Thread: Major League Baseball 2024 Season

• Joey Gallo, Nats agree to one-year deal

The Nationals had been in the market this winter to add power and a left-handed bat.

Enter Joey Gallo.

The slugging outfielder/first baseman Gallo finalized a one-year deal with a mutual option with the Nationals on Saturday. The deal is for $5 million, a source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, which includes $1 million in performance bonuses. The Nationals designated catcher Israel Pineda for assignment to clear space on the 40-man roster.

The Nationals had a vacancy at the starting first-base role after they designated Dominic Smith for assignment in November. The plan is for Joey Meneses, who DH’ed last season and has played first in the past, to spend part of his time at first base this coming season. Gallo, 30, can help fill innings at both roles, as well as the outfield. Last season, he made 36 starts at first base, 34 in left field, six in center field and six in right field with the Twins.

• Hector Neris deal with Cubs

Cubs add reliever Neris on one-year deal

The Cubs and right-handed reliever Hector Neris have agreed on a one-year, $9 million contract that includes an option for 2025, according to a report by ESPN's Jeff Passan. The $9 million team option converts to a player option at 60 games, according to Passan. The Cubs have not confirmed the deal.

Neris enjoyed a career year in 2023, posting a career-low 1.71 ERA in 71 appearances along with a 1.05 WHIP and 77 strikeouts in 68 1/3 innings. Marked improvements to his repertoire sparked a major drop in the quality of contact hitters made against him; after ranking in the 8th percentile among qualifying pitchers with a 44.7 percent hard-hit rate in 2022, he ranked in the 98th percentile in 2023 (28.0 percent). His four-seamer, which he deployed 51.7 percent of the time, generated a .153 batting average and .306 slugging percentage (.209/.374 in 2022).

• Joc Pederson agrees to 1-year deal with Diamondbacks

One day after saying he was still looking to add a bat, D-backs general manager Mike Hazen did just that as Arizona agreed to a one-year deal with free agent Joc Pederson that includes a mutual option for 2025, per a baseball source.

The club has not commented or confirmed the deal.

Pederson is yet another addition the defending NL champs have made this offseason in hopes of improving a team that went 84-78 during the regular season before roaring through the postseason.

The D-backs have also added third baseman Eugenio Suarez and left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez in addition to re-signing outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

• Adam Frazier Royals deal

The Royals and second baseman/outfielder Adam Frazier are in agreement on a one-year, $2 million deal with an $8.5 million mutual option for 2025, sources told MLB.com on Saturday morning.

The option includes a $2.5 million buyout, making the full deal worth a guaranteed $4.5 million.

Kansas City is bringing in the versatile defender to give manager Matt Quatraro another left-handed option in the infield and outfield while adding depth to the lineup.

The deal, which has not been confirmed by the club, is pending a physical, likely to be completed next week. The Royals will have to make a 40-man roster move once Frazier is officially added to the roster, and trades are being explored to clear space, according to sources.

• Woo-Suk Go signs deal with Padres

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

San Diego is nearing a deal with Korean reliever Woo Suk Go, sources told MLB.com. The Padres have not yet confirmed the move, and Go's physical is still pending. A report from Yonhap News Agency in Seoul noted that Go took a flight from Korea to the United States on Tuesday night (Wednesday afternoon local time).

The 25-year-old right-hander would 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.

• Aaron Judge expected to bat third, play center field in 2024

With fewer than three weeks remaining before pitchers and catchers report to Tampa, Fla., the Yankees are dropping hints as to what the team’s new-look lineup will mean for Aaron Judge.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone has said that he envisions Judge occupying the No. 3 spot in the lineup, batting behind Juan Soto, while playing the majority of his innings in center field.

“I think about it all the time,” Boone said during an appearance on the Foul Territory podcast. “Right now, you’ll probably [see] Juan in the two-hole and Judge third. … I think you start with the idea that hopefully Judge and Soto are hitting back to back over 150 times this year.”

• David Rubenstein to buy Baltimore Orioles for $1.725 billion

Carlyle Group Inc. co-founder David Rubenstein has reached an agreement to buy the Baltimore Orioles for $1.725 billion, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday night because the agreement had not been announced. Rubenstein, a Baltimore native, would take over as the team’s controlling owner, and he’s assembled an investment team that includes Ares co-founder Michael Arougheti.

The Angelos family has been in control of the Orioles since 1993, when Peter Angelos purchased the team for $173 million. Angelos’ son John is the team’s current chairman. The team recently reached a deal on a new lease extension at Camden Yards. Maryland officials approved that long-term agreement after months of negotiations.

The deal extended the lease for 30 years, with an option to end it after 15 if the team does not receive approval from state officials for development plans next to the ballpark.

Prior to forming Carlyle in 1987, Rubenstein practiced law in Washington. From 1977-81, he was a deputy assistant for domestic policy to President Jimmy Carter. After graduating from Duke in 1970, he attended University of Chicago Law School.

The sale agreement, which requires approval from major league owners, was first reported by Puck.

• Tigers sign Colt Keith to 6-year contract

The Tigers made a historic investment in their future on Sunday, signing infield prospect Colt Keith to a long-term contract ahead of his much-anticipated Major League debut.

The contract, announced by the Tigers on Sunday morning, guarantees $28,642,500 over the next six seasons for the player MLB Pipeline ranks as the Tigers’ No. 2 prospect and No. 22 in MLB. It includes a $2 million signing bonus along with club options and escalators for 2030 through 2032 that could make it as much as an $82 million deal over nine years

• Aroldis Chapman agrees to deal with Pirates

Pirates sign Aroldis Chapman to 1-year deal

The Pirates’ bullpen entered the offseason as arguably the club's greatest strength, and now they’ve bolstered it further, signing reliever Aroldis Chapman to a one-year deal, the club announced. The contract is expected to be worth $10.5 million, a source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, though the team did not disclose the terms.

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.

• Gregory Santos traded to Mariners from White Sox

Seeking to replace a high-leverage presence in their bullpen, preferably with an arm possessing plus-plus stuff, the Mariners swung a trade with the White Sox on Saturday for reliever Gregory Santos to accomplish just that.

TRADE DETAILS

Mariners receive: RHP Gregory Santos
White Sox receive: RHP Prelander Berroa (Mariners’ No. 15 prospect), OF Zach DeLoach (No. 25 prospect), No. 69 overall pick in 2024 Draft

• Kevin Pillar agrees with White Sox on Minor League deal

Veteran outfielder Kevin Pillar has joined the White Sox on a Minor League deal, a Major League source told MLB.com on Friday. MLB Trade Rumors, which first had the signing, reported Pillar will be paid $3 million if he makes the big league roster.

Pillar, 35, has played 11 Major League seasons with seven teams, he and White Sox general manager Chris Getz being teammates in the Blue Jays organization in 2014. Pillar will be part of the organization’s non-roster invites, which figure to be announced by the White Sox next week.

• Justin Turner signs 1-year deal with Blue Jays

The Blue Jays signed Justin Turner to a one-year deal worth $13 million on Tuesday, bringing one of baseball’s most reliable veterans to Toronto.

The contract includes $1.5 million in roster and performance bonuses, a source told MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi.

"Justin Turner has proven himself not only as an exceptional player on the field, but also an exemplary leader in the clubhouse,” Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said in a statement. “Justin’s history of delivering in big moments and his consistent pursuit of winning are admirable traits. Additionally, he and Kourtney's commitment to charitable work is equally inspiring and aligns with our team's values. We couldn’t be more excited for the impact Justin will have on our franchise both on and off the field.”

• Phil Maton deal with Rays

The Rays are on the verge of adding a significant weapon to their bullpen, one who is battle-tested in the month of October.

The Rays are finalizing a deal with free-agent reliever Phil Maton, a source has told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. The Rays have not commented on the deal.

The right-handed Maton had a 3.00 ERA in 68 appearances for the Astros in 2023 with a 74-to-25 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

A vital part of Houston’s bullpen the last three seasons, Maton was part of the bridge to closer Ryan Pressly.

Not all the games and the first is in Spanish

How to watch 2024 Caribbean Series on ESPN and ESPN Deportes

All times Eastern

Thursday

Nicaragua vs. Puerto Rico, 10:30 a.m.
Curacao vs. Mexico, 3:30 p.m.

Venezuela vs. Dominican Republic, 8:30 p.m.

How to watch 2024 Caribbean Series on ESPN and ESPN Deportes


Friday

Panamá vs. Curacao, 10:30 a.m.

Nicaragua vs. Dominican Republic, 3:30 p.m.

Puerto Rico vs. Mexico, 8:30 p.m.

How to watch 2024 Caribbean Series on ESPN and ESPN Deportes

Saturday

Venezuela vs. Curacao, 10:30 a.m.

Mexico vs. Panamá, 3:30 p.m.

Puerto Rico vs. Dominican Republic, 8:30 p.m.

How to watch 2024 Caribbean Series on ESPN and ESPN Deportes

Sunday

Panamá vs. Nicaragua, 10:30 a.m.

Puerto Rico vs. Venezuela, 3:30 p.m.

Mexico vs. Dominican Republic, 8:30 p.m.

• Wandy Peralta agrees to 4-year contract with Padres

Questions remain in their rotation and outfield, but the Padres have spent the past two months fortifying their bullpen in a big way.

They continued to do so on Wednesday, when they agreed to a four-year contract with lefty reliever Wandy Peralta, sources told MLB.com. The club has not yet confirmed the deal, which is pending a physical. The contract contains opt-outs for Peralta after each season.

The 32-year-old Peralta is coming off the best season of his eight-year career, having posted a 2.83 ERA and 1.4 WAR with 51 strikeouts across 54 innings for the Yankees.

How to watch 2024 Caribbean Series on ESPN and ESPN Deportes

Feb. 5

Nicaragua vs. Curacao, 10:30 a.m.

Venezuela vs. Mexico, 3:30 p.m.

Puerto Rico vs. Panamá, 8:30 p.m.

• Jose Altuve signs contract extension with Astros

Altuve signs five-year extension to become 'Astro for life'

Jose Altuve, one of the most accomplished and popular players in Astros history and a cornerstone of a pair of World Series championship teams, will likely end his career in Houston.

The star second baseman agreed to a five-year contract extension with the Astros on Tuesday, his third extension with Houston. The deal will start in 2025 and will take Altuve through his age-39 season. The deal is worth $125 million, including $30 million each season from 2025-27, a source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. The club did not confirm the terms of the deal.

How to watch 2024 Caribbean Series on ESPN and ESPN Deportes

Feb. 6

Mexico vs. Nicaragua, 10:30 a.m.

Curacao vs. Dominican Republic, 4:45 p.m.

Panamá vs. Venezuela, 8:30 p.m.

How to watch 2024 Caribbean Series on ESPN and ESPN Deportes

Feb. 7

Curacao vs. Puerto Rico, 10:30 a.m.

Dominican Republic vs. Panamá, 3:30 p.m.

Nicaragua vs. Venezuela, 8:30 p.m.

__________

Which are teams are in the semifinals?

Tiburones de La Guaira of Venezuela, Federales de Chiriqui of Panama, Tigres de Licey of Dominican Republic and the Curacao Suns of Curacao are all seeking to become the champions of the tournament.

Thursday's match-ups are as follows:

Dominican Republic vs Panama (15 : 00 EST)

Curacao vs Venezuela (20 : 00 EST)

_______

• Tropicana Las Vegas, a landmark since 1957, will be demolished to make way for MLB stadium

The Tropicana Las Vegas, a Sin City landmark for more than six decades, is shutting its doors in the spring to make room for a $1.5 billion Major League Baseball stadium that will be home to the relocating Oakland Athletics.

Bally’s Corp. made the announcement Monday, saying the closure on April 2 — days before the 67th anniversary of the Tropicana’s opening — marks the beginning of preparations for demolition of the resort on the Las Vegas Strip.

• Ohtani Shohei, Yamamoto Yoshinobu begin Dodgers spring training

In Major League Baseball, Los Angeles Dodgers' two-way star Ohtani Shohei and pitcher Yamamoto Yoshinobu, who both joined the club this season, have begun practicing at the team's spring training in Arizona.

The Dodgers began their spring training on Friday in Glendale, Arizona with pitchers and catchers reporting. It came earlier than usual as the team's opening game for the 2024 season is scheduled for March 20 in South Korea.

__________

• Venezuela shuts out DR to win 8th Caribbean Series title

MIAMI -- Before a raucous crowd of 36,677 at loanDepot park on Friday – the largest in Caribbean Series history and bigger than that of the 2023 World Baseball Classic final between the United States and Japan at the same venue (36,098) -- the Tiburones de la Guaira (Venezuela) captured their first ever title in the tournament of winter league champions, with a 3-0 win over Tigres del Licey (Dominican Republic).

The culmination of the first Caribbean Series played at a Major League stadium marked the first championship for Venezuela as a nation since 2009, when Tigres de Aragua won at Mexicali, Mexico. In the process, the Tiburones avenged the defeat suffered by their countrymen of Leones del Caracas against Licey at last year’s series in Venezuela.

In addition to the large contingent of Venezuelan fans on hand, the championship game was attended by familiar names such as Miguel Cabrera and Gleyber Torres pulling for Venezuela, as well as Juan Soto, Eury Pérez and Sandy Alcántara cheering on the Dominican squad.

“Things turned out the way we hoped,” said Tiburones reliever Jojanse Torres. “The Venezuelan fans deserved it.”

In the Friday final, a sacrifice fly by Alcides Escobar in the bottom of the fourth off Licey starter César Valdez started the scoring for the Tiburones. An inning later, Hernán Pérez hit a run-scoring triple, followed by an RBI groundout by Odúbel Herrera -- who had entered the game earlier for Yasiel Puig, who suffered a leg injury with an awkward fall after making a catch on a line drive in the first inning.

That was all the offense the Venezuelan club would need. Series MVP Ricardo Pinto threw 5 2/3 innings against Licey. Manager Ozzie Guillén’s deep bullpen came through again, with Jorgan Cavanerio, Silvino Bracho, Anthony Vizcaya and closer Anthony Hernández shutting down the Dominican Republic the rest of the way. The Tigres’ best chance came in the sixth, when they loaded the bases with two outs against Pinto, only to have Cavanerio get Yadiel Hernández on a groundout to short to end the threat.

Now, Venezuela can celebrate its eighth Caribbean Series championship and the nation’s first in 15 years.

“It’s really big for me to be a part of this, for a country that had such a long drought in the Caribbean Series,” said Cuba-born right-hander Miguel Romero, who notched two wins in the series, including 5 1/3 innings of two-run ball on Thursday in the semifinal game vs. Curacao.

Licey, managed this year by Gilbert Gómez, remains the winningest club in Caribbean Series history, with 11 championships. The Dominican Republic is also the all-time leader in wins by country with 22.

The 2024 Caribbean Series was the first of its kind, as the tradition of rotating participating countries to host the event was paused this year. Although the 1990 and 1991 editions were played in Miami -- the former at the Orange Bowl and the latter at Bobby Maduro Stadium -- this was the first at an MLB venue. In addition to the attendance record set on Friday, the Feb. 3 game between Licey and Criollos de Caguas (Puerto Rico) also set a then-record, with 35,972, now No. 2 on the list of most attended Caribbean Series games.

“This is a real milestone,” said Juan Francisco Puello Herrera, president of the Caribbean Confederation of Professional Baseball. “I had no doubt that we would have this kind of success.”

• Reds sign Ichiro Cano Hernandez -- yes, you read that right

There's been a lot of attention paid this week to a young player signed by the Reds out of Mexico.

The young man's name is Ichiro Cano Hernandez, a switch-hitting third baseman who turned 19 on Wednesday and signed with Cincinnati on Tuesday. You probably expected to hear that Hernandez's first name was chosen to honor a certain player of baseball royalty.

Alas, he was not named after that Ichiro.

“They gave me the name because my Dad had a Japanese friend named Ichiro who was a surfer," Hernandez said in an emailed statement provided by the Reds. "My dad’s name is Eugenio. The two of their families were each expecting a boy, and they decided to name their sons after each other -- my Dad gave me the name of his friend, and his Japanese friend named his son after my Dad.”

Hailing from San José del Cabo on Mexico’s Pacific coast, Hernandez debuted as a 17-year-old professional in 2022 with Diablos Rojos. He's also played winter ball for Culiacán and internationally for his country in the under-18 Baseball World Cup.