Jaylon Thompson writes that Blake Mitchell is starting to feel like himself again in Arizona.
“It’s a bunch of fun competing with these guys,” Mitchell said. “It’s great. I couldn’t imagine just sitting at home just doing the offseason right now. I would much rather be out here playing baseball, competing with these guys, my teammates and guys on the other teams. It’s a bunch of great ball players. So, you know, I’m super blessed to be out here.”
Mitchell admitted he finally felt like himself in Arizona.
And his recent play confirmed that sentiment as he helped the Saguaros win the AFL Championship.
“I didn’t notice that difference until I got out here to the fall league,” Mitchell said. “I was swinging and I was like, ‘It feels like me again.’”
MLB Pipeline features the hardest decision each team will have to make on Rule 5-eligible players.
Royals: Gavin Cross, OF (No. 24)
This isn’t what the Royals had in mind when they took Cross with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2022 Draft. He spent his second straight year at Double-A and has a career .747 OPS to go along with a strikeout rate around 26 percent. It remains to be seen whether his hot July and August this past year (.301/.370/.528) provided enough hope to earn him a roster spot.
Kevin O’Brien at Royals Keep begins a top 20 Royals prospect list.
The reason Mozzicato is No. 20 is that a move to the bullpen could perhaps do wonders for his stuff and development. At this point, it’s evident that Mozzicato is not going to be a starter at the MLB level. However, with a plus pitch in his arsenal and less mileage on his arm, it’s possible that the Connecticut native could thrive and contribute to an MLB bullpen at the end of 2026 or on Opening Day in 2027.
Former Royals farmhand Cam Devanney is headed to Japan.
Josh Naylor is near a five-year deal to stay with the Mariners.
Why would the Diamonbacks trade Ketel Marte?
The Phillies are unlikely to retain pitcher Ranger Suárez.
The Rays are prioritizing upgrading their outfield.
The Blue Jays are interested in closer Raisel Iglesias.
The Angels are looking for starting pitching and a left-handed bat.
Who are the top defensive players available as free agents?
Paul DePodesta is trying to turn around the reputation of the Rockies.
MLB execs try to navigate free agency with labor strife looming. [$]
Carlos Beltrán is going into the Mets Hall of Fame.
Free agent Enrique Hernández will miss the World Baseball Classic following elbow surgery.
Will fans come out to watch a new baseball league in Dubai?
The Angels are playing defense in the wrongful death lawsuit for former pitcher Tyler Skaggs.
Could gambling scandals push MLB closer to robo-umps?
Travis Kelce becomes the Chiefs’ all-time touchdown leader.
Erling Haaland leads Norway to qualify for their first World Cup since 1998.
How Idaho became a leader in urban surfing.
The penny is being phased out – is the nickel next?
Your song of the day is Dire Straits with Money For Nothing.
