Welcome back Wacha!
Anne Rogers has more on the Michael Wacha contract specifics.
Instead, the 33-year-old gets a multiyear extension that can be worth up to $72 million over the course of four years, sources told MLB.com. The deal includes a guaranteed three years at $51 million with a $14 million club option in 2028.
Wacha will make $18 million in 2025 and ‘26 — a raise from his $16 million this year and the $16 million player option — and $14 million in ‘27, with performance bonuses that can push that to $18 million, according to a source. The club option includes similar performance bonuses and a $1 million buyout.
She also writes about Bobby Witt Jr. and Seth Lugo winning Gold Glove awards.
“Once I started to talk to Bobby and understand how he works, and how he thinks, I think the most impressive part was just his desire to get better and his willingness to accept he wasn’t a finished product,” Quatraro said. “That’s what’s pretty exciting, that he’s still got room to grow. But he’s come quite a long way as we’ve known him. This award is just a real feather in his cap, but also, I think it’s going to be more incentive for him to keep growing.”
David Lesky writes about what moves he would make if he were GM for a day.
I think there’s a considerably too high percentage of the fanbase that would go ahead and nontender Melendez and be done. I don’t mean to be short with that group, but if you’re in it, you’re wrong. Melendez may not turn into anything, but there’s no need to pretend that any team would move on from a guy who has shown the flashes he has. I would trade him in a heartbeat, but I also wouldn’t give him up for nothing. Work out a deal with him for one year and be done.
Kevin O’Brien at Royals Reporter gives his reactions to the Wacha signing.
Brewers All-Star closer Devin Williams could be on the trade block.
Gerrit Cole opts out of his contract, but the Yankees can keep him by adding $36 million to his contract.
Reynaldo López and Aaron Bummer re-work their deals to give the Braves more flexibility.
Robbie Ray stays with the Giants.
Sean Manaea opts out of his deal with the Mets.
Cody Bellinger does not opt out of his deal with the Cubs.
The Yankees decline the option for Anthony Rizzo.
Brad Keller is one of 12 players outrighted that elects free agency.
The Rangers may be shaking up their front office.
In the end, the Yankees were unserious, relentless losers.
The A’s are focused on upgrading their MLB roster, not on getting prospects.
MLB finds a Dominican prospect that committed to the Padres at age 14 lied about his age.
St. Petersburg approves $6 million to protect Tropicana Field against further damage so they can decide what to do about the stadium.
Former Saints receiver Michael Thomas blames quarterback David Carr for a concussion to wideout Chris Olave.
The Detroit Pistons ride the subway, due to the NYC marathon.
The world has too much wine, and not enough drinkers.
TGI Friday’s files for bankruptcy.
The popularity in True Crime has brought scrutiny to old cases but its not all good.
Your song of the day is He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands.