Big ups to my loyal Rival Roundup readers. Feel free to start brainstorming a sort of “fandom name” for yourselves in the comments. The more provocative, the better, I’m thinking. That’s my early take
here. I might change my mind after seeing some suggestions.
- Let’s start with our friends atop the division, the Cleveland Guardians. This week, the Guards avoided arbitration with Matt Festa, Nolan Jones, and David Fry; their non-tenders for the year comprised of pitchers Nic Enright and Sam Hentges, as well as outfielder Will Brennan. All told, the contracts comprised less than $5 million combined, and the moves bring the Guardian 40-man roster to 38.
- Old friend — sorry — “old friend” Justin Ishbia met the Pope. Your thoughts??? He invited the pontiff to come throw out the first pitch at a Sox game next season, which will either result in the horrific holy dominance of the Chicago White Sox over the next decade, or the funniest curse in baseball history.
- In White Sox news that many people are calling “more baseball-related,” here are the Chicago arbitration details in lieu of the non-tender deadline.
- They’ve also begun engaging in their own brand of Twinsian deck-chair shuffling, although you don’t have to be that much of a pessimist to suggest that the White Sox organization is trending in a more positive direction than ours is.
- Gleyber Torres accepted the qualifying offer from the Detroit Tigers, in a year that was uncharacteristically ripe for accepted QOs. He’ll make $22.025MM in 2026.
- The Royals chucked a pair of non-tenders atcha.
- But, wait! Why, they’ve added a man, as well!
