What is the story about?
Good
Morning. Other than Tatsuya Imai, it’s been a slow news day.
- You all know by now that NPB right-hander Tatsuya Imai signed with the Astros on a three-year, $63 million deal.
- Jordan Shusterman calls Imai’s deal with the Astros a “win-win.”
- Bradford Doolittle grade the Astros’ deal with Imai, giving it a “B+.”
- Right-hander Kona Takahashi, Imai’s teammate on the Saitama Seibu Lions, may end up heading back to Japan after his market in MLB has not been as strong as he might have hoped. Brian Murphy and Mark Feinsand report that Takahashi has at least one major league offer, but his market might be stronger next winter.
- Mark Feinsand looks at what’s up next now that Imai is off the board.
- Feinsand also looks at the market for the top six remaining free agents.
- Jared Greenspan and Theo DeRosa have ten teams that still have a lot to do this winter.
- Jordan Shusterman has eight questions for the rest of the winter.
- One prediction for every MLB club.
- The Giants have signed right-hander Tyler Mahle to a one-year deal.
- The White Sox have signed outfielder Jarred Kelenic to a minor-league deal with a invite to Spring Training.
- One prospect from each farm system poised for a breakout in 2026.
- The Angels and third baseman Anthony Rendon have agreed to restructure his contract, deferring much of the money owed in this, the final year of his seven-year contract. Rendon has not announced his retirement, but he’s not expacted to play for the Angels again.
- David Schoenfield has one critical stat for each American League team.
- Sarah Langs makes the case for Andruw Jones for the Hall of Fame.
- Jon Paul Morosi argues that pitchers Félix Hernández and Cole Hamels belong in Cooperstown.
- Mark Feinsand explains his Hall of Fame ballot.
- Davy Andrews examines how the way the umpires have called the strike zone has changed since the introduction of Statcast.
- And finally, because it’s a slow news day. Pirates ace and reigning Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes has shaved off his trademark beard and mustache.
