniger and Michael Conforto) and a trio of pitchers (Sean Manaea, Ross Stripling and lefty reliever Taylor Rogers). The Giants don't seem anywhere near the Padres or the Dodgers at the moment, but they also have a mid-tier farm system. Just two years removed from a shocking 107-win season, they suddenly look like a team without clear direction. -- Gonzalez

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https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/...-braves-padres

Fortunately, the Mariners fared a little bit better.

I agree on Giants assessment. I think the pitching rotation is pretty sound. But it's going to take a lot of key at bats to win games and just don't see where that will come from. But like any new season things happen and teams build momentum and run with it. But regardless I am a SF Giants fan through and through and will watch as many games as I can cussing and screaming. Haha

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Orioles, Pirates play final half-inning without umpires after crew walks off

The Baltimore Orioles and Pittsburgh Pirates wanted to get more work in on Tuesday and to do so, they played a half-inning without umpires. That's because the umpiring crew left the field following the top of the ninth, after the Pirates had technically secured a 7-4 victory over the Orioles.

It should be noted that teams often negotiate the length of spring training games depending on the status of each club's pitching staff. On occasion, games will go longer or shorter than the regulation length, depending on whether or not clubs have additional pitchers they want to use in that particular game and on that particular day.

Pirates manager Derek Shelton and Orioles skipper Brandon Hyde agreed to play on so that Baltimore right-hander Ofreidy Gómez could throw an inning after making the trip to Bradenton. Hyde later told Nathan Ruiz of the Baltimore Sun that Major League Baseball had given them the go-ahead, but that the umpires weren't having it.

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Originally Posted by Stumpy

But regardless I am a SF Giants fan through and through and will watch as many games as I can cussing and screaming.

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So now you know how it feels to be a Mariners fan. :)

Ronny Mauricio gets shot with Mets in spring

Mauricio makes his mark for Mets in Spring Training

The Grapefruit League home run leader so far this spring? None other than Ronny Mauricio.

The Mets’ No. 6-ranked prospect went deep for the third time in four days on Wednesday, clubbing a pinch-hit homer in the ninth inning of their 8-4 win over the Marlins. That one traveled 413 feet, according to Statcast data, bringing Mauricio’s spring total to 1,276 feet -- nearly a quarter mile -- of homers.

“He’s, like a lot of our young players, off to a good start in the spring,” manager Buck Showalter said.

As a 21-year-old with no Triple-A experience, Mauricio is a long shot to challenge for a place on New York’s Opening Day roster -- particularly with Francisco Lindor entrenched at shortstop and another hot-hitting prospect, Brett Baty, ahead of him on the depth chart at third. But Mauricio’s hot start bodes well for his future, especially on the heels of a resurgent 2022 campaign and a Dominican Winter League MVP trophy.

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Yankees Pitcher Records Fastest Strikeout You’ll Ever See

It didn’t take long for the pitch clock to become the story of spring training 2023. And while MLB’s latest (and seemingly most effective) attempt to increase pace of play will surely be a focal point all season, we’re still in the early stages of observing its direct impact on the game. Which brings us Thursday’s captivating, poetic, blink-and-you-might-miss-it plate appearance during a game between the Yankees and Pirates in Bradenton, Fla.

In the bottom of the second inning, Pittsburgh outfielder Tucupita Marcano stepped to the plate to face New York’s Wandy Peralta. And you didn’t need to be in line at the concessions stand or heading to the bathroom to miss what transpired: a three-pitch strikeout that took all of 20 seconds.

Behold, in all its glory: https://twitter.com/JomboyMedia/stat...75277598158848

Wandy Peralta 20 second strikeout �� #mlb #pitchclock - YouTube

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Oldest MLB players in 2023

1. Rich Hill, LHP, Pirates (age 43)

2. Nelson Cruz, DH, Padres (age 42)

3. Adam Wainwright, RHP, Cardinals (age 41)

4. Justin Verlander, RHP, Mets (age 40)

5. Miguel Cabrera, DH, Tigers (age 39)

6. Jesse Chavez, RHP, Braves (age 39)

7. Joey Votto, 1B, Reds (age 39)

8. Zack Greinke, RHP, Royals (age 39)

9. Charlie Morton, RHP, Braves (age 39)

10. Craig Stammen, RHP, Padres (age 39)

Chris Flexen hopes to stay with Mariners amid trade rumors

Chris Flexen beamed after his Cactus League debut on Monday when he showed off an adorable picture of his new daughter, Stella, who had donned a bow intertwined with baseball seams and was displaying perhaps an even bigger grin than her dad in the moment.

Flexen and his wife, Raven, welcomed Stella in November, and her presence has led to a perspective shift on what’s important and a reprieve from angst and uncertainty as trade rumors swirl around the Mariners veteran.

Flexen is entering his third season in Seattle, but based on the Mariners' starting pitching depth and the fact that they shopped him and fellow starter Marco Gonzales ahead of last year’s Trade Deadline, he might be Seattle's clearest trade candidate. For the 28-year-old who resurrected his career here, it’s been an anxious process.

“I think putting it all away and not thinking about it is almost impossible,” Flexen said. “It's all over, especially with social media and everything. But for me personally, I try not to let it get to me and focus on what I need to focus on. And that's being ready to be the best self that I can be, and be[ing] ready to compete for this ballclub.”

Big statistics from 2023 Spring Training so far

These are the most eye-popping numbers so far this spring

Spring Training games mean the first look of the year at Statcast data for a lot of key players and top prospects, as many teams play in parks equipped with Hawk-Eye tracking.

After a week of action, there's already plenty worth highlighting. Here are 10 standout numbers from the first week of Spring Training games.

Jasson Domínguez, OF, Yankees: 109.7 mph, 420-foot HR

The 20-year-old switch-hitter, ranked MLB's No. 47 prospect, showed off his big-league-caliber exit velocity with a 109.7 mph, 420-foot homer to left-center field in his spring debut, turning around a fastball at the top of the zone from the right side of the plate.

Masyn Winn, SS, Cardinals: 99.9 mph infield assist

The Cards' 20-year-old shortstop prospect, ranked No. 50 overall by MLB Pipeline entering 2023, made headlines at last year's Futures Game when he uncorked a 100.5 mph throw from the infield. That was no fluke. On Thursday, he made a 99.9 mph throw from shortstop to first base.

The other 8 are in the link above

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MLB - 471 FEET for Kevin Cron! https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1632166977283268608

Kevin Cron crushes 470+ foot tank | 3/4/23 - YouTube

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Jordan Walker hits two home runs in spring game

The new Pujols? Walker's forcing the comparison

St. Louis manager Oliver Marmol didn’t join the Cardinals’ organization until 2007. But through the years, he has heard numerous stories of the 2001 Spring Training when a then-21-year-old Albert Pujols literally hit his way onto the MLB roster and didn’t stop until he had 703 career home runs some 21 years later.

Fast forward to Spring Training 2023. And if Marmol squints his eyes, tilts his head just so and allows his imagination to run rampant, he just might be seeing a second coming of that legendary Pujols performance from two decades earlier in the hulking silhouette of 6-foot-5, 250-pound slugger Jordan Walker.

Walker, 20, grew his legend as a phenom even more on Saturday when he smashed two eye-popping home runs -- one a towering shot approximated at 470 feet and a second laser that left the bat at 115 mph by some estimates -- while also doubling, legging out an infield single, driving in three runs and scoring three times.

Alex Wood strikes out 5 in spring debut

Wood sharp in spring debut; Conforto homers

With his 5-month-old son, Asa, in the stands for the first time, left-hander Alex Wood had extra incentive to perform well in his 2023 spring debut on Saturday afternoon. He didn’t disappoint, striking out five over two scoreless innings in the Giants’ 9-5 split-squad loss to the D-backs at Scottsdale Stadium.

“I needed to do good because it’s my son’s first game today,” Wood said. “He wasn’t going to be allowed back if I did bad. I’m glad I threw well today.”

Wood, the final Giants starting pitcher to make his debut this spring, struck out the side in the first inning and then punched out two more batters in the second to complete his crisp outing. The 32-year-old veteran sat from 92-93 mph with his sinker and had no issues with the pitch timer.

Even before the new rule, Wood was known for his quick tempo, though he said he thought he might have rushed things a bit in the first.

Reds top prospect Elly De La Cruz homers, triples

No. 1 prospect De La Cruz homers, triples in breakout game

Finally, Elly De La Cruz was off and running. And it was impressive.

De La Cruz, the top prospect in the Reds' organization per MLB Pipeline, connected for his first two hits of the Cactus League season -- a triple and a home run. The feats by the shortstop, who was 2-for-2 with a walk, were among the most notable highlights in a 12-6 split-squad loss to the Royals on Saturday at Goodyear Ballpark.

"A triple and a home run are both really fun for me," De La Cruz said via translator Jorge Merlos.

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Red Sox's Justin Turner hit on face with pitch, gets 16 stitches

Boston Red Sox infielder Justin Turner needed 16 stitches after he was hit in the face by a pitch during Monday's spring training game against the Detroit Tigers.

The 38-year-old Turner fell to the ground after getting drilled by right-hander Matt Manning. Medical personnel rushed to the plate, and Turner was bleeding and had a towel on his face as he walked off the field.

He was taken to a hospital in Fort Myers, Florida, and treated for soft tissue injuries.

JUSTIN TURNER RECIBE UN FUERTE PELOTAZO EN LA CARA/ SPRING TRAINING 2023 - YouTube

Aaron Judge hits first spring home run

Judge's first spring HR gives Yanks 'a lot of adrenaline'

The Aaron Judge Show crisscrossed the country last summer, his 62 home runs thrilling audiences far and wide as the Yankees slugger embarked upon a memorable mission to break Roger Maris’ 61-year-old American League single-season record.

It won’t count toward his eventual 2023 tally, but as Judge lifted a deep fly ball in the second inning Monday night during the Yankees' 9-2 Spring Training victory over the Pirates at George M. Steinbrenner Field, one couldn’t help but ponder what the reigning AL Most Valuable Player plans for an encore.

Aaron Judge SMASHED this ball for his first Spring Training home run! - YouTube