What is the story about?
Good morning everyone, and happy April! I’d like to thank everyone who passed along their congratulations for my wedding in the comments on Saturday — it meant a lot to me! And a thank you to the LL crew for covering me over the weekend.
In case you missed it, the big news of the day yesterday was the announcement that the Mariners signed a pre-debut contract extension with top prospect Colt Emerson, which I’m not sure that anyone saw coming. In that same vein, what move in Mariners history shocked
you the most? A couple of ones that stick out to me are the acquisition of Cliff Lee and the trading away of Jarred Kelenic.
In Mariners news…
- In last night’s episode of the Meet at the Mitt podcast, Evan James, Grant Bronsdon, and myself reacted to the Emerson extension. (Spotify link; Apple link)
- The Mariners announced the Opening Day roster for the Everett AquaSox, which looks to be a talented bunch.
- One of those AquaSox players — catcher Luke Stevenson — recently spoke to Fangraphs’ David Laurila about people comparing him to Cal Raleigh and his goals for the 2026 season.
- According to Adam Jude of The Seattle Times, the Mariners plan to give Cal more days off this year.
Around the league…
- The Brewers are reportedly in agreement on an eight-year, $50M contract extension with shortstop prospect Cooper Pratt, who has also not yet made his big league debut.
- Orioles right-hander Zach Eflin will undergo an MRI after being pulled from a recent start due to elbow discomfort.
- Yankees lefty Carlos Rodón appears to have injured his hamstring while rehabbing from an elbow injury. This could result in a setback for the Bronx ace.
- The MLBPA has amassed a war chest of $415M — significantly more than it had in 2021 — in advance of a potential lockout this coming winter.
- The Braves showcased their new City Connect jerseys, which harken back to their powder blue TBS days.
- The Mets hired former star outfielder and designated hitter J.D. Martinez as a special advisor to baseball operations. Martinez still hasn’t officially retired from the sport, though he last appeared in a game in 2024 and this role would seem to indicate his playing days are over.
- ESPN is keeping tabs on which players and teams are the most prolific (and most successful) at ABS challenges this year.
- Michael Baumann at Fangraphs ready to declare a conspiracy is afoot after Nationals outfielder Joey Wiemer started the season reaching base in 10 straight plate appearances.
- Kelsey McKinney at Defector celebrated the efforts of Marlins catcher Liam Hicks, a recent addition to players who have hit for the “Saint Cycle.”
