mets Owner’s Honesty on Alonso Talks Raises CBA Questions
New York Mets owner Steve Cohen’s candid comments about contract negotiations with free agent Pete Alonso have sparked discussion about the boundaries of public discourse in Major League Baseball.While fans appreciated Cohen’s clarity,his remarks might have tiptoed close to violating a key provision of the Collective Bargaining agreement (CBA).
Cohen, known for his outspoken nature, described the Mets’ offer to Alonso as “meaningful” but expressed dissatisfaction with the structure of the counterproposals. He even hinted at the possibility of moving forward without the All-Star first baseman.
Citing Attachment 49 of the CBA, wich aims to prevent teams from manipulating the free-agent market through public statements, some analysts suggest Cohen’s comments could be seen as breaching the agreement. This section of the CBA restricts clubs from disclosing details about contract discussions and expressing opinions on the value of unsigned free agents until a deal is finalized.
While Cohen refrained from revealing specific figures of the Mets’ offer to Alonso,his characterization of the negotiations and his allusions to the team’s stance could be interpreted as indirectly divulging facts.
Cohen’s willingness to speak openly about negotiations stands in stark contrast to the typical reticence of team executives. Many prefer to avoid commenting on free-agent discussions altogether, fearing any statement could lead to a grievance filed by the players’ union.
Despite the potential CBA implications, Cohen’s candor resonated with Mets fans, who applauded his honesty during a fan event. However, it remains to be seen whether other owners will follow suit, given the potential repercussions. Most baseball executives are acutely aware of the sensitivity surrounding Attachment 49 and prefer to keep negotiations under wraps.
Astros Face Defensive Realignment Puzzle if Bregman Returns
The Houston Astros are facing a defensive puzzle if they re-sign free agent Alex Bregman. While the team insists Bregman will remain at third base, a defensive upgrade might be achieved by moving him to second base and having Isaac Paredes stay at third.
Bregman, a 30-year-old Gold Glove winner at third base in 2024, is reportedly open to a position change.His agent has hinted at Bregman’s willingness to play second base, the same position he’d take if he signed with the Boston Red Sox.
While moving for a franchise player like the Red Sox’s Rafael Devers, who is a subpar defender, might be understandable, the situation with Paredes is different. The 25-year-old Paredes, who earned his first All-Star selection last season, has proven to be a valuable asset at third base.
Bregman, who has experience as a shortstop and has played 257 professional games at that position, would likely adapt well to second base. The tampa bay Rays, concerned about Paredes’ limited range at third base, viewed him primarily as a third baseman. Though, Paredes seems prepared to make the switch back to second base, despite having more experience at third (335 games) than at second (67 games).
Altuve’s Potential Move to Left Field
Adding another layer of complexity is the potential move of Jose Altuve. The long-time second baseman expressed willingness to transition to left field to accommodate Bregman’s return and Paredes’ shift to second. This move would require significant adjustment for Altuve, who has never played outfield professionally.His minuscule six innings of experience outside of second base and shortstop throughout his 18-year career raising questions about his readiness for this drastic change.
While minute Maid Park’s left field is comparatively spacious, Altuve, who turns 35 in May, faces challenges. His declining sprint speed (in the 44th percentile last season) could impact his effectiveness in left field. Moreover, the Astros generally prefer Yordan Alvarez in left field, further complicating the scenario.
astros Roster Changes Raise Questions Despite Paredes acquisition
The Houston astros acquired second baseman José Abreu Paredes from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for reliever Ryan Pressly, but the trade raises questions about the team’s overall strength heading into the next season. While Paredes is a promising young hitter who will likely become the Astros’ primary designated hitter, the departure of Pressly weakens their bullpen and the trade’s impact on the team’s defense remains a concern.
Adding Paredes to an already potent offense featuring third baseman Alex Bregman and first baseman Christian Walker would help offset the loss of right fielder Kyle Tucker, who was also traded to the Cubs in the Paredes deal.However, the turnover in position players leaves the Astros with potential defensive vulnerabilities at second base and left field.
Dodgers’ Defense: A Potential Achilles’ Heel?
While the Los Angeles Dodgers are perennial world Series contenders, one rival executive believes their defense could be a weakness. The executive, who wished to remain anonymous, points to the limited range of outfielders Teoscar Hernández and Michael Conforto in the corners and the fact that center fielder Tommy edman is better suited to play infield.
The infield also presents some concerns. While veteran Freddie Freeman remains a solid presence at first base and Hyeseong Kim is expected to be at least as good as Gavin Lux at second base, the shortstop position is a question mark.
dodgers Defense: Key to Success in 2024
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ success in the 2024 season hinges on their defense, especially the performance of their infielders.
Key veterans Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy, and Mookie Betts, all in their 30s, will need to maintain their high level of play. While players like Miguel Rojas, Chris Taylor, Andy Pages, and James Outman provide capable backup, the Dodgers might need to bolster their infield depth with a veteran free agent like Kiké Hernández, who excels defensively at both infield and outfield positions.
Defense a Strength, but Strikeouts Could Be Key
The Dodgers performed well defensively in 2023, ranking third in Defensive Runs Saved and 10th in Outs Above Average. However, their pitching staff ranked 12th in strikeouts, a number that could be improved with the additions of Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, tanner Scott, and possibly Kirby Yates.
Adding more strikeouts will be crucial if the defense doesn’t perform as strongly in 2024, according to Dodgers General Manager Brandon gomes.
Pirates’ Skenes Looks to Build on Stellar Rookie Season
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, after his extraordinary 2023 rookie season, is already looking ahead to 2024.The 22-year-old posted a 1.96 ERA with a 33.1% strikeout rate and a 6.2% walk rate, earning him the National League Rookie of the year award. Skenes seems poised to continue his dominance in the coming season.
pirates’ Skenes Focuses on Attacking the Strike Zone
Pitcher Paul Skenes, coming off an impressive rookie season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, is setting his sights on enhancement. Skenes, who exceeded expectations in his debut year, revealed his primary goal for the upcoming season: attacking the strike zone more aggressively.
He cited Cy Young Award winners Tarik Skubal and Chris Sale as models for his desired approach.
“I think there were a lot of times last year where I just put myself in bad positions a little bit,” Skenes said.
“After the season,I had one of the analysts at LSU run some numbers for me on Skubal,Sale,and then me.They pretty much led in just about every category, which shows that is how you pitch at a very high level. That’s how you win those awards, winning the first two out of three pitches, strike percentage, first-pitch strike percentage, stuff like that. Those are the process-oriented goals I’m focusing on this year a little bit more.
Data supports Skenes’ assessment. In 2023, Sale finished fourth in first-pitch strike percentage at 69.2%, while Skubal was fifth at 68.5% among pitchers who threw at least 162 innings, according to STATS perform. Skenes, in comparison, was considerably lower at 62.1%.
skenes acknowledged the value of analytics, particularly the insights provided by the Pirates’ analysts.He highlighted an example where their advice to throw his sinker more to left-handed batters with two strikes proved effective. “Usually, if they’re coming to you with something, they’re probably right. You probably should listen to them usually,” he said.
MLB Free Agency Slowed by Trade Buzz
Despite a handful of high-profile signings, Major League Baseball’s free agency period remains relatively quiet as teams explore trade possibilities. Several clubs, including the St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres, and Miami Marlins, have yet to sign a major-league free agent.
The clogged free-agent market stems from ongoing trade discussions. Starting pitchers Luis Castillo (Seattle Mariners) and Dylan Cease and Michael King (San Diego Padres) are among the names generating trade interest. King, who requested $8.8 million in arbitration, is headed for a hearing after the Padres countered with $7.325 million.
While top free-agent starting pitchers like Max Fried, Corbin Burnes, Blake Snell, and Roki Sasaki have all signed, Jack Flaherty and Nick Pivetta remain available. Pivetta’s rejection of a qualifying offer, subjecting him to draft-pick compensation, has likely hindered his market.
The lack of movement in free agency might be attributed to a reluctance among teams to make moves before exploring all trade options. Instituting an offseason trade deadline, perhaps coinciding with the Winter Meetings, could stimulate the free-agent market. However, MLB has historically contingent upon implementing a corresponding deadline for free-agent signings, a proposal that has faced resistance from the players’ association.
—
MLB Offseason Moves: Trades, Free Agency, and Defensive Strategies
The MLB offseason is in full swing, wiht teams making strategic moves too bolster their rosters for the 2024 season.From blockbuster trades to intriguing free-agent signings, the landscape of Major League Baseball is undergoing a significant conversion. Let’s delve into some of the key developments and analyze their potential impact on the upcoming season.
Adding another layer of complexity is the potential move of Jose Altuve. The long-time second baseman expressed willingness to transition to left field to accommodate Bregman’s return and Paredes’ shift to second. This move would require significant adjustment for Altuve, who has never played outfield professionally.His minuscule six innings of experience outside of second base and shortstop throughout his 18-year career raising questions about his readiness for this drastic change.
While minute Maid Park’s left field is comparatively spacious, Altuve, who turns 35 in May, faces challenges. His declining sprint speed (in the 44th percentile last season) could impact his effectiveness in left field. Moreover, the Astros generally prefer Yordan Alvarez in left field, further complicating the scenario.
astros Roster Changes Raise Questions Despite Paredes acquisition
The Houston astros acquired second baseman José Abreu Paredes from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for reliever Ryan Pressly, but the trade raises questions about the team’s overall strength heading into the next season.While Paredes is a promising young hitter who will likely become the Astros’ primary designated hitter, the departure of Pressly weakens their bullpen and the trade’s impact on the team’s defense remains a concern.
Adding Paredes to an already potent offense featuring third baseman Alex Bregman and first baseman christian Walker would help offset the loss of right fielder kyle Tucker, who was also traded to the Cubs in the Paredes deal.However, the turnover in position players leaves the Astros with potential defensive vulnerabilities at second base and left field.
Dodgers’ Defense: A Potential Achilles’ Heel?
While the Los Angeles Dodgers are perennial world Series contenders, one rival executive believes their defense could be a weakness. The executive, who wished to remain anonymous, points to the limited range of outfielders Teoscar Hernández and Michael Conforto in the corners and the fact that centre fielder Tommy edman is better suited to play infield.
The infield also presents some concerns. While veteran Freddie Freeman remains a solid presence at first base and Hyeseong Kim is expected to be at least as good as gavin Lux at second base, the shortstop position is a question mark.
dodgers Defense: Key to Success in 2024
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ success in the 2024 season hinges on their defense, especially the performance of their infielders.
Key veterans Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy, and Mookie Betts, all in their 30s, will need to maintain their high level of play. While players like Miguel Rojas, Chris Taylor, Andy Pages, and James Outman provide capable backup, the Dodgers might need to bolster their infield depth with a veteran free agent like Kiké Hernández, who excels defensively at both infield and outfield positions.
Defense a Strength, but strikeouts Could Be Key
The Dodgers performed well defensively in 2023, ranking third in Defensive Runs Saved and 10th in Outs Above Average. However, their pitching staff ranked 12th in strikeouts, a number that could be improved with the additions of Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, tanner Scott, and possibly Kirby Yates.
Adding more strikeouts will be crucial if the defense doesn’t perform as strongly in 2024, according to Dodgers General manager Brandon gomes.
Pirates’ Skenes Looks to Build on Stellar Rookie Season
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, after his extraordinary 2023 rookie season, is already looking ahead to 2024.The 22-year-old posted a 1.96 ERA with a 33.1% strikeout rate and a 6.2% walk rate, earning him the National League Rookie of the year award. Skenes seems poised to continue his dominance in the coming season.
pirates’ Skenes Focuses on Attacking the Strike Zone
Pitcher Paul Skenes, coming off an impressive rookie season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, is setting his sights on enhancement. Skenes, who exceeded expectations in his debut year, revealed his primary goal for the upcoming season: attacking the strike zone more aggressively.
He cited Cy Young Award winners Tarik Skubal and Chris Sale as models for his desired approach.
“I think there were a lot of times last year where I just put myself in bad positions a little bit,” Skenes said.
“After the season,I had one of the analysts at LSU run some numbers for me on Skubal,Sale,and then me.Thay pretty much led in just about every category, which shows that is how you pitch at a very high level. That’s how you win those awards, winning the first two out of three pitches, strike percentage, first-pitch strike percentage, stuff like that. those are the process-oriented goals I’m focusing on this year a little bit more.
Data supports Skenes’ assessment. In 2023, Sale finished fourth in first-pitch strike percentage at 69.2%, while Skubal was fifth at 68.5% among pitchers who threw at least 162 innings, according to STATS perform. Skenes, in comparison, was considerably lower at 62.1%.
skenes acknowledged the value of analytics, especially the insights provided by the Pirates’ analysts.He highlighted an example where their advice to throw his sinker more to left-handed batters with two strikes proved effective. “Usually, if they’re coming to you with something, they’re probably right. You probably should listen to them usually,” he said.
MLB Free Agency Slowed by Trade Buzz
Despite a handful of high-profile signings, Major League Baseball’s free agency period remains relatively quiet as teams explore trade possibilities. Several clubs, including the St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres, and Miami Marlins, have yet to sign a major-league free agent.
The clogged free-agent market stems from ongoing trade discussions. Starting pitchers Luis Castillo (Seattle Mariners) and Dylan Cease and Michael King (San Diego Padres) are among the names generating trade interest. King, who requested $8.8 million in arbitration,is headed for a hearing after the Padres countered with $7.325 million.
While top free-agent starting pitchers like Max Fried, Corbin Burnes, Blake Snell, and Roki Sasaki have all signed, Jack Flaherty and Nick Pivetta remain available. pivetta’s rejection of a qualifying offer, subjecting him to draft-pick compensation, has likely hindered his market.
The lack of movement in free agency might be attributed to a reluctance among teams to make moves before exploring all trade options.Instituting an offseason trade deadline, perhaps coinciding with the Winter Meetings, could stimulate the free-agent market. Though, MLB has historically contingent upon implementing a corresponding deadline for free-agent signings, a proposal that has faced resistance from the players’ association.
Q&A
**Q: Could the Astros’ defensive vulnerabilities impact their playoff chances?**
A: While the addition of Paredes brings offensive firepower, the Astros’ success hinges on their ability to shore up their defense, particularly at second base and left field.
**Q: What makes Paul Skenes such a promising pitcher?**
A: Skenes boasts a dominant combination of strikeouts, few walks, and a remarkable rookie season, earning him the National League Rookie of the Year award.
**Q: Why is the MLB free agency market relatively quiet?**
A: Teams are actively exploring trade possibilities, leading to a slowdown in free agent signings. The desire to maximize value through trades before committing to free agents is a likely factor.
**Stay tuned as the MLB offseason unfolds,bringing more exciting moves and shaping the landscape
