Latest news with #EugenioSuárez
Los Angeles Times
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Angels didn't let their ‘mid' reputation bury their playoff aspirations
In the slang, 'mid' means disappointingly mediocre, forgettable, uninspiring. On TikTok, a classic rant starts: 'It's called the Midwest because everything in it is mid! Skyline Chili? Mid! Your Cincinnati Reds, who haven't won a World Series since 1990? M-M-M-Mid!!!' Today, the Reds are five games over .500, and one of four teams that appear to be competing for the three National League wild-card spots. They added a starting pitcher, an elite defensive third baseman and a veteran utilityman batting .298 ahead of Thursday's trade deadline. The Angels are mid. They are three games under .500, four games out in the American League wild-card race, with four teams to pass, hoping to end baseball's longest playoff drought at 10 years. The Seattle Mariners, tied with the Texas Rangers for the final wild-card spot, traded for middle-of-the-lineup corner infielders in third baseman Eugenio Suárez and first baseman Josh Naylor. The Rangers acquired Merrill Kelly to supplement Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi atop the starting rotation. The Angels made two trades, picking up two veteran setup men and an infielder batting .152 for three lightly regarded minor leaguers. Why lightly bolster a team with a 1.3% chance of making the playoffs, as projected by Baseball Prospectus before Thursday's trades, when you could start building the 2026 roster in the many areas needing improvement? 'Giving them a chance to play this thing out, relative to what was presented [in trade talks], made a lot of sense,' Angels general manager Perry Minasian said. In large part, he said, this was about the young players. 'The development of our core is obviously very, very, very important,' Minasian said. 'Being competitive in August and September is really, really important for this group, not only for the now but for the future — playing meaningful games, understanding there is an expectation to win, showing up to the ballpark every day feeling like you have a chance to win over a six-month period. 'It's hard to quantify, but I felt like it was very important for this group to go through that, to see what playing in August demands, what playing in September is like.' Does he see the 2025 Angels playing meaningful games in October? 'I don't make predictions,' he said. Beyond shortstop Zach Neto, no one on the Angels' current roster was likely to command an elite prospect in return. Yet the Angels could have traded soon-to-be free agents such as pitchers Kenley Jansen and Tyler Anderson, or infielders Yoan Moncada and Luis Rengifo, to fill 2026 needs: a back-end starter, bullpen help, a utility infielder, a defense-first outfielder, upper-level depth in the minor leagues. Maybe Oswald Peraza, the once-hyped New York Yankees prospect with the .152 average, starts at third base next year, or secures that utility job. Minasian called him 'a classic change-of-scenery guy.' To get him, however, the Angels surrendered $73,766 in international bonus pool money that could have been better used to sign Latin American prospects. Minasian said the Angels had used what they needed of their $6,261,600 pool they needed this year — and the better prospects cost much more than $73,766 — but they cannot afford to close any avenues for talent acquisition. In 2021, the Angels drafted all pitchers and failed to get a collective 1.0 WAR out of them. The Dodgers basically did the same thing: 20 picks, 18 pitchers, same under-1 WAR, although they have gotten some big moments from Ben Casparius, Emmet Sheehan and Justin Wrobleski. But the Dodgers spend whatever they need, and then some, on deep and talented rosters of players, coaches and executives, and on player development and player acquisition. It's not all about money. It's about creativity too. The Dodgers inserted themselves into a three-team trade Wednesday to bolster their farm system by trading a surplus minor league catcher for two minor league pitchers. The Dodgers last year inserted themselves into another three-team trade to grab reliever Michael Kopech, then-injured Tommy Edman for a depth bat and two minor leaguers. The last time the Angels were a party to a three-team deal, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman facilitated that too. The Dodgers got four players from the Miami Marlins, then swapped pitcher Andrew Heaney to the Angels for infielder Howie Kendrick. That was in 2014. The Angels these days do not spend as much, or as well, on free agents. They do not distinguish themselves in scouting, analytics, player development or international signings. That forces them to narrow their focus to drafting college players who race through the minor leagues. A weak draft class hurts far more in Anaheim than it does in L.A. The Angels have their kids, but the optimism inherent in their talk of a young core obscures the fact they are about to have to pay the kids — and, money aside, they are running out of time. Neto, the lone star to emerge so far from the young core, is eligible for salary arbitration this winter. The Angels control him for only three more seasons — maybe less, if some or all of the 2027 season is lost to a collective bargaining war. Catcher Logan O'Hoppe and pitcher José Soriano also are eligible for arbitration this winter. First baseman Nolan Schanuel is eligible next winter. In the big picture, nothing much changed Thursday. The plan today is the same as it was in spring training: hope enough young players blossom that, when Anthony Rendon's contract expires next fall, Minasian can persuade owner Arte Moreno that spending big on one or two players in free agency could make the difference. If playing meaningful games this August makes those young players that much better, perhaps this trade deadline was worth it. Moreno resists rebuilding, as an advocate for fans he believes deserve to see a competitive team. No one in Orange County has to watch what something akin to what the Colorado Rockies are offering — or what the Houston Astros were offering before their ongoing run of success. Rebuilding could mean 100-loss seasons and an even greater drop in attendance; competing could mean sneaking into the playoffs with 84 victories. The Angels could do that this year. It could work. However, it has not worked over the last decade, and in the meantime the Angels have become an unwitting poster child for a players' union fighting against a salary cap to say, 'Market size is not destiny. Look at the Angels.' You can say the game plan is to contend every year, in the interest of the fans, but you should not try to win every year on a wing and a prayer. Your most dedicated fans — represented by the hundreds that decorated themselves in wings and halos at Wednesday's game, flapping their arms as angels in the outfield — were not shy about letting their feelings be known. You could hear them loud and clear, at the game and on the television broadcast, 'Sell the team!'
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
What we're hearing at the MLB trade deadline; all the moves, Red Sox rumors
Will the Boston Red Sox make another trade? Will the biggest names in baseball be moved? Will the San Diego Padres go all-out for Jarren Duran? It's time to find out as we hit 2025 MLB trade deadline day. Thursday's deadline is set for 6 p.m. EST, which leaves plenty of time for deals to get done. The Red Sox have already completed a trade, sending prospect Blaze Jordan to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for veteran pitcher Steven Matz. Is there more in store? Here are all the Red Sox trade rumors we're hearing, along with every deal that's come through today: MLB trade deadline 2025: Live updates, full list of trades RUMOR: MLB Network's Jon Heyman reports that the Red Sox are among the teams still in the hunt for Marlins pitcher Sandy Alcantara, along with the Astros, Cubs and Yankees. TRADE: According to multiple reports, the A's are trading star closer Mason Miller and starting pitcher J.P Sears to the Padres for a package of players. RUMOR: The Red Sox were reportedly 'in the mix' to try and acquire All-Star third baseman Eugenio Suárez from the Mariners. According to The Athletic, the Red Sox had 'the intention of acquiring him to play first base.' TRADE: ESPN's Jeff Passan reports that the Blue Jays have acquired pitcher Shane Bieber from the Guardians. TRADE: The Red Sox have made a deadline deal, sending minor-league infielder Blaze Jordan to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for 34-year-old pitcher Steven Matz. The Cardinals officially announced the move Thursday morning. The veteran lefty worked out of the bullpen in St. Louis, but has experience starting games. TRADE: The Mariners and Diamondbacks have agreed to a deal that would send third baseman Eugenio Suárez to Seattle, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. Recap of Wednesday's rumors and deals RUMOR: Despite the Red Sox turning the Padres down before, The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Dennis Lin report they're still pursuing Jarren Duran. RUMOR: The New York Post's Jon Heyman reports that the Houston Astros and the Seattle Mariners are among the teams interested in Will Castro. RUMOR: MLB Network's Jon Morosi reports that the Chicago Cubs, Seattle Mariners and Detroit Tigers are among the suitors for Eugenio Suárez. RUMOR: MLB Network's Jon Morosi reports the Colorado Rockies are discussing Seth Halvorsen and Jimmy Herget with teams. RUMOR: USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale reports that the price tag for Pirates relief pitcher is rising. He names the New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers and Seattle Mariners as teams looking to bolster their bullpen. TRADE: ESPN's Jeff Passan reports the New York Mets are acquiring relief pitcher Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals. After the Jhoan Duran trade, the relief market is beginning to move. TRADE: The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reports the Phillies are close to acquiring Jhoan Duran from the Twins. USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale reported the Twins will receive Eduardo Tait and Mick Abel in the deal. RUMOR: MassLive's Sean McAdam reports the Red Sox inquired about Jhoan Duran, but the asking price remains quite high. RUMOR: MLB Network's Jon Morosi reports that veteran Justin Verlander is available on the trade market, and the San Francisco Giants are open to working out a deal that makes sense for the 42-year-old. TRADE: The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reports the Seattle Mariners are acquiring pitcher Caleb Ferguson from the Pittsburgh Pirates. RUMOR: MLB Network's Joel Sherman reports that the Seattle Mariners are 'making a play' to acquire Jhoan Duran. Like other reports, Sherman expects the Twins closer to be dealt Wednesday. TRADE: The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reports the New York Mets are acquiring pitcher Tyler Rogers from the San Francisco Giants. RUMOR: USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale reports that the Twins are expected to trade Jhoan Duran by end of day Wednesday. The Los Angeles Dodgers are in 'strong pursuit.' TRADE: Mark Feinsand reports the Cincinnati Reds are acquiring third baseman Ke'Brayan Hayes from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Hayes is one of MLB's best defensive players and also has five years of control left on his contract. RUMOR: WEEI's Rob Bradford reports the Red Sox have 'shown some interest' in pitcher Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen. RUMOR: The New York Post's Jon Heyman reports the Red Sox are among several teams 'prominently in' on pitcher Jhoan Duran. Mark Feinsand added that the Twins could move Duran on Wednesday. RUMOR: MLB Network's Jon Morosi reports the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Cleveland Guardians have discussed Shane Bieber. TRADE: ESPN's Jeff Passan reports pitcher Luis Garcia has been traded to the Los Angeles Angels from the Washington Nationals. Andrew Chafin is also part of the package going to LA. RUMOR: Mark Feinsand reports the Cleveland Guardians are trying to trade both Steven Kwan and Shane Bieber. RUMOR: ESPN's Jeff Passan reports that no deal is close between the Astros and the Twins for Carlos Correa. RUMOR: MassLive's Sean McAdam reports that the Red Sox were in 'stealth mode' on Tuesday, though 'the chances of the Red Sox landing a controllable starter seem negligible.' TRADE: Mark Feinsand reports the Atlanta Braves acquired right-handed pitcher Tyler Kinley from Colorado Rockies. RUMOR: The New York Post's Jon Heyman reports Jhoan Duran's market is beginning to heat up. The relief pitcher has a 2.01 ERA this season. RUMOR: Mark Feinsand reports that the market for Eugenio Suárez is 'beginning to take shape.' The Seattle Mariners, Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies are considered the 'primary teams' involved for the third baseman. RUMOR: The New York Post's Jon Heyman reports the Houston Astros have inquired about a reunion with Carlos Correa. Correa has a full no-trade clause and Heyman notes he loves playing for the Minnesota Twins. TRADE: ESPN's Jeff Passan reports the New York Yankees acquired outfielder Austin Slater from the Chicago White Sox. More Red Sox coverage What we're hearing on Red Sox trade deadline plans with six hours to go Fenway Insider Live: Sean McAdam on Craig Breslow, trade deadline Red Sox trade rumors: Boston was 'in mix' for All-Star 3B to play 1B (report) Red Sox make first trade before deadline, acquire lefty reliever (with starting experience) Red Sox starter says having two young kids has cured day game woes: 'It's the reality of it' Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Red Sox trade rumors: Boston was ‘in mix' for All-Star 3B to play 1B (report)
The Mariners reportedly acquired All-Star third baseman Eugenio Suárez in a trade with the Diamondbacks just before midnight Wednesday. The Red Sox were one of the teams 'in the mix' and Boston had 'the intention of acquiring him to play first base,' The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Jen McCaffrey reported. Boston should be looking to upgrade at first base. The Sox rank 20th in OPS (.702) at first base among MLB's 30 teams. The trade deadline is at 6 p.m. Thursday. Rays first baseman Yandy Díaz is one name to watch for Boston. Suárez has played just two innings in his career at first base, both coming this season. He has started 1,288 career games at third base and 200 games at shortstop. But all his innings in the field since the beginning of 2022 (except for the two innings at first base this season) have come at third base. The 34-year-old Venezuelan native is making $15 million this season and is a two-month rental for Seattle. He's set to hit free agency this coming offseason. He batted .248 with a .320 on-base percentage, .576 slugging percentage, .897 OPS, 36 homers, 19 doubles and an MLB-leading 87 RBIs in 106 games (437 plate appearances) for Arizona. More Red Sox coverage What we're hearing on Red Sox trade deadline plans with six hours to go Fenway Insider Live: Sean McAdam on Craig Breslow, trade deadline What we're hearing at the MLB trade deadline; all the moves, Red Sox rumors Red Sox make first trade before deadline, acquire lefty reliever (with starting experience) Red Sox starter says having two young kids has cured day game woes: 'It's the reality of it' Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Detroit Tigers trade target Eugenio Suárez gets 'good news' after scary hit by pitch
All-Star third baseman Eugenio Suárez is expected to be traded by the Arizona Diamondbacks before the MLB trade deadline at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 31. The Detroit Tigers are among several teams showing interest. He is the No. 1 hitter on the trade block. On Monday, July 28, Suárez scared everyone when he was hit on the right index finger by a 96 mph fastball from Tigers reliever Will Vest in the ninth inning at Comerica Park, but he said X-rays were negative for a fracture. "The good thing right now is we did the X-ray, and it was negative," Suárez said after the Tigers' 5-1 win over the Diamondbacks in Monday's opener of a three-game series. "We got more tests to do tomorrow. Right now, it's painful, obviously. "The good news is the X-ray was negative. We'll see tomorrow what else they're going to do. Right now, I will do my best to try to be back soon." MOCK TRADES: Eugenio Suárez trade: What Tigers could give up to get him from Diamondbacks Suárez will receive another scan Tuesday, July 29, to further evaluate his right index finger. It's unclear when he will return to the lineup. "I'll be back soon," Suárez said. WHAT HE WANTS: Slugger Eugenio Suárez interested in Tigers return as trade deadline approaches Suárez, 34, is hitting .248 with 36 home runs, an MLB-leading 87 RBIs, 29 walks and 116 strikeouts in 105 games during the 2025 season, all while playing more than 870 innings at third base. [ MUST LISTEN: Make "Days of Roar" your go-to Tigers podcast, available anywhere you listen to podcasts (Apple, Spotify) ] The 12-year veteran began his career with the Tigers, signing out of Venezuela in 2008 and making his MLB debut in 2014. He then joined the Cincinnati Reds (2015-21), Seattle Mariners (2022-23) and Diamondbacks (2024-25). "I really hope Geno is OK," Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. "That was a nasty hit by pitch. I don't know what's going to come with that, but I know he's well-loved in this organization, in that organization, really every organization he's been in. That was an ugly sound at the end for a very popular and talented player. Let's all pray for the best." This story will be updated. Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@ or follow him @EvanPetzold. Listen to our weekly Tigers show "Days of Roar" every Monday afternoon on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. And catch all of our podcasts and daily voice briefing at Order your copy of 'Roar of 125: The Epic History of the Tigers!' by the Free Press at This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers trade target Eugenio Suarez gets 'good news' on finger
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Why Mariners believe they can win the World Series
The post Why Mariners believe they can win the World Series appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Seattle Mariners are swinging big — again. And this time, it's not just about getting to October. It's about going all the way. After reuniting with slugger Eugenio Suárez in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Mariners have made it crystal clear: they believe they can win the World Series in 2025. Per MLB insider Jon Morosi, Seattle's internal confidence is sky-high. With starters Logan Gilbert and George Kirby returning to full health, the AL MVP frontrunner Cal Raleigh leading the offense, and new additions like Josh Naylor and now Suárez, the Mariners feel the path to an American League crown is wide open. 'We're excited to bring Geno back into the clubhouse,' Mariners GM Justin Hollander said. 'He's a proven bat with big-game experience and someone our guys already know and respect.' Mariners looking to make a postseason push after huge deadline acquisitions Suárez, who played in Seattle from 2022–23, rejoins a reshaped lineup that suddenly looks like one of the league's most dangerous. The 34-year-old third baseman is enjoying a monster season, hitting .248 with 36 home runs and a National League-leading 87 RBIs. He now teams up with Raleigh — who also has 41 homers — as Seattle becomes just the second team in MLB history to feature two 50-homer threats in the same lineup, should the duo keep pace. The deal cost Seattle three prospects, including big-league-ready first baseman Tyler Locklear, but the price was more than worth it for a franchise chasing its first-ever World Series title. Suárez is only under contract through the end of the season, but the short-term impact could be massive. He provides a significant upgrade over rookie Ben Williamson, who had been holding down the hot corner with a solid glove but little offensive production. Beyond Suárez, Seattle has quietly addressed other needs. The club added left-handed reliever Caleb Ferguson from the Pirates to bolster a bullpen that already features Andrés Muñoz, Matt Brash, and Gabe Speier. Ferguson has held lefties to a .167 average this season and brings valuable postseason experience to the table. The Mariners, 57-52, are currently tied with the Texas Rangers for the final AL Wild Card spot and sit five games behind the division-leading Houston Astros. But the mood in the clubhouse is anything but discouraged. With a deep rotation (Luis Castillo, Gilbert, Kirby, Bryan Woo), a lights-out bullpen, and a now-balanced offense that includes Julio Rodríguez, Randy Arozarena, and Jorge Polanco alongside the big bats, Seattle is betting on talent and chemistry. 'Suárez isn't just a slugger — he's a leader,' Morosi noted. 'That kind of clubhouse presence matters in October.' For a team that hasn't been shy about its championship aspirations, the trade deadline moves were bold, calculated, and just aggressive enough to make the rest of the league take notice. The road won't be easy. But for the Mariners, the belief is real — and now, so is the firepower. Related: Eugenio Suarez trade breaks 28-year-old Mark McGwire record Related: Cal Raleigh's 'amazing' reaction to Eugenio Suarez trade
