Thread: Major League Baseball 2024 Season

• White Sox agree to deal with Chris Flexen

The White Sox added another pitcher to their 2024 mix in the form of a one-year deal with right-hander Chris Flexen. The agreement is for $1.75 million and includes up to $1 million in performance bonuses, a source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.

Flexen, 29, posted a 6.86 ERA over 29 games (16 starts) between stops with the Mariners and Rockies in '23. He finished with 74 strikeouts against 38 walks and 133 hits allowed over 102 1/3 innings.

In '21, after spending the previous season pitching for Doosan in the KBO, Flexen posted a 14-6 record with a 3.61 ERA over 31 starts for the Mariners. He followed up that effort with an 8-9 mark and 3.73 ERA in 33 games (22 starts) for Seattle in ‘22, including the only two saves of his career.

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• Isiah Kiner-Falefa signs with Blue Jays

The Blue Jays have agreed to terms on a two-year, $15 million deal with the versatile Isiah Kiner-Falefa, a source told MLB.com.

The deal, which has not been confirmed by the club, includes up to $1 million in incentives and is pending a physical. This comes less than one day after the Blue Jays agreed to terms on a one-year, $10.5 million deal, which also has not been confirmed by the club, to reunite with Gold Glove center fielder Kevin Kiermaier.

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• Tyler Glasnow, Manuel Margot traded to Dodgers

Glasnow traded to Dodgers, agrees to 5-year extension (source)

After igniting the Hot Stove with the record-breaking signing of Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers are on the verge of landing one of the best starting pitchers available this offseason: Tyler Glasnow.

And like Ohtani, Glasnow likely won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.

The Rays are in agreement on a deal that would send Glasnow and veteran outfielder Manuel Margot to Los Angeles for young starter Ryan Pepiot and outfielder Jonny Deluca, sources told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. The sides have agreed on an extension for five years and $135 million, per a source, and the deal includes a $10 million signing bonus this year and has a $30 million club option for 2028. If the club declines it, Glasnow can exercise a $20 million player option. There is also no deferred money. The clubs have not confirmed the trade.

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• Martin Maldonado agrees with White Sox

Veteran catcher Maldonado agrees to 1-year deal with White Sox (source)

Martín Maldonado and the White Sox have agreed on a one-year deal plus an option, a Major League source confirmed to MLB.com Tuesday. The club has not confirmed the move.

The 37-year-old Maldonado spent the last six seasons with the Astros after Houston acquired him in a midseason trade from the Angels in 2018. The veteran backstop owns a career .207/.282/.349 line with a 72 OPS+ across 13 MLB seasons with the Astros, Angels, Brewers, Cubs and Royals.

• Braves acquire Chris Sale in deal with Red Sox

Chris Sale's injury-filled career with the Boston Red Sox ended Saturday when the 34-year-old left-hander was traded to the Atlanta Braves for infielder Vaughn Grissom.

Boston also is sending cash to the Braves, covering a portion of the $27.5 million salary the seven-time All-Star is owed in 2024, the final guaranteed season of a $160 million, six-year contract. That 2024 salary includes $10 million deferred until June 30, 2039.

Sale was acquired by Boston from the Chicago White Sox in December 2016 and has made nine trips to the disabled and injured lists with the Red Sox, mostly due to shoulder and elbow ailments. He had Tommy John surgery on March 30, 2020, and returned to a big-league mound on Aug. 14, 2021.

Sale helped the Red Sox to a World Series title in 2018 but has made just 56 starts in the last four years, going 17-18 with a 4.86 ERA. He had 400 strikeouts and 79 walks in 298 1/3 innings. He was 6-5 with a 4.30 ERA in 20 starts last season.

Sale went 46-30 with a 3.27 ERA in 115 starts with the Red Sox, making the All-Star team in his first two seasons. Sale has a 120-80 career record with a 3.10 ERA, 2,189 strikeouts and 416 walks in 1,780 2/3 innings.

As a 10-year veteran who spent the past five seasons with his team, Sale had the right to refuse any trade.

• Frankie Montas deal with Reds

Reds add more pitching in deal with Montas (source)

Seeking to contend for the National League Central title and a return to the playoffs, the Reds have made finding a veteran starting pitcher a top priority this offseason.

The quest brought Cincinnati to free agent right-hander Frankie Montas.

Multiple sources confirmed to MLB.com on Saturday that Montas and the Reds have agreed to terms on a one-year, $16 million contract, pending a physical. Club officials have yet to announce the acquisition.

Assuming the deal with Montas goes through, the Reds will have spent $105.25 million on free-agent contracts this offseason that address nearly all areas of their roster. They've already signed reliever Emilio Pagán, rotation candidate Nick Martinez and infielder Jeimer Candelario, and they’ve brought back reliever Buck Farmer.

Montas and Martinez bolster what had been a young starting staff that included Hunter Greene, Graham Ashcraft, Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo and Brandon Williamson. None of the Reds starters returning from 2023 had more than two seasons of big league service.

While Montas, who turns 31 in March, has a decent track record, there is also some risk involved. He is coming off a rocky 2023 season with the Yankees that was almost completely lost to a right shoulder injury, which required arthroscopic surgery in February. Montas ultimately made just one appearance in the Majors, throwing 1 1/3 innings out of the bullpen in the Yanks’ 161st game of the season.

• Kevin Kiermaier deal with Blue Jays

Kiermaier returning to Toronto on 1-year deal (source)

In a holiday reunion, Kevin Kiermaier and the Blue Jays have agreed to a one-year deal worth $10.5 million, a source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand on Tuesday.

The club has not confirmed the deal, which is pending a physical.

A year ago, the Blue Jays got the best of Kiermaier on a similar deal after watching him dominate defensively for the rival Rays for nearly a decade. Kiermaier hit .265 with eight home runs after joking all Spring Training that he hoped to hit zero while being the game’s best No. 9 hitter. He held up that end of the bargain, at least, with a .741 OPS, which was comfortably above his career average, while earning his fourth career Gold Glove Award in center.

• Woo-Suk Go signs deal with Padres

Padres have 2-year deal with Korean closer Go

The Padres are getting closer to filling out their 2024 bullpen.

San Diego signed Korean reliever Woo-Suk Go to a two-year deal with a mutual option for 2026, the club announced on Wednesday. The deal is expected to be worth $4.5 million, a source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. The Padres did not confirm the terms.

The 25-year-old right-hander should help solidify a bullpen that has already added Japanese left-hander Yuki Matsui this winter. Both are expected to be in the mix for back-end roles -- much needed additions after Josh Hader, Nick Martinez and Luis García each hit the free-agent market this winter.

• Harrison Bader signs with Mets

Mets agree to deal with former Gold Glover Bader (source)

The Mets bolstered their outfield alignment with a native New Yorker, agreeing to a one-year, $10.5 million deal with Harrison Bader, a source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand on Thursday.

The team has not confirmed the move.

A Bronxville, N.Y., native who attended Horace Mann High School in The Bronx, Bader is familiar with and has become a familiar face in the Big Apple, spending parts of 2022 and ‘23 with the Yankees. The 29-year-old is a career .243/.310/.396 hitter over parts of seven seasons with the Cardinals, Yankees and Reds, and is considered one of the game’s elite defenders.

He's also more than familiar with Mets star Pete Alonso; the two were teammates at the University of Florida from 2014-15, including the Gators' run to the Men's College World Series in 2015. Alonso welcomed Bader to the Mets with a post on Instagram on Thursday afternoon.

• Giants acquire Robbie Ray from Mariners

Giants acquire Robbie Ray; Haniger, DeSclafani to Seattle

The Giants and Mariners have been frequent trade partners in recent years, but no move has been quite as significant as the one they announced on Friday.

In what could be a precursor to more offseason activity, San Francisco acquired 2021 AL Cy Young Award winner Robbie Ray from Seattle for outfielder Mitch Haniger and right-hander Anthony DeSclafani. The Giants are also sending $6 million to the Mariners to make the deal cash neutral for both sides in 2024.

TRADE DETAILS

Giants get: LHP Robbie Ray
Mariners get: OF Mitch Haniger, RHP Anthony DeSclafani, cash

Ray is expected to be out until the second half of 2024 after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his left elbow last May. He made only one start last year, but he recorded a 3.71 ERA over 189 innings for the Mariners in 2022. The 32-year-old is owed $73 million over the final three years of his contract, though he’ll have the ability to opt out following the 2024 season.

With Ray and Alex Cobb (left hip surgery) slated to miss the beginning of the season, the Giants still are likely to pursue more starting pitching this winter, with lefties Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery and Shōta Imanaga among their potential free-agent targets.

• Zach Plesac agrees to deal with Angels

Angels agree to one-year deal with RHP Plesac

The Angels added some starting rotation depth Saturday by agreeing to terms with right-hander veteran Zach Plesac on a one-year deal for $1 million.

Plesac, 28, is coming off a rough season with the Guardians, as he posted a 7.59 ERA with 15 strikeouts and five walks in 21 1/3 innings. He also had a 6.08 ERA with 71 strikeouts and 43 walks in 94 2/3 innings with Triple-A Columbus and was outrighted off the 40-man roster in June.

Plesac, though, fared better in his first four seasons in Cleveland from 2019-2022, going 25-26 with a 4.04 ERA and 345 strikeouts and 118 walks in 445 1/3 innings. His best year was the shortened 2020 season, which saw him post a 2.28 ERA with 57 strikeouts in 55 1/3 innings. The Angels are counting on a bounce-back year from Plesac, who is regarded as having solid control and is a terrific fielder.

Plesac adds depth to a rotation that includes Patrick Sandoval, Reid Detmers, Tyler Anderson, Chase Silseth, Griffin Canning and José Suarez. The Angels are expected to pivot to a five-man rotation after utilizing a six-man rotation to accommodate two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, who signed with the Dodgers earlier this month.

• Sean Manaea, Mets agree to deal (report)

Left-hander Sean Manaea reportedly agreed on a two-year, $28 million deal to join the Mets, according to a report from MLB Network insider Jon Heyman on Sunday. The club has not confirmed the report. The deal reportedly includes a player opt-out after 2024.

After an excellent end to the 2023 season, Manaea decided to bet on himself in free agency and opt out of a $12.5 million deal with the Giants for '24.

• Cubs announce coaching staff for 2024 season

The suddenness of the hiring of manager Craig Counsell in early November made constructing a coaching staff a more challenging process. Counsell wanted to make sure he took a deliberate approach to get things right.

During his introductory press conference at Wrigley Field, Counsell emphasized the “need to go slow” as he worked through getting to know his new ballclub, while also forming his staff for 2024. Counsell stayed true to his word, leading to Tuesday’s unveiling of his coaching group for the year ahead.

“Look, a bit of a late start on the coaching staff process for a number of reasons,” Counsell said during the Winter Meetings. “There were some really good pieces in place, and there were some places for growth on the staff that I think I can help with. And, really, I'm looking forward to doing that.”

Counsell’s new bench coach will be Ryan Flaherty, who comes to the North Siders after most recently serving in the same role with the Padres. The 37-year-old Flaherty enjoyed an eight-year MLB career and, per Cubs GM Carter Hawkins, earned rave reviews from Buck Showalter, who managed the former infielder in Baltimore.

Flaherty was also a college teammate at Vanderbilt with Hawkins, who said their “relationship was a catalyst for the conversation” about the job.

“He understands the game on a lot of different levels,” Hawkins said during the Winter Meetings. “He understands the newer aspects of the game, but also can speak to the older, more nuanced aspects of the game. I think he just fits really well in a role like this bench coach role. Add to that, the opportunity to learn under a guy like Counsell, and it was a really good opportunity for him as well."

Former Cubs bench coach Andy Green took a job in the Mets’ player-development department this winter.

The pitching infrastructure will continue to be led by pitching coach Tommy Hottovy and assistant pitching coach Daniel Moskos. Hottovy was elevated to the lead role on the staff ahead of the 2019 season, while Moskos joined the Cubs from the Yankees’ Minor League coaching ranks prior to ‘22.

Joining Hottovy and Moskos will be new bullpen coach Darren Holmes, who replaces Chris Young in that role. Holmes, 57, pitched for 13 seasons in the Majors with eight teams and the early part of his career overlapped with Counsell’s playing days with Colorado. Holmes comes to Chicago after working as a bullpen coach for the Orioles (2020-23) and Rockies (‘15-19).

On the hitting side, Dustin Kelly will return as the lead hitting coach with John Mallee promoted to assistant hitting coach. Juan Cabreja and Jim Adduci also return as assistant hitting coaches, with Adduci also having game-planning duties as part of his role.

Mallee, who was the Cubs’ hitting coach in the 2015-17 seasons, worked as Triple-A Iowa’s hitting coach last year after stints on the MLB staff for the Phillies and Angels. Mallee assumes the assistant hitting coach role that was previously held by Johnny Washington, who left the Cubs this offseason to take the lead MLB hitting coach job under new Angels manager Ron Washington.

First-base coach Mike Napoli and third-base coach Willie Harris will return for Chicago, along with Jonathan Mota (Major League coach), Alex Smith (Major League coach, data development and process) and Garrett Lloyd (bullpen catcher).

After dismissing game strategy and catching coach Craig Driver after last season, the Cubs have hired Mark Strittmatter as their new Major League field coordinator. Strittmatter, 54, has spent the bulk of the past 20 seasons coaching in the Rockies’ farm system. He spent the past 11 seasons in the Colorado organization as a catching coordinator.

“Our coaching staff’s job is to help the players be better at their jobs,” Counsell said. “And I think we have some really good tool sets on this coaching staff to do so.”

Teoscar Hernandez deal with Dodgers

The Dodgers’ impressive offseason got even better late Sunday night, as the club and All-Star outfielder Teoscar Hernández agreed to a one-year, $23.5 million contract, sources confirmed to MLB.com. The club has not confirmed the deal.

Even after adding Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow and Manuel Margot, the Dodgers were in the market for a right-handed-hitting outfielder that could hit lefties and hold his own against right-handed pitching.

Hernández was identified as an early target for the Dodgers this winter. The two-time Silver Slugger had plenty of other offers, including two-year deals from the Red Sox and Angels, according to sources, but ultimately decided on a one-year pact with the Dodgers in order to be part of what should be one of the top offenses in the Majors, perhaps even the best.

• Shōta Imanaga, Cubs agree to four-year deal

Cubs finalize 4-year deal with Japanese lefty Imanaga

One of the tasks for the Cubs this offseason was to add an impact arm to the starting rotation.

The North Siders have signed Japanese free-agent Shōta Imanaga as their newest addition to check that box.

On Thursday, the Cubs officially announced the signing of Imanaga to a multi-year contract agreement. The sides were able to finalize the deal with the left-hander before his 45-day posting window to make the jump to the Majors from the Yokohama DeNA BayStars closed.

Per a source, the contract guarantees $53 million over four seasons, but the pact gives the pitcher and ballclub multiple paths forward. After the 2025 and ‘26 seasons, Chicago will have the option to extend the deal to five years ($80 million total). If the deal is not extended in either offseason, Imanaga will have the right to elect free agency.

The club did not disclose the terms of the deal.

• Michael Busch Yency Almonte traded to Cubs from Dodgers

Cubs get Top-100 prospect Busch, reliever Almonte in trade with Dodgers

In their quest to build a team capable of returning to the postseason, the Cubs are balancing fortifying their future with addressing immediate needs. They accomplished both in a trade with the Dodgers on Thursday.

The Cubs announced that they acquired infielder Michael Busch (ranked No. 44 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 list) and righty reliever Yency Almonte from the Dodgers. Chicago sent pitching prospect Jackson Ferris and outfield prospect Zyhir Hope to Los Angeles to complete the trade.

To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, catcher Brian Serven was designated for assignment by the Cubs.

TRADE DETAILS

Cubs receive: 3B Michael Busch (Dodgers' No. 2), RHP Yency Almonte
Dodgers receive: LHP Jackson Ferris (Cubs' No. 8), OF Zyhir Hope

In Busch, Chicago lands an intriguing left-handed power bat who checked in as the Dodgers’ No. 2 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, and got his first taste of the Majors last year. The 29-year-old Almonte is a veteran of six MLB seasons and gives the Cubs a piece to add to a bullpen in need of reinforcements.

Juan Soto gets record deal to avoid arbitration

Soto agrees to record-setting $31M deal to avoid arbitration with Yanks (source)

The Yankees were busy Thursday. They agreed to terms on one-year contracts for 2024 with all 10 of their arbitration-eligible players -- Nestor Cortes, Victor González, Trent Grisham, Clay Holmes, Jonathan Loáisiga, Clarke Schmidt, Juan Soto, Gleyber Torres, Jose Trevino and Alex Verdugo.

Soto, acquired from the Padres in a trade last month, agreed to a $31 million contract, a source told MLB.com executive reporter Mark Feinsand. The club did not confirm the dollar figure, which sets a new record for the largest one-year deal for an arbitration-eligible player, beating Shohei Ohtani's $30 million from last year.

• Mariners sign highly rated international prospect Dawel Joseph

With the opening of Major League Baseball’s international signing period Monday morning, the Mariners announced the signing of players from the Dominican Republic, highlighted by shortstop Dawel Joseph.

“The first day of the international signing period is a time that calls for celebration for all of those involved,” Frankie Thon Jr., the Mariners’ director of international scouting, said in a team statement. “With this initial group of signees from the Dominican Republic, we are bringing in players with an intriguing blend between balanced skillsets and high upside of players.”

Joseph, 16, is considered a top prospect in the 2024 international class according to MLB Pipeline (No. 7), FanGraphs (No. 14) and Baseball America (No. 4).

He received a $3 million signing bonus, according to multiple reports. That is almost half of the Mariners’ $6.52 million international bonus pool money.

https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/...-dawel-joseph/

• Vladimir Miguel Guerrero joins Mets on 2024 international signing day

The Mets wasted little time making a sizable splash in the international signing sphere Monday, but it wasn’t the rankings of prospects or their potential tool packages that jumped off the page. It was a name.

Vladimir Miguel Guerrero, the half-brother of Blue Jays All-Star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero Sr., agreed to a $117,000 signing bonus to join the Mets, making him a member of a vaunted signing class that includes MLB Pipeline’s No. 6 international prospect Yovanny Rodriguez and more.

• 2024 MLB international free agency

SS Fernando Cruz, Dominican Republic: Cruz stands out for his baseball IQ as well as his tools. MLB.com writes: "With an easy load and superb bat speed, his sound offensive approach portends to lend itself to 20-25 homer power as he matures." He's agreed to a deal with the Cubs for $4 million.

SS Leo De Vries, Dominican Republic: A switch-hitter with an advanced approach for a teenager, De Vries is said to model his game after José Ramírez, per MLB.com. He is expected to remain at shortstop long-term rather than outgrow the position. The Padres have agreed to a deal for $4.2 million.

RHP Branneli Franco, Dominican Republic: Arguably the best pitcher in this year's class, Franco sits low 90s with his heater and has a good changeup. MLB.com adds "he has already been heralded for his poise on the mound." He's reached a deal with the Cardinals for $800,000.

SS Jose Perdomo, Venezuela: Perdomo is a bat-first player who, according to Baseball America, has received comparisons to Gleyber Torres, another Venezuelan who played shortstop as an amateur. The Braves have agreed to sign him for $5 million.

OF Paulino Santana, Dominican Republic: Featuring arguably the most power in this year's class, Santana has been compared to Julio Rodríguez for his five-tool ability, says MLB.com. He and the Rangers have a deal for $1.3 million.

• Yariel Rodriguez agrees to deal with Blue Jays (reports)

Cuban RHP Yariel Rodríguez agrees to deal with Blue Jays

The Blue Jays have agreed to a multiyear deal with Cuban right-hander Yariel Rodríguez, according to a report by MLB Network Insider Jon Morosi on Wednesday, their biggest move in an offseason that’s been slow to develop.

The agreement, first reported by Francys Romero, has not been confirmed by the club.

Rodríguez was one of this market’s biggest mysteries, bringing considerable upside from his time pitching in Cuba and Japan, but he has not pitched competitively since the 2023 World Baseball Classic in March. Following that event, Rodríguez did not return to his professional team in Japan, the Chunichi Dragons, and was later declared an MLB free agent, allowing him to sign at the prime age of 27.

Rodríguez made two starts for Cuba at the Classic, posting a 2.45 ERA with 10 strikeouts and six walks over 7 1/3 innings, and a showcase later in the year generated even more buzz about the right-hander. His raw talent inspires optimism, led by a fastball that sits at 96 mph and a deep repertoire, but his role in the Major Leagues isn’t as certain.

After coming up as a starter in Cuba, where he pitched for Camaguey, Las Tunas and Sancti Spiritus, Rodríguez eventually transitioned to the bullpen in Japan. As a full-time reliever in 2022, Rodríguez posted a 1.15 ERA with 60 strikeouts over 54 2/3 innings. A logical fit exists for him in Toronto as a versatile swingman, particularl

Wyatt Langford invited to Rangers' 2024 Spring Training

The Wyatt Langford era seems to be approaching quicker than anybody expected. The Rangers’ No. 2 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, will attend his first big league Spring Training, the club announced on Wednesday.

Langford, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft out of the University of Florida, finds himself with a prime opportunity to compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster, despite playing in the College World Series less than a year ago.

The outfielder made his professional debut shortly after the Draft, but he rapidly moved up in the farm system and finished the regular season with Triple-A Round Rock:

Rookie-level Rangers (three games): .385/.429/.846/1.275
High-A Hickory (24 games): .333/.453/.644/1.097
Double-A Frisco (12 games): .405/.519/.762/1.281
Triple-A Round Rock (five games): .368/.538/.526/1.064

The Rangers’ projected Opening Day outfield includes fellow rookie Evan Carter, Leody Taveras and Adolis García. Utility players Ezequiel Duran and Josh Smith also proved to be useful assets last season. But that doesn’t mean Langford doesn’t have a shot at making the Opening Day roster.

• Complete 2024 Hall of Fame voting results

Adrián Beltré, Todd Helton and Joe Mauer reached the necessary 75% support on the Baseball Writers' Association of America Hall of Fame ballot in results revealed Tuesday night on MLB Network.

The trio joins former Pirates, Marlins, Rockies and Tigers manager Jim Leyland, who was voted in by the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee last month, in the Class of 2024. Hall of Fame Weekend is set for July 21 on the grounds of the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown, N.Y.

Candidates needed 289 votes to be elected. Full BBWAA ballot results are below:

Adrian Beltré: 366 votes, 95.1%
Todd Helton: 307 votes, 79.7%
Joe Mauer: 293 votes, 76.1%
Billy Wagner: 284 votes, 73.8%
Gary Sheffield: 246 votes, 63.9%
Andruw Jones: 237 votes, 61.6%
Carlos Beltrán: 220 votes, 57.1%
Alex Rodriguez: 134 votes, 34.8%
Manny Ramirez: 125 votes, 32.5%
Chase Utley: 111 votes, 28.8%
Omar Vizquel: 68 votes, 17.7%
Bobby Abreu: 57 votes, 14.8%
Jimmy Rollins: 57 votes, 14.8%
Andy Pettitte: 52 votes, 13.5%
Mark Buehrle: 32 votes, 8.3%
Francisco Rodriguez: 30 votes, 7.8%
Torii Hunter: 28 votes, 7.3%
David Wright: 24 votes, 6.2%

• Aroldis Chapman agrees to deal with Pirates (source)

The Pirates’ bullpen entered the offseason as arguably the club's greatest strength, and now they’ve bolstered it further, reaching an agreement on a one-year, $10.5 million contract with free-agent reliever Aroldis Chapman, a source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand.

The club has not confirmed the deal, which is pending a physical.

In 2022, Chapman tallied a 4.46 ERA in just 43 games with the Yankees -- the highest ERA he’s had in a 162-game season in the fewest appearances since his rookie year. But he entered free agency this offseason following a strong season in '23, when he had a 3.09 ERA in the regular season before allowing just two runs in eight postseason innings in the Rangers’ march towards a World Series championship.

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• White Sox hire John Schriffen as play-by-play announcer

There’s a major goal, a major focus, for John Schriffen in taking over the vast responsibilities as the White Sox new television play-by-play broadcaster, beginning with the upcoming 2024 season.

Don’t try to be Harry Caray or Ken ‘Hawk’ Harrelson, Hall of Famers who have previously worked in the White Sox television booth. Don’t try to be Jason Benetti, who was the White Sox previous television voice and has risen to national prominence.

The goal for Schriffen, 39, simply is to be true to himself.

• MLB free agency 2023-24 tracker: Rhys Hoskins reportedly signing with Milwaukee Brewers

The former Phillies fan favorite is headed to Milwaukee. According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, Hoskins agreed Tuesday with the Brewers on a two-year, $34 million contract with an opt-out after the first year.

With Hoskins coming off a missed season due to a torn ACL, the opt-out gives him a chance to prove that he's back to form in 2024 and reset his value for next winter. The first baseman and DH was No. 22 on Yahoo Sports' list of this winter's top 25 free agents.

Seven-time All-Star reliever Aroldis Chapman reportedly agreed Monday to terms on a deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates. according to Robert Murray and Francys Romero.

Per The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, the deal is for one year and $10.5 million, pending a physical.

• MLB fans snap up tickets for Dodgers-Padres season opener in S.Korea

Major League Baseball's season opener will be held in South Korea this year, and tickets for the first game have proven an instant sellout.

The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres will play a two-game series in Seoul on March 20 and 21 at a stadium with a capacity of more than 16,000.

Tickets for the first date sold out quickly on Friday soon after becoming available online. Some were later going for several times the original price on resale websites.

The Dodgers roster boasts two Japanese players: two-way sensation Ohtani Shohei and highly-rated pitcher Yamamoto Yoshinobu.

The Padres also have two Japanese stars of their own: veteran pitcher Darvish Yu and left-handed reliever Matsui Yuki, signed last month.

The Dodgers and Padres are scheduled to play exhibition games against South Korean teams on March 17 and 18.

• Adam Ottavino returns to Mets on 1-year deal

NEW YORK -- In the end, Adam Ottavino took the long road back to the Mets.

Ottavino on Saturday agreed to a one-year, $4.5 million contract to return to Flushing, N.Y., a source tells MLB.com. The Mets have not confirmed the deal, which is pending a physical.

Earlier this offseason, Ottavino declined his $6.75 million player option to return to the Mets, believing he could find a multi-year deal on the open market. When that did not happen, he decided to come back on a lesser contract. A New York native, Ottavino has pitched the last five seasons for Northeast teams and values playing near home.

Last year at age 37, Ottavino produced a 3.21 ERA over 66 appearances, including a 2.17 mark from July 1 through the end of the season.