By agreeing to a new deal, the two sides avoided arbitration. This also means that Bellinger, who played on a one-year, $16.1 million contract last season, has one arbitration year left and can become an unrestricted free agent in 2023.

The reason why the news got out just now is because the teams don’t talk about business involving players during the lockout. The news won’t even become official until the work stoppage is over, something that isn’t likely to happen anytime soon.

Cody Bellinger looked primed for an early big extension after tearing through the league in 2019 and winning the MVP honors on the back of a .305 batting average, 47 homers, and 115 RBIs. Since then, however, his performances saw a sharp decline that culminated in his career-worst year in 2021.

In 95 games last season, Bellinger hit just .195 while finishing the year with 10 home runs and 36 RBIs. He did improve in the postseason, however, accounting for 12 hits, one homer, and 11 RBIs.

The post Cody Bellinger and Dodgers Reportedly Agreed to a New Contract Before MLB Lockout appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

The news was officially confirmed in a statement issued by Commissioner Robert Manfred. According to Manfred, the lockout is “the best mechanism to protect the 2022 season,” and the league hopes this move will create a sense of urgency for MLB and MLBPA to overcome their differences.

“Today is a difficult day for baseball, but as I have said all year, there is a path to a fair agreement, and we will find it,” Manfred said.  “I do not doubt the League, and the Players share a fundamental appreciation for this game and a commitment to its fans. I remain optimistic that both sides will seize the opportunity to work together to grow, protect, and strengthen the game we love.”

Major League Baseball Players Association also issued a statement, saying that the league’s decision is “specifically calculated to pressure players into relinquishing rights and benefits.”

This is the first lockout imposed by the league since 1990. It is also the first work stoppage since 1994 when players went on strike, which lasted 232 days and caused the cancelation of the 1994 World Series.

It is unclear how long the lockout will last, but we should expect a long standoff between the two sides, considering how far apart they are. The MLBPA is asking for several major changes regarding the free agency eligibility, tanking, and service time manipulation, something that the league hasn’t been willing to budge on so far. The two parties have a lot of ground to cover in the following weeks and probably months considering their last meeting on Wednesday lasted only seven minutes.

So far, the 2022 MLB season isn’t in danger. Owners and players have roughly three months to work out a new CBA and get things rolling before the Spring Training. However, anything past that would probably see some games being lost.

The post MLB Imposes a Lockout After Failing to Agree on New CBA with Players appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Baez will get an opt-out after the 2023 season as part of the agreement while also receiving a limited no-trade clause. He will be able to veto a trade to 10 teams in each season.

Baez started the 2021 season with the Chicago Cubs, where he played since entering the majors in 2014. The two sides tried to hammer out an extension but never managed to get on the same page. This prompted the Cubs to trade the 28-year-old to the New York Mets in July, receiving prospect outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong in exchange.

With the Mets, Baez put together a solid run that saw him hit .299 with 22 RBIs and nine home runs in 47 games. Still, this wasn’t enough for the New York team to make a more aggressive bid to retain the two-time All-Star, which allowed the Tigers to swoop in and get their shortstop of the future.

Despite giving Baez the second-richest contract in franchise history, the Tigers should feel great about this deal. They fill not only the position of need with one of the best available players on the free-agent market but also fast-track their rebuilding process. Also, they now have a star that will get fans into their ballpark.

Baez has a career .264 batting average with 149 homers and 465 RBIs. He was an All-Star twice while also winning the NLCS MVP honors in 2016.

The post Javier Baez Agrees to 6-Year, $140 Million Deal With Tigers appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Baez is set to become a free agent in the offseason and will likely attract big contract offers from multiple teams around the MLB. The numbers will probably exceed what the Mets are willing to pay at this moment, but the team’s president Sandy Alderson is still leaving the door open for a reunion with the 28-year-old star in 2022.

“Is it possible? Yes. Is it realistic? Maybe,” Alderson told reporters on Wednesday when asked about the Mets’ chances to re-sign Baez. “It’s hard for me to put odds on it. Does Javy want to be here, did he enjoy his stay, what could be expected from him over the next several years. There’s a lot of things that go into any free-agent decision.”

The Mets acquired Javier Baez in July from Chicago Cubs, hoping he can help them make a deep playoff run. They ended up missing the postseason, but it wasn’t because Baez didn’t perform.

In 45 games with the Mets, Baez batted a career-high .314 while hitting nine home runs and adding 22 RBIs. He had 22 homers and 65 homers in 91 games with the Cubs earlier in the season.

Baez made the All-Star team twice in his career and was the recipient of the Golden Glove Award in 2020 and the Silver Slugger Award in 2018. He also has a World Series win with Chicago from 2016.

The post Mets Leaving Door Open For All-Star Javier Baez appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

The Yankees reportedly already contacted Brantley and made him aware of their interest.

Brantley had a stellar campaign in 2020 with the Houston Astros, hitting .300 while adding five homers and 22 RBIs. He also showed up in the playoffs, boasting a batting average of .346 and contributing with three home runs and 11 RBIs.

The 33-year-old seems like a good option for the Yankees both because of his production and the fact that he’s a lefty. Yankee’s current batting core is predominantly right-handed.

The downside of getting Michael Brantley is that Yankees would likely have to pay more than DJ LeMahieu demands. Brantley was on a two-year, $32 million deal with Houston, and it is believed he would command a similar contract this offseason. In contrast, the Yankees were paying LeMahieu only $12 million a year over the last two seasons.

Of course, there’s always a chance that Brantley will be off the market by the time the Yankees decide on whether to make him an offer or not. He is on the radar of several other teams, including the Milwaukee Brewers and the New York Mets.

Brantley, a four-time All-Star and a Silver Slugger Award winner, has a career batting average of .297, 114 home runs in the majors, 640 RBIs and 123 stolen bases.

The post Yankees to Pursue Michael Brantley If They Fail to Re-Sign DJ LeMahieu appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

The league and MLB Players Association were previously locked in three months of negotiations about the season resume but couldn’t come to an understanding. However, the previous agreement between the two sides from March 26th gives commissioner Rob Manfred an option to implement the season, which he’s now going to use.

The players are expected to report to their teams by July 1st and sign on the health and safety protocols for MLB to officially resume its activities.

MLBPA asked Manfred to impose a season of the desired length last week after the league rejected their most recent counter-proposal. MLB made a final attempt to avoid this scenario in recent days, introducing an improved offer to the players that included 60 games, full prorated salaries, expanded postseason, and several salary bumps. However, the players union voted against the proposal on Monday with a 33-5 tally.

With the imposed season, players will also get full prorated salaries, which will amount to $1.5 billion and 37% of the money they would receive for a usual 162-game season. However, the advance of $170 million that the players received under March 26th agreement won’t be pardoned, and the players won’t get previously proposed postseason bonus money and share of television revenues from expanded playoffs next season.

Players did, however, kept the option to file a grievance against the league and will most likely use it soon. But that shouldn’t change their willingness to step out on the field and play games, which means that baseball fans will still get some entertainment in 2020.

The post MLB Plans to Have a 60-Game Season with a July 24th Start appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

During a recent interview with MLB Network, Manfred guaranteed that the 2020 MLB season will end up taking place. 

“We’re going to play baseball in 2020,” said Manfred. “One hundred percent. If it has to be under the March 26 agreement, if we get to that point in the calendar, so be it. But one way or the other, we’re playing Major League Baseball.”

The main disagreement between the MLB and players is in the number of games in the regular season and salary conditions. While the league is offering 76 games and 50 percent to 75 percent prorated salaries, the union wants 89-game season and full prorated salaries.

According to Manfred, the league is ready to get closer to MLBPA’s demands in terms of salary but reiterates that having an 89-game season is simply not manageable.

“I remain committed to the idea that the best thing for our sport is to reach a negotiated agreement with the MLBPA that plays as many games as possible for our fans,” he added.

The post MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred: “We’re Going to Play Baseball in 2020” appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Martinez signed a five-year, $110 million contract with the Red Sox in 2018 under which he could opt out following the end of 2019 season. By not opting out, the 32-year-old will earn $23.75 million next season. He also has opt-outs for 2021 and 2022, when he is scheduled to earn $19,375,000 in each season.

“J.D. has advised me that his decision is about assuring that he plays for a competitive team and wanting to continue to play in a place where he knows that he can be highly productive,” – said Boras.

J.D. Martinez played a crucial role in Red Sox’s World Series run in 2018, when he led the team in home runs (43), RBIs (130) and hits (188). He hasn’t been as effective in 2019 due to injury struggles but still managed to put on an All-Star-worthy season with 36 homers.

Prior to arriving in Boston, Martinez also played with Houston Astros, Detroit Tigers, and Arizona Diamondbacks. He has three career All-Star appearances and three Silver Slugger Awards. His career MLB stats include .294 batting average, 231 home runs, and 711 RBIs.

The post All-Star Outfielder J.D. Martinez Chose to Remain with Red Sox appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

By agreeing to a new deal, the two sides avoided arbitration. This also means that Bellinger, who played on a one-year, $16.1 million contract last season, has one arbitration year left and can become an unrestricted free agent in 2023.

The reason why the news got out just now is because the teams don’t talk about business involving players during the lockout. The news won’t even become official until the work stoppage is over, something that isn’t likely to happen anytime soon.

Cody Bellinger looked primed for an early big extension after tearing through the league in 2019 and winning the MVP honors on the back of a .305 batting average, 47 homers, and 115 RBIs. Since then, however, his performances saw a sharp decline that culminated in his career-worst year in 2021.

In 95 games last season, Bellinger hit just .195 while finishing the year with 10 home runs and 36 RBIs. He did improve in the postseason, however, accounting for 12 hits, one homer, and 11 RBIs.

The post Cody Bellinger and Dodgers Reportedly Agreed to a New Contract Before MLB Lockout appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

The news was officially confirmed in a statement issued by Commissioner Robert Manfred. According to Manfred, the lockout is “the best mechanism to protect the 2022 season,” and the league hopes this move will create a sense of urgency for MLB and MLBPA to overcome their differences.

“Today is a difficult day for baseball, but as I have said all year, there is a path to a fair agreement, and we will find it,” Manfred said.  “I do not doubt the League, and the Players share a fundamental appreciation for this game and a commitment to its fans. I remain optimistic that both sides will seize the opportunity to work together to grow, protect, and strengthen the game we love.”

Major League Baseball Players Association also issued a statement, saying that the league’s decision is “specifically calculated to pressure players into relinquishing rights and benefits.”

This is the first lockout imposed by the league since 1990. It is also the first work stoppage since 1994 when players went on strike, which lasted 232 days and caused the cancelation of the 1994 World Series.

It is unclear how long the lockout will last, but we should expect a long standoff between the two sides, considering how far apart they are. The MLBPA is asking for several major changes regarding the free agency eligibility, tanking, and service time manipulation, something that the league hasn’t been willing to budge on so far. The two parties have a lot of ground to cover in the following weeks and probably months considering their last meeting on Wednesday lasted only seven minutes.

So far, the 2022 MLB season isn’t in danger. Owners and players have roughly three months to work out a new CBA and get things rolling before the Spring Training. However, anything past that would probably see some games being lost.

The post MLB Imposes a Lockout After Failing to Agree on New CBA with Players appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Baez will get an opt-out after the 2023 season as part of the agreement while also receiving a limited no-trade clause. He will be able to veto a trade to 10 teams in each season.

Baez started the 2021 season with the Chicago Cubs, where he played since entering the majors in 2014. The two sides tried to hammer out an extension but never managed to get on the same page. This prompted the Cubs to trade the 28-year-old to the New York Mets in July, receiving prospect outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong in exchange.

With the Mets, Baez put together a solid run that saw him hit .299 with 22 RBIs and nine home runs in 47 games. Still, this wasn’t enough for the New York team to make a more aggressive bid to retain the two-time All-Star, which allowed the Tigers to swoop in and get their shortstop of the future.

Despite giving Baez the second-richest contract in franchise history, the Tigers should feel great about this deal. They fill not only the position of need with one of the best available players on the free-agent market but also fast-track their rebuilding process. Also, they now have a star that will get fans into their ballpark.

Baez has a career .264 batting average with 149 homers and 465 RBIs. He was an All-Star twice while also winning the NLCS MVP honors in 2016.

The post Javier Baez Agrees to 6-Year, $140 Million Deal With Tigers appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Baez is set to become a free agent in the offseason and will likely attract big contract offers from multiple teams around the MLB. The numbers will probably exceed what the Mets are willing to pay at this moment, but the team’s president Sandy Alderson is still leaving the door open for a reunion with the 28-year-old star in 2022.

“Is it possible? Yes. Is it realistic? Maybe,” Alderson told reporters on Wednesday when asked about the Mets’ chances to re-sign Baez. “It’s hard for me to put odds on it. Does Javy want to be here, did he enjoy his stay, what could be expected from him over the next several years. There’s a lot of things that go into any free-agent decision.”

The Mets acquired Javier Baez in July from Chicago Cubs, hoping he can help them make a deep playoff run. They ended up missing the postseason, but it wasn’t because Baez didn’t perform.

In 45 games with the Mets, Baez batted a career-high .314 while hitting nine home runs and adding 22 RBIs. He had 22 homers and 65 homers in 91 games with the Cubs earlier in the season.

Baez made the All-Star team twice in his career and was the recipient of the Golden Glove Award in 2020 and the Silver Slugger Award in 2018. He also has a World Series win with Chicago from 2016.

The post Mets Leaving Door Open For All-Star Javier Baez appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

The Yankees reportedly already contacted Brantley and made him aware of their interest.

Brantley had a stellar campaign in 2020 with the Houston Astros, hitting .300 while adding five homers and 22 RBIs. He also showed up in the playoffs, boasting a batting average of .346 and contributing with three home runs and 11 RBIs.

The 33-year-old seems like a good option for the Yankees both because of his production and the fact that he’s a lefty. Yankee’s current batting core is predominantly right-handed.

The downside of getting Michael Brantley is that Yankees would likely have to pay more than DJ LeMahieu demands. Brantley was on a two-year, $32 million deal with Houston, and it is believed he would command a similar contract this offseason. In contrast, the Yankees were paying LeMahieu only $12 million a year over the last two seasons.

Of course, there’s always a chance that Brantley will be off the market by the time the Yankees decide on whether to make him an offer or not. He is on the radar of several other teams, including the Milwaukee Brewers and the New York Mets.

Brantley, a four-time All-Star and a Silver Slugger Award winner, has a career batting average of .297, 114 home runs in the majors, 640 RBIs and 123 stolen bases.

The post Yankees to Pursue Michael Brantley If They Fail to Re-Sign DJ LeMahieu appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

The league and MLB Players Association were previously locked in three months of negotiations about the season resume but couldn’t come to an understanding. However, the previous agreement between the two sides from March 26th gives commissioner Rob Manfred an option to implement the season, which he’s now going to use.

The players are expected to report to their teams by July 1st and sign on the health and safety protocols for MLB to officially resume its activities.

MLBPA asked Manfred to impose a season of the desired length last week after the league rejected their most recent counter-proposal. MLB made a final attempt to avoid this scenario in recent days, introducing an improved offer to the players that included 60 games, full prorated salaries, expanded postseason, and several salary bumps. However, the players union voted against the proposal on Monday with a 33-5 tally.

With the imposed season, players will also get full prorated salaries, which will amount to $1.5 billion and 37% of the money they would receive for a usual 162-game season. However, the advance of $170 million that the players received under March 26th agreement won’t be pardoned, and the players won’t get previously proposed postseason bonus money and share of television revenues from expanded playoffs next season.

Players did, however, kept the option to file a grievance against the league and will most likely use it soon. But that shouldn’t change their willingness to step out on the field and play games, which means that baseball fans will still get some entertainment in 2020.

The post MLB Plans to Have a 60-Game Season with a July 24th Start appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

During a recent interview with MLB Network, Manfred guaranteed that the 2020 MLB season will end up taking place. 

“We’re going to play baseball in 2020,” said Manfred. “One hundred percent. If it has to be under the March 26 agreement, if we get to that point in the calendar, so be it. But one way or the other, we’re playing Major League Baseball.”

The main disagreement between the MLB and players is in the number of games in the regular season and salary conditions. While the league is offering 76 games and 50 percent to 75 percent prorated salaries, the union wants 89-game season and full prorated salaries.

According to Manfred, the league is ready to get closer to MLBPA’s demands in terms of salary but reiterates that having an 89-game season is simply not manageable.

“I remain committed to the idea that the best thing for our sport is to reach a negotiated agreement with the MLBPA that plays as many games as possible for our fans,” he added.

The post MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred: “We’re Going to Play Baseball in 2020” appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Martinez signed a five-year, $110 million contract with the Red Sox in 2018 under which he could opt out following the end of 2019 season. By not opting out, the 32-year-old will earn $23.75 million next season. He also has opt-outs for 2021 and 2022, when he is scheduled to earn $19,375,000 in each season.

“J.D. has advised me that his decision is about assuring that he plays for a competitive team and wanting to continue to play in a place where he knows that he can be highly productive,” – said Boras.

J.D. Martinez played a crucial role in Red Sox’s World Series run in 2018, when he led the team in home runs (43), RBIs (130) and hits (188). He hasn’t been as effective in 2019 due to injury struggles but still managed to put on an All-Star-worthy season with 36 homers.

Prior to arriving in Boston, Martinez also played with Houston Astros, Detroit Tigers, and Arizona Diamondbacks. He has three career All-Star appearances and three Silver Slugger Awards. His career MLB stats include .294 batting average, 231 home runs, and 711 RBIs.

The post All-Star Outfielder J.D. Martinez Chose to Remain with Red Sox appeared first on yoursportspot.com.