Happy Monday, everyone! We’ve got some fun little news tidbits to start your week with, all while we count down the days (less than two weeks!) before pitchers and catchers report. Yes, friends, we’re
currently in the same month that Spring Training will begin, meaning the offseason is winding down. The hot stove is cooling, and we’re starting to see the version of teams that will likely take the field when the new season begins.
One of the bigger stories for those watching the NL Central specifically is the return of Eugenio Suarez to the NL Central, specifically to the Reds. He’s only on a one-year deal, though, so small comfort for those who don’t want to see him in so many games again.
We’ve got that and more in the links today, so let’s get right into it.
- Mike Bates, who was a three-time first-round draft pick and never played a game of professional baseball in his life, has passed away. Story by Jon Paul Hoornstra.
- Davy Andrews rounds up the best wall smushes of 2025.
- Sonja Chen reports that Shohei Ohtani won’t be pitching in the World Baseball Classic but he anticipates being ready for the regular season.
- Luis Arraez agreed to sign with the Giants after they promised he would be able to play second base. Story by Michael McDaniel.
- Jeff Passan reports that the A’s and All-Star Jacob Wilson agreed on a 7-year contract worth $70M.
- Eugenio Suarez is back in Cincinnati.
- Michael Baumann tries to determine if there is any value left for platoon players.
- A Sox-to-Sox trade as the White Sox trade for Jordan Hicks. Story by Scott Merkin.
- Nick Selbe looks at five bounce-back candidates for the 2026 season.
- Despite the potential sale of the Padres, they aren’t slowing down on making offseason moves. (AP)
- While it’s unlikely any team would take this risk on, it’s still interesting to know there’s a workaround. (Here’s a direct link to the Bluesky post for those on Apple News.)
- Ryan Phillips takes a deep dive into all the issues we’ve been seeing with players getting insured.
- Ben Clemens does some fun WAR math.
- Thomas Harrigan looks at several players who need to step up to fill the shoes of players who have departed their teams.
- Frank Thomas didn’t mince words when he shared his feelings about being left out of the White Sox graphic that celebrated Black History Month. Story by Ryan Phillips.
- The countdown is on! (Here’s a direct link to the Bluesky post for those on Apple News)
And tomorrow will be a better day than today, Buster. Make it so.
