Injury Updates Impacting the Playoffs
The past week in Major League Baseball has been eventful, with several key players facing injuries that could impact their teams’ playoff performances. Freddie Freeman of the Los Angeles Dodgers suffered a right ankle sprain, which kept him out of the starting lineup for NLCS Game 6. This injury is a significant blow to the Dodgers, as Freeman is a crucial part of their lineup. Meanwhile, the Dodgers also had to leave Miguel Rojas, Alex Vesia, Joe Kelly, and Brusdar Graterol off their NLCS roster due to various injuries. Gavin Stone is already out for the rest of his season due to right shoulder inflammation and will likely miss the entire 2025 season after undergoing right shoulder surgery on October 9.
Yankees’ Roster Adjustments
The New York Yankees are also dealing with injuries as they face the Cleveland Guardians in the ALCS. Ian Hamilton sustained left calf tightness and was replaced by Mark Leiter Jr. on the roster. Nestor Cortes has a left elbow flexor strain and last pitched on September 18. He was scheduled to throw live batting practice and is a potential option for the World Series, according to manager Aaron Boone. These injuries could affect the Yankees’ pitching depth as they aim for a World Series berth.
Padres and Red Sox Injury News
In other injury news, Luis Arraez of the San Diego Padres announced via social media that he underwent surgery on his left thumb to address an injury from the 2024 season. The Boston Red Sox also have concerns, as Masataka Yoshida underwent successful right shoulder labral repair on October 3. The Red Sox aim for him to be ready by Opening Day, set for March 27 at Texas. These injuries highlight the physical toll of the MLB season and the importance of player health in team success.
Hot Stove Season Approaches
As the MLB season progresses, attention is also turning to the upcoming “Hot Stove” season, which focuses on free agent and trade rumors. The 2024-25 free-agent class includes top players like Juan Soto, Corbin Burnes, Pete Alonso, Alex Bregman, Willy Adames, and Max Fried, who will be eligible for free agency after the 2024 World Series. The deadline for players and teams to make option decisions for the 2025 season is five days after the conclusion of the World Series. This includes opt-outs, player options, club options, and mutual options.
Potential Free Agents and Contract Options
Notable players with 2025 contract options include Blake Snell, Cody Bellinger, Sean Manaea, Nathan Eovaldi, and Michael Wacha. These players could potentially join this year’s free-agent class if they choose to opt out. Teams have the opportunity to extend a qualifying offer to select free agents each offseason. Players who accept are signed to a one-year deal at a designated value ($21.05 million for 2025). Players who do not accept remain free agents; if they sign with a new team, their former team receives Draft pick compensation.
Franchise Sales and Relocation Rumors
In franchise news, two MLB teams, the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins, could soon be for sale. The Joe Pohlad family, owners of the Twins, announced their decision to explore selling the team. Jerry Reinsdorf, owner of the White Sox, is reportedly open to selling the team, according to sources. These developments occur amid ongoing discussions about MLB franchise relocation and expansion. The Oakland Athletics are set to relocate to Las Vegas, while the futures of the Tampa Bay Rays and Arizona Diamondbacks in their current locations remain uncertain.
MLB Expansion and Potential New Cities
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has expressed a desire for league expansion by two teams, from 30 to 32, with a potential start in 2029 and new teams playing by 2031. Relocation could allow teams to begin playing in new cities sooner than expansion would permit. Several cities are considered frontrunners for acquiring an MLB team through relocation or expansion: Salt Lake City, Nashville, Portland, Charlotte, and Montreal. The Pohlad family intends to keep the Twins in Minnesota despite exploring a sale. Jerry Reinsdorf might consider moving the White Sox as part of a sale; Nashville is a likely destination if sold to a group led by former MLB pitcher Dave Stewart.
Speculation on Team Relocations
There is speculation that the Arizona Diamondbacks might relocate due to challenges with their lease at Chase Field. Steve Starks of the Miller Company leads Big League Utah’s efforts to bring an MLB team to Utah and claims they are well-prepared for potential expansion. These developments highlight the dynamic nature of MLB’s landscape and the potential for significant changes in team locations and league structure.
In summary, the past week in MLB has been marked by significant injury updates, the anticipation of the Hot Stove season, and potential franchise sales and relocations. As the playoffs continue, teams are navigating these challenges while also looking ahead to future opportunities and changes in the league.
