Baseball Connection

It's not the tandem most people envisioned at the beginning of the season, but Robbie Ray and Corbin Burnes are the 2021 American League and National League Cy Young award winners, respectively. Both pitchers have improved significantly in their primes. Justin Verlander is re-signing with the Astros on a 1-year, $25 million deal. All this on today's episode.

Noah Syndergaard has agreed to a 1-year, $21 million deal with the Angels. The Angels have been looking for pitching and will get a strong starter to slot in behind Ohtani. Syndergaard gets a great salary to prove he's healthy next year. Gabe Kapler and Kevin Cash were named Manager of the Year in their respective leagues. All this (and more) on today's episode.

The Tigers have agreed to a 5-year, $77 million deal with Eduardo Rodriguez. Detroit is done with their rebuild and rapidly moving towards contention now. They still need another starting pitcher and a shortstop but their winter is off to a great start. Jonathan India was named NL Rookie of the Year. Randy Arozarena was named AL Rookie of the Year. All this on today's episode.

Eduardo Rodriguez is drawing interest from multiple teams including the Blue Jays, Angels, and Tigers. E-Rod's ERA seemed inflated last season and teams are able to look past that due to strong underlying metrics. Robinson Cano has completed his 162-game suspension. What can we expect from him as he returns to the Mets? Will the A's trade Matt Chapman. All this (and more) on today's episode.

Nolan Arenado and Carlos Correa were named this year's Platinum Glove winners. Arenado won it for the fifth consecutive season while Correa won his first. Starling Marte is 33 years old, but he still has elite speed and plenty of teams are lining up for his services. Freddie Freeman is a free agent, but nobody believes he'll play anywhere but Atlanta.

MLB proposed a system where player arbitration-eligible players would earn salaries dictated by WAR metrics. WAR is a good metric, but it does have its flaws. What are some downfalls of this approach? Former Blue Jays southpaw Brett Cecil has called it a career. It looks like some big-name free agents will sign in the next few weeks. All this (and more) on today's episode.

The 2021 Silver Slugger awards have been given out. Who are the best bats around? Marcus Semien keeps adding to his trophy case and had what might be the best contract year player in recent memory. Is this the last time we'll see a pitcher win it? All this (and more) on today's episode.

Juan Soto just might be the best hitter of this generation. Some believe he could be baseball's first $500 million man. Would the Nationals be willing to spend that? Joakim Soria has hung up his cleats after a  strong 14-season career. All this (and more) on today's episode.

The Hank Aaron award is awarded to the best offensive performer in each league. This year's awardees are Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bryce Harper. At age 22, Vlad became the youngest winner ever. Meanwhile, Harper took home his his 2nd such award. All this (and more) on today's episode.

The Dodgers did not extend Clayton Kershaw a qualifying offer and he will become a free agent. Could Kershaw possibly be pitching somewhere else in 2022? What is the Dodgers' best strategy to fill their pitching needs? Justin Verlander hosted a workout which was attended by 15-20 teams. His fastball sat in the mid-90s. Verlander will be one of the most intriguing arms on the market this winter. All this (and more) on today's episode.