New York Mets
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FILE PHOTO: Mar 23, 2019; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves left fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) hits a solo home run against the New York Mets in the fifth inning at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
April 2, 2019
The Atlanta Braves and 21-year-old outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. have agreed to an eight-year, $100 million contract extension, multiple outlets reported Tuesday.
The deal begins this season and includes a $10 million buyout on two club options worth $17 million each, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. That means Atlanta can potentially keep Acuna for the next 10 seasons (through 2028) at a maximum of $124 million.
Acuna batted .293 with 26 homers, 64 RBIs, 78 runs scored and 16 stolen bases in just 111 games last season as the National League Rookie of the Year.
Through the Braves’ first four games this year, Acuna was 3-for-14 at the plate with one home run and two RBIs.
–Field Level Media
Source: OANN
FILE PHOTO: Former New York Mets’ pitcher Ron Darling waves to the crowd before throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at Game 7 in the Mets’ NLCS playoff baseball series against the St. Louis Cardinals in New York October 19, 2006. REUTERS/Mike Segar
April 2, 2019
Former New York Mets pitcher Ron Darling on Tuesday stood by the allegation he made in his new book that Lenny Dykstra shouted racial slurs at a Boston Red Sox pitcher in the 1986 World Series.
Darling went on the ESPN radio show “Golic and Wingo” to reassert his claim that Dykstra, his former teammate, hurled racial insults at Dennis “Oil Can” Boyd prior to his first at-bat of Game 3 of the World Series.
“I heard what I heard and I put it in the book for a reason,” Darling said, referring to his new book titled, “108 Stitches: Loose Threads, Ripping Yarns, and the Darndest Characters from My Time in the Game.”
In the book, released Tuesday, Darling wrote that Dykstra was “shouting every imaginable and unimaginable insult and expletive in his [Boyd’s] direction — foul, racist, hateful, hurtful stuff” while in the on-deck circle. Further, Darling wrote that the insults were “worse than anything Jackie Robinson might have heard.”
For his part, Dykstra went on ESPN Radio’s “Michael Kay Show” on Monday and threatened to sue Darling. Further, Dwight Gooden and Kevin Mitchell told Kay on Monday that they never heard Dykstra slur Boyd.
But Darling said Tuesday that there’s “no chance that I misremembered it.”
–Field Level Media
Source: OANN
Mar 23, 2019; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) throws the ball against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
March 26, 2019
The New York Mets and reigning Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom agreed to terms on a five-year, $137.5 million extension, according to multiple reports Tuesday.
The deal was first reported by SNY and is pending a physical.
DeGrom, 30, had been under contract through next season and was scheduled to earn $17 million in 2019. The agreement comes just three days after the ace right-hander told reporters that he wasn’t confident of a deal being struck before he takes the mound on Opening Day against the Washington Nationals on Thursday.
Boston Red Sox pitcher Chris Sale agreed to a five-year, $145 million extension last Friday, and the Houston Astros reached a two-year, $66 million deal with former Cy Young winner Justin Verlander.
“Honestly, I really have been trying not to think about it,” deGrom told reporters after his final spring training start. “Yeah, I said I wanted to get something done, but it’s getting close to opening day and I think my focus is on that right now.”
The Mets and deGrom agreed to a one-year, $17 million contract rather than go to arbitration in January. He will now earn $7 million in 2019 to go with a $10 million signing bonus, $23 million in 2020, $33.5 million in 2021-22 and $30.5 million in 2023 with a club option in 2024, according to reports.
DeGrom is coming off a 2018 season in which he posted a 1.70 ERA with 269 strikeouts in 32 starts and won the Cy Young despite going just 10-9 for a Mets team that finished 77-85. It was the lowest win total ever for a Cy Young winner, breaking the previous record of 13 set by the Seattle Mariners’ Felix Hernandez in 2010.
DeGrom won the National League Rookie of the Year award in 2014. Through five major league seasons, he is 55-41 with a 2.67 ERA and a 27.0 WAR to go with 1,000 strikeouts against 222 walks.
“Jake’s the best pitcher in baseball right now,” teammate Noah Syndergaard said Sunday. “I think he deserves whatever amount he’s worth. I want to keep him happy, so when it does come time for him to reach free agency, he stays on our side pitching for the Mets. I just think they should quit all this fuss and pay the man already.”
–Field Level Media
Source: OANN
Mar 22, 2019; West Palm Beach, FL, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) throws to first base and retires New York Mets catcher Wilson Ramos (not pictured) in the second inning of a spring training game at FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
March 26, 2019
AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST (in projected order of finish)
HOUSTON ASTROS
To review: 103-59 in 2018, first in AL West, lost in ALCS
What’s new: Additions include OF Michael Brantley, C Robinson Chirinos and LHP Wade Miley. Gone are C Brian McCann, UT Marwin Gonzalez, DH Evan Gattis, LHP Dallas Keuchel and RHP Charlie Morton.
Cause for concern: Versatile RHP Lance McCullers Jr. is out for the 2019 season after needing Tommy John surgery, and former top right-handed pitching prospect Francis Martes is suspended 80 games after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance. Ace RHPs Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole are each on track to become free agents after the season.
Projecting 2019: The Astros are once again among the favorites in the AL, returning a star-studded roster that will benefit from the addition of three-time All-Star Brantley. With Verlander leading the staff, pitching remains a strength, and top right-handed pitching prospect Forrest Whitley isn’t far from adding himself to the mix. Outfield prospect Kyle Tucker could stick in the majors after making his debut last season, adding to a core that received a long-term boost in the form of 3B Alex Bregman’s six-year, $100 million extension.
LOS ANGELES ANGELS
To review: 80-82 in 2018, fourth in AL West
What’s new: Additions include C Jonathan Lucroy, 1B Justin Bour, RHPs Matt Harvey, Cody Allen and Trevor Cahill and new manager Brad Ausmus. Gone are RHP Garrett Richards and former skipper Mike Scioscia.
Cause for concern: DH Shohei Ohtani (Tommy John surgery) won’t be ready for Opening Day in addition to not being able to pitch all season. LHPs Tyler Skaggs (forearm) and Andrew Heaney (elbow) remain injury-prone this spring.
Projecting 2019: The Scioscia era has come to an end in Los Angeles, but the Angels made sure the Mike Trout era will last the bulk of the star outfielder’s career with a record-shattering, 12-year deal worth more than $430 million signed this spring. Trout remains a perennial MVP candidate capable of keeping the Angels in striking distance in the AL nearly himself. He’ll soon get help in the form of top outfield prospect Jo Adell, who reached Double-A last season.
OAKLAND ATHLETICS
To review: 97-65, second in AL West, lost AL wild-card game
What’s new: Additions include UT Jurickson Profar, OF Robbie Grossman and RHP Marco Estrada. Gone are C Jonathan Lucroy, 2B Jed Lowrie and RHPs Trevor Cahill and Jeurys Familia.
Cause for concern: LHP Sean Manaea’s 2019 season is in question as he continues to recover from arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Meanwhile, 1B Matt Olson (29 HRs in 2018) will miss the early portion of the season after undergoing surgery to address a hand fracture.
Projecting 2019: It’s tough to gauge expectations for the A’s, who shocked baseball with a playoff run last season after three straight last-place finishes in the AL West. The roster remains one of the cheapest in baseball and short on star power, but 3B Matt Chapman is poised for superstardom after proving he’s more than a glove at the hot corner last season. Left-handed pitching prospect A.J. Puk’s expected return from Tommy John surgery could offer a bright look into Oakland’s future, though the Athletics’ stock took a hit when 2018 first-rounder Kyler Murray announced he intends to play in the NFL over MLB.
SEATTLE MARINERS
To review: 89-73, third in AL West
What’s new: Additions include C Omar Narvaez, 1B/DH Edwin Encarnacion, 1B/OF Jay Bruce, SS Tim Beckham, OFs Domingo Santana and Mallex Smith, LHP Yusei Kikuchi and RHP Hunter Strickland. Gone are 2B Robinson Cano, DH Nelson Cruz, SS Jean Segura, RHP Edwin Diaz, C Mike Zunino and LHP James Paxton.
Cause for concern: RHP Felix Hernandez couldn’t hold a rotation spot last season; he’ll make $27 million in the final year of his contract in 2019. The loss of Cano, Cruz and Segura isn’t offset by the additions of Encarnacion and Bruce, and Diaz saved 64 percent of the team’s wins last season.
Projecting 2019: After years of appearing poised to end their lengthy playoff drought, the Mariners blew it up this offseason and appear headed toward a rebuild. Seattle could bounce back quickly, though, as key pieces obtained in trades — such as LHP Justus Sheffield and RHP Justin Dunn — aren’t far from the majors. Adding former top shortstop prospect J.P. Crawford from the Phillies gives Seattle a wild card as it looks to establish a new core.
TEXAS RANGERS
To review: 67-95, fifth in AL West
What’s new: Additions include C Jeff Mathis, 3B Asdrubal Cabrera, OF Hunter Pence, RHPs Lance Lynn and Shelby Miller, LHP Drew Smyly and first-time manager Chris Woodward. Gone are 3B Adrian Beltre, C Robinson Chirinos, UT Jurickson Profar and RHP Bartolo Colon.
Cause for concern: Texas committed more errors than any other AL team last season, and overcoming that flaw doesn’t figure to get any easier with Beltre’s retirement. Behind LHP Mike Minor, the Rangers’ rotation is a bunch of question marks.
Projecting 2019: The Rangers are making things interesting with gambles on arms such as Smyly and Miller, but it’s likely the team will once again struggle this season. Further development from RF Nomar Mazara and cutting down LF Joey Gallo’s lofty strikeout totals will be key areas of focus as Texas continues its rebuild, which isn’t expected to leap forward as none of the team’s top prospects have played beyond Double-A.
–By Kyle Brasseur, Field Level Media
Source: OANN
Mar 8, 2019; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Dan Straily (58) throws against the New York Mets during a spring training game at First Data Field. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
March 25, 2019
In somewhat of a surprise move, the Miami Marlins released veteran starting pitcher Dan Straily just three days before the start of the regular season, the team announced Monday.
The 30-year-old right-hander was expected to be the most experienced member of the young Marlins’ rotation this season, and had settled for a $5 million contract this season to avoid arbitration. But the team instead says it was impressed enough with the young arms this spring that it decided to go all-in with their inexperienced, but talented starters.
“We talked about competition and taking the best 25 south with us [to Miami],” Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill told the Sun-Sentinel of the roster. “We had seven [starting pitchers] competing going into spring and the competition did not disappoint.
“We saw the growth of Trevor Richards (25), Pablo Lopez (23) and Sandy Alcantara (23) — these guys came ready to make the team. Caleb Smith (27) was recovering from injury, but everything was great with his recovery. We just wanted to monitor and make sure that he was getting the workload that he needed to be sharp and to help us as we approached Opening Day.”
Jose Urena, 27, is tabbed as the top starter for Miami, and the youth movement leaves Straily as the odd man out after the team decided to move Wei-Yin Chen to the bullpen a day earlier.
Straily, who was traded from the Cincinnati Reds before the 2017 season, produced respectable numbers in his two seasons with the Marlins — going 15-15 in 56 starts with a 4.20 ERA. But he struggled on the mound this spring, allowing six home runs in five starts with a 5.94 ERA.
Since coming up with the Oakland A’s in 2012, Straily has pitched for five teams in seven seasons — including the A’s (2012-14), Chicago Cubs (2014), Houston Astros (2015), Reds (2016) and the Marlins.
In seven big-league seasons Straily is 42-36 with a 4.23 ERA in 142 appearances (132 starts), with a career-best season in 2016 with the Reds (14-8, 3.76 ERA).
–Field Level Media
Source: OANN
Mar 8, 2019; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard (34) delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins during a spring training game at First Data Field. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
March 25, 2019
Pitcher Noah Syndergaard fired a shot at the New York Mets front office Sunday, expressing frustration that teammate Jacob deGrom hasn’t been signed to a contract extension and that the team has an unconventional travel schedule prior to Opening Day.
The Mets and deGrom, who won the 2018 National League Cy Young Award, talked in the offseason, but deGrom told reporters Saturday he wasn’t confident of an agreement in the next few days.
The Mets and deGrom agreed to a one-year, $17 million contract rather than go to arbitration in January. He is eligible to become a free agent in 2021, and Syndergaard said he doesn’t want it to reach that point. This weekend, the Boston Red Sox and ace Chris Sale agreed to a five-year, $145 million extension, and the Houston Astros reached a two-year, $66 million deal with former Cy Young winner Justin Verlander.
“Jake’s the best pitcher in baseball right now. I think he deserves whatever amount he’s worth. I want to keep him happy, so when it does come time for him to reach free agency, he stays on our side pitching for the Mets. I just think they should quit all this fuss and pay the man already,” Syndergaard told reporters.
–Cleveland Indians All-Star third baseman Jose Ramirez was carted off the field after fouling a pitch off his left knee.
The switch-hitter was batting right-handed in the third inning of an exhibition game against the Chicago White Sox in Goodyear, Ariz.
Ramirez immediately dropped to the dirt and remained down for several minutes before being assisted to the medical cart. The team called it a left knee contusion and said Ramirez was being taken for X-rays.
–Catcher Erik Kratz will back up Buster Posey in San Francisco after the Giants traded for the veteran.
The Giants sent minor league infielder C.J. Hinojosa to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for Kratz.
Kratz, 38, agreed to a one-year deal worth $1.2 million, with $300,000 guaranteed, with the Brewers in November. Milwaukee added Kratz last May in a deal with the New York Yankees and he played in 67 games for the Brewers, batting .236 with six home runs and 23 RBIs.
–The Cleveland Indians signed infielder Brad Miller to a one-year major league contract.
The versatile veteran has played almost every position on the diamond, but the Indians will likely ask him to handle second base while All-Star Jason Kipnis recovers from a right calf strain.
Kipnis has already been ruled out for Thursday’s season opener at Minnesota. Miller, 29, hit .385 with two homers and three RBIs this spring in 12 games with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
–Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Mark Trumbo will open the season on the injured list, manager Brandon Hyde confirmed.
Trumbo, who led the majors with 47 home runs in 2016, has batted .167 in 13 plate appearances this spring as he recovers from offseason surgery on his right knee. He is a two-time All-Star (2012, 2016) with a .250 career average, 218 home runs and 626 RBIs in 1,085 games with the Los Angeles Angels, Arizona Diamondbacks, Seattle Mariners and Orioles.
“We’re going to let him continue to do his rehab down here,” Hyde told reporters in Sarasota, Fla., according to MLB.com. “I give him so much credit for everything he’s done during his whole rehab process. Give him a ton of credit for trying to come back from a tough injury earlier than anybody has.”
–The Astros finalized a two-year extension with Justin Verlander, the team announced.
“Justin Verlander is one of the elite pitchers in baseball,” said general manager Jeff Luhnow in announcing the deal with the team’s ace. “His late-season arrival in 2017 helped the Astros deliver its first ever championship to the city of Houston. Our fans share in my excitement that Justin will be in an Astros uniform for at least three more years.”
The extension adds two years and $66 million to Verlander’s current deal, which had one year remaining. It makes Verlander the highest-paid pitcher in terms of annual average value ($33 million).
–The Chicago Cubs will option outfielder Ian Happ to Triple-A Iowa, meaning he won’t start the season on the big-league roster.
Happ, 24, was unhappy with the decision, according to manager Joe Maddon. He is expected to get time in center field, second base and third base. The Cubs also are hoping he’ll get more comfortable batting from the left side of the plate.
“I really don’t blame him,” Maddon said at spring training on Saturday. “The guy has really performed very well for us at different periods of time on the major-league level. He is so ingrained in the culture within the building and within the clubhouse. Great teammate. A lot of the veterans have accepted him very readily, which doesn’t happen often with young players.”
–Field Level Media
Source: OANN
Mar 8, 2019; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard (34) delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins during a spring training game at First Data Field. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
March 24, 2019
Pitcher Noah Syndergaard fired a shot at the New York Mets front office Sunday, expressing frustration that teammate Jacob deGrom hasn’t been signed to a contract extension and that the team has an unconventional travel schedule prior to Opening Day.
The Mets and deGrom, who won the 2018 National League Cy Young Award, talked in the offseason, but deGrom told reporters Saturday he wasn’t confident of an agreement in the next few days.
The Mets and deGrom agreed to a one-year, $17 million contract rather than go to arbitration in January. He is eligible to become a free agent in 2021, and Syndergaard said he doesn’t want it to reach that point.
“Jake’s the best pitcher in baseball right now. I think he deserves whatever amount he’s worth. I want to keep him happy, so when it does come time for him to reach free agency, he stays on our side pitching for the Mets. I just think they should quit all this fuss and pay the man already,” Syndergaard told reporters.
This weekend, the Boston Red Sox and ace Chris Sale agreed to a five-year, $145 million extension, and the Houston Astros reached a two-year, $66 million deal with former Cy Young winner Justin Verlander.
“If there wasn’t a trend of other guys getting contract extensions, I don’t know what the circumstance would be. But you can see Chris Sale, Verlander, those guys getting extensions. I think it’s time Jacob gets one, too,” Syndergaard said.
The right-hander also said he didn’t understand the reasoning behind the Mets not returning to the Big Apple before their season opener Thursday. Instead, the team will leave Sarasota, Fla., and travel to Syracuse, N.Y., before heading to Washington, D.C., for the opener with the Nationals.
“I don’t know whose idea that was, but it’s not a smart one,” Syndergaard said. “I don’t think that’s conducive for winning ballgames, really — that much travel. I mean, I’m sure the amenities in Syracuse aren’t the best for a Major League Baseball team to go up there and have one last workout before the regular season starts, but those kinds of decisions are above my pay grade.”
–Field Level Media
Source: OANN
Mar 2, 2019; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) throws against the New York Mets at First Data Field. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
March 24, 2019
The Houston Astros have finalized a two-year extension with ace pitcher Justin Verlander, the team announced on Sunday.
“Justin Verlander is one of the elite pitchers in baseball,” said general manager Jeff Luhnow in announcing the deal. “His late-season arrival in 2017 helped the Astros deliver its first ever championship to the city of Houston. Our fans share in my excitement that Justin will be in an Astros uniform for at least three more years.”
The extension adds two years and $66 million to Verlander’s current deal, which had one year remaining. It makes Verlander the highest-paid pitcher in terms of annual average value ($33 million).
Only outfielder Mike Trout, who will average nearly $36 million annually on his recently signed 12-year, $430 million deal, has a deal with a higher per-annum payout.
Verlander, 36, went 16-9 with a 2.52 ERA and an American League-leading 290 strikeouts in 34 starts last season, his first full season in Houston since coming over from Detroit in a trade in 2017.
Last season, the 2011 AL Cy Young winner finished second for the third time in voting for that award and was part of the top five for the seventh time. He also was the league Most Valuable Player in 2011.
Overall, Verlander is 21-9 in 39 starts with the Astros, posting a 2.32 ERA and striking out 333 batters in 248 innings. The Astros won the World Series in 2017 following the trade for Verlander.
The Astros already had reached extensions with All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman (six years, $100 million) and righty reliever Ryan Pressly (two years, $17.5 million) in the past few days.
Bregman, who turns 25 on Friday, finished fifth in the American League MVP voting last season after batting .286 with a league-high 51 doubles, 31 homers, 103 RBIs and 105 runs scored.
Pressley, 30, is under contract for $2.9 million in 2019 and would have been eligible for free agency after this season. The deal covers the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
–Field Level Media
Source: OANN
Mar 22, 2019; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (46) connects for a double against the New York Mets during a spring training game at First Data Field. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
March 23, 2019
The St. Louis Cardinals announced a five-year extension for newly acquired first baseman Paul Goldschmidt on Saturday.
Financial terms were not revealed, but the St. Louis Post Dispatch reported that it will pay him “around $130 million.”
The deal will keep Goldschmidt, 31, in St. Louis through the 2024 season.
“When we made the trade to acquire Paul, we knew we had added one of the game’s premier players,” Cardinals’ President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak said in a statement. “We are all excited for Paul’s introduction to St. Louis, and to our passionate fans, who we feel will make this the perfect match.”
Arizona traded Goldschmidt, a six-time All-Star, to St. Louis in December in exchange for right-hander Luke Weaver, catcher Carson Kelly, infielder Andy Young and the Cardinals’ Compensation B selection in the 2019 draft.
Goldschmidt has slugged 30 or more homers in four of the past six seasons, but the Diamondbacks were shopping the 31-year-old because he was entering the last season of his contract, which was slated to pay him $14.5 million. He batted .290 with 33 homers and 83 RBIs in 2018. He has three 100-RBI campaigns and has batted .300 or better three times since 2013.
Overall, he batted .297 with 209 homers and 710 RBIs in 1,092 games over parts of eight seasons for Arizona. He finished second in National League MVP balloting in 2013, when he set career highs of 36 homers and 125 RBIs, and again in 2015.
–Field Level Media
Source: OANN
Mar 2, 2019; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) throws against the New York Mets at First Data Field. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
March 23, 2019
The Houston Astros are closing in on a two-year extension worth $66 million for ace pitcher Justin Verlander, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.
Verlander, 36, went 16-9 with a 2.52 ERA and an American League-leading 290 strikeout in 34 starts last season, his first full season in Houston since coming over from Detroit in a trade in 2017.
Last season, the 2011 AL Cy Young winner finished second for the third time in voting for that award and was part of the top five for the seventh time. He also was the league Most Valuable Player in 2011.
Overall, Verlander is 21-9 in 39 starts with the Astros, posting a 2.32 ERA and striking out 333 batters in 248 innings. The Astros won the World Series in 2017 following the trade for Verlander.
The Astros already reached extensions with All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman (six years, $100 million) and righty reliever Ryan Pressly (two years, $17.5 million) in the past few days.
Bregman, who turns 25 on March 30, finished fifth in the American League MVP voting last season after batting .286 with a league-high 51 doubles, 31 homers, 103 RBIs and 105 runs scored.
Pressley, 30, is under contract for $2.9 million in 2019 and would have been eligible for free agency after this season. The deal covers the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
–Field Level Media
Source: OANN
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