Bieber was one of the best pitchers in baseball this season, leading the league with 20 strikeouts in two starts while pitching 12 scoreless innings. As it turns out, he did this while battling through elbow soreness and inflammation.

Reportedly, Bieber felt sore after making his Opening Day start against Oakland A’s but believed he could continue pitching. However, after the same issue occurred following his second start against the Seattle Mariners, Bieber underwent additional tests and scans, which showed UCL damage.

Bieber had issues with his elbow in 2023 as well, but still managed to make 21 starts and pitch 128.0 innings. However, he will have to be sidelined for at least 16 months before being able to return to action.

“First and foremost, we feel for Shane,” Guardians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said via MLB.com. “There’s a lot of things that he’s got to process right now and work through on the mental side because of just how set he is on wanting to pitch and contribute to the team. And not being able to do that has really impacted him.”

The post Guardians Ace Shane Bieber to Undergo a Tommy John Surgery appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Smith was previously scheduled to enter the free agency after 2025 but is now under contract with the Dodgers through the 2033 MLB season. The extension is reportedly worth $140 million, making it the third-biggest deal ever given to a catcher. It includes $30 million in signing bonus and $45 million in deferrals.

After making his debut in 2019, Smith quickly emerged as one of the best hitting catchers in the game. This was particularly on display in 2023 when he batted .261 with 19 home runs and 76 RBI while earning his first career All-Star nod. He also had a fine start to the new season, recording five hits in 10 at-bats with two RBI.

The agreement should be beneficial for both the Dodgers and Smith.  The franchise gets luxury tax benefits while also being able to defer money and continue building their roster in the upcoming decade. Smith, on the other hand, gets a long-term security rarely afforded to catcher, especially as young as he is.

Prior to signing Smith, the Dodgers were the biggest spenders in the MLB by far. They signed two-time AL MVP Shohei Ohtani to a record $700 million deal before also inking Japanese star pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto to a $325 million contract and giving pitcher Tyler Glasnow a $137.5 million extension.

The post LA Dodgers Sign All-Star Catcher Will Smith to 10-Year, $140 Million Extension appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Ohtani underwent an elbow procedure in September. While the details of the procedure are kept under wraps, it is clear that he won’t be returning to the mound until 2025 at the earliest.

The initial plan was for Ohtani to serve as a designated hitter this upcoming season before returning to his two-way role next year. But according to Roberts, if Ohtani’s throwing program progresses well, he might see some action in the field.

“Shohei this year is primarily going to be the designated hitter,” Roberts told reporters on Monday. “Once we get back to the States, he is going to start his throwing program, which he hasn’t started yet. We’ll see how that progression goes. If his arm is healthy enough, we’ll have that conversation in the field. I do know he’s not going to pitch this year.”

Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million deal, the record in professional sports, with the Dodgers in December. He previously spent six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, where he won two unanimous AL MVP awards.

The post Dodgers Open to Possibility of Shohei Ohtani Playing in the Field This Season appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Votto spent all of his previous 17 years in MLB with the Cincinnati Reds. He became a free agent after the 2023 campaign when the Reds rejected the club option on his contract that would pay him $20 million next season.

While many believed that the release by the Reds would likely cause him to retire, Votto publicly stated on several occasions that he wanted to play again. He played in 65 games last season, batting a career-low .202 with 14 homers and 38 RBIs.

“I am excited about the opportunity to work my way back to the Major Leagues. It’s even sweeter to attempt this while wearing the uniform of my hometown team, the Toronto Blue Jays,” Votto wrote on social media after the news broke out.

During his 17 years in Cincinnati, Joey Votto became the Reds’ legend. He was the franchise’s best player for years, earning six All-Star nods and being named NL MVP in 2010. However, he was unable to lead the Reds to postseason success, as the franchise is still looking for its first playoff series win since 1995.

The post Ex-NL MVP Joey Votto Agrees to Minor League Contract With the Blue Jays appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

When he makes his debut for the franchise against the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 28, Gray will become the first Cardinals pitcher to debut as a starter on the Opening Day since 2008 and Kyle Lohse.

“It’s a tremendous honor, to be honest with you, and I don’t take that lightly at all,” said Gray via MLB. “I’ve been fortunate enough to do it a few times in my career, and I’ve enjoyed every single one of them. I appreciate the opportunity and what that shows.”

Gray joined the Cardinals after a standout 2023 season with the Minnesota Twins. He made 32 starts, finishing the campaign with an 8-8 record, 2.79 ERA, and 183 strikeouts. Gray received his third All-Star nod while finishing second in the voting for the AL Cy Young Award.

Sonny Gray made his MLB debut in 2013 with the Oakland Athletics and later played for the New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds, and Twins. He has a career record of 98–85 as a starter with a 3.47 ERA and 1,521 strikeouts.

The post Cardinals Name Newcomer Sonny Gray Their Opening Day Starter appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

The Pirates said that the extension ties Keller with the franchise throughout the 2028 MLB season but didn’t disclose the financial terms of the agreement.

Reportedly, Keller’s deal is worth $77 million and kicks in this year, making it a five-year extension. His annual salary will exponentially rise throughout the deal until it reaches $20 million in 2028.

The news about his new contract comes just a few days after Keller was named the Opening Day starter for the Pirates. This will be the second year in a row that he’s the first Pirates pitcher on the mound at the start of the new season.

“This is a great day for the Pittsburgh Pirates,” Pirates chairman Bob Nutting said in a statement released by the team. “The intangibles that Mitch brings, in terms of head, heart, commitment, attitude, and leadership, really make a huge impact not only on who we are now as a team but who we will be as we move forward. Having known Mitch for nearly 10 years, to watch him grow as a player and person has been a privilege.”

Mitch Keller was drafted by the Pirates in the second round of the 2014 MLB Draft out of high school. He made his debut in the majors in 2019 and has since started 100 games and posted a 25-38 record with a 4.71 ERA and 521 strikeouts. Keller had his best campaign in MLB in 2023, having a 13-9 record and earning an All-Star nod. 

The post Pirates Sign RHP Mitch Keller to New 5-Year, $77 Million Contract appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

While speaking with reporters during spring training earlier this week, Torres made it clear that he sees his long-term future with the franchise.

“I don’t want to leave,” Torres said. “I want to be a Yankee for life.”

Torres confirmed that the Yankees are yet to engage in contract negotiations with his representatives. He added that he understands why that hasn’t been the case so far, referring to previous instances in which the team signed players to long-term extensions ahead of time only for them to underperform.

“We know what’s happened in the past, and I don’t blame them. That’s the business,” Torres added. “So if I [have] a really good year and put [up] really good numbers, I think we can get a conversation for sure.”

Gleyber Torres spent all of his seven years in MLB with the Yankees, playing both shortstop and second baseman. He earned All-Star nods in his first two years in the majors but hasn’t been on the same level since, experiencing frequent dips in form.

However, the 2023 campaign was a promising one for Torres, as he appeared in a career-high 158 games and had a .273 batting average with 25 homers and 68 RBIs. 

The post Yankees’ Gleyber Torres on His Future: “I Want to Be a Yankee for Life” appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Kluber is walking away after playing 13 years in MLB, most of which he spent with the Cleveland. The 37-year-old player played in 15 games for the Boston Red Sox in 2023, posting a 3-6 record with a 7.04 ERA and 42 strikeouts. The Red Sox declined his option for the 2024 season in November, making him a free agent.

“With sincere appreciation, I am announcing my retirement from Major League Baseball, concluding a remarkable 13-season Major League Baseball journey,” Kluber said in a statement posted on Instagram. “I am deeply grateful for the support of numerous individuals and entities that profoundly influenced my path.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Corey Kluber (@ckluber28)

Corey Kluber made his MLB debut with Cleveland in 2011 and spent nine years with the franchise. During that time, Kluber won Cy Young Awards in 2014 and 2017 while receiving three All-Star nods.

Kluber left Cleveland after the 2019 campaign and embarked on stints with the Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, and the Red Sox. He pitched a no-hitter on May 19, 2021, as a member of the Yankees.

Kluber finishes his career with a 116–77 record as a starter to go with a 3.44 ERA and 1,725 strikeouts.

The post Two-Time AL Cy Young Award Winner Corey Kluber Announces Retirement appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

The Astros didn’t reveal the financial terms of the agreement, but reports indicate that Altuve will earn $125 million with the new extension. The 33-year-old player will receive $26 million in 2024, the last year of his old contract.

“He’s a franchise-type player; one of the best in Houston history,” said owner Jim Crane of Altuve. “And we hope someday he’s a Hall of Famer.”

Jose Altuve signed a contract with the Houston Astros as a 16-year-old after attending the team’s tryout camp in Maracay, Venezuela, in 2007. Altuve moved to the United States in 2008 and played three years in the minors before making his MLB debut in 2011.

Since then, Altuve established himself as one of the best players in the history of the franchise. He made eight All-Star appearances, won an AL MVP in 2017, and has six Silver Slugger awards to his name. Altuve also helped the Astros win two World Series.

Altuve was limited to 90 games in 2023 after dealing with a broken thumb. He finished the campaign with a 311 batting average, 15 homers, 51 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases.

The post Astros and All-Star 2B Jose Altuve Agree to 5-Year, $125 Million Extension appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Neris will get a one-year, $9 million contract. The agreement includes a $9 million option for 2025, which will get automatically exercised if the 34-year-old player crosses the 60-game mark. Additionally, he will be able to make $5.25 million in incentives across two seasons. 

Neris has been on the free agent market longer than expected, considering his 2023 campaign. In 71 relief appearances with the Houston Astros, he had a 6-3 record and 1.71 ERA, the third-best mark in the majors. He also added two saves and 77 strikeouts.

Hector Neris is entering his 11th season in the MLB. He spent his first eight years in the majors with the Philadelphia Phillies before a two-year stint with the Astros. Neris was part of the Astros team that won the World Series in 2022.

After signing Imanaga and Neris as their first free-agent acquisitions this offseason, Chicago is expected to keep their eyes on the market. A strong possibility is a reunion with an All-Star center fielder, Cody Bellinger.  

The post Cubs Sign RHP Hector Neris to a 1-Year, $9 Million Deal appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Bieber was one of the best pitchers in baseball this season, leading the league with 20 strikeouts in two starts while pitching 12 scoreless innings. As it turns out, he did this while battling through elbow soreness and inflammation.

Reportedly, Bieber felt sore after making his Opening Day start against Oakland A’s but believed he could continue pitching. However, after the same issue occurred following his second start against the Seattle Mariners, Bieber underwent additional tests and scans, which showed UCL damage.

Bieber had issues with his elbow in 2023 as well, but still managed to make 21 starts and pitch 128.0 innings. However, he will have to be sidelined for at least 16 months before being able to return to action.

“First and foremost, we feel for Shane,” Guardians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said via MLB.com. “There’s a lot of things that he’s got to process right now and work through on the mental side because of just how set he is on wanting to pitch and contribute to the team. And not being able to do that has really impacted him.”

The post Guardians Ace Shane Bieber to Undergo a Tommy John Surgery appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Smith was previously scheduled to enter the free agency after 2025 but is now under contract with the Dodgers through the 2033 MLB season. The extension is reportedly worth $140 million, making it the third-biggest deal ever given to a catcher. It includes $30 million in signing bonus and $45 million in deferrals.

After making his debut in 2019, Smith quickly emerged as one of the best hitting catchers in the game. This was particularly on display in 2023 when he batted .261 with 19 home runs and 76 RBI while earning his first career All-Star nod. He also had a fine start to the new season, recording five hits in 10 at-bats with two RBI.

The agreement should be beneficial for both the Dodgers and Smith.  The franchise gets luxury tax benefits while also being able to defer money and continue building their roster in the upcoming decade. Smith, on the other hand, gets a long-term security rarely afforded to catcher, especially as young as he is.

Prior to signing Smith, the Dodgers were the biggest spenders in the MLB by far. They signed two-time AL MVP Shohei Ohtani to a record $700 million deal before also inking Japanese star pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto to a $325 million contract and giving pitcher Tyler Glasnow a $137.5 million extension.

The post LA Dodgers Sign All-Star Catcher Will Smith to 10-Year, $140 Million Extension appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Ohtani underwent an elbow procedure in September. While the details of the procedure are kept under wraps, it is clear that he won’t be returning to the mound until 2025 at the earliest.

The initial plan was for Ohtani to serve as a designated hitter this upcoming season before returning to his two-way role next year. But according to Roberts, if Ohtani’s throwing program progresses well, he might see some action in the field.

“Shohei this year is primarily going to be the designated hitter,” Roberts told reporters on Monday. “Once we get back to the States, he is going to start his throwing program, which he hasn’t started yet. We’ll see how that progression goes. If his arm is healthy enough, we’ll have that conversation in the field. I do know he’s not going to pitch this year.”

Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million deal, the record in professional sports, with the Dodgers in December. He previously spent six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, where he won two unanimous AL MVP awards.

The post Dodgers Open to Possibility of Shohei Ohtani Playing in the Field This Season appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Votto spent all of his previous 17 years in MLB with the Cincinnati Reds. He became a free agent after the 2023 campaign when the Reds rejected the club option on his contract that would pay him $20 million next season.

While many believed that the release by the Reds would likely cause him to retire, Votto publicly stated on several occasions that he wanted to play again. He played in 65 games last season, batting a career-low .202 with 14 homers and 38 RBIs.

“I am excited about the opportunity to work my way back to the Major Leagues. It’s even sweeter to attempt this while wearing the uniform of my hometown team, the Toronto Blue Jays,” Votto wrote on social media after the news broke out.

During his 17 years in Cincinnati, Joey Votto became the Reds’ legend. He was the franchise’s best player for years, earning six All-Star nods and being named NL MVP in 2010. However, he was unable to lead the Reds to postseason success, as the franchise is still looking for its first playoff series win since 1995.

The post Ex-NL MVP Joey Votto Agrees to Minor League Contract With the Blue Jays appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

When he makes his debut for the franchise against the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 28, Gray will become the first Cardinals pitcher to debut as a starter on the Opening Day since 2008 and Kyle Lohse.

“It’s a tremendous honor, to be honest with you, and I don’t take that lightly at all,” said Gray via MLB. “I’ve been fortunate enough to do it a few times in my career, and I’ve enjoyed every single one of them. I appreciate the opportunity and what that shows.”

Gray joined the Cardinals after a standout 2023 season with the Minnesota Twins. He made 32 starts, finishing the campaign with an 8-8 record, 2.79 ERA, and 183 strikeouts. Gray received his third All-Star nod while finishing second in the voting for the AL Cy Young Award.

Sonny Gray made his MLB debut in 2013 with the Oakland Athletics and later played for the New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds, and Twins. He has a career record of 98–85 as a starter with a 3.47 ERA and 1,521 strikeouts.

The post Cardinals Name Newcomer Sonny Gray Their Opening Day Starter appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

The Pirates said that the extension ties Keller with the franchise throughout the 2028 MLB season but didn’t disclose the financial terms of the agreement.

Reportedly, Keller’s deal is worth $77 million and kicks in this year, making it a five-year extension. His annual salary will exponentially rise throughout the deal until it reaches $20 million in 2028.

The news about his new contract comes just a few days after Keller was named the Opening Day starter for the Pirates. This will be the second year in a row that he’s the first Pirates pitcher on the mound at the start of the new season.

“This is a great day for the Pittsburgh Pirates,” Pirates chairman Bob Nutting said in a statement released by the team. “The intangibles that Mitch brings, in terms of head, heart, commitment, attitude, and leadership, really make a huge impact not only on who we are now as a team but who we will be as we move forward. Having known Mitch for nearly 10 years, to watch him grow as a player and person has been a privilege.”

Mitch Keller was drafted by the Pirates in the second round of the 2014 MLB Draft out of high school. He made his debut in the majors in 2019 and has since started 100 games and posted a 25-38 record with a 4.71 ERA and 521 strikeouts. Keller had his best campaign in MLB in 2023, having a 13-9 record and earning an All-Star nod. 

The post Pirates Sign RHP Mitch Keller to New 5-Year, $77 Million Contract appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

While speaking with reporters during spring training earlier this week, Torres made it clear that he sees his long-term future with the franchise.

“I don’t want to leave,” Torres said. “I want to be a Yankee for life.”

Torres confirmed that the Yankees are yet to engage in contract negotiations with his representatives. He added that he understands why that hasn’t been the case so far, referring to previous instances in which the team signed players to long-term extensions ahead of time only for them to underperform.

“We know what’s happened in the past, and I don’t blame them. That’s the business,” Torres added. “So if I [have] a really good year and put [up] really good numbers, I think we can get a conversation for sure.”

Gleyber Torres spent all of his seven years in MLB with the Yankees, playing both shortstop and second baseman. He earned All-Star nods in his first two years in the majors but hasn’t been on the same level since, experiencing frequent dips in form.

However, the 2023 campaign was a promising one for Torres, as he appeared in a career-high 158 games and had a .273 batting average with 25 homers and 68 RBIs. 

The post Yankees’ Gleyber Torres on His Future: “I Want to Be a Yankee for Life” appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Kluber is walking away after playing 13 years in MLB, most of which he spent with the Cleveland. The 37-year-old player played in 15 games for the Boston Red Sox in 2023, posting a 3-6 record with a 7.04 ERA and 42 strikeouts. The Red Sox declined his option for the 2024 season in November, making him a free agent.

“With sincere appreciation, I am announcing my retirement from Major League Baseball, concluding a remarkable 13-season Major League Baseball journey,” Kluber said in a statement posted on Instagram. “I am deeply grateful for the support of numerous individuals and entities that profoundly influenced my path.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Corey Kluber (@ckluber28)

Corey Kluber made his MLB debut with Cleveland in 2011 and spent nine years with the franchise. During that time, Kluber won Cy Young Awards in 2014 and 2017 while receiving three All-Star nods.

Kluber left Cleveland after the 2019 campaign and embarked on stints with the Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, and the Red Sox. He pitched a no-hitter on May 19, 2021, as a member of the Yankees.

Kluber finishes his career with a 116–77 record as a starter to go with a 3.44 ERA and 1,725 strikeouts.

The post Two-Time AL Cy Young Award Winner Corey Kluber Announces Retirement appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

The Astros didn’t reveal the financial terms of the agreement, but reports indicate that Altuve will earn $125 million with the new extension. The 33-year-old player will receive $26 million in 2024, the last year of his old contract.

“He’s a franchise-type player; one of the best in Houston history,” said owner Jim Crane of Altuve. “And we hope someday he’s a Hall of Famer.”

Jose Altuve signed a contract with the Houston Astros as a 16-year-old after attending the team’s tryout camp in Maracay, Venezuela, in 2007. Altuve moved to the United States in 2008 and played three years in the minors before making his MLB debut in 2011.

Since then, Altuve established himself as one of the best players in the history of the franchise. He made eight All-Star appearances, won an AL MVP in 2017, and has six Silver Slugger awards to his name. Altuve also helped the Astros win two World Series.

Altuve was limited to 90 games in 2023 after dealing with a broken thumb. He finished the campaign with a 311 batting average, 15 homers, 51 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases.

The post Astros and All-Star 2B Jose Altuve Agree to 5-Year, $125 Million Extension appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Neris will get a one-year, $9 million contract. The agreement includes a $9 million option for 2025, which will get automatically exercised if the 34-year-old player crosses the 60-game mark. Additionally, he will be able to make $5.25 million in incentives across two seasons. 

Neris has been on the free agent market longer than expected, considering his 2023 campaign. In 71 relief appearances with the Houston Astros, he had a 6-3 record and 1.71 ERA, the third-best mark in the majors. He also added two saves and 77 strikeouts.

Hector Neris is entering his 11th season in the MLB. He spent his first eight years in the majors with the Philadelphia Phillies before a two-year stint with the Astros. Neris was part of the Astros team that won the World Series in 2022.

After signing Imanaga and Neris as their first free-agent acquisitions this offseason, Chicago is expected to keep their eyes on the market. A strong possibility is a reunion with an All-Star center fielder, Cody Bellinger.  

The post Cubs Sign RHP Hector Neris to a 1-Year, $9 Million Deal appeared first on yoursportspot.com.