Baseball Connection

Nolan Arenado was dealt to St. Louis, Tony La Russa (76 years old) was hired to manage a bunch of White Sox young stars, San Diego became a juggernaut, the Red Sox and Yankees made a trade, and much more. We discuss the biggest surprises that happened this offseason.

Taijuan Walker has agreed to a two-year, $20 million deal with the Mets. Walker is entering his age 28 season and is a solid pitcher when healthy. However, he hasn't pitched a full season since 2017 so he does have something to prove. Brett Gardner is back in pinstripes on a one-year, $4 million deal.

Fernando Tatis is an elite player in today's game. Now he'll be paid like one. Tatis and the Padres have agreed to a 14-year extension worth $340 million. The deal comes with a full no-trade clause. This is a record deal for a pre-arbibration player and the third largest deal (in terms of new total money) in MLB history.

Cody Allen has called it a career. The righty reliever received interest from teams earlier this offseason, but he instead decided to hang up his spikes. Allen is largely known for his strong stretch with the Cleveland Indians, and was a huge part of their World Series run. Tim Tebow has also said farewell to baseball, ending his professional career with the Mets. Tebow's final line is .223/.299/.338 with 18 HRs in 1,048 minor league plate appearances.

The Mets have grabbed more depth for their outfield by signing Kevin Pillar to a one-year, $5 million deal. Pillar will probably place above Albert Almora on the depth chart, but the Mets still haven't grabbed anyone's attention with their outfield acquisitions. Edwin Encarnacion is hoping for another shot with a team as his career might be nearing its end.

The Minor Leagues have been revamped in an effort to modernize MLB's player development structure. Several changes have been made including league sizes, pay, and travel schedules. Most Triple A teams will now be closer to their MLB clubs, travel will be reduced, and salaries are increasing. We discuss all the major changes on today's episode.

The Dodgers are bringing back their guy. Justin Turner has agreed to head back to LA on a 2-year, $34 million deal. Turner is a fan favorite and should slot right back into the heart of their lineup as the Dodgers aim for a repeat title. James Paxton signed a 1-year, $8.5 million deal with the Mariners as he tries to prove his health.

Pretty much every player slows down and becomes less effective as they age past their prime. We take a look at three older pitchers (Jake Arrieta, Rich Hill, and Mark Melancon) who just signed to see if they still have what it takes to perform in 2021.

After being one of the game's prolific sluggers in 2020, Adam Duvall was still let go by the Braves because of a crowded outfield. He's heading south to Miami and will bring power to their lineup. After a bounce-back season with the Dodgers, Jake McGee secured a two-year deal with the Giants. Marwin Gonzalez joined the Red Sox.

The Red Sox have traded Andrew Benintendi to the Kansas City Royals in part of a three-team swap. The Mets are the other team involved in the deal. Boston will receive Franchy Cordero, Josh Winckowski, and 3 players to be named later. The Mets will receive Khalil Lee. Yet another piece of the Red Sox 2018 championship roster is gone. What's next for Boston?