The Tigers had interest in right-hander Will Warren during their trade talks with the Yankees this past summer, the New York Post’s Jon Heyman reports. The two clubs reportedly had a provisional agreement involving Jack Flaherty relatively close to being completed before New York backed out due to concerns over Flaherty’s medical records, though it should be noted that Heyman … [Read more...] about AL Central Notes: Warren, White Sox, Manfred, Caglianone
Previewing Upcoming Qualifying Offer Decisions: Pitchers
While the baseball world’s immediate focus is on the upcoming showdown between two behemoths, the offseason looms just after the World Series. One of the first key decisions for teams is whether to issue a qualifying offer to any of their impending free agents. Clubs have until the fifth day after the conclusion of the World Series to make QO decisions. The QO is a one-year … [Read more...] about Previewing Upcoming Qualifying Offer Decisions: Pitchers
Scott Sharp Withdraws Name From Giants’ GM Search
As the Giants continue their search for a new GM to take over for Pete Putila and serve as Buster Posey’s second-in-command following his installation as president of baseball operations, The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reports that one name under consideration has withdrawn himself from the mix for the job: Royals assistant GM Scott Sharp, who Rosenthal notes is removing himself … [Read more...] about Scott Sharp Withdraws Name From Giants’ GM Search
Offseason Outlook: Kansas City Royals
The 2024 Royals added 30 wins relative to the prior season, going from 56 to 86 and sneaking into the playoffs for the first time since their World Series win in 2015. Now they'll go into the winter as clear contenders for the first time in a while, but still with lots of uncertainty ahead. Guaranteed Contracts Bobby Witt Jr., SS: $279MM through 2034 (Final four years are … [Read more...] about Offseason Outlook: Kansas City Royals
How Cole Ragans Built On His Breakout Season
After losing 106 games in 2023, the Royals responded to the embarrassing result by going on a relative spending spree last winter. Bobby Witt Jr.’s 11-year, $288.78MM extension naturally drew most of the attention, but Kansas City spent $110.5MM on free agent contracts, most notably bringing Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha to bolster the pitching staff. The strategy paid off … [Read more...] about How Cole Ragans Built On His Breakout Season