Latest news with #SteveAdams
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Blue Jays' Bo Bichette gets $200 million contract update ahead of free agency
Blue Jays' Bo Bichette gets $200 million contract update ahead of free agency originally appeared on The Sporting News Bo Bichette is back to normal. After a nightmare 2024 season, Bichette is again leading the American League in hits for the Toronto Blue Jays. He's making last year look more and more like an outlier, and it's going to be a very good thing for his wallet. Bichette is slated to be a free agent this offseason, and he's going to get a nine-figure deal. The question will become just how high that dollar value can rise. MORE: Mookie Betts admits 'this season's over' after brutal struggles MLB Trade Rumors writer Steve Adams thinks Bichette can get up to $200 million if he finishes this season well. This is the full breakdown released by Adams on Saturday morning: Bichette has shaken off a pedestrian start to the season and, more importantly, made last year's lack of production in an injury-ruined campaign feel like a distant memory. He's hitting .300/.341/.468 in 508 plate appearances overall, but that jumps to a stout .306/.347/.508 when looking at his past 380 plate appearances. Bichette's power was M.I.A. for the season's first five weeks or so. All 15 of Bichette's home runs this season have come since May 3. He's been on an otherworldly tear of late, hitting .404/.449/.633 over the past month. He's still not walking much (5.3%), but Bichette's 14.8% strikeout rate is the lowest of his career. He's averaging 91 mph off the bat with a hearty 48.6% hard-hit rate. It's still a swing-happy approach (hence the lack of walks), as evidenced by a 33.9% chase rate on balls of the plate. That's about six percentage points higher than average but stands as the lowest mark of Bichette's career. Even with those swings, however, Bichette's contact rate is plus. That's particularly true when Bichette zeroes in on balls over the plate; his 91.2% contact rate on balls in the strike zone ranks 19th in all of baseball. Bichette has slowed down noticeably in recent seasons. He's swiped just five bases this year, 20 short of his career-high 25 set back in 2021. It's unlikely Bichette will ever return to those levels of thievery. His average sprint speed back in '21 was 28 feet per second — faster than nearly four out of five big leaguers. This year, he's averaging 26.2 ft/sec and sitting in just the 22nd percentile of MLB players, per Statcast. Defense is going to be the biggest knock on Bichette in free agency. He's never been a great defensive shortstop, and some teams will probably prefer him at second base from the jump. Both Defensive Runs Saved (-6) and Outs Above Average (-6) feel he's been well below average with the glove this year. Bichette can probably handle shortstop for another couple seasons, but it's not likely that he'll finish a long-term contract at the position. He's not the same type of defender as well-compensated shortstops Willy Adames (seven years, $182MM), Dansby Swanson (seven years, $177MM), Javier Baez (six years, $140MM) and Trevor Story (six years, $140MM). However, he's hitting the market earlier than any of those players did — ahead of his age-28 season. That extra year of his prime should allow Bichette, who'll reject a qualifying offer, to land in the range of those other recent top-tier shortstops in free agency. If he sustains his absurd summer production (or anything close to it), he could push for $200MM or more. MORE: Cal Raleigh ties Hall of Famer's record with slump-busting, game-winning home run Adams lists Bichette as the No. 2 free agent available this upcoming offseason. The only player above him is outfielder Kyle Tucker, currently of the Cubs. It's also an incredible time for Bichette to be available positionally. There are no other shortstops in Adams' top-10 free agents or even his honorable mention list. That means that any team in need of a SS will be looking at Bichette. The Blue Jays should definitely consider bringing him back. He aligns with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as two centerpieces for a bunch of years to come. Vladdy already got paid, and although Toronto could've paid Bo before the season, his rough 2024 season probably made that a trickier process. Instead, Bichette is hurtling toward free agency as the hitting machine he has always been. The money bag will soon follow. MORE MLB NEWS: Guardians' Nic Enright reaches special personal milestone in comeback from cancer Umpires don't like Guardians star Steven Kwan Blue Jays' Ernie Clement shows lifelong hitting ability in historic night for Toronto Cubs' Matthew Boyd has mastered the balk pickoff move Angels closer Kenley Jansen reveals his retirement plans Yankees are paying 3 players a combined $43.8 million to not play for them
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tigers announce addition of former Dodgers pitcher
The Detroit Tigers are looking for any way to bolster their pitching staff as they head towards a postseason run. While there will be plenty of trade talks over the next few weeks, the Tigers went out and signed a free agent to a deal for depth purposes. According to Steve Adams of MLB Trade the Tigers have agreed to sign Devin Smeltzer to a minor league deal and release Manuel Margot in a corresponding move. Advertisement Smeltzer joins the Tigers' Triple-A pitching staff, as he looks to make an MLB comeback after not pitching since the 2023 MLB season with the Miami Marlins. The 29-year-old pitched in just nine games for Miami with a 6.45 ERA. A year ago in 2024, Smeltzer pitched in 24 games in Triple-A and had a 3.69 ERA through 31.2 innings with 32 strikeouts and 13 walks. MORE: Tigers' Tarik Skubal reveals he wants to start for AL in All-Star Game He began his professional career with the Los Angeles Dodgers after being drafted by them in 2016. Smeltzer was later traded with other players to the Minnesota Twins for Brian Dozier. Advertisement Smeltzer spent the bulk of his time in the Majors with the Twins, where across four seasons, he had a 3.99 ERA in 34 appearances from 2019 to 2022. He struck out 96 batters and walked 37 during his time in Minnesota. While not the most prominent reliever, he was a decent piece during his time in the Majors, contributing 1.6 WAR in four years with the Twins. Now, he's heading to Detroit's minor league system to potentially work his way back to the majors. The former Dodgers, Twins, and Marlins lefty reliever is looking to make it back to the majors. With the Tigers looking to add more depth to their bullpen, Smeltzer could see a spot in the Majors if he pitches well in Triple-A. MORE MLB NEWS:
North Wales Chronicle
29-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
Anglesey: Morlais tidal energy project reaches milestone
Inyanga Marine Energy Group which has an office on the island has awarded a fabrication contract to Hutchinson Engineering for the construction of its HydroWing tidal energy device. The 20 MW HydroWing tidal energy array will be deployed at Morlais, off Anglesey, one of Europe's largest consented tidal energy projects. The contract includes the fabrication of the foundation frame and the rear nacelle, which will be capable of withstanding the harsh underwater environment. The foundation frame will weigh 120 tonnes, with a single unit generating an energy yield of 1.2 MW. The nacelle stands at 19 metres high. Made from structural steel, the foundation frame will have a 25-year lifespan and will be produced with sustainability in mind, including plans for decommissioning once it reaches the end of its operational life. The foundation frame will be partially constructed at Hutchinson Engineering's factory in Cheshire, with final assembly taking place quayside in Wales. The tidal energy prototype is scheduled for deployment in the first quarter of 2026. Richard Parkinson, CEO of Inyanga Marine Energy Group, said: "Hutchinson Engineering have all the engineering expertise and ingenuity required to turn our innovative tidal stream technology concept into reality. "The tidal energy scheme at Morlais is the largest of its kind in the world and this is a once in a generation opportunity to prove the full potential of tidal energy, really putting Wales on the map as a global pioneer in renewable energy." READ MORE: Young woman from North Wales makes her mark in the recruitment industry Steve Adams, MD of Hutchinson Engineering, said: "We are extremely excited about winning the contract for this groundbreaking project. "We pride ourselves on all our fabrications having a positive impact on the world and so this will be a flagship project for us. "It is an opportunity to fabricate advanced technology that is expected to become a world leader in tidal energy." Andy Billcliff, CEO of Menter Mon Morlais, added: "The award of the first fabrication contract is a significant milestone in our exciting journey to deliver tidal energy at Morlais, providing economic and sustainability benefits for Wales and the UK, as well as demonstrating the global commercial viability of tidal energy."
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Unit 50 welcomes feedback on upgrades
The Teutopolis Unit 50 School Board recently discussed facility upgrades and expansions and how to collect feedback from the community on them. This summer, the district is using funds from its reserves to complete facility projects such as asbestos abatement work, renovations to the high school and upgrades to office entry points at the high school, junior high and unit office. These projects are planned to be completed by the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year. In spring 2026, an expansion to the junior high school will see the addition of both classrooms and restrooms to help accommodate sixth grade students moving from the elementary school to the junior high school. This expansion will also use funds from the district's reserves. 'The planned transition of sixth grade to TJHS for the 2026-27 school year will help the district accommodate its growing student population and set the stage for a long-term facility improvement initiative, potentially beginning as early as 2027-28,' said Superintendent Matthew Sturgeon in the meeting's Media Notes. Also in spring 2026, there are plans to expand and upgrade the grade school. Plans include restroom upgrades, ADA accessibility improvements and instructional space modernization. Details are still forthcoming while the board acquires additional funding. To help with the additional funding, the board welcomed a presentation from PMA Securities Public Finance Director Steve Adams during the meeting to assist with financial decision-making. The board is also in-touch with a communications firm to create a plan to accumulate community feedback for the future projects. 'The board remains committed to responsible financial planning and ensuring that school facilities support student success for years to come,' said Sturgeon in the Media Notes. 'Community members are encouraged to stay informed and participate in upcoming discussions.' In other news, the board approved the hiring of grade school music teacher Ivy Schmidt, grade school custodian John Westendorf, bus driver Diona Griffy and high school student workers contingent upon their successful completion of background checks, employment history reviews and verification/completion of necessary licensure for the positions. Diversified Occupation Teacher Amanda Hazlett also received a two-day extended contract. Contracts for high school Principal Tanner Lawson and grade school Principal Sherry Hoehn have been extended through the 2027-28 school year. The next Unit 50 Board meeting is scheduled for June 16 at 6 p.m.
