Baseball Connection

Carlos Rodon has agreed to a 6-year, $162 million deal with the Yankees. Rodon was the last elite pitcher remaining on the free agent market. The two-time All-Star will be their number 2 arm to start the season and is expected to carry a heavy load. After criticism regarding their lack of spending, the Yankees won the bidding for two elite free agents this offseason. Only one big free agent remains in baseball. All this (and more) on today's episode.

Carlos Correa has agreed to a 13-year, $350 million deal with the San Francisco Giants. Correa lands the long-term deal he's been looking for and is bringing his elite offense/defense combination to the Bay Area. Dansby Swanson is the last big free agent shortstop remaining. All this on today's episode.

The Mets rounded out their rotation by signing Japanese righthander Kodai Senga to a 5-year, $75 million deal. Senga's repertoire includes a 101-mph fastball and filthy splitter. Mets owner Steve Cohen is facing a $105 million luxury tax bill, larger than the payroll of 11 teams. Sean Manaea signed a 2-year, $25 million deal with the Giants. All this (and more) on today's episode.

As time goes on, the price of acquiring marquee free agents increases. This is normal and the revenue of MLB teams are also increasing. Some teams, like the Red Sox, have changed strategies in recent years and are suddenly pinching pennies when it comes to payroll. Why is that? Was it a smart move to let their franchise player (Xander Bogaerts) leave? Other teams like the Mets and Phillies are doing just the opposite. All this (and more) on today's episode.

Several big names are off the market as the offseason news comes flying in. Aaron Judge agreed to a 9-year, $360 million deal with the Yankees. Verlander is headed to the Mets for 2 years, $86.6 million. Trea Turner is the Phillies new shortstop for the price of $300 million over 11 years. What's next on the hot stove? All this (and more) on today's episode.

At long last, Fred McGriff has been elected to the Hall of Fame. It's an overdue selection for The Crime Dog, but McGriff will finally be recognized as one of the best first baseman in baseball history. He received was a unanimous selection by the Contemporary Baseball Era Players Committee. McGriff played 19 seasons with the Blue Jays, Padres, Braves, Rays, Cubs, and Dodgers. He tallied 493 career home runs.

An All-Star outfielder has requested a trade. How often does this work and which side has the most leverage? Aaron Judge's price keeps climbing higher. How much will it take to sign the MVP? The Orioles were one of baseball's biggest surprises in 2022, as they finished with a winning record. More help is on the way to Baltimore. All this (and more) on today's episode.

The first major domino of the Hot Stove season has fallen. Jacob deGrom has signed with the Texas Rangers. It's a 5-year, $185 million contract with a full no-trade clause. This deal comes in well above projections and sets the market for all elite pitchers. The Rangers continue spending heavily as they seek to end their playoff drought. Were the Mets wise to let deGrom go? All this on today's episode.

The Astros have added one of the best hitters in the game. Houston signed José Abreu to a 3-year, $58.5 million deal. Abreu is entering his age 36 season but remains one of the most feared hitters in baseball. The White Sox signed Mike Clevinger. Miguel Cabrera announced that 2023 will be his final season. All this on today's episode.

Father time catches up to every athlete but some still perform at a high level into their mid-30s and beyond. We take a look at the top "old guy" free agents available this winter.