New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells will make history on Opening Day.  Wells will be the first ...

<p>New York Yankees catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12678" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12678">Austin Wells</a> will make history on Opening Day.</p><p>Wells will be the first backstop ever to bat leadoff for the storied franchise during the regular season.</p><p>"I think you can expect Austin in there, certainly Opening Day," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Tuesday on the "<a href="https://x.com/TalkinYanks/status/1904573914883235866">Talkin' Yanks</a>" podcast when asked about the leadoff spot in his lineup.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Boone said he's more focused on Wells' on-base percentage than speed in determining how the 2024 AL Rookie of the Year finalist can set the tone for his teammates.</p><p>"In the past, it's always like, well, you gotta have the speed guy first," the skipper added. "I don't know if that makes much sense. I want the guy that gets on base the best hitting first."</p><p>Wells, 25, slashed .229/.322/.395 with 13 homers, 55 RBIs, and one stolen base over 115 games last season.</p><p>The Yankees kick off the 2025 campaign Thursday against the Milwaukee Brewers.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 30: Austin Wells #28 of the New York Yankees watches his two-run homerun in the bottom of the eighth inning during the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Yankee Stadium on August 30, 2024 in New York City. The Yankees defeated the Cardinals 6-3.

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Wells will be 1st catcher in Yankees history to bat leadoff

Arizona Diamondbacks left-hander Jordan Montgomery said Tuesday that he'll undergo Tommy John sur...

<p>Arizona Diamondbacks left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8295" href="/mlb/players/8295">Jordan Montgomery</a> said Tuesday that he'll undergo Tommy John surgery next week, according to <a href="https://x.com/nickpiecoro/status/1904586738384986539">The Arizona Republic's Nick Piecoro</a>.</p><p>"Just haven't been recovering very well. ... Day after that last game came back sore," Montgomery added, per <a href="https://x.com/shoewizard59/status/1904587148508225622">Jack Sommers of Sports Illustrated</a>. "Took a day off like I normally do (but) next day it was still achy. So, we pushed my bullpen back. Felt decent the next day. ... But something was wrong."</p><p>Montgomery, who will make $22.5 million this season, posted a 6.23 ERA with 1.65 WHIP and 83 strikeouts over 117 innings in 2024, the worst campaign of his eight-year career.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The D-Backs signed the 32-year-old to a one-year, $25-million contract in March 2024. However, the pitcher's deal included a vesting player option for 2025, which he reached by making 21 starts. He was slated to begin the new campaign in the bullpen after failing to crack the rotation before sharing the news about the surgery.</p><p>Team owner Ken Kendrick called the Montgomery signing a "horrible decision" in October. The latter also fired Scott Boras last April, later saying his former agent "butchered" the hurler's free agency.</p><p>Arizona reportedly tried to trade Montgomery during the offseason but couldn't find any takers.</p><p>Meanwhile, the D-Backs agreed to a one-year, $1.25-million deal with reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8480" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8480">Jalen Beeks</a> in the wake of injuries to Montgomery and right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10927" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10927">Kevin Ginkel</a> (shoulder inflammation), a source told <a href="https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2025/03/25/arizona-diamondbacks-agree-to-deal-with-veteran-lefty-jalen-beeks/82655739007/">Piecoro</a>.</p><p>The 31-year-old left-hander authored a 4.50 ERA with 3.99 FIP and 55 strikeouts over a combined 70 appearances between the Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates last season.</p>

ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - APRIL 24: Jordan Montgomery #52 of the Arizona Diamondbacks returns to the dugout against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on April 24, 2024 in St Louis, Missouri.

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D-Backs' Montgomery to have Tommy John surgery

The Los Angeles Angels released outfielder Mickey Moniak, the club announced Tuesday.  The Angels...

<p>The Los Angeles Angels released outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8229" href="/mlb/players/8229">Mickey Moniak</a>, the club announced Tuesday.</p><p>The Angels still owe Moniak over $333,000, one-sixth of the $2 million he was awarded for the 2025 campaign following his arbitration hearing in late January, notes <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1904574667735613662">Jeff Passan of ESPN</a>.</p><p>The team offered the 26-year-old a $1.5-million salary before the ruling.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Philadelphia Phillies selected Moniak with the No. 1 pick in the 2016 draft before trading him to the Angels in August 2022. He slashed .192/.241/.365 with two homers over 52 at-bats this spring after going deep 14 times with 49 RBIs and a .646 OPS across 124 games last season.</p><p>Moniak's situation is similar to that of infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5038" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5038">J.D. Davis</a>, who was cut by the San Francisco Giants in March 2024 after winning his arbitration case.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 24: Mickey Moniak #16 of the Los Angeles Angels walks to the dugout against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on September 24, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Angels release Moniak after he won arbitration hearing

New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto expects to receive an unpleasant welcome from New York Yankees...

<p>New York Mets outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a> expects to receive an unpleasant welcome from New York Yankees fans when he returns to Yankee Stadium in May for the first time since leaving in free agency.</p><p>"You know Yankees fans: They can surprise you with anything," Soto said Monday after facing his old club during Grapefruit League play, according to <a href="https://x.com/SNYtv/status/1904282998951776470">SNY</a>. "I'm expecting the worst."</p><p>Soto joined the Mets on a record 15-year, $765-million contract in the offseason after rejecting a 16-year, $760-million deal to re-sign with the Yankees.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I told him he looked terrible in that uniform," Yankees manager Aaron Boone <a href="https://x.com/snyyankees/status/1904189162095595545">joked</a> Monday.</p><p>The skipper added: "Juan was great for us, but just as important, he was a great guy in the room. ... Honestly, it was really great to see him."</p><p>Soto posted a career-high 41 homers, 109 RBIs, a .989 OPS, and 8.1 fWAR over 157 games in his lone season with the Yankees en route to helping them make their first World Series appearance in 15 years.</p><p>The Mets and Yankees play a three-game series in the Bronx from May 16-18.</p>

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - MARCH 20: New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (22) leans against a railing in the dugout during an MLB spring training game between the New York Mets and the Washington Nationals at the CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on March 20, 2025 in West Palm Beach, Florida.

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Soto 'expecting the worst' from Yankees fans in Bronx return

HOMESTEAD, Fla. (AP) — Kyle Larson is tired of his weekends at Homestead-Miami Speedway ending in...

<p>HOMESTEAD, Fla. (AP) — Kyle Larson is tired of his weekends at Homestead-Miami Speedway ending in disappointment. </p><p>The Hendrick Motorsports driver has won a NACAR Cup Series race and Xfinity Series race in his career at the South Florida track, but he mostly just remembers the heartbreaks there, which recently came in a disappointing 13th-place finish in last year’s playoff race.</p><p>This year, Larson has already secured a victory at the 1.5-mile track, where he's competing in the NASCAR Cup, Xfinity and Craftsman Truck races. Larson rallied from a late-race spinout to pull off a comeback win in the Truck Series on Friday, and he’s eyeing more.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Kyle Busch is the <a href="https://apnews.com/kyle-busch-completes-bristol-sweep-with-20th-win-at-track-6674a8403c104c7a8d2420151753c9c2"> only driver</a> to sweep a triple-header weekend, accomplishing the feat at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2010 and 2017.</p><p>“To join him in something like that would be pretty special,” Larson said. “More than anything I just love the opportunity to race. I love Homestead. ... I felt like it was a prefect weekend to run all three. And to win all three would be great.”</p><p>Larson has five top-five finishes in 11 Cup starts in his career at Homestead — two driving the No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. He’s led the most laps (626) of any active driver, and his 12 stage wins in the Next Gen car is a series best. No other driver has more than five stage wins.</p><p>Busch said Larson has a good shot at a sweep given how well he drives in Homestead, which was in the playoff rotation the past three years but has now been moved to a regular-season race.</p><p>“I did it first,” Busch quipped, before adding, “This is his place. He’s known to be super good here. Super comfortable running the wall, so you get a lot of benefit from that.”</p><p>Larson finished fourth in 2021 and won the race in 2022 but left frustrated the past two years.</p><p>He was out of the race at Lap 214 in 2023 after <a href="https://x.com/NASCARonNBC/status/1716197376707150119?s=20">slamming into the pit road barriers</a> trying to overtake Ryan Blaney for the lead. Last year, Larson’s winning chance ended when he spun while racing Blaney for the lead with under 20 laps to go.</p><p>“I feel like every time I go there (to Homestead) you leave disappointed because you feel like you have the best car or truck, and things don’t work out,” Larson said. “Whether it’s mistakes on my end or ill-timed cautions combined with a hiccup on pit road, or whatever late in the race, and you end up losing.</p><p>“Literally all but maybe two or three races at Homestead I felt like we had the best car, best chance of winning, and we don’t have the wins to show for it.”</p><p><strong>Rule clarification</strong></p><p>NASCAR sent out a clarification to race teams in all three national series on pitting in another team’s pit stall after Christopher Bell stopped in the pit stall of his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Chase Briscoe to have a loose left wheel tightened during the Pennzoil 400 in Las Vegas last weekend.</p><p>If a vehicle gets service in another team’s pit stall to fix a safety issue, it will receive a flag status penalty, NASCAR said, and they’ll either have to restart at the tail of the field or receive a pass-through for pitting outside the assigned pit box.</p><p>The left-front wheel was loose on Bell’s No. 20 Toyota when he was exiting pit road last week. If the wheel came off after he exited pit road, Bell would have been penalized two laps and had two pit crew members suspended for the next two races. He stopped in Briscoe’s stall for service instead, was dinged for pitting outside the box and only had to restart at the back of the field. He finished 12th.</p><p>NASCAR listed tightening loose wheels, removing a fuel can or a wedge wrench as examples of safety issues.</p><p><strong>Hamlin’s new sponsor</strong></p><p>Joe Gibbs Racing announced Tuesday that the organization signed an agreement with Progressive Insurance to sponsor Denny Hamlin’s No. 11 Toyota Camry in 18 NASCAR Cup Series races this season, starting with Sunday’s race in Homestead.</p><p>Progressive’s name and blue branding will be displayed on Hamlin’s car and race suit, and his crew will wear Progressive branded gear.</p><p>“It’s good for them (Joe Gibbs Racing) to have an anchor partner,” Hamlin said, “and certainly for my fans’ sake, they’re going to be able to identify me week-to-week. And I think that’s something that certainly is very important. So feeling out those 18 races is going to be a big deal for myself and Gibbs throughout the year.”</p><p><strong>On the pole</strong></p><p>Hendrick Motorsports driver Alex Bowman won the pole for Sunday’s race while driving a No. 48 Toyota that promotes the 3-on-3 women’s basketball league Unrivaled, which just wrapped up its inaugural season in Miami.</p><p>It’s the sixth career pole for Bowman, who was followed by Josh Berry — the winner at Las Vegas last weekend — Noah Gragson, Briscoe and William Byron.</p><remove></remove><p>___</p><p>AP auto racing: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing">https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing</a></p>

HOMESTEAD, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 27: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, waves to fans as he walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on October 27, 2024 in Homestead, Florida.

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Larson eyeing triple-header sweep at Homestead-Miami Speedway

The Cleveland Guardians extended right-hander Tanner Bibee to a five-year contract with a 2030 cl...

<p>The Cleveland Guardians extended right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16568" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16568">Tanner Bibee</a> to a five-year contract with a 2030 club option, the club announced Saturday.</p><p>Bibee's new deal guarantees him at least $48 million, a source told <a href="https://x.com/ZackMeisel/status/1903527356335063261">Zack Meisel of The Athletic</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tanner Bibee contract details, per source:<br><br>$2M signing bonus<br>$3M in 2025, $4M in 2026, $7M in 2027, $10M in 2028, $21M in 2029<br>$21M club option for 2030 or a $1M buyout <a href="https://t.co/lZnPwWIIFq">https://t.co/lZnPwWIIFq</a></p>— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZackMeisel/status/1903528846202188213?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The extension covers the 26-year-old's three arbitration-eligible seasons from 2026 to 2028 and one free-agent year in 2029 if the club option isn't exercised.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Bibee, who will make his first career Opening Day start in 2025, owns a 3.25 ERA with 1.14 WHIP and 328 strikeouts over 315 2/3 innings (56 starts) since debuting with Cleveland during the 2023 campaign. He finished as the AL Rookie of the Year runner-up that season.</p>

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JUNE 19: Starting pitcher Tanner Bibee #28 of the Cleveland Guardians pitches during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Progressive Field on June 19, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Guardians sign Bibee to 5-year extension reportedly worth $48M

Tampa Bay Rays ace Shane McClanahan departed during the third inning of Saturday's spring game ag...

<p>Tampa Bay Rays ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10721" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10721">Shane McClanahan</a> departed during the third inning of Saturday's spring game against the Boston Red Sox with an injury to the triceps area, manager Kevin Cash said on the broadcast, according to <a href="https://x.com/Ry_Bass/status/1903519142067552417">Rays reporter Ryan Bass</a>.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/shane-mcclanahan-leaves-game-with-injury?partnerId=web_multimedia-search_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>Cash added that McClanahan will undergo imaging Sunday to determine the injury's severity.</p><p>McClanahan missed the entire 2024 season after undergoing his second Tommy John surgery in August 2023. The two-time All-Star was slated to pitch without any restrictions this year after fully recovering from the procedure.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 27-year-old left-hander owns a career 3.02 ERA with 1.10 WHIP and 10.1 K/9 over 404 2/3 innings (74 starts) since debuting in 2021.</p>

CLEARWATER, FL - MARCH 06: Tampa Bay Rays Pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) delivers a pitch to the plate during the spring training game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Philadelphia Phillies on March 06, 2025 at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, Florida.

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McClanahan exits with injury in triceps area, will undergo tests 

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Saturday that right-hander Carlos Carrasco wi...

<p>New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Saturday that right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/158" href="/mlb/players/158">Carlos Carrasco</a> will be on the team's Opening Day roster, according to <a href="https://x.com/jorgecastillo/status/1903484378065338621">Jorge Castillo of ESPN</a>.</p><p>Cashman added that right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9586" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9586">Clarke Schmidt</a> and reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10574" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10574">Ian Hamilton</a> will begin the season on the injured list.</p><p>The Yankees signed Carrasco to a major-league contract and selected him to the active roster after the veteran pitcher inked a minor-league deal in early February. He posted a 1.69 ERA with 0.94 WHIP and 15 strikeouts over 16 innings this spring.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 38-year-old will likely start the new campaign in New York's decimated rotation. Schmidt needs to increase his pitch count after getting over a minor shoulder injury, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11752" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11752">Luis Gil</a> is expected to miss three months with a lat strain, and ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2913" href="/mlb/players/2913">Gerrit Cole</a> is out for the season after elbow surgery.</p><p>Hamilton is sidelined because he needs to increase his pitch count more after dealing with an infection during spring training.</p><p>New York also placed Cole on the 60-day injured list as a procedural move.</p>

TAMPA, FL - MARCH 14: Carlos Carrasco #59 of the New York Yankees pitches during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field on March 14, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.

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Yankees' Carrasco makes Opening Day roster; Schmidt to start on IL

Detroit Tigers top pitching prospect Jackson Jobe will begin the season in the starting rotation ...

<p>Detroit Tigers top pitching prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17680" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17680">Jackson Jobe</a> will begin the season in the starting rotation after the team optioned right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17201" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17201">Keider Montero</a> to Triple-A, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/jackson-jobe-casey-mize-make-tigers-2025-opening-day-roster">Jason Beck of MLB.com</a>.</p><p>Right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10561" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10561">Casey Mize</a>, who was taken with the No. 1 pick in the 2018 draft, will join <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11799" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11799">Tarik Skubal</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5646" href="/mlb/players/5646">Jack Flaherty</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15420" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15420">Reese Olson</a> along with Jobe to start the 2025 campaign.</p><p>The 22-year-old Jobe is the widely considered the second-best pitching prospect in baseball outside of Los Angeles Dodgers rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/19077" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/19077">Roki Sasaki</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Tigers promoted Jobe in September during their playoff push. He pitched out of the team's bullpen with mixed results, allowing three earned runs on five hits over 1 2/3 innings in the postseason. However, he recorded a 3.65 ERA with 0.89 WHIP and eight strikeouts across 12 1/3 innings this spring.</p><p>Meanwhile, Mize authored a 1.13 ERA with 0.94 WHIP and 18 strikeouts over 16 innings in Grapefruit League action. </p><p>Montero, 24, posted a 3.21 ERA with 1.29 WHIP and 17 strikeouts over 14 innings in spring training after making 16 regular-season starts for the club in 2024.</p>

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 10: Jackson Jobe #21 of the Detroit Tigers throws a pitch during the eighth inning against the Cleveland Guardians during Game Four of the Division Series at Comerica Park on October 10, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.

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Tigers' top prospect Jobe earns rotation spot to start season

The following clubs are poised to take a step forward or bounce back from disappointing seasons t...

<p><em>The following clubs are poised to take a step forward or bounce back from disappointing seasons thanks to doing some heavy lifting to improve their rosters over the winter. </em></p><h3>Athletics</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/746995/cropped_GettyImages-2174314799.jpg?ts=1742249512" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/746995/w220xh124_GettyImages-2174314799.jpg?ts=1742249512 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/746995/w320xh180_GettyImages-2174314799.jpg?ts=1742249512 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/746995/w640xh360_GettyImages-2174314799.jpg?ts=1742249512 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/746995/w768xh432_GettyImages-2174314799.jpg?ts=1742249512 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/746995/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2174314799.jpg?ts=1742249512 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ezra Shaw / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong><em>Wins in 2024: 69</em></strong></p><p>The Athletics head into their first season at West Sacramento's Sutter Health Park with optimism that a three-year rebuild is coming to an end. The club went 32-32 after the All-Star break and had a solid offseason, inspiring more hope that its momentum can carry into 2025.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Opening Day starter Luis Severino signed a franchise-record three-year, $67-million contract, while the team acquired left-hander Jeffrey Springs via trade. The duo slots in atop a rotation that accrued the fifth-lowest fWAR in baseball last season. The bullpen also looks better with the addition of José Leclerc to pair with All-Star closer Mason Miller.</p><p>A lineup that hit the eighth-most homers will likely improve with more growth from its young players - especially a full season from Lawrence Butler, who recorded 22 long balls with 18 stolen bases and an .807 OPS over 125 games in 2024. JJ Bleday, Shea Langeliers, Zack Gelof, Tyler Soderstrom, and Jacob Wilson are all worth watching, too. Wilson leads the team with four homers and 12 RBIs over 17 spring games.</p><h3>Boston Red Sox</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772841/cropped_GettyImages-2199443746.jpg?ts=1740792944" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772841/w220xh124_GettyImages-2199443746.jpg?ts=1740792944 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772841/w320xh180_GettyImages-2199443746.jpg?ts=1740792944 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772841/w640xh360_GettyImages-2199443746.jpg?ts=1740792944 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772841/w768xh432_GettyImages-2199443746.jpg?ts=1740792944 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/772841/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2199443746.jpg?ts=1740792944 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong><em>Wins in 2024: 81</em></strong></p><p>The Red Sox could put it all together this season as one of the favorites to win the AL East after a three-year run of mediocrity. Boston's got a deep lineup and an improved pitching staff. The team also has a treasure trove of elite prospects - headlined by Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell, and Marcelo Mayer - that Boston can either call up to fill holes or trade for established talent.</p><p>An offense that's already good should reach another level with newcomer Alex Bregman. The two-time All-Star has raked at Fenway Park, hitting seven round-trippers with a 1.240 OPS across 21 games. His right-handed bat also helps balance the top of a lineup that will feature lefties in Jarren Duran, Rafael Devers, and Triston Casas.</p><p>The additions of Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler provide the rotation with the high-end talent and depth it's been missing for a while - and Crochet could make a run at the AL Cy Young without any innings restrictions this year. Meanwhile, the bullpen will be led by former All-Stars Aroldis Chapman and Liam Hendriks.</p><h3>Cincinnati Reds</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775905/cropped_GettyImages-2204819873.jpg?ts=1742335218" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775905/w220xh124_GettyImages-2204819873.jpg?ts=1742335218 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775905/w320xh180_GettyImages-2204819873.jpg?ts=1742335218 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775905/w640xh360_GettyImages-2204819873.jpg?ts=1742335218 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775905/w768xh432_GettyImages-2204819873.jpg?ts=1742335218 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775905/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2204819873.jpg?ts=1742335218 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Christian Petersen / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong><em>Wins in 2024: 77</em></strong></p><p>The Reds looked like a squad on the rise following an 82-win campaign in 2023. However, Cincinnati took a step back, costing manager David Bell his job. Expectations are high again as skipper Terry Francona leads a core oozing with potential that was supplemented by an under-the-radar offseason.</p><p>The biggest reason to believe is Francona's return to managing. The future Hall of Famer's resume is highlighted by two World Series championships with the Red Sox (2004 and 2007) and another Fall Classic appearance with the Guardians (2016), and he should be able to push the right buttons.</p><p>The Reds' front office brought in some intriguing pieces despite not making any major splashes. Brady Singer is a solid middle-of-the rotation starter and Taylor Rogers improves the bullpen, while Austin Hays and Jose Trevino are veterans with recent All-Star berths. Gavin Lux could be another hidden gem if the former top prospect thrives outside the big-market spotlight. The returns of Matt McLain and Christian Encarnacion-Strand should also be significant after they were limited to a combined 29 games last year.</p><h3>Los Angeles Dodgers</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775987/cropped_GettyImages-2205277383.jpg?ts=1742391618" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775987/w220xh124_GettyImages-2205277383.jpg?ts=1742391618 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775987/w320xh180_GettyImages-2205277383.jpg?ts=1742391618 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775987/w640xh360_GettyImages-2205277383.jpg?ts=1742391618 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775987/w768xh432_GettyImages-2205277383.jpg?ts=1742391618 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/775987/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2205277383.jpg?ts=1742391618 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Daniel Shirey / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em><strong>Wins in 2024: 98</strong></em></p><p>The Dodgers are well on their way to going 162-0 after sweeping the Cubs in Japan! All jokes aside, the new Evil Empire is primed to make a serious run at toppling MLB's single-season record of 116 wins after a stellar offseason on the heels of its World Series title. Keep in mind that Los Angeles won 98 games and a championship despite dealing with lots of injury woes.</p><p>Navigating the lineup must be a nightmare for opposing pitchers. Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman have won a combined five MVP awards, while Teoscar Hernández, Will Smith, and Max Muncy could make up the top of the order for half the clubs in MLB. The offense is much deeper than last season with the arrival of Michael Conforto and a full season from NLCS MVP Tommy Edman.</p><p>The pitching staff is just as dazzling, and that was before adding Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, Tanner Scott, and Kirby Yates to offset the departures of Buehler and Jack Flaherty. Ohtani is also expected to return to the mound in the first half of the 2025 campaign. The rotation and bullpen are much better equipped to handle availability issues, as Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin, Clayton Kershaw, Brusdar Graterol, Michael Kopech, and Evan Phillips will contribute at different times of the year.</p><h3>Texas Rangers</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744849/cropped_GettyImages-2113298655.jpg?ts=1726190900" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744849/w220xh124_GettyImages-2113298655.jpg?ts=1726190900 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744849/w320xh180_GettyImages-2113298655.jpg?ts=1726190900 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744849/w640xh360_GettyImages-2113298655.jpg?ts=1726190900 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744849/w768xh432_GettyImages-2113298655.jpg?ts=1726190900 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/744849/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2113298655.jpg?ts=1726190900 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Cooper Neill / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em><strong>Wins in 2024: 78</strong></em></p><p>The Rangers experienced a World Series hangover. Texas went from 90 victories and a plus-165 run differential two years ago to 12 fewer wins and a minus-55 run differential. Injuries and underperformance were the main culprits for the dramatic swing, but many key pieces are still around from the team's championship run.</p><p>Texas arguably features the deepest lineup outside of the Dodgers, and it wouldn't be shocking to see this collection of bats lead the majors in long balls. Everybody knows what a healthy Corey Seager can do, and Marcus Semien is a three-time AL MVP finalist. A bounce-back campaign from 2023 All-Star Josh Jung would be huge after a fractured wrist limited him to 46 games last year. Expectations are also high for Year 2 of Wyatt Langford and Evan Carter. Finally, new additions Joc Pederson and Jake Burger hit a combined 52 homers last year.</p><p>The Rangers' biggest X-factor is the health of two-time Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom. The 36-year-old returned last September following Tommy John surgery, but he's logged only 41 innings since heading to the Lone Star State in December 2022. It'll also be interesting to see what sort of impact former Vanderbilt stars Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker can make with extended time in the big-league rotation.</p>

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5 MLB teams that will be better in 2025

Mike Trout is one of the Los Angeles Angels veterans enforcing manager Ron Washington's new rule ...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1674" href="/mlb/players/1674">Mike Trout</a> is one of the Los Angeles Angels veterans enforcing manager Ron Washington's new rule prohibiting players from using cellphones at their lockers.</p><p>"It's been good," Trout said, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/angels-closer-with-ron-washington-s-no-cellphone-rule">Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com</a>. "The guys are interacting more. I think the biggest thing we're working on this year, just building that family chemistry, getting everybody on board."</p><p>Trout said he hasn't encountered any resistance from players and he believes the rule has brought them closer together. The fine for using a cellphone in the clubhouse is $500, but there are exceptions for emergencies.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Washington said that he wants the players to fine him if he gets caught using his cellphone.</p><p>"That clubhouse is for Mike and he'll run it how he wants to run it," Washington said. "That clubhouse is for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4432" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4432">(Kyle) Hendricks</a>. He can run it how he wants to run it. And for all the veterans we got on this team to run it the way they want to run it."</p><p>The 72-year-old believes the rule helped the Texas Rangers make back-to-back trips to the World Series in 2010-11 when he managed the club and leaned on vets such as Michael Young, Adrian Beltré, and Ian Kinsler to administer the $500 fine.</p><p>"It's not punishment," Washington said. "It's just trying to keep them focused. You can use your phone when you come in. Take it and you can leave the clubhouse and you can use your phone as much as you want. It's to get them more focused on what we are supposed to be doing."</p>

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - MAY 29: Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels looks on in the dugout during a game against the New York Yankees at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on May 29, 2024 in Anaheim, California.

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Trout enforcing Angels' cellphone ban: 'Guys are interacting more'

Baltimore Orioles infield prospect Coby Mayo said he wasn't directing his frustration at the team...

<p>Baltimore Orioles infield prospect Coby Mayo said he wasn't directing his <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3245377" href="https://thescore.com/news/3245377">frustration</a> at the team or its Triple-A affiliate when he voiced his displeasure about being sent down to the minors.</p><p>"The comments I made yesterday to the media after being optioned were by no means directed to the Orioles organization or the Norfolk Tides," Mayo <a href="https://x.com/cobymayox/status/1902521243691094411">wrote</a> Wednesday on X. "I will be the first to tell you I didn't do enough this spring to break camp with the big-league team. I was frustrated in the moment and things were taken out of context.</p><p>"As a competitor this has lit a fire in me, and I will make sure I work even harder to get back to the big leagues and help the team win games as soon as possible. I will never settle for anything less than the best version of myself."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Mayo, who slashed .190/.239/.262 with three RBIs and a club-leading 13 strikeouts over 42 at-bats this spring, acknowledged Tuesday that his demotion was a tough pill to swallow.</p><p>"It definitely is difficult," the 23-year-old said at the time. "It obviously sucks because you feel like you've proved everything you needed to. And sometimes it doesn't feel like it's quite enough."</p><p>Mayo is the Orioles' No. 2-ranked prospect and 14th in all of baseball, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/milb/prospects/top100/">MLB Pipeline</a>. He went deep 22 times with a .926 OPS in 89 games at Triple-A last season but went 4-for-41 after making his MLB debut in August.</p>

DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 15: Coby Mayo #16 of the Baltimore Orioles looks on during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on September 15, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Orioles 4-2.

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Mayo clarifies demotion remarks: 'By no means directed' at O's, Norfolk

Texas Rangers ace Jacob deGrom is pleased with how he feels physically after going four innings W...

<p>Texas Rangers ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4311" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4311">Jacob deGrom</a> is pleased with how he feels physically after going four innings Wednesday against the Seattle Mariners in his second Cactus League appearance.</p><p>"Health wise, I feel good, that's the main thing," deGrom said, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/jacob-degrom-makes-second-cactus-league-start">Kennedi Landry of MLB.com</a>. "We got up to 57 pitches today, so that's good. Now it's just locking it in for go time."</p><p>The two-time NL Cy Young winner allowed two runs on four hits with two walks and three strikeouts in a performance he called "fine."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>DeGrom, who returned from Tommy John surgery in September, also acknowledged he hasn't been maximizing his velocity during spring training in an attempt to preserve his arm for the season.</p><p>"I could let it go more," deGrom said. "It's just that a day like today, especially when I'm flying open, then you got to be smart with that. You want to land properly and then let it go. I was trying to govern it (the velocity), and see if I could locate it this way. I wasn't locating any of them really well. Like I said, I've got a bullpen and then another game and we'll figure it out."</p><p>The 36-year-old right-hander has logged just 197 1/3 innings since 2021 because of multiple injuries. He's also recorded only 41 innings after signing a five-year, $185-million contract with the Rangers in December 2022.</p>

SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 12: Jacob deGrom #48 of the Texas Rangers throws during a spring training workout at Surprise Stadium on February 12, 2025 in Surprise, Arizona.

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DeGrom: 'Health wise, I feel good' after 2nd spring start

The Atlanta Braves and veteran closer Craig Kimbrel agreed to a minor-league contract, a source t...

<p>The Atlanta Braves and veteran closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1378" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1378">Craig Kimbrel</a> agreed to a minor-league contract, a source told <a href="https://x.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/1902124974602621272">Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>Kimbrel will earn $2 million if he makes the majors, reports <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1902126764513464734">Jeff Passan of ESPN</a>.</p><p>The 36-year-old is going to ramp up over the next few weeks and begin the season in Triple-A, according to <a href="https://x.com/mlbbowman/status/1902126289445613611">Mark Bowman of MLB.com</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Kimbrel spent the first five seasons of his 15-year career with the Braves, winning 2011 NL Rookie of the Year and racking up 186 saves. His 440 career saves rank fifth all time and place him second among active pitchers behind <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1563" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1563">Kenley Jansen</a> (447).</p><p>The right-hander struggled with the Baltimore Orioles in 2024, posting a 5.33 ERA with 1.36 WHIP and 73 strikeouts over 52 1/3 innings.</p>

CINCINNATI, OHIO - MAY 04: Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches in the ninth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on May 04, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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Report: Braves reunite with Kimbrel on minor-league deal

The Minnesota Twins announced Monday that third baseman Royce Lewis has a moderate left hamstring...

<p>The Minnesota Twins announced Monday that third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12346" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12346">Royce Lewis</a> has a moderate left hamstring strain that will leave him sidelined to begin the 2025 season, according to <a href="https://x.com/betsyhelfand/status/1901690941653549118">Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press</a>.</p><p>The Twins added they have no timetable yet for Lewis' expected return to the lineup.</p><p>The 25-year-old left Sunday's spring training game against the Boston Red Sox in the second inning after injuring his hamstring while running to first base on a grounder.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/royce-lewis-exits-with-leg-injury?partnerId=web_multimedia-search_video-share" width="560" height="315"></iframe></figure><p>(<em>Video source: MLB.com)</em></p><p>Lewis has played in only 140 games over the past two seasons because of strains in his quad, adductor, oblique, and hamstring. He also tore his ACL for a second time in June 2022. However, he's been productive when on the field, hitting a combined 33 homers with 104 RBIs and an .825 OPS over 152 contests.</p><p>Minnesota took Lewis with the No. 1 pick in the 2017 draft.</p>

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JUNE 30: Royce Lewis #23 of the Minnesota Twins on deck in the fifth inning during a game against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on June 30, 2024 in Seattle, Washington.

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Twins' Lewis has moderate hamstring strain, no timetable for return

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Max Scherzer said the thumb on his pitching hand is giving him pro...

<p>Toronto Blue Jays right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/633" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/633">Max Scherzer</a> said the thumb on his pitching hand is giving him problems after hitting the 50-pitch mark during starts, according to <a href="https://x.com/KeeganMatheson/status/1901668991078125807">Keegan Matheson of MLB.com</a>.</p><p>Scherzer added the issue "flares up" during his recovery a day after starting, per <a href="https://x.com/thehazelmae/status/1901678372767363471">Hazel Mae of Sportsnet</a>, who adds an MRI on the three-time Cy Young winner's thumb showed no structural damage.</p><p>"My thumb hurts," Scherzer said Monday, according to <a href="https://x.com/KeeganMatheson/status/1901669605535342741">Matheson</a>. "It hurts to grip the ball. The critical thing I've learned over the years here is that your thumb is absolutely critical to your arm health. Unfortunately, this is what I've been dealing with since 2023."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 40-year-old <a href="https://x.com/KeeganMatheson/status/1901671874842554610">acknowledged</a> he's working with a hand specialist, doctors, and trainers because pitching through the discomfort could lead to shoulder injuries.</p><p>Scherzer, who was scratched from his last spring start because of the thumb issue, logged a career-low 43 1/3 innings last year after starting the season on the injured list while recovering from back surgery. He also dealt with shoulder fatigue and a hamstring strain.</p>

DUNEDIN, FL - FEBRUARY 25: Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer (31) delivers a pitch to the plate during the spring training game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Toronto Blue Jays on February 25, at the TD Ballpark in Dunedin, FL.

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Scherzer laments recurring thumb issues: 'Hurts to grip the ball'

The Atlanta Braves announced Sunday that ace Spencer Strider is scheduled to start Monday's sprin...

<p>The Atlanta Braves announced Sunday that ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13620" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13620">Spencer Strider</a> is scheduled to start Monday's spring game versus the Boston Red Sox, according to <a href="https://x.com/JustinCToscano/status/1901296557435027495">Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution</a>.</p><p>Strider will be making his first spring start since having an internal brace inserted to repair the UCL in his right elbow in April 2024, which has a shorter recovery timetable than Tommy John surgery. Some pitchers have come back as early as nine months following the internal brace procedure.</p><p>The 26-year-old was originally slated to return around late April but could be back a little sooner than expected if his recovery continues to progress through spring training.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Strider owns a career 3.47 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and 13.5 K/9 over four years with Atlanta.</p><p>The 2023 All-Star will join a rotation that's also projected to feature reigning NL Cy Young winner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1577" href="/mlb/players/1577">Chris Sale</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5352" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5352">Reynaldo López</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17953" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17953">Spencer Schwellenbach</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8224" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8224">Grant Holmes</a>.</p>

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 30: Spencer Strider #99 of the Atlanta Braves pitches during the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Truist Park on September 30, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Strider to make 1st spring start since elbow surgery

The Toronto Blue Jays made Vladimir Guerrero Jr. a massive contract offer before the star first b...

<p>The Toronto Blue Jays made <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8267" href="/mlb/players/8267">Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</a> a massive contract offer before the star first baseman ended negotiations because of a self-imposed deadline when he arrived in camp in mid-February.</p><p>Toronto proposed an extension for around $500 million with deferrals to Guerrero that put the net present value in the range of $400 million to $450 million, sources told <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/03/11/sports/blue-jays-contract-offer-to-vladimir-guerrero-jr-revealed/">Jon Heyman of the New York Post</a>.</p><p>The gap between the two sides is close to $50 million, as the team's offer had a current value of about $450 million, reports <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/blue-jays-and-vladimir-guerrero-jr-hit-deadlock-over-50m-gap/">Shi Davidi of Sportsnet</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>However, the 25-year-old wants a long-term deal with a present value of $500 million, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6194664/2025/03/11/vladimir-guerrero-blue-jays-contract-demand/">The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal</a>.</p><p>Guerrero eased his stance on deferrals closer to the deadline but was still seeking the present value at $500 million, according to Rosenthal.</p><p>The four-time All-Star's reported ask would have given him the second-largest pact in MLB history behind only the non-deferred $765 million the New York Mets gave <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a> during the offseason. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a>'s $700-million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers before last season has a present value of $460.8 million because of record deferrals.</p><p>Guerrero, who's slated to become one of the top free agents available next offseason, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3235167" href="https://thescore.com/news/3235167">said</a> in early March that he was asking for a contract in the range of 14 years but for less overall money than the $765 million Soto received.</p><p>"It's much less than Soto. We're talking about many fewer millions than Soto, more than a hundred million less. ... It was the same number of years (as Soto), but it didn't reach $600 (million)," the 2021 AL MVP runner-up said at the time.</p><p>Guerrero recorded 30 homers with 103 RBIs and a .940 OPS over 159 games in 2024 en route to finishing sixth in AL MVP voting. He's also a two-time Silver Slugger and one-time Gold Glover.</p>

TORONTO, CANADA - AUGUST 24: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates in the dugout after scoring on a double by Joey Loperfido #9 in the first inning of their MLB game against the Los Angeles Angels at Rogers Centre on August 24, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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New York Yankees left-hander Max Fried is focused on remaining levelheaded as the team's new ace ...

<p>New York Yankees left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4259" href="/mlb/players/4259">Max Fried</a> is focused on remaining levelheaded as the team's new ace with teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2913" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2913">Gerrit Cole</a> undergoing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3238428" href="https://thescore.com/news/3238428">season-ending Tommy John surgery</a> Tuesday.</p><p>"For me, I have to be Max Fried," he said, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/max-fried-to-lead-yankees-rotation-after-gerrit-cole-s-injury">Bryan Hoch of MLB.com</a>. "I can't try to fill anyone else's shoes. I've pitched with a lot of really great teammates and stuff like that. I have to know what makes me successful and not try to be someone I'm not."</p><p>Fried signed an eight-year, $218-million contract with the Yankees during the offseason. He'll now lead a rotation that projects to feature <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4763" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4763">Carlos Rodón</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4101" href="/mlb/players/4101">Marcus Stroman</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9586" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9586">Clarke Schmidt</a>. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15569" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15569">Will Warren</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/158" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/158">Carlos Carrasco</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14074" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14074">Allan Winans</a> are fighting for the last spot during spring training. On top of Cole's absence, reigning AL Rookie of the Year <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11752" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11752">Luis Gil</a> is expected to miss three months due to a lat strain.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"At the end of the day, no one is Gerrit Cole, right?" Fried said. "I've got to take the ball every time that I take the ball. It doesn't matter if he was on the mound or not. Realistically, it's just about doing my job. It's going out there and making sure that, when I take the ball, we have a really good chance to win that day."</p><p>Fried owns a career 3.07 ERA with a 1.16 WHIP and an 8.8 K/9 over eight years with the Atlanta Braves. The 31-year-old is a two-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glover, and he won a World Series in 2021.</p><p>Yankees general manager Brian Cashman acknowledged his club will likely have to lean on internal options to reinforce the rotation but didn't rule out acquiring a player.</p><p>"You certainly hope you can avoid injuries, but injuries are also part of this," Cashman told <a href="http://x.com/YESNetwork/status/1899545488736543103">YES Network's Meredith Marakovits</a> on Tuesday. </p><p>The GM added, "We'll evaluate, again, what we have here. Warren's pitched extremely well so far. Obviously, Carrasco's pitched extremely well so far. We'll also evaluate what's available outside of camp."</p>

TAMPA, FL - MARCH 3: Max Fried #54 of the New York Yankees pitches during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field on March 3, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.

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Yankees' Fried 'can't try to fill anyone else's shoes' with Cole out

We've reached the quarter-century mark, and to celebrate, theScore's MLB editors constructed each...

<p><em>We've reached the quarter-century mark, and to celebrate, theScore's MLB editors constructed each organization's best 26-man roster from the last 25 seasons. We continue with the AL Central.</em></p><p><strong>Jump to:</strong><br><strong><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3181581" href="https://thescore.com/news/3181581">AL EAST</a><br><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3211619" href="https://thescore.com/news/3211619">AL WEST</a></strong><br><strong><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3212407" href="https://thescore.com/news/3212407">NL EAST</a></strong><br><strong><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3213441" href="https://thescore.com/news/3213441">NL CENTRAL</a></strong><br><strong><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3211695" href="https://thescore.com/news/3211695">NL WEST</a></strong></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-OOYWv" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/OOYWv/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" 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><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Lineup" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-CZQKc" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/CZQKc/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="678" 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><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Pitching staff" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-JWiBr" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/JWiBr/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="603" 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><strong>Most important player: Paul Konerko</strong>. The slugging first baseman recorded 408 of his 432 career homers with the White Sox after the start of the 2000 season. His 1,302 RBIs are also 439 more than Abreu for highest total on this roster.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Best pitcher: Chris Sale. </strong>The perennial Cy Young contender gets the nod over Buehrle because of a much higher peak. Sale finished no worse than sixth in voting for the award for five straight years from 2012-2016.</p><p><strong>Most underrated: Jose Valentin. </strong>It's easy to forgot Valentin with all the sluggers Chicago employed over the last quarter-century. However, he hit 25-plus homers for five consecutive years between 2000-2004.</p><p><strong>Best acquisition</strong>: <strong>Paul Konerko. </strong>The White Sox landed Konerko from the Reds for Mike Cameron in November 1998. The former went on to play 16 seasons for Chicago, becoming a six-time All-Star and helping the club win the 2005 World Series. He's also second in team history with 432 home runs.</p><p><strong>Best homegrown player: Mark Buehrle. </strong>There's an argument to be made that it should be Thomas, but he was at the downturn of his prolific Hall of Fame career at this point. Buehrle gets the selection thanks to an 11-year run of logging 200-plus innings, four All-Star appearances, a championship, and a perfect game.</p><p><strong>Toughest omission:</strong> <strong>Jim Thome. </strong>The Hall of Fame slugger went deep 134 times with a .933 OPS over three-plus years with the White Sox between 2006-2009. However, there's no room for him with Konerko at first, Thomas at DH, and Abreu on the bench.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Gk4b1" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Gk4b1/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" 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><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Lineup " aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-1VMbI" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/1VMbI/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="678" 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><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Pitching staff" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-388Km" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/388Km/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="587" 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><strong>Most important player: José Ramírez. </strong>The third baseman has the best fWAR on the roster since he became a star in 2017. He's finished as an AL MVP finalist three times and collected five Silver Sluggers over the last eight years.</p><p><strong>Best pitcher: Corey Kluber. </strong>The two-time AL Cy Young winner recorded at least 18 wins on four different occasions, logged 200-plus innings fives times, and registered 1,461 strikeouts during a nine-year run with Cleveland.</p><p><strong>Most underrated: Shin-Soo Choo. </strong>The outfielder had respectable power, hitting 20-plus homers twice with Cleveland. However, what many forget is how good he was at getting on base, as he amassed a .383 OBP for the club across seven seasons.</p><p><strong>Best acquisition: Grady Sizemore.</strong> The three-time All-Star<strong> </strong>was acquired along with Lee Stevens, Cliff Lee, and Brandon Phillips for Bartolo Colon and Tim Drew in a blockbuster deal with the Expos in June 2002. Sizemore enjoyed a four-year peak between 2005-2008 that saw him accumulate 27.3 fWAR with 107 homers.</p><p><strong>Best homegrown player: José Ramírez. </strong>The current face of the franchise is a six-time All-Star who is second to Thome for homers in team history. Ramírez also sits fourth in stolen bases, seventh in runs, sixth in doubles, seventh in RBIs, and 10th in hits.</p><p><strong>Toughest omission: Asdrúbal Cabrera. </strong>The two-time All-Star had eight nice seasons with Cleveland, during which he collected 82 homers with a .742 OPS over 914 games. But it's tough to find a spot for him with Kipnis and Alomar on the roster.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-CGfz4" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/CGfz4/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" 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><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Lineup" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-YTvdz" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/YTvdz/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="646" 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><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Pitching staff" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-FD8Ax" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/FD8Ax/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="619" 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><strong>Most important player: Miguel Cabrera. </strong>Very easy pick here, as the star first baseman won back-to-back AL MVPs in 2012-2013. Cabrera also became the only MLB player since Carl Yastrzemski in 1967 to secure the Triple Crown by leading the majors in batting average, homers, and RBIs.</p><p><strong>Best pitcher: Justin Verlander. </strong>Another no-brainer with Verlander, who received the 2011 AL MVP and AL CY Young in the same year. The right-hander won 183 games and led the the majors in strikeouts on three different occasions en route to becoming a six-time All-Star with the Tigers.</p><p><strong>Most underrated: Carlos Guillén. </strong>The shortstop broke out in Detroit with 20 homers, 97 RBIs, and a .921 OPS in 2004 after a deal with the Mariners. He ended up becoming a three-time All-Star and played eight years with the club. </p><p><strong>Best acquisition: Miguel Cabrera. </strong>The Tigers pulled off the greatest trade in team history when they landed the future Hall of Famer and Dontrelle Willis from the Marlins for Andrew Miller, Dallas Trahern, Eulogio De La Cruz, Burke Badenhop, Cameron Maybin, and Mike Rabelo in December 2007.</p><p><strong>Best homegrown player: Justin Verlander. </strong>The hurler ranks top 10 in several major pitching categories for Detroit, including second in strikeouts (2,373), fifth in games started (380), and fourth in opponent's batting average (.236).</p><p><strong>Toughest omission:</strong> <strong>Placido Polanco. </strong>The 2007 All-Star was an effective player on both sides of the ball for the team, slashing .311/.355/.418 while collecting a pair of Gold Gloves. But Kinsler gets the start at second and Fielder is on the bench. Taking Jackson over Polanco is a toss-up, too.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-RUYjr" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/RUYjr/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" 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><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Lineup" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-BF3i0" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/BF3i0/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="646" 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><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Pitching staff " aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-pSeW9" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/pSeW9/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="635" 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><strong>Most important player: Salvador Perez. </strong>The nine-time All-Star catcher has been a franchise pillar over the last 13 years, winning five Sliver Sluggers, five Gold Gloves, and World Series MVP for his performance in the 2015 Fall Classic. His 48 homers in 2021 are also a single-season MLB record for a backstop.</p><p><strong>Best pitcher: Zack Greinke. </strong>The Royals have had a hard time developing starting pitching outside of Greinke, who put together the best season of his 20-year career in 2009 to win the AL Cy Young.</p><p><strong>Most underrated: Alex Gordon. </strong>The three-time All-Star played his whole 14-year career with Kansas City and is often overlooked when discussing the best outfielders in baseball despite winning eight Gold Gloves and two Platinum Gloves. He amassed 21.4 fWAR during his peak between 2011-2014.</p><p><strong>Best acquisition: Cole Ragans. </strong>The left-hander and Roni Cabrera came over in the Aroldis Chapman trade with the Rangers in July 2023. The deal was big because the Royals got a young All-Star ace who finished fourth in 2024 AL Cy Young voting after years of struggling to find a No. 1 starter.</p><p><strong>Best homegrown player: Bobby Witt Jr. </strong>It's been decades since the team had a player of Witt's calibre.<strong> </strong>The<strong> </strong>superstar shortstop already has the fifth-most fWAR on the roster after just three seasons thanks to his 2024 AL MVP runner-up campaign. </p><p><strong>Toughest omission: Alcides Escobar. </strong>The 2015 All-Star and Gold Glover will always be remembered in Royals lore for his ALCS MVP performance. However, Witt is obviously the starting shortstop, and there's no room on the bench due to Hosmer, Cain, and DeJesus.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-UhEkC" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/UhEkC/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" 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><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Lineup" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-MOI11" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/MOI11/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="678" 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><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Pitching staff " aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-K2UPG" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/K2UPG/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="603" 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><strong>Most important player: Joe Mauer.</strong> The Hall of Fame catcher led five different Twins teams to the playoffs over 15 years with the club. His long list of accolades includes winning the 2009 AL MVP, five Silver Sluggers, three Gold Gloves, three batting titles, and six All-Star selections.</p><p><strong>Best pitcher: Johan Santana. </strong>The left-hander dominated with the Twins from 2002-2007. He led the league in ERA, WHIP, and strikeouts in multiple seasons en route to capturing a pair of AL Cy Young awards and three All-Star nods.</p><p><strong>Most underrated: Corey Koskie. </strong>The third baseman amassed six straight seasons with an .815 OPS or better despite not being known as a major power threat. Koskie's biggest strength was his ability to get on base, and he posted a .373 on-base percentage with Minnesota.</p><p><strong>Best acquisition: Joe Nathan. </strong>The top closer in team history was acquired along with Boof Bonser and Francisco Liriano from the Giants in exchange for A.J. Pierzynski in November 2003. Nathan holds the club's all-time record with 260 saves and tallied at least 36 saves for six straight years between 2004-2009.</p><p><strong>Best homegrown player: Joe Mauer. </strong>The Twins took Mauer with the No. 1 pick in the 2001 draft, and he turned into one of the greatest players in franchise history, ranking second in doubles, fourth in hits, sixth in on-base percentage, and sixth in games played.</p><p><strong>Toughest omission:</strong> <strong>Jacque Jones. </strong>The final spot was between Jones, Buxton, and Cuddyer. The former just missed out despite three different 23-plus-homer campaigns over seven years with the club.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/30569938/related

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

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/tom-ruminski/content_cards