Baseball Connection

Cody Bellinger agreed to a new deal with the Dodgers before the lockout began on December 1. He will earn $17 million in 2022. Not bad for a player coming off a down year. Due to the lockout, teams have no idea how players are doing in their rehab process coming off major surgeries. Reports show that MLB total payroll has declined in recent years. How long will the lockout last? All this (and more) on today's episode.

The Royals' 2021 season surpassed expectations. As they near the end of their rebuild, Kansas City has developed a group of young starting pitchers to navigate these bridge seasons. Salvador Perez had a monster season with the bat and remains the heart and soul of the franchise. Looking ahead to next season, baseball's next young star (Bobby Witt Jr.) will likely make his MLB debut in Kansas City. All this on today's episode.

After becoming regulars in the postseason, the Twins took a huge step backwards in 2021. The Bomba Squad was still alive as they drilled the second-most HRs in the American League. However, poor pitching was the main problem all year long. What's next for Minnesota? All this (and more) on today's episode.

After seeing Bob Melvin leave for a better offer in early November, the A's were suddenly left without a manager. They've filled that gap by hiring Mark Kotsay, a former Oakland Athletic and longtime MLB outfielder. Kotsay has recent coaching experience but this will be his first time managing professionally. Josh Harrison is drawing plenty of interest around the league. What about Harrison's skillset has made him draw multiple offers already this winter? All this (and more) on today's episode.

It seemed that the Cubs were destined for a rebuild one they traded away Yu Darvish prior to the 2021 season. The fact that they initially kept all other big pieces may have been a business tactic to keep fans interested for the early part of the season. The Cubs have hit the reset button and are squarely in rebuild mode now. All this (and more) on today's episode.

Buck Showalter has been hired to be the next manager of the New York Mets. Showalter brings along 20 years of MLB managerial experience and a track record of leadership. He's most recently known for leading the Orioles from rebuilding mode to the playoffs in just a few years. Details on the Tigers' offer to Carlos Correa (earlier this winter) have emerged. What will it take to sign him? All this on today's episode.

The Marlins came into 2021 with some exuberance after ending their playoff drought in 2020. That magic wore off as the reality of a full 162 game season reared its head. Pitching was great but hitting was poor in Miami this past season. Four trades at the deadline helped them cash in on some value. Signing some more outfield bats is Miami's top priority going into next season. All this (and more) on today's episode.

The Giants knew they had to address their pitching staff this winter due to four members from 2021 becoming free agents. They brought back 2 arms and added another so the rotation should be settled. However, rumors are swirling that San Francisco won't be splurging on any big names. A former All-Star in his prime is in talks with a team in Japan because he's not drawing MLB interest. What caused his decline? All this (and more) on today's episode.

The Washington Nationals had an underwhelming season. Despite entering with somewhat high expectations to compete in their division, that goal evaporated by mid-summer and they (wisely) decided to have a fire sale. Trades flew and 8 players were shipped out in exchange for 12 new players/prospects. The Nats' post-deadline was tough to watch but Juan Soto turned in an excellent season anyway. The Nats might not be bottom-feeders for long, though. All this (and more) on today's episode.

Justin Verlander's deal with the Astros is official: 2 years, $50 million. Although the contract was signed and submitted to MLB for approval before the lockout began, it wasn't actually approved until now. The Astros are making a big bet on the future Hall of Famer rebounding from Tommy John Surgery at age 39. Seiya Suzuki is the next big name from Japan looking to make a move to MLB. What does the Japanese slugger have to offer and who's interested in him? All this (and more) on today's episode.