Latest news with #PowerAlley
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ex-GM suggests Tigers consider low-cost AL East option at trade deadline
Ex-GM suggests Tigers consider low-cost AL East option at trade deadline originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Tigers don't need a blockbuster trade for a third baseman at the deadline. At least not according to former MLB GM Jim Duquette. Advertisement On Thursday's edition of 'Power Alley' on MLB Network Radio, Duquette suggested that the Tigers might be better off making a quieter move. He suggested targeting Baltimore's Ramon Urias instead of chasing a high-profile name like Eugenio Suarez, who they have been linked to in the last few weeks. The Orioles, perhaps the biggest disappointment in 2025, haven't been able to climb back into contention. It seems unlikely that they will be able to get back to the playoffs this season. And their trade earlier on Thursday, sending reliever Bryan Baker to Tampa Bay, might be a sign that they're getting ready to sell at the deadline. Baltimore Orioles infielder Ramon Urias doubles against the Los Angeles Angels at Camden Yards in June 2025. © Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images That could open the door for Urias. Advertisement He's not flashy, but he's dependable. And affordable. Urias is earning $3.15 million this year and has one more year of arbitration left. He's hitting .255 with six home runs, 29 RBIs, and a .687 OPS through 64 games. His gritty, infield versatility fits in with the Tigers' roster right now. . Urias has played the bulk of his innings at third base this season, but he's capable of moving around the infield. He won a Gold Glove at third in 2022. And with A.J. Hinch continuing to mix and match lineups, adding a right-handed bat with defensive versatility makes a lot of sense. The Tigers are cruising into the All-Star break, clicking on all cylinders. They have the best record in baseball, a double-digit lead in the division, and are poised for a big push in the second half. Advertisement If Baltimore keeps signaling they're open for business, Urias could be a clean, sensible fit for the Tigers. Related: Is This the Arm That Could Push the Tigers Over the Top? Related: What the Tigers' Deadline Shift Says About Tarik Skubal's Future This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
The Yankees keep losing catchers and somehow keep dominating the position
The Yankees keep losing catchers and somehow keep dominating the position originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Yankees traded catcher Alex Jackson to the Orioles on Saturday morning for international bonus pool money and either cash or a player to be named later. It's the kind of minor move that barely gets noticed. But it says a lot about how the Yankees develop catchers—and why so many of them are thriving somewhere else. Advertisement Jackson didn't come up through the Yankees' system, but he spent time in it. After coming over from the Reds with Fernando Cruz in the Jose Trevino trade, he got a chance to work with catching coordinator Tanner Swanson, the same catching coach who helped mold Jose Trevino and Kyle Higashioka into major league regulars. New York Yankees teammates Jose Trevino and Austin Wells in 2024Michael McLoone-Imagn Images Now, he joins a growing list of former Yankees catchers who are contributing around the league. Trevino is starting for the Reds. Higashioka has a steady role in Texas. Luis Torrens has carved out a nice spot with the Mets. He is hitting .217/.614 OPS, 2 HR, 14 RBI, and has a .630 caught-stealing rate (9 of 21). Of course he is credited with solid framing and a 2.79 catcher ERA, fourth-best among regular backstops Carlos Narvaez, who made his debut last seasons hitting .274/.787 OPS, with 7 HR and 28 RBI across 67 games for Boston Even Red Sox manager Alex Cora had to admit it this week on Power Alley: 'I hate to admit it, but [the Yankees] are the best at turning out catchers right now.' Cora's not wrong. Swanson was brought in before the 2020 season to try and help Gary Sanchez become a better catcher. He teaches catchers to receive with one knee down on the ground and frame pitches with minimal movement. Advertisement He helped turn Trevino into an afterthought into a an All-Star in 2021. Not every guy sticks in the Bronx, but a lot of them stick somewhere. Jackson may not have cracked the lineup, but like others before him, he leaves more polished than he came in. Ironically, the Orioles were in need of a catcher because Sanchez is dealing with a knee injury. Related: Yankees Add Experienced Third Baseman Amid Infield Concerns Related: The Yankees Are Not Firing Aaron Boone No Matter the Noise This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
