Latest news with #Ex-Yankees
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Dodgers 'Can't Wait' on Michael Conforto Rebound to Explore Trade for A's Breakout Star
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Los Angeles Dodgers ended their World Series rematch against the New York Yankees with a loss and are now preparing for a brutal stretch of the season. "And now one of baseball's most injury-plagued teams must strap back in for a four-game series against a first-place New York Mets team that has won seven of eight," as Bill Plaschke put it for the Los Angeles Times. "Followed by three games in hot St. Louis. Followed by three games in angry San Diego. Followed by three games against the reborn San Francisco Giants. Followed by four more games against damn San Diego." As the Dodgers look to overcome a series of persistent injuries, a return to the Fall Classic is far from guaranteed. And there are a few places they might consider upgrading their roster, even after a blockbuster winter of star additions. One of those offseason additions, Michael Conforto, hasn't panned out as hoped. And he could be reaching the end of his leash with the Dodgers. SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 25: Miguel Andujar #22 of the Athletics looks on from the dugout against the Chicago White Sox at Sutter Health Park on April 25, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Lachlan... SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 25: Miguel Andujar #22 of the Athletics looks on from the dugout against the Chicago White Sox at Sutter Health Park on April 25, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by) More Cunningham/Getty "The team is giving him a longer runway to find his swing considering the contract and his track record," Jason Fray wrote for Dodgers Nation. "At the same time, what if it never comes? L.A. can't wait on Conforto if his play continues to be this poor." Assessing the landscape for potential trade upgrades to replace Conforto and perhaps third baseman Max Muncy as well, Fray landed on the Athletics' Miguel Andujar, who is enjoying a breakout season in his final year of arbitration eligibility. "His play thus far in 2025 has been spectacular to the point that he could be named an AL All-Star," Fray noted. "In other words, he'd be an upgrade over Conforto (and likely Muncy) in virtually all categories. Andujar's ability to put the ball in play is a skill all teams search for come postseason time." Andujar is slashing .296/.328/.402 with 50 hits and just 23 strikeouts for the A's so far. And, given his contract situation and the team's likely contention window, it seems he could be on the trade block at midseason. If the Dodgers do want to boost the offense amid an epidemic of injuries on the team, they might look across the state for a trade involving Andujar. More MLB: Phillies Front Office Trends Suggest Ex-Yankees All-Star Could Be Bullpen Trade Target
Newsweek
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Orioles Predicted to Replace Ryan Mountcastle as Concerns Mount
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Baltimore Orioles have been disappointed in the playoffs recently. but now it looks like the team could miss them altogether. Baltimore is in last place in the American League East division and holds a 13-23 record after another heartbreaking loss to the Minnesota Twins on Thursday. Despite holding one of the most talented rosters of position players in all of baseball, something seems to be off. After losing Corbin Burnes to the Arizona Diamondbacks last winter, the starting rotation has struggled as many expected. But there also seem to be some problems on offense, as the Orioles rank toward the bottom of Major League Baseball in batting average, on-base percentage and total hits. Those issues could call for a roster change, particularly for a team that has several highly-touted prospects waiting in the wings. Writing for FanSided, Zach Pressnell predicted the Orioles will call up Samuel Basallo as a replacement for struggling first baseman Ryan Mountcastle by the end of May. TORONTO, CANADA - MARCH 28: Ryan Mountcastle #6 of the Baltimore Orioles looks on against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on March 28, 2025 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by) TORONTO, CANADA - MARCH 28: Ryan Mountcastle #6 of the Baltimore Orioles looks on against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on March 28, 2025 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by) Sousa/Getty "Basallo could slot in at first base on a regular basis while also doubling as the backup catcher for (Adley) Rutschman," Pressnell explained. "His potential is among the highest in the league, especially for a prospect of his age." At just 20 years old, Basallo has slashed .210/.286/.419 in 62 Triple-A at-bats so far this season, suggesting a call up might be a little premature. But he's ranked as a top-10 prospect in all of baseball and might offer the Orioles their most intriguing option to replace Mountcastle at the moment. After a strong 2024 campaign, Mountcastle is slashing just .209/.244/.322 at a defensive position that typically provides some power for the batting order. If he doesn't turn it around soon and the Orioles' playoff concerns continue to grow, the team might feel it has little to lose by giving Basallo a look. More MLB: Ex-Yankees All-Star Reveals 'Joke' Reason for Bolting to Join Mets
Newsweek
09-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
With Possible Position Change, Blue Jays' Bo Bichette's Trade 'Market Opens Even More'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Despite some significant effort to lock in more talent, the Toronto Blue Jays have posted a losing record to start the season. After missing the playoffs last fall, the team added win-now contributors like Jeff Hoffman, Anthony Santander, Andres Gimenez and Max Scherzer. And then, shortly after opening day, they locked in superstar slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with a $500 million extension. The Blue Jays now have the third-highest payroll in baseball, per Spotrac, but all of that spending doesn't seem to have changed things. As a result, some more moves could be ahead. Without a significant improvement, it might be time to part ways with shortstop Bo Bichette. Once seen as a long-term running mate for Guerrero, Bichette earned two All-Star nods and three seasons of Most Valuable Player Award votes between 2021 and 2023. TORONTO, ON - APRIL 20: Bo Bichette #11 of the Toronto Blue Jays runs to the dugout prior to a game against the Seattle Mariners at Rogers Centre on April 20, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario,... TORONTO, ON - APRIL 20: Bo Bichette #11 of the Toronto Blue Jays runs to the dugout prior to a game against the Seattle Mariners at Rogers Centre on April 20, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by) More Ridley/Getty But a harsh slump in 2024 has persisted into this season and questions are being raised about whether Bichette will stick as a major-league shortstop. As he reported on extra work Bichette is doing to improve his defense, The Athletic's Mitch Bannon noted he could find himself on a new team in the near future. "There are certainly teams for which Bichette will be an obvious shortstop option, including the Blue Jays," Bannon wrote. "The Milwaukee Brewers ... have plenty of money coming off the books. The Atlanta Braves haven't finished higher than 20th in shortstop wins above average since 2022. If you expand to teams that could use a second baseman, though, Bichette's potential market opens even more." Bannon added Bichette is "likely" to move off shortstop at some point, no matter where he's playing, but that a trade could push that change this season. Bichette acknowledged that he could end up on a new team that has a long-term shortstop in place, suggesting he is open to a position change to accommodate that. "I know there are teams that have shortstops that wouldn't move," Bichette told Bannon. "But I'm just focused on what I can do right now to help my team win, whatever way I can." As that focus includes improving his defense, Bichette could find himself at second base with a new team sooner rather than later. More MLB: Ex-Yankees All-Star Reveals 'Joke' Reason for Bolting to Join Mets
Newsweek
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Three Players Pirates Should Trade After Managerial Change
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. With the firing of manager Derek Shelton, it has been made clear that the Pittsburgh Pirates organization is in disarray, and with a 12-26 record, the season may very well already be a wash. If that is the case, the Pirates should begin putting out feelers and seeing if teams are interested in making early-season trades. Here are three players Pittsburgh should trade. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 27: Isiah Kiner-Falefa #7 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on April 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 27: Isiah Kiner-Falefa #7 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on April 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, Kiner-Falefa, Utility Kiner-Falefa is no stranger to a trade, as he's been moved three times, including twice in 36 hours in the 2022 offseason. His versatility makes him a viable trade candidate. He's a career .263 hitter, including .280 in 109 at-bats so far this season with the Pirates. He's currently on the 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain and it is unclear when he will return to action. Several teams, including the Cubs, Yankees, Twins and Brewers, could use a utility man/defensive replacement for late-game situations. Kiner-Falefa, a former Gold Glove winner, fits the bill. Andrew Heaney, Starting Pitcher Heaney has been the most frequently talked about trade piece from Pittsburgh and it is more and more likely that he will indeed be moved. He is 2-3 with a 3.18 ERA and 34 strikeouts in 39 2/3 innings pitched and seven starts this season. He's allowed eight runs over his last two starts, causing his ERA to climb above three for the first time all season. If he can get back on track and make himself a coveted trade target, the Yankees, Red Sox, Mariners and Guardians could use starting pitching help and should make Pittsburgh an offer for Heaney. David Bednar, Closer Bednar has struggled in a major way over the last two seasons, and a change of scenery may be what he needs to get his career back on track. He was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis less than a week into the season and since being promoted back to the major leagues, he's done solid work. Bednar has allowed just two runs and struck out five batters in his last five appearances. Most teams could always use bullpen help, but the Cubs, Red Sox, Rangers and Phillies are in the bottom 13 of Wins Above Average among relief pitchers. More MLB: Ex-Yankees All-Star Reveals 'Joke' Reason for Bolting to Join Mets
Newsweek
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Yankees Castoff Ignored in Free Agency May Soon Get Dumped by Braves
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Former New York Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo had a subpar year last season, with a .233 batting average and .647 OPS while striking out 93 times in 621 plate appearances. His postseason was not much better, as he amassed just 10 hits and seven walks in 56 trips to the plate. Possibly as a result of those numbers, and possibly also due to some "off-field issues," when Verdugo tested free agency for the first time, he failed the test. He reportedly did not receive a single offer from any team until March 20, with just one week to go before the start of the regular season. ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 21: Alex Verdugo #8 of the Atlanta Braves looks on during the fifth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Truist Park on April 21, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 21: Alex Verdugo #8 of the Atlanta Braves looks on during the fifth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Truist Park on April 21, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. Kevin D. Liles/The 28-year-old signed with the Atlanta Braves, who offered him $1.5 million for one year, though Verdugo had been paid $9.2 million by the Yankees last season. The Braves also assigned him to the minor leagues, a condition that Verdugo — who is out of minor league option years — could have refused. Instead, Verdugo played for the Braves Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers until he got the call to join the big league club on April 17. Now, according to a report by longtime MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, Verdugo may be in danger of losing his Braves job as well. More MLB: Ex-Yankees $9.2 Million Outfielder's 'Sad' Message as Free Agency Gets No Takers Writing for The Athletic on Monday, Rosenthal reported that injured Braves four-time All-Star Ronald Acuña Jr. may finally make his return from knee surgery as soon as "late May or early June." When the 2023 National League MVP makes his comeback, according to Rosenthal, he will take over his familiar right field position being held down by sixth-year journeyman Eli White since the Braves optioned struggling Jarred Kelenic to Triple-A last week. Verdugo is manning left field. When Acuña returns, according to Rosenthal, either Verdugo or White will be the odd man out in Atlanta's outfield, with Michael Harris II keeping a firm grip on centerfield. More MLB: Yankees' $9.2 Million Reject Closer to MLB Return After Triple-A 3-Run Homer But here is Verdugo's problem, as reported by Rosenthal: "Check out these two stat lines: "Alex Verdugo: .304/.361/.393 (.754 OPS) — 13 games "Eli White: .304/.350/.571 (.921 OPS) — 25 games" Though Verdugo has a longer major league track record — the former Los Angeles Dodgers No. 1 prospect is in his ninth season — White has performed significantly better at the plate. Unless those stat lines show major changes, when Acuña is ready to take over right field Braves manager Brian Snitker will be faced with what Rosenthal calls "a hard decision." Does he put what Rosenthal calls White's "delayed breakout from a 30-year-old who had never been able to quite put all of his above-average tools together at the big league level" on hold by benching him? Or he could strip Verdugo of his starting role and possibly set the Yankees castoff up to be traded, or even designated for assignment. Barring an injury to one outfielder or the other, those appear to be the only choices the Braves will have when they get their superstar back in action. More MLB: Ex-Yankee With 'Off-Field Issues' Expected Back in Majors After Braves Shocker
