- NL batting champion Juan Soto, shortstop Trea Turner and first baseman Josh Bell agreed to 2021 contracts for substantial raises with the Washington Nationals on Friday, leaving the team with no players headed to arbitration.
How did the non-tender deadline change our list? Here's our look at everyone on the open market, from big-name stars to bargain options.
Jesse Rogers joins Buster to discuss Spring Training starting on schedule, Corey Kluber trying to prove that he’s healthy and the Mets trading for Francisco Lindor. Then, 12-year MLB veteran Alex Avila hops on to talk about his godfather Tommy Lasorda, staying patient in free agency, his outlook on another pandemic season and catching for Justin Verlander in Detroit. Later, Hembo quibbles with Buster’s top 10 position rankings.
From a surprising closer payday to the real status of Fernando Tatis Jr.'s extension talks and where things stand between New York and the top free-agent infielder, here's the latest offseason buzz.
A pair of Chicago sluggers could be the next big names on the move this winter. If they go, these are the best fits to land them.
Kyle Schwarber, who hit just .188 with 11 home runs in 59 games for the Cubs during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, has agreed to a one-year deal with the Nationals. A source told ESPN that it is for $10 million.
The Braves and Mets might be the talk of the division, but the addition of another hard-hitting slugger shows why the 2019 World Series champs shouldn't be overlooked.
The Mets made a huge splash and plenty of free agents remain, but for now, a pair of NL West rivals are clearly the two top teams in the sport.
Eric is shifting Francisco Lindor in his rankings: which direction and how much of a move? He and Tristan discuss Lindor's new value, Carlos Carassco's tempting ceiling and what's left in Cleveland.
Boog Sciambi joins Buster to discuss to being named the new play-by-play voice of the Chicago Cubs, his run-in with Harry Caray in a restroom, the Padres looking like a superhero team-up and the slow winter market. Then Alden Gonzalez stops by to talk about when Spring Training may start, the arms race between the Padres and Dodgers and if Los Angeles will re-sign Corey Seager or Cody Bellinger. Later, Hembo on no players being inducted into the Hall of Fame, Yadier Molina and the Cardinals at an impasse and Trevor Story.
Eric and Tristan discuss the value of Yu Darvish/Blake Snell in San Diego and Josh Bell in Washington in addition to highlighting prospects on the move and their future upside.
Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo says the team isn't ruling out a reunion with Ryan Zimmerman after acquiring slugger Josh Bell this week to play first base.
A Christmas Eve deal gives Washington a slugger with upside, and Pittsburgh fans even more reason to wonder what their franchise's plan really is.
First baseman Josh Bell, an All-Star selection with the Pirates in 2019 who hit .226 last season, has been traded to the Nationals.
First baseman Josh Bell has been traded from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Washington Nationals, a source tells ESPN. Two young pitchers headed back to Pittsburgh.
This was a baseball season like no other. And here are the numbers that prove it.
Howie Kendrick announced via Instagram on Monday that he was retiring after 15 major league seasons.
ESPN will open its Sunday Night Baseball schedule on April 4 when the Los Angeles Angels host the Chicago White Sox.
David Schoenfield and Buster discuss the Negro League’s recognition by MLB, Cleveland officially dropping the “Indians” nickname, the Mets, Phillies and Ranges hiring new GMs, standout moves from the offseason thus far and the continued labor strife. Then, Sarah Langs gets into Curt Schilling likely falling short of the Hall of Fame, Ke'Bryan Hayes’ under-the-radar season and another astounding Juan Soto stat. Later, Yankees reliever Adam Ottavino talks about his published photos from the pandemic-shortened season, his favorite pictures and D.J. LeMahieu.
Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo shot down rumors of acquiring Kris Bryant from the Cubs.
Nationals GM Mike Rizzo took the unusual step of talking about another team's player when he told reporters the Nats aren't interested in trading for Kris Bryant: “We haven't had a serious conversation about Kris Bryant in probably two years. He was not a big guy on our radar last year or this year. He's a great player but at this point and time of where we're at, and what we have in our farm system, and where we're going, we think we can allocate our dollars and prospect capital in another way”
From historic heists to modern blockbusters, we examine the reasons for the most memorable deals in baseball history.
We put each of this winter's big five free agents in our favorite landing spot, and decide where things go from there.
| TEAM | W | L | PCT | GB | STRK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | 35 | 25 | .583 | - | L2 |
| Miami | 31 | 29 | .517 | 4 | W1 |
| Philadelphia | 28 | 32 | .467 | 7 | L3 |
| New York | 26 | 34 | .433 | 9 | L3 |
| Washington | 26 | 34 | .433 | 9 | W3 |
