With the conclusion of one of MLB's more memorable trade deadlines, we hand out grades for how ea...

<p><em>With the conclusion of one of MLB's more memorable trade deadlines, we hand out grades for how each club did relative to expectations going into Thursday. </em></p><p><strong>Jump to:</strong><br><a href="#ARI">ARI</a> | <a href="#ATH">ATH</a> I <a href="#ATL">ATL</a> | <a href="#BAL">BAL</a> | <a href="#BOS">BOS</a> | <a href="#CHC">CHC</a> | <a href="#CWS">CWS</a> | <a href="#CIN">CIN</a> | <a href="#CLE">CLE</a> | <a href="#COL">COL</a> | <a href="#DET">DET</a> | <a href="#HOU">HOU</a> | <a href="#KC">KC</a> | <a href="#LAA">LAA</a> | <a href="#LAD">LAD</a> | <a href="#MIA">MIA</a> | <a href="#MIL">MIL</a> | <a href="#MIN">MIN</a> | <a href="#NYM">NYM</a> | <a href="#NYY">NYY</a> | <a href="#PHI">PHI</a> | <a href="#PIT">PIT</a> | <a href="#SD">SD</a> | <a href="#SF">SF</a> | <a href="#SEA">SEA</a> | <a href="#STL">STL</a> | <a href="#TB">TB</a> | <a href="#TEX">TEX</a> | <a href="#TOR">TOR</a> | <a href="#WSH">WSH</a></p><p><strong><a id="LAA" name="LAA">Angels</a>:</strong> A lack of direction is one of the main reasons Los Angeles hasn't made the playoffs since 2014. Facing 3.7% playoff odds according to FanGraphs, the Angels opted for a soft buy, adding a pair of veteran relievers in Andrew Chafin and Luis García along with depth infielder Oswald Peraza. <strong>D</strong></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong><a id="HOU" name="HOU">Astros</a>: </strong>Houston reuniting with Carlos Correa was the biggest shock of the deadline. While he's no longer the star player he once was, the Astros did well to bring him in to take over third base while having the Twins cover one-third of his remaining salary. Jesús Sánchez is a very interesting power-hitting outfielder who's also an above-average defender. <strong>B+</strong></p><p><strong><a id="ATH" name="ATH">Athletics</a>:</strong> Having a star closer on a rebuilding club is an unnecessary luxury, so credit to the A's for flipping Mason Miller for a massive prospect haul headlined by Leo De Vries, ranked as the No. 3 prospect in baseball by MLB Pipeline. Braden Nett and Henry Baez also move into the top 10 in the A's system. <strong>A</strong></p><p><strong><a id="TOR" name="TOR">Blue Jays</a>:</strong> The Shane Bieber acquisition was a worthy gamble for the AL East leaders, who entered the deadline in search of a difference-maker in the rotation. Relievers Seranthony Domínguez and Louis Varland both rank in the 94th percentile in fastball velocity and can slot in at the back end of the 'pen. Toronto missed out on adding a power bat, which would have helped come playoff time. <strong>B+</strong></p><p><strong><a id="ATL" name="ATL">Braves</a>: </strong>Atlanta's disappointing campaign carried into the deadline. It's totally understandable that Alex Anthopoulos didn't want to blow things up, and his hands were tied by Marcell Ozuna's full no-trade clause, but he didn't display much creativity either. The entire 2025 season is one to forget for the Braves. <strong>C</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796376/cropped_GettyImages-2227911652.jpg?ts=1754067999" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796376/w220xh124_GettyImages-2227911652.jpg?ts=1754067999 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796376/w320xh180_GettyImages-2227911652.jpg?ts=1754067999 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796376/w640xh360_GettyImages-2227911652.jpg?ts=1754067999 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796376/w768xh432_GettyImages-2227911652.jpg?ts=1754067999 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796376/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2227911652.jpg?ts=1754067999 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">John Fisher / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong><a id="MIL" name="MIL">Brewers</a>: </strong>Milwaukee leads the NL Central on the strength of its pitching staff and focused on depth moves rather than a big swing. Adding Danny Jansen, Brandon Lockridge, and Shelby Miller (currently on IL) raises the Brewers' floor, but it doesn't do much to upgrade an offense that ranks 22nd in homers and 17th in OPS. <strong>B-</strong></p><p><strong><a id="STL" name="STL">Cardinals</a>:</strong> St. Louis remains in limbo during John Mozeliak's somewhat awkward farewell tour. Trading pending free-agent relievers Ryan Helsley, Steven Matz, and Phil Maton for six prospects headlined by Jesus Baez, who slides in as the organization's No. 6 prospect, is solid work. Chaim Bloom clearly had some influence in bringing over Blaze Jordan from Boston after drafting him in 2020. <strong>B</strong></p><p><strong><a id="CHC" name="CHC">Cubs</a>:</strong> It's a shame Chicago didn't operate with a little more urgency as Kyle Tucker's free agency looms. Andrew Kittredge, Michael Soroka, Willi Castro, and Taylor Rogers are all fine depth moves, but they should have come alongside a frontline starter and high-leverage reliever. <strong>B-</strong></p><p><strong><a id="ARI" name="ARI">D-Backs</a>:</strong> Arizona cleared out almost all of its expiring deals in hopes of a quick retool heading into 2026. Merrill Kelly, Shelby Miller, Jordan Montgomery, Eugenio Suárez, Randal Grichuk, and Josh Naylor netted the D-Backs nine players in return, with the front office prioritizing players close to the majors. Zac Gallen's poor 2025 performance hampered the club's efforts to flip him for valuable assets, and he could receive a qualifying offer in the offseason. <strong>B+ </strong></p><p><strong><a id="LAD" name="LAD">Dodgers</a>: </strong>Although Los Angeles should get a number of stars back from injury soon, it's still weird that they didn't make any major additions at the deadline. Brock Stewart is an intriguing arm for a depleted bullpen, and Alex Call is a solid platoon outfielder. Dustin May's six-year tenure with the Dodgers ended, but it was great business to land a pair of prospects for a redundant arm.<strong> B-</strong></p><p><strong><a id="SF" name="SF">Giants</a>:</strong> It's been a weird season in San Francisco. Six weeks after the euphoria of acquiring Rafael Devers, the Giants were sellers at the deadline. Moving rentals Mike Yastrzemski and Tyler Rogers made sense - Buster Posey received a solid haul for a reliever - but trading Camilo Doval, who has two additional years of control, for a package lacking a headline prospect was an odd decision.<strong> B</strong></p><p><strong><a id="CLE" name="CLE">Guardians</a>:</strong> Emmanuel Clase being placed on leave likely derailed any plans Cleveland had to buy at the deadline. Instead, the Guardians didn't really do much, but that's OK. Holding on to Steven Kwan and Cade Smith should be viewed as a win. Landing Khal Stephen, who slots in as the organization's No. 7 prospect, for Shane Bieber could be a massive get. <strong>B+</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795894/cropped_GettyImages-2226267919.jpg?ts=1753749201" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795894/w220xh124_GettyImages-2226267919.jpg?ts=1753749201 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795894/w320xh180_GettyImages-2226267919.jpg?ts=1753749201 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795894/w640xh360_GettyImages-2226267919.jpg?ts=1753749201 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795894/w768xh432_GettyImages-2226267919.jpg?ts=1753749201 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795894/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2226267919.jpg?ts=1753749201 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong><a id="SEA" name="SEA">Mariners</a>:</strong> Jerry Dipoto finally acted with the urgency Mariners fans have been asking for. Seattle added the two best bats available in Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suárez to address massive holes at the corner infield spots. Seattle boasts one of the best lineups and rotations in the American League and could be a real threat come playoff time. <strong>A</strong></p><p><strong><a id="MIA" name="MIA">Marlins</a>:</strong> Miami kicked a potential Sandy Alcantara trade down the road, which isn't the worst idea given his struggles this season. Instead, Peter Bendix settled on more minor moves, trading away outfielder Jesús Sánchez and catcher Nick Fortes for four prospects. <strong>C</strong></p><p><a id="NYM" name="NYM"><strong>Mets</strong>:</a> David Stearns has built a roster that will be an incredibly tough out come October. The Mets paid high prices for rental relievers Ryan Helsley, Tyler Rogers, and Gregory Soto, but the bullpen is now one of the best in the majors. Cedric Mullins is also a great addition, bringing speed, power, and a solid glove to the outfield. <strong>A</strong></p><p><strong><a id="WSH" name="WSH">Nationals</a>: </strong>The new front office opted to sell off complementary pieces in Kyle Finnegan, Alex Call, Luis García, Andrew Chafin, and Amed Rosario for nine players. It's shaping up to be a franchise-altering winter for the Nats, who need to choose a direction. Ownership needs to either commit to spending to prop up a solid young core, or look to move MacKenzie Gore (two years of arbitration remaining) and CJ Abrams (three years of arbitration remaining) to maximize the return. It feels like Washington's wasting a window by taking half measures. <strong>C</strong></p><p><a id="BAL" name="BAL"><strong>Orioles</strong></a>: Pitching was the priority for Mike Elias during the deadline sell-off. Baltimore moved Gregory Soto, Ryan O'Hearn, Ramón Laureano, Cedric Mullins, Charlie Morton, Andrew Kittredge, Ramón Urías, and Seranthony Domínguez for 15 prospects - including 10 pitchers. Of that group, Boston Bateman (No. 6), Juaron Watts-Brown (No. 9), Cobb Hightower (No. 21), Wellington Aracena (No. 22), and Anthony Nunez (No. 24) slide into the organization's top 30. <strong>B</strong></p><p><strong><a id="SD" name="SD">Padres</a>: </strong>A.J. Preller hasn't met a prospect he didn't want to trade. With his club fully in its window to win, Preller went off at the deadline, acquiring Mason Miller, JP Sears, Ryan O'Hearn, Ramón Laureano, Nestor Cortes, Freddy Fermin, and Will Wagner while keeping closer Robert Suarez and starter Dylan Cease. Preller upgraded an offense that ranked second last in home runs, enhanced an already elite bullpen, and kept his major-league roster intact. Did it cost him MLB's No. 3 prospect in Leo De Vries and six players from last year's draft class? Sure, but San Diego's time to contend is now, and the front office has done a great job of continuing to supplement the minor-league system. It's a damn exciting time to be a Padres fan. <strong>A</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794152/cropped_GettyImages-2224511436.jpg?ts=1752436364" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794152/w220xh124_GettyImages-2224511436.jpg?ts=1752436364 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794152/w320xh180_GettyImages-2224511436.jpg?ts=1752436364 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794152/w640xh360_GettyImages-2224511436.jpg?ts=1752436364 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794152/w768xh432_GettyImages-2224511436.jpg?ts=1752436364 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794152/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2224511436.jpg?ts=1752436364 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">David Berding / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong><a id="PHI" name="PHI">Phillies</a>:</strong> Dave Dombrowski checked off the most important item on his list by reeling in one of the game's best closers in Jhoan Duran, who also comes with two more years of control. He's a difference-maker and exactly what the Phillies needed to anchor the bullpen. The cost was steep - two top 100 prospects - but Philadelphia's World Series window with this core is closing, and Dombrowski was able to hold onto his three best prospects. Harrison Bader also brings a great glove and some pop to the outfield. <strong>A</strong></p><p><strong><a id="PIT" name="PIT">Pirates</a>: </strong>Pittsburgh's heading into a 10th straight losing season and lacks any reason for optimism except watching Paul Skenes every fifth day. Ben Cherington did well to dump Ke'Bryan Hayes' salary and add prospect Sammy Stafura. He also received a pair of intriguing catching prospects in exchange for David Bednar, but the front office eventually needs to stop sending out talent and start building a team that can win major-league games. The Pirates' failure to get anything for impending free agents Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Andrew Heaney, and Tommy Pham was puzzling.<strong> C</strong></p><p><strong><a id="TEX" name="TEX">Rangers</a>: </strong>Texas did a great job with some sneaky good additions that complement a team hitting its stride. Merrill Kelly is a nice arm to slide in behind Nathan Eovaldi and Jacob deGrom in the front of the rotation, while Danny Coulombe (1.16 ERA) and Phil Maton (2.35) are established veteran relievers enjoying strong seasons. <strong>B+</strong></p><p><a id="TB" name="TB"><strong>Rays:</strong></a> It was another fascinating deadline for a team that always operates as both a buyer and a seller. The Rays kept their core veterans, dealt away some rental pieces for players with term, and got better in the future and in the interim. Flipping Taj Bradley, who was demoted prior to the deadline, for Griffin Jax could be a major boon to the bullpen for several years. <strong>B+</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/578102/cropped_GettyImages-1489815532.jpg?ts=1684352565" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/578102/w220xh124_GettyImages-1489815532.jpg?ts=1684352565 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/578102/w320xh180_GettyImages-1489815532.jpg?ts=1684352565 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/578102/w640xh360_GettyImages-1489815532.jpg?ts=1684352565 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/578102/w768xh432_GettyImages-1489815532.jpg?ts=1684352565 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/578102/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1489815532.jpg?ts=1684352565 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ronald Martinez / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><a id="BOS" name="BOS"><strong>Red Sox</strong></a>: The front office entered the deadline preaching an aggressiveness that didn't bear fruit. Craig Breslow promised they tried hard, though. While the Red Sox did get slightly better by adding starter Dustin May and reliever Steven Matz, they're both rentals. Boston played its way into a playoff spot despite the Rafael Devers trade, and this was the time when the front office was supposed to reallocate resources to meaningfully supplement the roster. That didn't happen. <strong>C</strong></p><p><strong><a id="CIN" name="CIN">Reds</a>: </strong>Cincinnati went into the deadline sitting three games out of a playoff spot and made some interesting decisions, bringing in two players with some performance issues. Ke'Bryan Hayes, owed $30 million over the next four seasons, is a strong defender, but his 59 wRC+ ranks last among qualified third basemen over the last two seasons. Zack Littell is a rental starter who owns the second-highest HR/9 (1.8) in the majors. <strong>C+</strong></p><p><strong><a id="COL" name="COL">Rockies</a>:</strong> Not much was expected from a team with a .259 winning percentage. Getting out of the remaining $32 million on Ryan McMahon's deal was a great move - if the club reinvests that savings in the offseason - and selling high on Jake Bird also worked out. Colorado netted its new No. 5, 11, 19, and 27 prospects without having much to sell. <strong>B</strong></p><p><strong><a id="KC" name="KC">Royals</a>:</strong> Kansas City deserves some credit for not waving the white flag, even if it didn't make any major deadline moves. Randal Grichuk and Mike Yastrzemski bring some desperately needed power to the outfield, while Bailey Falter slots into a rotation that's been pretty banged up. The Royals have 12 more games against the rebuilding White Sox and Twins, so maybe they'll get hot down the stretch and sneak into a playoff spot. <strong>B</strong></p><p><strong><a id="DET" name="DET">Tigers</a>: </strong>Detroit looked like the best team in the AL for most of the season but limped into the deadline, losing 12 of 17 games. Although pitching was the Tigers' deadline focus, the additions of Kyle Finnegan, Paul Sewald, Codi Heuer, Rafael Montero, Charlie Morton, and Chris Paddack do more to raise the floor than the ceiling. The front office clearly didn't want to part with any of its top prospects, taking a long-term view rather than being aggressive this year. <strong>C</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792996/cropped_GettyImages-2221731756.jpg?ts=1751646130" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792996/w220xh124_GettyImages-2221731756.jpg?ts=1751646130 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792996/w320xh180_GettyImages-2221731756.jpg?ts=1751646130 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792996/w640xh360_GettyImages-2221731756.jpg?ts=1751646130 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792996/w768xh432_GettyImages-2221731756.jpg?ts=1751646130 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792996/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2221731756.jpg?ts=1751646130 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mitchell Leff / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong><a id="MIN" name="MIN">Twins</a>:</strong> What a shame. Minnesota possessed a strong core, but ownership just wouldn't commit to investing financially to make this team a true contender. Lacking depth, the club opted for a sell-off at the deadline, moving 10 players off the 26-man roster. Eduardo Tait and Mick Abel are intriguing pieces, and the front office was able to add new names to the top 30 prospect pool while clearing out a large chunk of Carlos Correa's contract. But you have to imagine Twins fans would have preferred to see the front office build around this core rather than blow it up. <strong>F (for blowing it up)/B (for the return)</strong></p><p><strong><a id="CWS" name="CWS">White Sox</a>: </strong>Chicago continues to hold on to Luis Robert Jr. in hopes he'll eventually morph back into his 2023 All-Star form. The front office called everyone's bluff by saying it'll exercise the outfielder's $20-million option next season rather than trade him for a perceived weak return. We'll see how that turns out. The White Sox did flip Adrian Houser for three prospects, headlined by Curtis Mead. <strong>C</strong></p><p><strong><a id="NYY" name="NYY">Yankees</a>: </strong>New York's success this season depends on the health of Aaron Judge, but Brian Cashman did well to address the team's two biggest weaknesses - defense and relief pitching. David Bednar, Camilo Doval, and Jake Bird significantly improve a bullpen that ranked second last in the majors in ERA in July. Ryan McMahon solidifies third base, while José Caballero and Amed Rosario make the bench much more versatile. <strong>A</strong></p>

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Grading each MLB team's trade deadline 

Follow along for analysis of all major transactions prior to Thursday's 6 p.m. ET trade deadline....

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MLB trade deadline: Analysis for all major moves

The July 31 MLB trade deadline is quickly approaching. Here are 10 marquee deals we'd love to see...

<p><em>The July 31 MLB trade deadline is quickly approaching. Here are 10 marquee deals we'd love to see. </em></p><p><strong>Jump to:</strong><br><a href="#ARI">ARI</a> | <a href="#ATH">ATH</a> I <a href="#ATL">ATL</a> | <a href="#BAL">BAL</a> | <a href="#BOS">BOS</a> | <a href="#CHC">CHC</a> | <a href="#CWS">CWS </a>| <a href="#CLE">CLE</a> | <a href="#DET">DET</a> | <a href="#HOU">HOU</a> | <a href="#LAD">LAD</a> | <a href="#MIN">MIN</a> | <a href="#NYM">NYM</a> | <a href="#NYY">NYY</a> | <a href="#PHI">PHI</a> | <a href="#SD">SD</a> | <a href="#STL">STL</a> | <a href="#TB">TB</a> | <a href="#TEX">TEX</a> | <a href="#TOR">TOR</a></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-treHN" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/treHN/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="130" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Why the <a id="DET" name="DET">Tigers</a> do it: </strong>Detroit is essentially a lock to win the AL Central; now it's about building a roster to win in the postseason. For all Robert's flaws, he remains an elite defensive center fielder and baserunner, which would help a Tigers team that ranks last in the majors in steals. It's unlikely either of Robert's two $20-million club options are exercised, making him a rental. Houser gives Detroit more rotation depth behind Tarik Skubal, Casey Mize, and Jack Flaherty.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Why the <a id="CWS" name="CWS">White Sox</a> do it: </strong>Getting anything for Robert at this point should be the front office's goal. Of course, Chicago could always hold onto him, exercise his option, and hope he's able to rebuild his value, but that's an expensive risk for a team that's often reluctant to spend. Converting Houser's breakout year into prospects is exactly what a rebuilding club needs to do.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-42Z8v" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/42Z8v/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="130" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Why the <a id="HOU" name="HOU">Astros</a> do it: </strong>Long-term<strong> </strong>injures to Yordan Alvarez and now Isaac Paredes are threatening to derail what's been an incredible season. Luckily, the Orioles have exactly what the Astros need to not just stay afloat, but assemble one of the AL's best lineups if everyone returns healthy. Mullins would serve as Houston's everyday center fielder, while O'Hearn provides big power from the left side.</p><p><strong>Why the <a id="BAL" name="BAL">Orioles</a> do it: </strong>Their 2025 campaign has been ugly. Trading away expiring deals would allow the team to build some much-needed pitching depth that will hopefully enable a quick turnaround heading into 2026. Ullola, Houston's No. 4 prospect, is an intriguing arm that looks MLB ready. He could audition for next year's roster over the final two months of this season.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-6Gu7h" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/6Gu7h/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="157" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Why the <a id="TOR" name="TOR">Blue Jays</a> do it: </strong>Toronto needs to think big and capitalize on a wide-open American League. The Blue Jays lack a true ace, and deGrom more than fills that role. While there's considerable risk in taking on the $88 million left on the right-hander's deal through 2027, the trade market lacks a high-ceiling rental pitcher. Toronto's proven track record of keeping its veteran starters healthy could entice deGrom, who would need to waive his full no-trade clause to come aboard. The prospect package is hefty, but the front office needs to push its chips in as the club hopes to record its first postseason win since 2016.</p><p><strong>Why the <a id="TEX" name="TEX">Rangers</a> do it: </strong>Although Texas is playing much better heading into the deadline, the front office should use deGrom's strong performance as an opportunity to move off his contract, improve a depleted system, and free up money that can be spent in an approaching free-agent market full of starting pitchers. Yesavage and Tiedemann would add two top-100 pitching prospects to a system that currently has none.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-eTAKS" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/eTAKS/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="157" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Why the <a id="NYY" name="NYY">Yankees</a> do it: </strong>Their defensive issues have cost them plenty this year, and while Eugenio Suárez's bat is enticing, this team doesn't need more poor defense and strikeouts. Arenado's best hitting days are behind him, but he remains an elite defender, and he puts the ball in play. Though his age isn't ideal, the other options at the position wouldn't have the same impact. He'd settle things down for New York while also acting as a mentor and safety net for Anthony Volpe. Adding Helsley at the back end of the bullpen would take pressure off Luke Weaver and give the team another late-game option. Arenado would need to waive his no-trade clause for all of this to happen.</p><p><strong>Why the <a id="STL" name="STL">Cardinals</a> do it</strong>: Having slipped in the wild-card race after a promising start, clearing out some of Arenado's salary and opening up playing time makes a lot of sense. St. Louis is thin on arms - especially when it comes to the franchise's top prospects - so any deal needs to be focused on infusing the system with pitching.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-O5rpx" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/O5rpx/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="172" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Why the <a id="BOS" name="BOS">Red Sox</a> do it: </strong>Ryan is the perfect complement to Garrett Crochet and would give Boston arguably the best one-two punch in the American League. Parting with a fan favorite and spark plug like Duran could be hard to swallow - especially after dealing Rafael Devers - but Boston needs to clear its logjam of outfielders and use that depth to land a controllable frontline starter. Reuniting with Vázquez gives the Red Sox a mentor to back up Carlos Narváez.</p><p><strong>Why the <a id="MIN" name="MIN">Twins</a> do it: </strong>Minnesota still seems committed to its core in an attempt to retool heading into next year. Duran gives the Twins a dynamic option at the top of the lineup who's under team control through 2028 at a relatively moderate cost. Fitts is already pitching in the majors, while Garcia is crushing the ball in Triple-A. Losing Ryan would be a blow to the pitching staff, but this could be the best way to add immediately available talent to the MLB roster in a variety of areas. Meanwhile, Vázquez helps clear some money off the books for the rest of the season.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-pfOmq" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/pfOmq/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="130" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Why the <a id="CHC" name="CHC">Cubs</a> do it: </strong>There needs to be a level of urgency on the North Side with Kyle Tucker's impending free agency. Suárez would give Chicago one of the deepest lineups in MLB, while Kelly - a proven playoff performer - would be a top-of-the-rotation arm for the postseason.</p><p><strong>Why the <a id="ARI" name="ARI">Diamondbacks</a> do it: </strong>Arizona needs to wave the white flag on its season and sell off its impending free agents in order to compete again in 2026. Wiggins and Ballesteros are top-100 prospects who would be a huge boost to the D-Backs' system. With so many injuries and impending free agents, the club must turn Suárez and Kelly into impact pieces that are knocking on the door to the majors.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-dT9lT" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/dT9lT/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="183" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Why the <a id="LAD" name="LAD">Dodgers</a> do it: </strong>Because the Dodgers can pretty much do whatever they want. Despite an astronomical payroll and a roster featuring at least four future Hall of Famers, the reigning World Series champs approach the deadline with a number of needs. Adding a closer is an essential, not a luxury, and one of the game's best in flamethrower Miller makes a lot of sense. Factor in the four-plus years of control, and the Dodgers can dream on a dominant back end of the bullpen for years to come. Severino has been great outside the confines of Sutter Health Park, and the Dodgers would benefit from another controllable arm given all their pitching injuries.</p><p><strong>Why the <a id="ATH" name="ATH">A's</a> do it: </strong>The first season in West Sacramento has been a bit of a disaster. The A's have a solid core of young position players already in the majors, though the team is unlikely to compete for a playoff spot before it's ready to move to Vegas. In the meantime, it makes more sense for the Athletics to trade their high-leverage reliever now, when his value is still exceptional. Severino's comments about the team's facilities will likely make the A's a tough sell in free agency until they relocate.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-cj2JT" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/cj2JT/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="157" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Why the <a id="PHI" name="PHI">Phillies</a> do it: </strong>The clock is ticking on this core. The Phillies have done a good job of building their farm system in recent years, but rather than wait on those young players to make an impact at the big-league level, the front office should flip them for immediate help. Clase gives the Phillies one of the game's elite closers for multiple years, while Kwan addresses a need in the corner outfield and adds a different offensive dynamic.</p><p><strong>Why the <a id="CLE" name="CLE">Guardians</a> do it: </strong>After winning the AL Central in 2024, regression has hit. Cleveland is still alive in the wild-card race but is one of the majors' worst offensive teams. There are too many issues to solve for a team that doesn't spend much, so the Guardians should focus on packaging Kwan and Clase for future - and cheaper - impact players. There's no reason Painter and Crawford can't be key contributors as soon as next season.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-BylK2" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/BylK2/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="130" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Why the <a id="SD" name="SD">Padres</a> do it: </strong>San Diego ranks 29th in OPS from the DH spot this season. The club has a solid core and could make a deep playoff run if it gets a little bit of help. The Padres would need Ozuna to accept a trade, however, given his 10-and-5 rights. If Ozuna is willing to go west, he would help San Diego land an impact bat without costing the team a significant number of prospects.</p><p><strong>Why the <a id="ATL" name="ATL">Braves</a> do it: </strong>Expect Alex Anthopoulos to trade away anyone on an expiring deal. Ozuna's full no-trade rights allow him to pick his destination.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Q0ibu" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Q0ibu/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="157" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Why the <a id="NYM" name="NYM">Mets</a> do it: </strong>Díaz would give the Mets some right-handed power to balance their lineup and could slide into the DH role, allowing Mark Vientos to man third base. He's also signed through 2026, which provides the Mets some cover if Pete Alonso opts out of his deal. Fairbanks gives New York another back-end arm capable of closing, plus he also comes with additional control. That could be beneficial with Edwin Díaz's player option looming.</p><p><strong>Why the <a id="TB" name="TB">Rays</a> do it: </strong>Tampa Bay continues churning its roster to find any competitive advantage no matter where it sits in the playoff race. Dealing Díaz and Fairbanks continues the franchise's trend of parting with veterans nearing free agency in order to bring in younger players with more term left on their deals. Both McLean and Benge are top-100 prospects on the verge of reaching MLB.</p>

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<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4761" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4761">Kyle Schwarber</a> took home the 2025 Ted Williams All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award under rather unconventional circumstances.</p><p>With the teams tied 6-6 after nine innings, the game went to a swing-off to decide the winner. </p><p>Schwarber went 0-for-2 with a walk for the National League, but homered with all three of his swings to secure the win in the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3312122" href="https://thescore.com/news/3312122">first-ever All-Star Game swing-off</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794497/cropped_GettyImages-2224660027.jpg?ts=1752640050" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794497/w220xh124_GettyImages-2224660027.jpg?ts=1752640050 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794497/w320xh180_GettyImages-2224660027.jpg?ts=1752640050 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794497/w640xh360_GettyImages-2224660027.jpg?ts=1752640050 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794497/w768xh432_GettyImages-2224660027.jpg?ts=1752640050 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794497/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2224660027.jpg?ts=1752640050 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Todd Kirkland / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>"It was awesome," Schwarber said. "The guys were really into it. They were yelling, screaming, cheering me on every swing. And then when that last one goes over, they were all pumped. It was a lot of fun."</p><p>It's the first All-Star Game MVP for Schwarber, who was playing in his third Midsummer Classic. He's only the second Phillies player to win the award, joining Johnny Callison in 1964.</p><p>"A lot of guys that deserved this (MVP) but I'm happy it's going home with us to Philly," Schwarber said. </p><p>Schwarber is also the first non-pitcher to win All-Star Game MVP without recording a hit in the game, according to <a href="https://x.com/OptaSTATS/status/1945333315734524233">OptaSTATS</a>. </p>

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 15: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates after winning the Most Valuable Player of the MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park on July 15, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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TORONTO - Carlos Correa had no idea how much the 2012 MLB Draft would change his life, but he kne...

<p>TORONTO - Carlos Correa had no idea how much the 2012 MLB Draft would change his life, but he knew he wanted to be there to hear his name called.</p><p>He didn't have to wait long.</p><p>Despite entering the draft as the fifth-ranked prospect, Correa was selected first overall by the Houston Astros, making him the highest-drafted Puerto Rican in MLB history. The then 17-year-old shortstop hugged his family, walked on stage, and greeted commissioner Bud Selig.<br><br>His life would never be the same.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Going into the draft, I wasn't sure," Correa told theScore when asked if he thought he would go No. 1. "I knew it was a possibility. I was looking at Bud Selig, and he called my name. It was a life-changing moment for me and my family. We come from poverty back in Puerto Rico, so that moment completely changed my life forever."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/astros-draft-ss-correa-no-1-c22019763?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>Correa went into the draft fairly blind and a little naive. He kept up with some early projections and mock drafts, though he said his access to technology was limited. Correa grew up in Boca Velázquez, a little town he describes as a place "nobody even knows about" but where "everybody knows each other."</p><p>"I kind of followed (mock drafts), but I didn't have a phone at the time," Correa said. "I didn't grow up with a phone. We were very poor. My agency, I would talk to them, so I kinda knew I was a top-five player going into the draft, but I didn't pay too much attention to it because I didn't have a phone."</p><p>He's proud of where he comes from and his upbringing. His father, Carlos Sr., worked long hours in construction to help support his son's dream, hoping to give him a better life.</p><p>"He would take me to work construction with him in the summers when I was 15, 16 years old, and I was like, 'Dad, I don't want to do this at all," Correa said. "It motivated me even more to chase my dreams."</p><p>Correa's certainly lived up to the hype of being a No. 1 pick; he won the 2015 Rookie of the Year, has been named to three All-Star teams, and won a Platinum Glove. He also helped the Astros win the 2017 World Series.</p><p>"I'm very happy to make my parents proud, and all their hard work and sacrifices paid off," he said. "They still spend months with me during the year in Minnesota. We have a very close relationship to this day, and I'll always be grateful for all their efforts."</p><h3>'Everyone was on edge'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/793908/cropped_GettyImages-967398336.jpg?ts=1752250248" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/793908/w220xh124_GettyImages-967398336.jpg?ts=1752250248 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/793908/w320xh180_GettyImages-967398336.jpg?ts=1752250248 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/793908/w640xh360_GettyImages-967398336.jpg?ts=1752250248 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/793908/w768xh432_GettyImages-967398336.jpg?ts=1752250248 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/793908/w1080xh607_GettyImages-967398336.jpg?ts=1752250248 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Alex Trautwig / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Correa opted to attend the event with his family, but others chose to celebrate their big night at home, surrounded by loved ones.</p><p>"The important thing on draft day was I wanted to be around my friends and family," Baltimore Orioles catcher - and 2019 No. 1 pick - Adley Rutschman told theScore. "Those are the people that have been there through the journey. That was a really important part for me."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/orioles-draft-c-rutschman-no-1?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>Rutschman, a junior at Oregon State at the time, was the projected first overall pick on most mocks heading into the draft. Despite that, he said he didn't know the Orioles were selecting him until about 45 seconds before it happened.</p><p>"That was kind of exciting and the cool part of it - not knowing," Rutschman said. "I think everyone was on edge."</p><p>Spencer Torkelson was full of nerves on his draft day. He tried to relax by spending the morning on the golf course with friends. </p><p>"I don't even remember what the golf round was like," Torkelson said. "I was so excited that day. It was one of the most special feelings I've ever felt."</p><p>Torkelson's experience may have been the most unique. The 2020 event came during the COVID-19 pandemic, and restrictions meant it was done remotely and limited to five rounds. MLB Network set up a satellite camera in the corner of the living room where he was sitting with a group to capture the reaction.</p><p>Torkelson said he tried his best to avoid reading projections in the months before the draft, but he admitted he was constantly tagged in social media posts, making it difficult to avoid.</p><p>The Tigers gave Torkelson no advance notice that they would select him.</p><p>"There was no call before. When the public found out is when I found out," Torkelson said. "The commissioner introduced the draft and then went to commercial. People were asking if I got a text or a call, and I was like, 'Nope.'</p><p>"As soon as they said 'Spencer,' the room went ballistic. I didn't even know they drafted me as a third baseman because we all were celebrating so loud."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/tigers-draft-3b-torkelson-no-1?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>Three weeks later, Torkelson was on a plane to Detroit. He'd take part in the alternate site at Comerica Park with a handful of players getting reps during the COVID season.</p><p>"It was eye opening," Torkelson said. "To go straight from the college season being canceled to big league spring training was wild."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/tigers-draft-rhp-mize-no-1-c2118656283?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>Casey Mize was a bit of a late bloomer. Like Torkelson, he wasn't drafted out of high school, and early projections weren't promising. </p><p>"At the start of the season, I don't think I was mocked in the first round," Mize told theScore.</p><p>Mize climbed the ranks as the year went on. He dominated at Auburn as a junior and garnered a lot of attention after throwing a no-hitter against Northeastern.</p><p>Mize didn't attend the MLB draft, but he had a good excuse.</p><p>"We were still playing," he said. "The night before, we were in Raleigh, North Carolina. We just won the regional. We went back to Auburn that morning, and I got drafted that night. We had a game the next week against Florida in the super regionals."</p><p>Mize gathered in the Auburn football team's meeting room on draft night with members of the baseball program. </p><p>Unlike Torkelson two years earlier, the Tigers tipped him off.</p><p>"They told us the night before that I was going to go first, but I didn't really buy it until I heard my name," Mize said. "It was truly emotional."</p><h3>'It definitely weighed on me'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794036/cropped_GettyImages-1219234655.jpg?ts=1752344461" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794036/w220xh124_GettyImages-1219234655.jpg?ts=1752344461 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794036/w320xh180_GettyImages-1219234655.jpg?ts=1752344461 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794036/w640xh360_GettyImages-1219234655.jpg?ts=1752344461 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794036/w768xh432_GettyImages-1219234655.jpg?ts=1752344461 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794036/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1219234655.jpg?ts=1752344461 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Alex Trautwig / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>There have been 60 first overall picks since MLB implemented the draft in 1965. Only 28 of those players have been All-Stars. Four have been elected into the Hall of Fame. Two retired before reaching the majors.</p><p>Unlike the NBA, NHL, and NFL, there's a much lower probability that MLB's No. 1 pick will be a franchise-altering player. So many variables factor into development, and so many things can go wrong.</p><p>Every player that gets drafted faces extreme pressure to succeed, but for the No. 1 selection, the external expectations are amplified. </p><p>"You come in as the first pick, and everybody's looking at you head to toe," Correa said. "They want to see what you're all about, see what your character's all about, see what your body looks like, see how you move, see how you hit. They're paying attention to every single detail. You gotta live up to the hype, and it can be a lot of pressure for a lot of people."</p><p>Torkelson signed the highest bonus in MLB draft history at the time. He made his MLB debut in 2022 and anchored the Tigers' lineup the following season, hitting 31 home runs. While there were flashes of success, the early years were also full of inconsistent production, and he was eventually demoted to Triple-A in 2023.</p><p>He believes the expectations that came from being No. 1 took a mental toll on him.</p><p>"It definitely weighed on me," Torkelson said. "I fell into the trap of trying to be what everyone was wanting me to be, rather than going out and being me, which is what got me picked. It took me about three or four years to get over that hump."</p><p>Rutschman began to feel the weight of expectations as his stock rose heading into his draft year. He made it a priority to speak with family and close friends to come up with a way to eliminate distractions.</p><p><strong>"</strong>Expectations come from everywhere," he said. "This is the first time real expectations are placed on you.</p><p>"That's when I decided what I wanted to focus on, what was important to me, and how I wanted to attack every day. I felt, once you have that format, you just keep going. The game's always chasing after you. So just keep sticking with it."</p><p>Torkelson fought through his struggles and believes he's come out on the other side. He's enjoying the best season of his young career and credits his change in mindset. He believes what he learned through his experience can help others. </p><p>"I just stopped caring about (expectations)," Torkelson said. "I'm gonna be me no matter what. I'm gonna live and die by me. So that's it."</p><p>It can take patience. Not all progress is linear. Torkelson understands that better than most, and he wants other players to know that, too.</p><p>"No matter what, whether it's first overall or 10th round, everyone in pro ball has somewhat of an equal opportunity once they get there," he said. "Do what got you there and don't change unless you really need to. Don't try to make anyone else happy."</p>

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Major League Baseball's hottest team finally lost.   The Toronto Blue Jays dropped Wednesday's se...

<p>Major League Baseball's hottest team finally lost. </p><p>The Toronto Blue Jays dropped Wednesday's series finale 2-1 against the Chicago White Sox, snapping their 10-game winning streak. The streak fell one win short of equalling the longest in franchise history.</p><p>Toronto had the tying run at first base in the ninth, but Myles Straw flew out to center field to end the game.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Blue Jays win streak comes to an end with a loss against the White Sox <br><br>They'll be back in action against the Athletics on Friday <a href="https://t.co/PAqDymmtVO">pic.twitter.com/PAqDymmtVO</a></p>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1943051457600852437?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Blue Jays, who didn't start Alejandro Kirk or George Springer, finished 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position.</p><p>"Today we shot ourselves in the foot a little bit on the bases," Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. </p><p>After losing 15-1 to the Boston Red Sox on June 28, Toronto rattled off 10 straight wins. The club swept a four-game series with the New York Yankees and a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels as part of the streak.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-tSkLr" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/tSkLr/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="488" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>Even with the loss to the White Sox, the Blue Jays have won five consecutive series and lead the AL East. </p><p>"You start a new one on Friday," Schneider said of the streak. "You win the series here, you can't forget about that. That's the goal every series."</p><p>Toronto is off Thursday before opening a three-game series in Sacramento against the Athletics to wrap up its schedule heading into the All-Star break. </p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 8: Vladimir Guerrero, Jr #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays looks on in a game against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field on July 8, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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TORONTO - Being part of one of baseball's most exclusive clubs doesn't exempt you from bedtime pa...

<p>TORONTO - Being part of one of baseball's most exclusive clubs doesn't exempt you from bedtime parenting duties. </p><p>As Clayton Kershaw wrote his way into the history books at 11:46 p.m. ET on Wednesday in Los Angeles - becoming the 20th member of the 3,000-strikeout club - Max Scherzer was dealing with other commitments. </p><p>"I got kids," Scherzer told theScore with a laugh when asked Thursday if he stayed up late to watch Kershaw make history in real time. "I'm trying to put them to bed."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Scherzer was the 19th pitcher to strike out 3,000, having accomplished the feat in 2021, when he, too, was a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers. </p><p>"It's a big deal," Scherzer said, adding that he sent his former teammate a congratulatory text after watching the highlights. "It's a really cool milestone to reach because of the names that you get mentioned with. You pinch yourself being mentioned with those names.</p><p>"It's just a testament to durability over the years to be able to do this year in and year out, to be at the top of the game. When you get a second to reflect upon that, and you see these lists that you're on, it's really cool."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="3,000-strikeout club" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-EvGzX" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/EvGzX/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="621" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}})}();
</script></figure><p>Scherzer and Kershaw are two of the three greatest pitchers, alongside Justin Verlander, of this generation. They were both selected in the 2006 draft - Kershaw was picked seventh overall, while Scherzer went four picks later at 11. The two will one day see their names on plaques in Cooperstown as first-ballot Hall of Famers.</p><p>"Being in the same draft class with him, to compete against him my whole career, and then being teammates with him, I've got nothing but the utmost respect for what he does on and off the field," Scherzer said of Kershaw. "(He's) a great teammate, a great clubhouse guy. There's no one more deserving."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Strikeout No. 3,000! <br> <br>Clayton Kershaw becomes the 20th pitcher in Major League Baseball history to record 3,000 career strikeouts. <a href="https://t.co/mD7tM1POJC">pic.twitter.com/mD7tM1POJC</a></p>— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1940618636420698133?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Kershaw made his major-league debut in 2008 and won the first of his three Cy Young awards in 2011, when he was just 23 years old. His storied career has inspired the next wave of young pitchers, including New York Yankees ace and California native Max Fried, who grew up watching Kershaw.</p><p>"I watched him a lot," Fried told theScore. "A left-handed pitcher with a big curveball, I definitely tried to pick up as much as I could." </p><p>Fried's amassed 969 strikeouts over nine MLB seasons, putting him 613th on the all-time list. The thought of ever getting close to 3,000 is something Fried says he can't comprehend.</p><p>"To think that I would even need 2,000 more," he said. "It's a testament to how long he's been in the game and how good he's been consistently." </p><p>Though Scherzer couldn't watch Kershaw's performance live, another one of his former teammates, Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger, was locked in.</p><p>"I was so happy for him," Bellinger told theScore, adding that Kershaw is one of his favorite teammates. "Just the person he is. He doesn't try to be a good teammate; he just is a good teammate. He's a good person, good family man, and on top of that, one of the best pitchers on the planet.</p><p>"I'm sure he's literally getting a million (congratulatory texts)."</p><h3>'We drank champagne into the wee hours'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792998/cropped_GettyImages-1235221137.jpg?ts=1751646893" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792998/w220xh124_GettyImages-1235221137.jpg?ts=1751646893 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792998/w320xh180_GettyImages-1235221137.jpg?ts=1751646893 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792998/w640xh360_GettyImages-1235221137.jpg?ts=1751646893 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792998/w768xh432_GettyImages-1235221137.jpg?ts=1751646893 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792998/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1235221137.jpg?ts=1751646893 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Scherzer is still living in the moment. At 40, he knows his playing career will soon come to an end, and he believes that's when he'll get the time to reflect on his time in MLB. </p><p>"There will be a different day to really be able to enjoy that, but right now is not the day because you're in the thick of it," Scherzer said. "You're not playing for your milestones or your records or anything about myself, you're going out to try to help bring a World Series here. That's the only goal. But it's kind of cool to reflect upon it."</p><p>Scherzer was thrown into a playoff race when the Dodgers acquired him at the 2021 trade deadline in a blockbuster deal from the Washington Nationals.<br><br>The start in which he reached 3,000 strikeouts, against the rival San Diego Padres on Sept. 21, was a big one, not only because the Dodgers trailed the San Francisco Giants by 2.5 games for the NL West lead.</p><p>Scherzer went into the matchup knowing he was on the verge of history, and he put together one of the better starts of his career, retiring the first 22 batters he faced and also throwing an immaculate inning. He punched out Eric Hosmer in the fifth inning for No. 3,000.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Max Scherzer becomes the 19th pitcher in MLB history to reach 3,000 career strikeouts! <a href="https://t.co/4n47ety0Ke">pic.twitter.com/4n47ety0Ke</a></p>— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkinBaseball_/status/1437167578527457282?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2021</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Scherzer immediately returned his attention to the task at hand - winning that night's contest.</p><p>"It wasn't a refocus (thing for me), because I never broke focus. I knew it was going to be a big moment. I knew there was a time to show respect for everybody involved, but I knew I couldn't lose my rhythm. I couldn't lose my focus. I had to compete. I had to win. Celebrating 3,000 was going to come at a different time."</p><p>And that time wouldn't come before Hosmer got a bit of revenge.</p><p>"He broke up the perfect game," Scherzer said of Hosmer's double with one out in the eighth.</p><p>Scherzer didn't have to wait too long to celebrate, though: The Dodgers won the game 8-0, and the right-hander was joined by his family and teammates after the final out. He kept his jersey from that night and gave the strikeout ball to his dad.</p><p>"We drank champagne into the wee hours of the morning, so I definitely got my celebration time in," Scherzer said. "That's kind of how those milestones go. I feel like that's reflective of who I am and who I've always wanted to be; I'm a team-first guy. I'm here to win, I'm not here for myself. I'm here to do whatever I can to help the team win."</p><p>Unlike Scherzer, Kershaw could savor the moment immediately - his 3,000th strikeout came at the end of his outing. </p><p>"He did it right. He did it at the last batter of his outing so he could have a chance to really enjoy that moment," Scherzer said. "He did it better than I did."</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792816/cropped_GettyImages-2222580471.jpg?ts=1751514967" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792816/w220xh124_GettyImages-2222580471.jpg?ts=1751514967 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792816/w320xh180_GettyImages-2222580471.jpg?ts=1751514967 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792816/w640xh360_GettyImages-2222580471.jpg?ts=1751514967 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792816/w768xh432_GettyImages-2222580471.jpg?ts=1751514967 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792816/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2222580471.jpg?ts=1751514967 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Katelyn Mulcahy / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Now that Kershaw's joined the club, the attention shifts to the next wave. Scherzer believes Chris Sale (2,528) and Gerrit Cole (2,251) have a shot to reach 3,000 strikeouts.</p><p>There's no one close after that, and Scherzer says MLB must address the number of pitcher injuries and innings limits set on so many starters if there's a chance for any young pitcher to achieve the feat.</p><p>"It's a big milestone," Yankees manager Aaron Boone, who was in the dugout when CC Sabathia reached 3,000 strikeouts, told theScore. "How many more will get there in this century or in this generation? It's quite a feat. It's longevity met with excellence and dominance."</p><p>With 3,000 in his rearview, Scherzer's priority remains winning. His eventual plaque in Cooperstown will be loaded with individual accomplishments, but he'd like to add at least one more World Series title.</p><p>"When you show up here and put the work in to compete, you put the work in to take care of your body, and you go out there and your sole focus is to win," Scherzer said. "The rest of the stuff just takes care of itself." </p><p>And one day, when his playing days are over, Scherzer will be able to truly celebrate his achievements.<br><br>After the kids are in bed, of course. </p>

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TORONTO - You won't find a more enthusiastic ambassador for the College World Series than Dallas ...

<p>TORONTO - You won't find a more enthusiastic ambassador for the College World Series than Dallas Braden. </p><p>You'll want to book the next flight to Omaha, Nebraska, seconds into speaking with the former major leaguer and A's analyst.</p><p>"It's the purest form of baseball and competition that we'll come across," Braden told theScore. "From Little League to the College World Series, love is still the first reason they take the field. I don't care if you never went to college. I don't care if you didn't play Little League. Get there and soak that up."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Braden spent one season at Texas Tech in 2004 but his team failed to get past the regionals. Still, he eventually found his way to Omaha. After his MLB career ended, Braden transitioned into broadcasting and called the Red Raiders' first College World Series game and home run.</p><p>"I was in the booth with Alex Cora, a University of Miami alum, and (Texas Tech) were playing Florida," Braden recalled. "I'm losing my mind internally - haven't said a word - and Alex is fist bumping because any time Florida's losing, he's happy about that.</p><p>"To call that game, call that home run, just being in the booth - it was an incredible feeling. I told the folks at ESPN: 'I don't need to see the inside of a big-league booth ever again. Send me to the College World Series, send me to the Little League World Series. Give me Williamsport and Omaha, and I'm good because I love it that much.'"</p><h3>'Getting there is a big deal'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790108/cropped_GettyImages-1208243849.jpg?ts=1749745267" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790108/w220xh124_GettyImages-1208243849.jpg?ts=1749745267 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790108/w320xh180_GettyImages-1208243849.jpg?ts=1749745267 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790108/w640xh360_GettyImages-1208243849.jpg?ts=1749745267 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790108/w768xh432_GettyImages-1208243849.jpg?ts=1749745267 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790108/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1208243849.jpg?ts=1749745267 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Diamond Images / Diamond Images / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The 2025 College World Series begins Friday with Arizona, Arkansas, Coastal Carolina, Louisville, LSU, Murray State, Oregon State, and UCLA vying for the title.</p><p>The NCAA Division I baseball tournament doesn't get the same publicity as March Madness, but it's garnered more attention in recent years. The 64-team tournament is a grind, culminating each year in Omaha, where the final eight teams participate in a double-elimination bracket to decide a national champion.</p><p>"It's a bloodbath," Braden said. "You need a lot of good things to happen consecutively."</p><p>To illustrate how challenging it is to even reach the College World Series: not a single team that appeared in the tournament last season qualified for the final eight this year. The two top national seeds - Vanderbilt and Texas - were eliminated in the regionals, and only two of the top seven seeds are in Omaha this year.</p><p>"(The) difficulty just getting there, it's so hard to do," Philadelphia Phillies shortstop and NC State alum Trea Turner told me.</p><p>"I think every college player, all they think about is the College World Series and winning, but just getting there is a big deal. It's big for programs. It put us on the map and heightened our program."</p><p>Turner was originally selected in the 20th round by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2011 but opted to attend college. In his sophomore season, Turner helped lead the Wolfpack to only their second College World Series appearance, where they beat rival North Carolina in the opening game before eventually being eliminated by the Tar Heels.</p><p>"I remember everything being so important," Turner said. "That's kind of the first time you experience something like professional playoff baseball. It feels the same - you're in a bigger stadium, bigger setting, TV, and all that."</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790109/cropped_GettyImages-478210620.jpg?ts=1749745917" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790109/w220xh124_GettyImages-478210620.jpg?ts=1749745917 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790109/w320xh180_GettyImages-478210620.jpg?ts=1749745917 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790109/w640xh360_GettyImages-478210620.jpg?ts=1749745917 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790109/w768xh432_GettyImages-478210620.jpg?ts=1749745917 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790109/w1080xh607_GettyImages-478210620.jpg?ts=1749745917 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Peter Aiken / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>'Some of the most fun I've had playing baseball'</h3><p>Blue Jays infielder Ernie Clement lights up when asked about the College World Series.</p><p>Sitting on the couch in the Toronto clubhouse next to teammate Daulton Varsho, Clement fired a light jab at his teammate when I asked him about his time with the 2015 national champion Virginia Cavaliers.</p><p>"Varsh, I don't know if you know, but I played in the College World Series," Clement joked.</p><p>Clement was part of a Cinderella Cavaliers team that knocked off Vanderbilt in the final to win the program's first and only national title. He was named to the All-Tournament team.</p><p>"It was awesome," Clement told me. "We had such a great group in 2015. It feels like so long ago, but it also feels like just the other day. It was some of the most fun I've had playing baseball."</p><p>The Cavaliers might not have even made it to Omaha if it wasn't for Clement's heroics in the super regionals, where he walked off Maryland.</p><p>"That was wild," Clement said. "I got body slammed into the infield dirt. I think I'm still suffering from a concussion."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N2d13InktnI?si=ELzTu-JhKjurMnGy" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>Clement's time in Virginia was an important stop on his baseball journey. Two years after winning the College World Series, he was selected in the fourth round of the 2017 draft by Cleveland.</p><p>Despite the added exposure that comes with playing college baseball's marquee event, Clement said being drafted and playing in the majors wasn't even on his radar during his early years in Virginia.</p><p>"No, not at all," Clement said. "Honestly, I was just so into winning and helping the team back then that I didn't even think about the fact I would have a chance to even get drafted. I think it was more of me just being naive, but I just love hanging out with my teammates. I didn't really have to think about any of that, it kind of took care of itself."</p><p>For Braden, that team-first mentality Clement described is what he and so many others love about college baseball.</p><p>"You have freshmen, you have sophomores, you have kids that just love the game and want to win, and they'll do anything they need to win," Braden said. "You've got the best teammates going at that stage. If you want to enjoy baseball in its purest form, which is guys willing to do anything to win, that's where it happens."</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790161/cropped_GettyImages-94183139.jpg?ts=1749763369" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790161/w220xh124_GettyImages-94183139.jpg?ts=1749763369 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790161/w320xh180_GettyImages-94183139.jpg?ts=1749763369 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790161/w640xh360_GettyImages-94183139.jpg?ts=1749763369 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790161/w768xh432_GettyImages-94183139.jpg?ts=1749763369 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790161/w1080xh607_GettyImages-94183139.jpg?ts=1749763369 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Andy Lyons / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>'Bragging rights'</h3><p>Big-league clubhouses keep tabs on the college tourney, even as the June grind hits. Turner said there's plenty of trash talk among Phillies players when former schools face off.</p><p>"We had a couple Clemson guys in here," Turner said. "There's definitely banter back and forth. There's bragging rights."</p><p>A's manager Mark Kotsay enjoyed one of the most decorated college careers of any player. He won the 1995 Golden Spikes Award and was the Most Outstanding Player of the College World Series with Cal State Fullerton when it won the national title.</p><p>Thirty years later, Kotsay still follows the college game closely. As Kotsay recently walked to his media availability in the visiting dugout at the Rogers Centre, he discussed the West Coast regionals with another reporter.</p><p>"When you look at the impact, I was 18 and 19 years old, in a College World Series environment - that was electric," Kotsay said. "Just to grow with that group of guys, go through those experiences, I think it really advanced my opportunity to have a professional career and understand what it took to go compete. This is a fun time of year for me."</p><p>While collegiate players are far from finished products, they're molded in their programs; they develop into who they become by going through integral moments as young men with their teammates in settings like the College World Series. That's why no matter how many years go by, the road to Omaha is followed closely by players who made that same journey. </p><p>"I love watching college baseball," Clement said. "The NCAA Tournament is some of the best baseball you can watch - it's very team oriented. And it takes me back to my college days. Anytime there's a college baseball game (on TV), I like to flip it on."</p>

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This year was supposed to be different in Boston.   The Red Sox believed the organization turned ...

<p>This year was supposed to be different in Boston. </p><p>The Red Sox believed the organization turned a corner<strong> </strong>going into 2025, with team president Sam Kennedy declaring in November that the priority moving forward is "90-95 wins" and "winning the division for multiple years."</p><p>That hope is far from reality two months into the season. The Red Sox head into play Friday at 27-31, fourth in the AL East, despite playing one of the easiest schedules. They're already 9 1/2 games behind the division-leading New York Yankees and four games back of the final wild-card spot.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Boston needs to go 68-36 (.654) to finish with 95 wins. </p><p>As much as the Red Sox want to believe they're ready to contend, the 2025 team is more like the Boston clubs that occupied the bottom of the division the last three years. It's a team that still plays poor fundamentally, commits too many baserunning and defensive errors, and gets inconsistent results from its pitching staff.</p><p>The Red Sox offensive core remains a group of young players trying to learn at the highest level. The expectations for this team may be too high for the talent on the current roster. It's the reason why they're 6-15 in one-run games.</p><p><strong>Bregman injury major blow</strong></p><p>Alex Bregman was exactly what the Red Sox needed. His right-handed bat in the middle of the order provided balance and power. His Gold Glove solidified third base. His leadership is perfect for a youthful clubhouse.</p><p>And his long-term injury suffered last weekend deflated the team.</p><p>The Red Sox have dropped five straight games since Bregman landed on the IL with a quad injury, scoring only 10 runs over that span (five came in one game). They were walked off on back-to-back days by the Brewers.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Red Sox offense in May" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-EJGXg" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/EJGXg/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="400" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Losing Bregman and Triston Casas to long-term injuries is a seismic blow. Any organization would struggle after losing its Opening Day No. 3 and 4 hitters long term. But there's plenty more that's gone wrong early in the season for Boston that's contributed to its frustrating start.</p><p>The front office's mishandling of moving Rafael Devers off third base in the spring was an organizational misstep, and the team's still reeling from the fallout. It spoiled what otherwise was a strong winter for Craig Breslow, Boston's chief baseball officer.</p><p>Breslow prides himself on being an executive who was a former player, but he botched the communication. Manager Alex Cora saying Devers put his glove completely away was also a mistake. It didn't take long for that decision to backfire.</p><p>Devers isn't without blame, either. Moving off third full time is best for the team and for his health. He had every right to be upset about the poor communication, but his disinterest in doing what's best for the team - even after owner John Henry flew to Kansas City to speak with him - is unacceptable.</p><p>As the team tries to piece things together on the fly, its highest-paid player doing whatever it takes to win sets the tone. Devers, who in previous years publicly challenged the front office to bring in more talent, is at least speaking with his bat, posting a 1.005 OPS over his last 53 games after a woeful opening five games (hitless with 15 strikeouts).</p><p>Trevor Story coming out of a miserable slump (.439 OPS and two extra-base hits over his last 33 games) would be helpful. The pitching staff - other than Garrett Crochet - needs to perform better, too. A lot of pressure would come off a young lineup if those things happen.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="MLB Ranks" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-cVwGK" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/cVwGK/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="400" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Cora's said numerous times that the organization doesn't want to throw too much at its rookies, yet that's exactly what's happening.</p><p>Kristian Campbell, April's top rookie, is hitting .120/.175/.160 in May. At a time when he should be working on keeping things simple, he's been asked to take ground balls at first base, a position he's never played.</p><p>Marcelo Mayer, in only his fifth career big-league game, hit cleanup Wednesday while also playing a secondary position.</p><p>The Red Sox have already had three different rookies hit fourth this season. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Red Sox infield production" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-j3HVc" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/j3HVc/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="400" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>These rookies are supposed to be complementary pieces to the roster, not the focal point. The Red Sox need to make sure they're not risking the long-term development of cornerstone pieces.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Red Sox starting lineup" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-V3RVf" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/V3RVf/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="400" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Calling up top prospect Roman Anthony, who's dominating Triple-A, could help in the short term, but adding another rookie may not be the most prudent idea. The Red Sox owe it to these players to put them in positions to succeed.</p><p>And yet, as poorly as things have gone, there are still signs of life. The roster is still full of talent when playing up to expectations. The players also seem to deeply care. They're pissed off by the results, and they should be.</p><p>With a little better execution, they may be able to turn more of those one-run losses into wins. Two-thirds of the season remains, and a mediocre American League gives the Red Sox a lifeline, but they'll need to reach out and grab it.</p><p>Otherwise, maybe next year is when things turn around.</p>

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The Sacramento Kings wasted no time making a leadership change after losing their play-in game We...

<p>The Sacramento Kings wasted no time making a leadership change after losing their play-in game Wednesday.</p><p>General manager Monte McNair and the Kings mutually agreed to part ways, the team announced Thursday.</p><p>"I want to sincerely thank Monte for his leadership and the invaluable contributions he made during his time in Sacramento," Kings owner Vivek Ranadive said in a statement, according to <a href="https://x.com/James_HamNBA/status/1912892972108255241">ESPN 1320's James Ham</a>. "He helped build a strong foundation for continued success here, and we wish him and his family all the best in their future endeavors."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Kings quickly found a successor, finalizing a deal Thursday with former New York Knicks GM Scott Perry to replace McNair, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1912904593534754826">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>. Perry ran the Knicks' basketball operations from 2017-23 following a brief three-month stint with the Kings' front office.</p><p>McNair took over as GM ahead of the 2020-21 season and signed a multi-year extension in January 2023, months before being named NBA Executive of the Year.</p><p>The 40-year-old was behind multiple high-profile acquisitions for the franchise, including the February 2022 blockbuster that sent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93893" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93893">Tyrese Haliburton</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/24735" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/24735">Buddy Hield</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6364" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6364">Tristan Thompson</a> to the Indiana Pacers for a package centered around <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/38429" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/38429">Domantas Sabonis</a>.</p><p>Ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, McNair landed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/470" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/470">DeMar DeRozan</a> from the Chicago Bulls in a sign-and-trade as part of a three-team deal with the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/25" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/25">San Antonio Spurs</a>. Those three teams swung another swap this past February, reuniting DeRozan with former Bulls teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30738" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30738">Zach LaVine</a> in Sacramento while sending star guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53733" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53733">De'Aaron Fox</a> to San Antonio.</p><p>Under McNair, however, the Kings struggled to add impactful players through the draft.</p><p>Of the team's four first-round picks since 2021, only <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102776" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102776">Keegan Murray</a>, the fourth overall pick in 2022, remains part of the team's rotation. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96105" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96105">Davion Mitchell</a> (No. 9 in 2021), was sent away in a June 2024 move to dump Sasha Vezenkov's salary on the Toronto Raptors.</p><p>Last year's No. 13 pick, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121681" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121681">Devin Carter</a>, averaged 11 minutes across 36 games for the Kings as a rookie. He injured his shoulder in a pre-draft workout and missed the first few months of the season recovering from surgery. The Kings took <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110269" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110269">Olivier-Maxence Prosper</a> with their first-rounder in 2023 (No. 24) but two weeks later traded the forward alongside <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/24525" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/24525">Richaun Holmes</a> to the Dallas Mavericks for cash.</p><p>Sacramento made one playoff appearance under McNair, finishing 48-34 in 2022-23, but was eliminated by the Golden State Warriors in the first round. It was the first time the organization reached the playoffs in 16 years.</p><p>The Kings went 40-42 this season and were eliminated from playoff contention after falling at home to the Dallas Mavericks in the play-in game. </p>

SACRAMENTO, CA - JUNE 25: Sacramento Kings 2022 NBA Draft Pick Keegan Murray and General Manager, Monte McNair talks to the media on June 25, 2022 at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE

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Oscar Piastri will start the Bahrain Grand Prix from the front of the grid after knocking George ...

<p>Oscar Piastri will start the Bahrain Grand Prix from the front of the grid after knocking George Russell off provisional pole with a sensational lap of 1:29.841 during qualifying Saturday. </p><p>The pole is the McLaren driver's second of his F1 career in his 50th race, and it's the first time the team has ever secured pole position in Bahrain.</p><p>"I felt confident out there all weekend, to be honest," Piastri said. "There's no better place to start than on pole."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Piastri, who sits third in the drivers' standings, also claimed pole position and a race win at the Chinese GP in March.</p><p>Charles Leclerc qualified third for Ferrari's best result of the season, but will start second after Russell received a one-place grid penalty for entering the fast lane in the pit before a restart time was confirmed. Kimi Antonelli was also penalized for the same reason and will start fifth after qualifying fourth.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Bahrain GP Qualifying 🇧🇭" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Ywq3x" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Ywq3x/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="854" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Championship leader Lando Norris qualified sixth, while Max Verstappen will start seventh.</p><p>"No idea, just not quick enough," a dejected Norris said when asked why he struggled with pace. </p><p>Bahrain marked the first time both Red Bull cars advanced to Q3.</p><p>Esteban Ocon caused a red flag during Q2 after crashing heavily into the wall at Turn 3. The Haas driver was unable to finish qualifying but said he was OK. </p><p>Alex Albon was originally eliminated in Q1 but was later bumped up to 15th after Nico Hulkenberg had his lap time deleted in Q2 and was demoted to 16th.</p>

BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - APRIL 12: Pole position qualifier Oscar Piastri of Australia and McLaren celebrates on arrival in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on April 12, 2025 in Bahrain, Bahrain.

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Nothing's better than making a strong first impression. Here we identify 11 players who authored ...

<p>Nothing's better than making a strong first impression. Here we identify 11 players who authored incredible performances during Major League Baseball's 2025 Opening Day.</p><h3>11. Spencer Torkelson, Tigers</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>PA</th>
<th>R</th>
<th>H</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>BB</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
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<td>5</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>4</td>
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</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Torkelson wasn't even guaranteed to make the Tigers' Opening Day roster entering spring training, but the former first overall pick looks like a different hitter of late. Torkelson reached base in all five of his plate appearances and is sporting an MLB-best 5.000 OPS to start the year.</p><h3>10. Nathan Eovaldi, Rangers</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>IP</th>
<th>H</th>
<th>R</th>
<th>K</th>
<th>BB</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>"Nasty Nate" looked terrific against his former team, striking out nine - including Rafael Devers three times - before exiting with the game tied. Boston's top six hitters went 0-for-15 with nine strikeouts against the right-hander.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>9. Framber Valdez, Astros</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>IP</th>
<th>H</th>
<th>R</th>
<th>K</th>
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</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
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<td>7</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
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</table></div></figure><p>Valdez silenced Juan Soto and the New York Mets during Houston's 3-1 win. The southpaw tossed seven shutout innings against one of the more imposing lineups in the majors. Valdez was one of only two pitchers to throw at least seven innings on Opening Day.</p><h3>8. Jorge Polanco, Mariners</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>AB</th>
<th>H</th>
<th>R</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
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<tbody>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Polanco's second time around in Seattle is already going better than the first. The third baseman blasted the go-ahead home run in the eighth inning off A's reliever José Leclerc in an eventual 4-2 win. Polanco only had one homer and three RBIs in his first 15 games with the Mariners last season. Also, shoutout to Logan Gilbert, who allowed just two hits (one home run) in seven innings of work. </p><h3>7. Miguel Amaya, Cubs</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>AB</th>
<th>H</th>
<th>2B</th>
<th>RBI</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Amaya made the most of his RBI opportunities against the Diamondbacks, cashing in five runs with a pair of doubles to match his career high. The Cubs catcher is now the early-season MLB leader in RBIs with six after picking up one during Chicago's two-game series in Japan against the Dodgers.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777644/cropped_GettyImages-2207234935.jpg?ts=1743129670" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777644/w220xh124_GettyImages-2207234935.jpg?ts=1743129670 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777644/w320xh180_GettyImages-2207234935.jpg?ts=1743129670 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777644/w640xh360_GettyImages-2207234935.jpg?ts=1743129670 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777644/w768xh432_GettyImages-2207234935.jpg?ts=1743129670 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777644/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2207234935.jpg?ts=1743129670 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Vaughn Ridley / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>6. Tyler O'Neill, Orioles</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>PA</th>
<th>R</th>
<th>H</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
<th>BB</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>O'Neill is a first-ballot Opening Day Hall of Famer. The Orioles outfielder has now homered on six consecutive Opening Days after going deep in Toronto. It's one of the most hilarious and unbelievable active records in MLB. It wasn't just the homer, though, as O'Neill reached base in all five plate appearances.</p><h3>5. Adley Rutschman, Orioles</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>AB</th>
<th>R</th>
<th>H</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Rutschman's bounce-back season is off to a terrific start after feasting on Blue Jays starter José Berríos once again. The All-Star catcher is an absurd 17-for-28 with five homers against the right-hander in his career. It's also the third time Rutschman has posted a two-homer game, with all of them coming against Toronto.</p><h3>4. Kyle Manzardo, Guardians</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>AB</th>
<th>R</th>
<th>H</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Manzardo finished a single short of hitting for the cycle after collecting a two-run homer, two-run double, and a triple in a win over the Royals. The 24-year-old admitted postgame that he's only done that once before - in college.</p><h3>3. Cedric Mullins, Orioles</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>AB</th>
<th>R</th>
<th>H</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Mullins' two-homer performance was his first game with multiple home runs since June 2021 - also against the Blue Jays. Mullins, who hit seventh Thursday, also drove in a career-high five runs.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777649/cropped_GettyImages-2206574611.jpg?ts=1743130826" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777649/w220xh124_GettyImages-2206574611.jpg?ts=1743130826 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777649/w320xh180_GettyImages-2206574611.jpg?ts=1743130826 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777649/w640xh360_GettyImages-2206574611.jpg?ts=1743130826 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777649/w768xh432_GettyImages-2206574611.jpg?ts=1743130826 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777649/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2206574611.jpg?ts=1743130826 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Cooper Neill / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>2. Wilyer Abreu, Red Sox</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>AB</th>
<th>R</th>
<th>H</th>
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<tbody>
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<td>3</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>4</td>
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</table></div></figure><p>Abreu clearly likes to do things in pairs. After welcoming twins 10 days ago, the Red Sox outfielder went deep twice in a 5-2 win over the Rangers. Abreu hit a game-tying home run in the fifth inning before belting the game-winning, three-run homer in the ninth. </p><h3>1. MacKenzie Gore, Nationals </h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>IP</th>
<th>H</th>
<th>R</th>
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<td>6</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>0</td>
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</table></div></figure><p>Gore can now be mentioned in the same sentence as legendary pitcher Bob Gibson. The former matched the Hall of Famer to become just the second pitcher in AL/NL history with 13 strikeouts and no walks during a scoreless Opening Day start. Gore also set a franchise record for strikeouts in the opener. Somehow, the Nationals still managed to lose to the Phillies.</p>

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The Toronto Blue Jays will be without Gold Glove-winning center fielder Daulton Varsho to open th...

<p>The Toronto Blue Jays will be without Gold Glove-winning center fielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9524" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9524">Daulton Varsho</a> to open the season.</p><p>Manager John Schneider told reporters Saturday that Varsho will begin the campaign on the injured list as he continues to rehab from rotator cuff surgery in September.</p><p>Despite the issue, Varsho has been able to swing a bat and run during spring training but has yet to play defensively. He's been productive at the plate, hitting .276/.333/.793 with four home runs across 10 games, albeit with most of his plate appearances against minor-league pitching.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>While the Blue Jays could've used Varsho in a DH role until he was ready to play defensively, the club will instead have him ramp up in Florida before moving him to an affiliate for rehab games. The team is hopeful he can return at some point in April, according to <a href="https://x.com/ArdenZwelling/status/1903437582983106573">Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet</a>.</p><p>A handful of options can cover center field in Varsho's absence. With Toronto already optioning Joey Loperfido to Triple-A Buffalo, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5788" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5788">Nathan Lukes</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8938" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8938">Myles Straw</a> (who the club will need to add to the 40-man roster) could form a platoon. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14072" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14072">Steward Berroa</a> is also an option.</p><p>Rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15710" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15710">Alan Roden</a> remains in camp and could make the Opening Day roster, though he's only played 31 innings in center field. </p><p>Varsho hit 18 home runs with a .700 OPS in 136 games last season. He finished second on the team in fWAR (3.3).</p><p>Schneider added that infielder/outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14134" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14134">Davis Schneider</a> and catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4412" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4412">Tyler Heineman</a> made the team, according to <a href="https://x.com/ShiDavidi/status/1903435700302655937">Shi Davidi of Sportsnet</a>.</p>

DUNEDIN, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 28: Daulton Varsho #5 of the Toronto Blue Jays at bat in the fourth inning during a spring training game against the Detroit Tigers at TD Ballpark on February 28, 2025 in Dunedin, Florida.

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Blue Jays' Varsho to open season on IL 

The reigning constructors' champions couldn't have asked for a better start to the 2025 Formula 1...

<p>The reigning constructors' champions couldn't have asked for a better start to the 2025 Formula 1 season.</p><p>McLaren's Lando Norris grabbed pole position for Sunday's Australian Grand Prix ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri. </p><p>Norris posted the fastest lap of 1:15.096 on Saturday at Melbourne's Albert Park Circuit for the 10th pole position of his career.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"It's a track where you've got to commit," the 25-year-old said, according to <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/c3e4wwj1jxko">Andrew Benson of BBC Sport</a>. "You know what your target is, and once you turn in you're kind of hoping for the best in a lot of cases. You want to take those risks.</p><p>"Obviously, I took too many on my first lap and got track limits, so I was in a difficult position knowing how much risk I wanted to take. But I put it together well. It was just a clean lap, no mistakes, and that was enough. So happy. A perfect way to start the season."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Australian GP Qualifying 🇦🇺" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-KL2hA" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/KL2hA/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="886" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Yuki Tsunoda of Racing Bulls and Alex Albon of Williams qualified fifth and sixth, respectively, in what was the biggest surprise of qualifying.</p><p>Lewis Hamilton qualified eighth in his Ferrari debut.</p><p>Carlos Sainz claimed victory in Australia last season ahead of Charles Leclerc and Norris.</p><p>Ferrari has won four of the last six races at the Albert Park Circuit. McLaren hasn't won in Australia since 2012.</p><p>It's the first time since 2019 that the Australian GP is serving as the season's opening race. COVID-19 forced the event's cancellation in 2020 and 2021.</p>

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 15: Lando Norris of Great Britain and McLaren celebrates in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit on March 15, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia.

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Norris takes pole for F1 season opener in Australia

We've reached the quarter mark of the 2000s. To celebrate, theScore's MLB editors constructed eac...

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Each MLB team's best roster last 25 years: AL East

The New York Mets agreed to a one-year contract with infielder Nick Madrigal on Friday.  The deal...

<p>The New York Mets agreed to a one-year contract with infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10651" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10651">Nick Madrigal</a> on Friday.</p><p>The deal is worth $1.35-million, according to <a href="https://x.com/Joelsherman1/status/1885446732965667252">Joel Sherman of the New York Post</a>.</p><p>Madrigal spent the last three seasons with the Chicago Cubs before being non-tendered in November. He hit .221/.280/.256 with no home runs, three doubles, and one stolen base in 51 games.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Year</th>
<th>GP</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>SB</th>
<th>AVG/OBP/SLG</th>
<th>OPS+</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>2024</td>
<td>51</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>.221/.280/.256</td>
<td>54</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2023</td>
<td>92</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>.263/.311/.352</td>
<td>83</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2022</td>
<td>59</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>.249/.305/.282</td>
<td>66</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2021</td>
<td>54</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>.305/.349/.425</td>
<td>111</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The 27-year-old was selected fourth overall in the 2018 MLB Draft by the Chicago White Sox but has struggled throughout his career. He's appeared in 285 contests across five campaigns, slashing .274/.323/.344 with four home runs and 39 doubles.</p><p>Madrigal has made 170 appearances at second base and 108 at third base as a major leaguer. He ranked in the 96th percentile in outs above average in 2023 but struggled defensively last season.</p><p>Infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14190" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14190">Luis De Los Santos</a> was designated for assignment to make room for Madrigal. </p>

SEATTLE, WA - APRIL 12: Nick Madrigal #1 of the Chicago Cubs throws the ball during warmups before a game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on April 12, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners won 4-2.

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Mets agree to 1-year deal with Madrigal

The Toronto Blue Jays have certainly kept things interesting this offseason.   It was a disappoin...

<p>The Toronto Blue Jays have certainly kept things interesting this offseason. </p><p>It was a disappointing start to the winter for general manager Ross Atkins. The club took big swings in pursuing Corbin Burnes, Juan Soto, and Roki Sasaki but walked away empty-handed. However, persistence - and a lot of money - paid off in recent weeks, with the club adding reliever Jeff Hoffman, outfielder Anthony Santander, and, on Thursday, starter Max Scherzer.</p><p>Hoffman and Santander will likely provide the biggest impact, but Scherzer might be the most intriguing acquisition the Blue Jays make this winter. While Scherzer's best years are behind him, bringing in a future first-ballot Hall of Famer will always cause a stir.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>We break down the pros and cons of the Blue Jays' <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3205026" href="https://thescore.com/news/3205026">reported signing</a> of Scherzer to a one-year, $15.5-million deal.</p><h3>Pro - Blue Jays get Mad Max: Fury Road</h3><p>Even at 40 years old, Scherzer will draw a crowd.</p><p>As much as Scherzer will want to win, he'll also be be chasing down some major milestones: He's 122 innings away from 3,000 and 93 strikeouts away from 3,500. Only nine pitchers in MLB history have reached the 3,500-strikeout plateau.</p><p>But Scherzer isn't just in Toronto to pad stats to cap off his career. Though he's battled injuries (we'll touch on that later), Scherzer's remained an effective starter when he's been able to take the mound. He posted a 3.95 ERA, 4.18 FIP, 1.15 WHIP, and 40 strikeouts across 43 1/3 innings last season. Those aren't ace numbers, but any team would love those results from the back end of its rotation. </p><p>There's no denying Scherzer's stuff is in decline, but his chase rate (36.4%), whiff rate (29.2 %), and walk rate (5.6%) from last season all remain strong, and that's coming off back surgery. Scherzer's 8.31 K/9 last season was the second-worst rate of his career but still represents a respectable number, and it was higher than Kevin Gausman (8.06 K/9) and Jose Berrios (7.16) in 2024.</p><p>While the Blue Jays have struggled to draft and develop pitching in the lower levels, the club has had success keeping its veteran starters healthy. Chris Bassitt, Gausman, and Berrios have all made at least 30 starts in their combined eight seasons in Toronto. That's important when considering Scherzer's biggest red flag is his injury history.</p><p>Scherzer's addition not only solidifies the back end of the rotation but also pushes Yariel Rodríguez into the bullpen. A depth starter who can also slot in as a reliever feels like a more appropriate fit for Rodríguez.</p><p>Adding veteran leadership is often overstated, especially considering this isn't a young Blue Jays team. Bo Bichette <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/bo-bichette-on-blue-jays-its-time-to-get-it-done/">made that clear</a> last season. But it never hurts to bring in someone with Scherzer's resume: three-time Cy Young winner, eight-time All-Star, two-time World Series champion. He brings credibility to the organization and can also help mentor young starters.</p><p>"Obviously, people know the talent that he has, but mentally, how intelligent he is, is off the charts," Bassitt told <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/blue-jays-crucial-mission-to-stay-ahead-of-rangers-goes-through-ace-hurler-scherzer/">David Singh of Sportsnet</a> in 2023. "I've never been around a guy who's more prepared and more in tune with what the other team's trying to do than him."</p><p>The most encouraging part of the signing might be ownership's continued commitment to increase payroll. The Blue Jays have spent $156 million in free agency so far, took on more than the $100 million remaining on Andrés Giménez's deal, and are operating with a franchise-record $273-million CBT payroll, per <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/roster-resource/payroll/blue-jays">FanGraphs</a>. Is that money well spent? We'll see, but this also comes on the heels of Rogers sinking considerable money into stadium renovations despite a struggling Canadian dollar. Toronto has underachieved during Atkins' 10-year tenure, but it's not because of ownership's financial commitment.</p><h3>Cons - Blue Jays get Mad Max: The Wasteland </h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768230/cropped_GettyImages-1765993931.jpg?ts=1738343610" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768230/w220xh124_GettyImages-1765993931.jpg?ts=1738343610 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768230/w320xh180_GettyImages-1765993931.jpg?ts=1738343610 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768230/w640xh360_GettyImages-1765993931.jpg?ts=1738343610 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768230/w768xh432_GettyImages-1765993931.jpg?ts=1738343610 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768230/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1765993931.jpg?ts=1738343610 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Christian Petersen / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The shine from the Scherzer signing will come off quick at the first sign of injury. There's always durability concerns when you add any pitcher - that's the nature of the sport - but Scherzer will be one of only three MLB starting pitchers 40 or older this season.</p><p>He's not exactly coming off the healthiest season, either. Scherzer was limited to a career low in innings pitched and went on the injured list three times in 2024 due to a hamstring strain, shoulder fatigue, and recovery from back surgery. He made just one start over the final two months of the season.</p><p>Scherzer did make 50 starts and threw a combined 298 innings over the previous two seasons. Even if he can remain an effective starter, it's hard to know how much his body can withstand after so much wear and tear over 17 MLB seasons. </p><p>Scherzer's fastball averaged 94 mph in 2022. That number dropped slightly to 93.7 mph in 2023, and then down to 92.5 mph last season. He was able to find some success by using his slider more, which could be an option moving forward should his velocity continue to decline.</p><p>Hitters slugged .492 off his four-seamer in 2024 after slugging .370 two years prior. Scherzer was able to have continued success against right-handed hitters last season (.228/.237/.435), though lefties slashed .260/.345/.438. It'll be interesting to see how he continues to tweak his repertoire as his power diminishes.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-6HLHd" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/6HLHd/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="352" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Although the top free-agent starting pitchers are off the market, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5646" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5646">Jack Flaherty</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8297" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8297">Nick Pivetta</a> (rejected qualifying offer) remain unsigned. Both pitchers would likely require a longer commitment and much more money than Scherzer, but they also come with less risk and a higher ceiling. With less than two weeks until pitchers and catchers report, the Blue Jays could've taken advantage of their depressed market.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="2024 season" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-MV4ht" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/MV4ht/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="150" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The current starting staff is solid but has little margin for error. If Scherzer is sidelined for any amount of time, that lack of depth will be tested immediately.</p><p>Toronto's already blown by the first luxury-tax threshold, and despite what projects to be a franchise-record payroll, the offense still needs at least one more impact bat. Depending on how much more ownership is willing to spend, there's a case to be made that those resources would've been better served elsewhere than taking a $15.5-million gamble on Scherzer.</p><p>There's a path where Scherzer remains healthy and hits incredible career milestones in a Blue Jays uniform while helping the club fight for a playoff spot. There's another path where all the signs that Scherzer's body was breaking down were right in front of everyone's eyes. We'll find out if the gamble pays off soon enough.</p>

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Max Scherzer #31 of the Texas Rangers looks on during pregame ceremonies prior to Game 1 of the 2023 World Series between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on Friday, October 27, 2023 in Arlington, Texas.

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Scherzer signing represents fun gamble for Blue Jays

Star Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki agreed to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday. We exami...

<p>Star Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3189576" href="https://thescore.com/news/3189576">agreed to sign</a> with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday. We examine the fallout from his decision across the league.</p><h3>Dodgers remain fully operational Death Star </h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749564/cropped_GettyImages-2178038356.jpg?ts=1729801216" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749564/w220xh124_GettyImages-2178038356.jpg?ts=1729801216 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749564/w320xh180_GettyImages-2178038356.jpg?ts=1729801216 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749564/w640xh360_GettyImages-2178038356.jpg?ts=1729801216 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749564/w768xh432_GettyImages-2178038356.jpg?ts=1729801216 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749564/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2178038356.jpg?ts=1729801216 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Harry How / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Agent Joel Wolfe stood in front of reporters at the winter meetings in early December declaring his client would entertain pitches from any and all markets. Wolfe said no team - despite it being reported that the Dodgers were overwhelming favorites to land Sasaki - had an advantage. The 23-year-old was going into free agency with an open mind. </p><p>While Sasaki did weigh all his options and tour other cities, in the end, he landed in Chavez Ravine like almost everyone thought he would.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>It's hard to blame Sasaki for his decision. </p><p>The Dodgers have built the sustainable powerhouse organization that so many other executives promise to deliver. They're the reigning World Series champions. They're loaded with stars under contract long term. Ownership commits considerable financial resources. They've built a pipeline of young talent that ensures they always have pieces to use in trades. The Dodgers have a massive following in Japan.</p><p>Sasaki has familiarity in the clubhouse in Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who can help him adjust on and off the field.</p><p>When the best team with the best players is actively recruiting you, how can you say no? </p><p>Sasaki likely slots in as the Dodgers' No. 4 or 5 starter - he'd be an ace on most teams - behind Blake Snell, Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Shohei Ohtani (when he's healthy enough to resume pitching). The club has Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May as depth options should it go with a six-man rotation. L.A. will likely also bring Clayton Kershaw back for another season.</p><p>There are plenty of issues surrounding the durability of this group, but it has the potential to be historically dominant, with the Dodgers possessing arguably five of the top 25 pitchers in MLB right now.</p><p>Los Angeles didn't need Sasaki. You can sympathize with fans from other teams being annoyed with the Dodgers adding yet another star. But there's no fanbase in the world that wouldn't want their team to operate like this. They've set the standard in the sport, and they're probably still not done this winter.</p><p>At least Juan Soto opted to sign elsewhere.</p><h3>When will the pain stop in Toronto?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765986/cropped_GettyImages-668264328.jpg?ts=1737169617" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765986/w220xh124_GettyImages-668264328.jpg?ts=1737169617 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765986/w320xh180_GettyImages-668264328.jpg?ts=1737169617 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765986/w640xh360_GettyImages-668264328.jpg?ts=1737169617 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765986/w768xh432_GettyImages-668264328.jpg?ts=1737169617 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765986/w1080xh607_GettyImages-668264328.jpg?ts=1737169617 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Richard Lautens / Toronto Star / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Blue Jays should probably fold their hand the next time they find themselves at the final table with the Dodgers fighting for a star free agent. </p><p>It won't end well. In fact, the universe will find a way to make it hurt even more than it should.</p><p>A little over a year after Ohtani was believed to be on <em>the plane</em>, Blue Jays' fans were dealt another cruel blow when Sasaki passed on Toronto. There was no expectation that the Blue Jays would even be in the running for his services going into the winter. But Toronto found itself a finalist. Then, hours before Sasaki posted he's signing with the Dodgers, the Blue Jays pulled off a surprising trade with Cleveland to acquire international bonus pool money in what appeared to be in preparation for landing Sasaki.</p><p>It seemed unthinkable that the front office would make such a trade if it didn't have assurances from Sasaki's camp. </p><p>We now know there was no agreement; the trade quickly backfired. It's a pretty shocking show of form for a front office that's been so careful with its evaluations - almost to a fault at times - and shows how desperate it finds itself at this juncture in its tenure.</p><p>Not only did the Blue Jays miss on Sasaki, but they took on Myles Straw in the deal with the Guardians. Straw is owed roughly $12 million over the next two seasons. He spent the majority of last year in the minors and has hit one home run to go with a .579 OPS in 306 MLB games since 2022.</p><p>Among the 96 MLB outfielders with at least 1,000 plate appearances over the last three seasons, Straw ranks last in wRC+, slugging, and home runs. He's a gifted defensive outfielder and baserunner, but there's a real chance Straw never cracks the Blue Jays' lineup.</p><p>Of course, none of this is Straw's fault, but he now walks into somewhat of an uncomfortable situation in Toronto. </p><p>Twisting the knife further is the fact that Sasaki agreed to his deal with the Dodgers for a $6.5-million signing bonus (they traded for extra bonus pool money <em>after</em> Sasaki decided to sign). Prior to the trade with Cleveland, the Blue Jays could've offered Sasaki a max of $6.25 million. So it was never about the money for him. Now, the Blue Jays have the highest bonus pool remaining ($8.25M) of any team for 2025 but might not have anywhere to spend it all.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Blue Jays now have this added bonus pool space. They'll attempt to make the most of it, but execs from other teams say there are no elite players left to steal right now. And Dodgers don't need it for Sasaki, so you can't flip that space to LAD.</p>— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) <a href="https://twitter.com/bnicholsonsmith/status/1880428345252585977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>When speaking with reporters last month, Atkins was asked what message he has for the fanbase after the Blue Jays failed in numerous attempts to sign top free agents.</p><p>"We understand that certain pursuits may create a level of excitement, and then that may intensify the level of disappointment," Atkins <a href="http://Atkins%20on%20Blue%20Jays%20offseason,%20Soto%20pursuit,%20fan%20expectations">said</a>. "But I don't know a better way to pursue it than to do the best possible job we can to improve our team."</p><p>It's easy to understand where Atkins is coming from. Fans want their leadership group to be trying to attract the biggest stars - it's a good thing to be in the mix. But swinging and missing has become far too common for this front office. Sooner or later, something needs to change. Part of a great front office is to understand when you're being used as leverage, and some of the Blue Jays' pursuits in recent years make you question if this group is able to sniff that out.</p><p>There's still time for Toronto to salvage this offseason, but the likes of Anthony Santander, Pete Alonso, and Alex Bregman all come with flaws and carry significant risk on long-term deals. You have to wonder what exactly is Toronto building toward at this point, and how many chances are left for this leadership group.</p><p>The Blue Jays also have the impending free agency of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette hanging over the organization. Time is ticking to figure it out. For a front office that's taken so many hits in recent years, the club really needs to hope at least one of its homegrown stars is the one that actually takes its money.</p><h3>Padres' plan also blows up</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/539059/cropped_GettyImages-1240087305.jpg?ts=1666626273" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/539059/w220xh124_GettyImages-1240087305.jpg?ts=1666626273 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/539059/w320xh180_GettyImages-1240087305.jpg?ts=1666626273 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/539059/w640xh360_GettyImages-1240087305.jpg?ts=1666626273 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/539059/w768xh432_GettyImages-1240087305.jpg?ts=1666626273 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/539059/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1240087305.jpg?ts=1666626273 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Rob Leiter / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>At least the Blue Jays don't have to watch Sasaki play for a division rival.</p><p>The Padres heavily scouted Sasaki and believed they had an advantage given his close relationship with Yu Darvish. San Diego's yet to sign anyone this winter; its full attention was said to be on landing Sasaki. </p><p>Not only was Sasaki's skill set desirable, but his league-minimum salary would've been perfect for a team currently dealing with an ownership dispute and budgetary limitations. Sasaki would've covered Joe Musgrove's absence this year and helped long term with Dylan Cease and Michael King set to hit free agency after this season.</p><p>San Diego remains one of the NL's better teams but will need general manager A.J. Preller to be very creative if he wishes to improve while simultaneously remaining under the luxury tax. Trading away veterans on expiring deals like Luis Arraez or Dylan Cease could clear some money, but it's hard to improve while trading away core pieces. The Padres don't have another Soto they can package away this time.</p><p>Sasaki's decision, at least, provides closure for Preller. We'll see what arguably the league's most creative executive has lined up for a Plan B, C, and D.</p><h3>Guardians take advantage of the madness </h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/536652/cropped_GettyImages-1242866145.jpg?ts=1665447188" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/536652/w220xh124_GettyImages-1242866145.jpg?ts=1665447188 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/536652/w320xh180_GettyImages-1242866145.jpg?ts=1665447188 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/536652/w640xh360_GettyImages-1242866145.jpg?ts=1665447188 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/536652/w768xh432_GettyImages-1242866145.jpg?ts=1665447188 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/536652/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1242866145.jpg?ts=1665447188 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Diamond Images / Diamond Images / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>President of baseball operations Chris Antonetti and GM Mike Chernoff were able to benefit from the Sasaki market by attaching Straw's contract to international bonus pool money they likely had no use for.</p><p>Every dollar counts for a small-market team like the Guardians, and being able to eliminate close to $12 million of dead money from the books is incredible business. Straw was Cleveland's fourth-highest-paid position player in 2025 despite not being on the 40-man roster. He was no longer part of the Guardians' plan moving forward, and now they no longer need to pay him to play in Triple-A.</p><p>The Straw trade comes a month after the Guardians dealt defensive wizard Andrés Giménez to the Blue Jays in a move that cleared roughly $100 million in future payroll commitments. It was reported that Cleveland opted to trade Giménez this winter rather than risk him having another down year in 2025, which likely would've made his contract difficult to move going forward.</p><p>Cleveland took advantage of a team in a desperate situation and moved out a contract the team likely believed was untradeable. It was exceptional work and might open the door to another expenditure this winter the Guardians didn't previously believe they had the budget for.</p>

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