Spring coaching has opened for every of the 30 Main League Baseball groups, so it is honest to name it the baseball preseason. Nonetheless, there are probably some trades coming and a handful of vital free brokers to be signed. Let’s collect the information and rumors of the day proper right here.
Padres searching for extra offense
The Padres “proceed to hunt one other bat by way of commerce or free company,” studies The San Diego Union-Tribune.
The Padres ranked eighth within the majors in runs scored final season, however they took some losses within the offseason, together with Jurickson Profrar, Ha-Seong Kim, Kyle Higashioka and Donovan Solano to free company. The highest of the order nonetheless appears to be like fairly robust with Luis Arraez, Fernando Tatis Jr., Jackson Merrill, Manny Machado, Jake Cronenworth and Xander Bogaerts, however that backside third of the lineup appears to be like prefer it leaves rather a lot to be desired. They’re set to have a platoon of Jason Heyward and Connor Joe in left area they usually do not actually have an on a regular basis designated hitter, no less than not one that gives affect.
The perfect choices left in free company can be Justin Turner and J.D. Martinez. Nolan Arenado is thought to be accessible by way of commerce from the Cardinals, however it’s attainable the Padres will probably be trying cheaper than the fee for any of those veteran choices. Mark Canha and Anthony Rizzo are additionally free brokers, whereas the Tigers are seemingly dangling Spencer Torkelson and he may use a change of surroundings.
Boone extension from Yankees seemingly coming quickly
The Yankees and supervisor Aaron Boone have been speaking a few contract extension for an honest portion of the offseason. It was Jan. 28 when proprietor Hal Steinbrenner appeared to point it was very seemingly Boone would get an extension.
On Friday, throughout spring coaching, Yankees basic supervisor Brian Cashman spoke with reporters and, with reference to Boone’s extension, mentioned it was attainable that it will be introduced as official earlier than opening day right here in 2025 (by way of MLB.com).
Boone, 51, was employed previous to the 2018 season. He is received the AL East 3 times and made the ALCS 3 times (2019, 2022 and 2024), taking his first pennant final season earlier than dropping the World Collection to the Dodgers, 4 video games to at least one.
D-backs add Graveman
The Diamondbacks have signed free agent right-hander Kendall Graveman to a one-year deal value $1.35 million (by way of MLB.com). The 34-year-old reliever missed the entire 2024 season after recovering from shoulder surgical procedure however is reportedly full-go now coming into the spring. In 2023, he pitched for the White Sox (45 video games) and Astros (23), posting a 3.12 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 66 strikeouts towards 36 walks in 66⅓ innings. He is served as a more in-depth at occasions, however principally in a setup function.
Arizona has Justin Martinez within the nearer spot, as issues stand, with A.J. Puk, Kevin Ginkel and Ryan Thompson as setup choices. Anticipate Graveman to affix that group and he’d be a closing choice if Martinez ever falters.
Guardians signal Junis
The Guardians have signed versatile pitcher Jakob Junis to a one-year, $4.5 million deal, in line with ESPN. The 32-year-old right-hander appeared in 24 video games final season, beginning six and ending 4. He is labored in just about any pitching function there’s and the Guardians are very adept at getting essentially the most out of pitchers, so it is a good match.
Final season, he pitched to a 2.69 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and struck out 51 whereas solely strolling eight in 67 innings.
