Latest news with #Manfred
New York Times
an hour ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Bryce Harper cussed out the commissioner. Plus: Trade deadline catch-up
The Windup Newsletter ⚾ | This is The Athletic's MLB newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Windup directly in your inbox. Bryce Harper cussed out the commissioner. I repeat: Bryce Harper cussed out the commissioner. Plus: Emmanuel Clase is the latest Guardians pitcher to become embroiled in MLB's gambling investigation, Ken looks into the Brewers and Rangers' deadline plans, and we catch you up on yesterday's trades. I'm Levi Weaver, here with Ken Rosenthal — welcome to The Windup! Some days, when you sit down to write a baseball newsletter, you furrow your brow as you try to decide which story should go in the first section. Other days, Bryce Harper drops an F-bomb on the commissioner of the sport, and you get to use the phrase 'cusses out' in a section headline. Bryce Harper cusses out the commissioner! Wow! Advertisement Let's set the stage: after the 2022 lockout that threatened the regular season, commissioner Rob Manfred began meeting with each team once a year. The premise: Improve relations with the players! Not try to convince them that a salary cap would benefit them. Definitely not that. In fact, Manfred brought in a collection of former players to improve communication with the players. It's called the Commissioner's Ambassador Program, or CAP for short. (But again, please don't put in the papers that I'm talking about a salary cap, OK?) The union, predictably, has reservations. Fast forward to last week, when Manfred met with the Phillies. As first reported by ESPN, Harper took the opportunity to engage in some communication with the commissioner. As later related by Nick Castellanos, Harper informed Manfred that the commish could 'get the f— out of our clubhouse' if he wanted to talk about a salary cap. Manfred, according to the report, informed Harper that he would 'not get the f— out of here,' because it was an important conversation. The report goes on to say that while Harper and Manfred shook hands at the end of the meeting, the Phillies first baseman did not answer a call from the commissioner the next day. Then Evan Drellich reported that there was even little more drama, with Mark DeRosa telling players something along the lines of: 'The commissioner's a powerful guy, don't f— around with him.' DeRosa later insisted he was joking. Players apparently weren't sure — since the former MLB veteran now works for Manfred, such a statement could be interpreted as a veiled threat. I bet the next CBA negotiations are going to be super easygoing and fun, yeah? Brewers still adding? The Brewers, who acquired catcher Danny Jansen from the Rays on Monday, are among the teams interested in the Orioles' Ryan O'Hearn. While O'Hearn would not be a perfect fit for Milwaukee, the team could find at-bats for him at first base, in left field and at designated hitter. Advertisement Christian Yelich is the Brewers' primary DH. Andrew Vaughn has filled in well at first for Rhys Hoskins, who is expected to return from a sprained left thumb in mid-to-late August. Switch-hitter Isaac Collins, one of the season's bigger surprises, has emerged as the team's primary left fielder. The Brewers, however, entered Monday ranked 21st in slugging percentage by left-handed hitters and 23rd in home runs. O'Hearn, 32, was batting only .218 with a .648 OPS since May 27. But among the Brewers, only Yelich (19) and Jackson Chourio had exceeded his total of 12 homers. O'Hearn, a potential free agent, will be owed about $2.5 million. The Brewers also showed interest in another left-handed hitting first baseman, Josh Naylor, before the Diamondbacks sent him to the Mariners. Naylor at the time was owed nearly $4 million. Financial angle in Texas Something to watch with the surging Rangers: Whether they are willing to go over the luxury-tax threshold for the third consecutive season. The Rangers' estimated luxury-tax payroll, per Fangraphs, is $234.9 million. The first threshold is $241 million. As a third-time offender, the Rangers would be taxed at 50 percent for every dollar they spend over the threshold. If they stay under, their penalty rate would reset to 20 percent. Winners of six straight games and nine of 10 entering Monday night, the Rangers were still day to day in determining how aggressively they should buy. If ownership gives the front office the flexibility to exceed the threshold, the Rangers might as well go significantly past the number. It would make little sense to end the season, say, $1 million over. A trade of right fielder Adolis García, who will be owed approximately $3 million at the deadline, would create additional room under the threshold. The Rangers also could move a pitcher such as right-hander Jon Gray or one of their catchers, Jonah Heim or Kyle Higashioka. But such trades would be self-defeating for a team trying to reach the postseason. Advertisement The Rangers want to add another right-handed hitter as well as a high-leverage reliever such as the Cardinals' Ryan Helsley or Pirates' David Bednar. Trading García would subtract a right-handed bat, and like many of the Rangers' hitters he is on the upswing. Through May 28, Garcia was batting .208 with a .626 OPS. Since then, he has been better, hitting .256 with and a .728 OPS. He also is an excellent defender, and the Rangers consider him an important part of their club. More Rangers: Sam Blum points out that the Rangers' hot streak has come at exactly the right time. Yesterday, we pondered, 'Hmmm, wonder if the Guardians will make Emmanuel Clase available?' Oh, how sweet and innocent we were back in those days, when there was only one Guardians pitcher under investigation by the league for gambling-related suspicions. That has since changed. Guardians closer Clase is now on non-disciplinary paid leave until Aug. 31 while the league investigates him in connection with sports betting. Not only is Clase the team's closer, he would likely have been the biggest relief chip on the market, had Cleveland opted to trade him. With his leave extending through August, that's definitely not happening now. We don't have as many details (yet) about Clase as we have about Ortiz, but here's what we know so far — which isn't much. Neither the team nor the league plans to comment until the investigation is complete. It's going to be a staple in The Windup this week: One section per day will — unless there's an inexplicable dearth of trades — be dedicated to the trades made the previous day. Here's a Monday recap: More trade deadline: Ryne Sandberg — Hall of Famer, 10x All-Star, 9x Gold Glover, 7x Silver Slugger and 1984 NL MVP — has passed away at 65 after a long battle with metastatic prostate cancer. With the NL Central lead on the line, the Brewers beat the Cubs 8-4. Also, the Cubs agreed on a multiyear extension with president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer. Advertisement It's been a while since we've seen a player fully throw the coaches under the bus. Enter Astros starter Framber Valdez, who … might have a point? Two top prospects — Travis Sykora of the Nats and Tekoah Roby of the Cardinals — will be undergoing Tommy John surgery. Keith Law scouts Travis Bazzana, Braylon Doughty and other prospects from the Guardians and Orioles. This week's Power Rankings give us one goal for each team over the next two-plus months. On the pods: On 'The Roundtable,' Sam explains 'Phase 2' of the season, and the Clase news breaks. Most-clicked in our last newsletter: You listened! It was Andy McCullough's story on team executives' trade deadline 'personalities'. (Part 2 is here.) 📫 Love The Windup? Check out The Athletic's other newsletters.
Japan Today
12 hours ago
- Business
- Japan Today
Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred confronted by Bryce Harper during meeting, AP source says
Philadelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper reacts after hitting a home run against Boston Red Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito during the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) baseball By JAY COHEN Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred and Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper had a spirited exchange during a question-and-answer session between the commissioner and the team, according to a person with direct knowledge of the conversation. The person spoke to the AP on Monday on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation. Phillies slugger Nick Castellanos previously confirmed some details from the meeting in interviews with The Bandwagon and ESPN. Manfred met with the Phillies and Red Sox during their series last week in Philadelphia. The session with the Phillies lasted for more than an hour. Manfred spoke with the NL team about the media landscape and working together to grow the sport, according to the person with knowledge of the conversation. At some point, Harper told Manfred if he was there to talk about a salary cap, he could 'get the (expletive) out' of the clubhouse. Baseball's collective bargaining agreement expires Dec. 1, 2026, and some players are concerned about a possible management push for a salary cap. Harper is a two-time NL MVP and one of the game's marquee names, making his confrontation with Manfred more noteworthy. Manfred and some owners have cited payroll disparity as one of baseball's biggest problems, while at the same time MLB is working to address a revenue decline from regional sports networks. Unlike the NFL, NBA and NHL, baseball has never had a salary cap because its players staunchly oppose one. © Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
The Herald Scotland
15 hours ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Bryce Harper cusses out Rob Manfred during meeting, per report
REQUIRED READING: MLB trade deadline rumors: Latest news, updates from around baseball Manfred was conducting one of his annual meetings with each MLB team, which resulted in tension with one of the sport's brightest stars. ESPN reported Manfred never explicitly mentioned a salary cap, however, discussions of MLB's economics frustrated Harper. The tensions come as MLB and the MLB Players Association's collective-bargaining agreement expires on Dec. 1, 2026. MLB owners and personnel alike have clamored for a salary cap implementation, as the league is the lone professional sport without one in North America. ESPN added the MLBPA overwhelmingly opposes a salary cap. According to the report, Harper said if MLB were to propose a salary cap, players "are not scared to lose 162 games." After Harper stood up to Manfred, who was standing in the middle of the room, Manfred said he was "not going to get the (expletive) out of here." Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos attempted to defuse the situation, according to the report. Harper and Manfred shook hands after the meeting, although Harper declined a phone call from Manfred the next day. "It was pretty intense, definitely passionate," Castellanos told ESPN. "Both of 'em. The commissioner giving it back to Bryce and Bryce giving it back to the commissioner. That's Harp. He's been doing this since he was 15 years old. It's just another day. I wasn't surprised." Harper and Manfred both declined to comment to ESPN. The current CBA, which was agreed upon in 2022, ended a 99-day lockout as the two sides negotiated terms. A potential salary cap implementation is one of the biggest current talking points of the next deal, which will be needed ahead of the 2027 season. "(Manfred) seems to be in a pretty desperate place on how important it is to get this salary cap because he's floating the word 'lockout' two years in advance of our collective bargaining agreement (expiration)," Castellanos told ESPN. "That's nothing to throw around. That's the same thing as me saying in a marriage, 'I think divorce is a possibility. It's probably going to happen.' You don't just say those things."
Toronto Sun
19 hours ago
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Baseball commissioner confronted by Bryce Harper during meeting: AP source
Manfred spoke with the NL team about the media landscape and working together to grow the sport, according to the person with knowledge Published Jul 28, 2025 • Last updated 5 minutes ago • 3 minute read Philadelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper reacts after hitting a home run against Boston Red Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito during the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Philadelphia. Photo by Matt Slocum / AP CHICAGO — Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred and Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper had a spirited exchange during a question-and-answer session between the commissioner and the team, according to a person with direct knowledge of the conversation. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The person spoke to the AP on Monday on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation. Phillies slugger Nick Castellanos previously confirmed some details from the meeting in interviews with The Bandwagon and ESPN. Speaking before Philadelphia's game at the Chicago White Sox, Harper did not dispute the published descriptions of his confrontation with Manfred. 'I won't be getting into the details of what happened or how I felt or anything else like that,' Harper said. 'I don't think it does any good for anybody for that to happen. So, for me, I just, you know, trying to worry about baseball, trying to worry about everything in here.' Manfred met with the Phillies and Red Sox during their series last week in Philadelphia. The session with the Phillies lasted more than an hour. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Manfred spoke with the NL team about the media landscape and working together to grow the sport, according to the person with knowledge of the conversation. At some point, Harper told Manfred if he was there to talk about a salary cap, he could 'get the (expletive) out' of the clubhouse. Baseball's collective bargaining agreement expires Dec. 1, 2026, and some players are concerned about a possible management push for a cap. A spokeswoman for the Major League Baseball Players Association declined comment on Monday night. Harper is a two-time NL MVP and one of the game's marquee names, making his conversation with Manfred more noteworthy. The eight-time All-Star agreed to a $330 million, 13-year deal with the Phillies in February 2019. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Obviously, I don't want that to happen in those meetings,' Harper said. 'I don't want those things to be out there. I think, you know, when we have meetings with the commissioner or anybody else that comes to our clubhouse, those are good meetings to have.' Manfred and some owners have cited payroll disparity as one of baseball's biggest problems, while at the same time MLB is working to address a revenue decline from regional sports networks. Unlike the NFL, NBA and NHL, baseball has never had a salary cap because its players staunchly oppose one. Manfred has been meeting with teams more often since he said in the aftermath of baseball's March 2022 labor agreement that he needed to work on his relationship with players. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'When I talk to the players, I don't try to convince them that a salary cap system would be a good thing,' Manfred said during the All-Star break. 'I identify a problem in the media business and explain to them that owners need to change to address that problem. I then identify a second problem that we need to work together and that is that there are fans in a lot of our markets who feel like we have a competitive balance problem.' Asked for his argument against a salary cap and why it's such an important issue for players, Harper responded: 'I don't want to get into details as of right now.' He also said he planned to remain vocal about labor issues behind closed doors — just as he has done in the past. 'I've talked labor and I've done it in a way that I don't need to talk to the media about it,' he said. 'I don't need it out there. It has nothing to do with media or anybody else. It's what we can as players and owners and everybody else can come together to try to make this game great.' MLB Golf Toronto & GTA Columnists World
Edmonton Journal
19 hours ago
- Business
- Edmonton Journal
Baseball commissioner confronted by Bryce Harper during meeting: AP source
Article content CHICAGO — Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred and Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper had a spirited exchange during a question-and-answer session between the commissioner and the team, according to a person with direct knowledge of the conversation. Article content The person spoke to the AP on Monday on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation. Phillies slugger Nick Castellanos previously confirmed some details from the meeting in interviews with The Bandwagon and ESPN. Article content Article content Speaking before Philadelphia's game at the Chicago White Sox, Harper did not dispute the published descriptions of his confrontation with Manfred. Article content Article content 'I won't be getting into the details of what happened or how I felt or anything else like that,' Harper said. 'I don't think it does any good for anybody for that to happen. So, for me, I just, you know, trying to worry about baseball, trying to worry about everything in here.' Article content Manfred met with the Phillies and Red Sox during their series last week in Philadelphia. The session with the Phillies lasted more than an hour. Manfred spoke with the NL team about the media landscape and working together to grow the sport, according to the person with knowledge of the conversation. At some point, Harper told Manfred if he was there to talk about a salary cap, he could 'get the (expletive) out' of the clubhouse. Article content Article content Baseball's collective bargaining agreement expires Dec. 1, 2026, and some players are concerned about a possible management push for a cap. A spokeswoman for the Major League Baseball Players Association declined comment on Monday night. Article content Harper is a two-time NL MVP and one of the game's marquee names, making his conversation with Manfred more noteworthy. The eight-time All-Star agreed to a $330 million, 13-year deal with the Phillies in February 2019. Article content 'Obviously, I don't want that to happen in those meetings,' Harper said. 'I don't want those things to be out there. I think, you know, when we have meetings with the commissioner or anybody else that comes to our clubhouse, those are good meetings to have.' Article content Manfred and some owners have cited payroll disparity as one of baseball's biggest problems, while at the same time MLB is working to address a revenue decline from regional sports networks. Unlike the NFL, NBA and NHL, baseball has never had a salary cap because its players staunchly oppose one.
