Baseball Connection

After a 10-year career, Yonder Alonso has retired. Alonso was a one-time All Star who bounced around several teams. In recent years, he was a veteran presence for teams that needed some 1B/DH depth. Alonso wants to stay involved in baseball in some capacity. What's next for him?

The Washington Nationals are looking for bats. They are kicking the tires on a Kris Bryant trade, a DJ LeMahieu signing, or a JT Realmuto signing. After losing Anthony Rendon last year, Washington wants to acquire an offensive weapon. J.A. Happ has piqued the Angels' interest.  He's been very consistent despite his age. Could George Springer end up in Toronto? It makes a lot of sense.

Wander Franco is baseball's top prospect and has been for two years now. He's still only 19 years old and has yet to play above A-ball, so he'll most likely spend 2021 getting seasoned in the upper minors. But after then, what will his path to playing time be considering who the Rays already have in the middle infield?

Robinson Cano has tested positive for PEDs again. Cano will be suspended without pay for the entire 2021 season. Although he won't receive the $24 million he was due next year, Cano still has an additional 2 years and $48 million dollars on his contract. Although he was an elite player with Hall-of-Fame numbers, Cano will struggle to receive a nomination to Cooperstown when the time comes.

Theo Epstein is stepping down from his role as the Cubs' President of Baseball Operations. Epstein is a decorated executive who will be in the Hall of Fame some day, but he is walking away from the Cubs with a year left on his contract. What does this mean for the Cubs franchise? Cody Bellinger underwent shoulder surgery and should be ready for Spring Training.

Mike Clevinger will undergo Tommy John surgery today, but at least he gets to celebrate a new 2-year deal with the Padres. Drew Smyly was one of the better strikeout pitchers in baseball, so the Braves are banking on his upside with a 1-year, $11 million deal for next year. The 2021 Hall of Fame ballot has been released. All this (and more) on today's episode.

JT Realmuto is the best catcher in baseball. He's also a free agent. Realmuto will be looking to strike it rich, and he's well-positioned to do so. Projections see him landing a 5-year deal in the $115-125 million range. Where are his likely destinations?

Marcus Stroman will be returning to the Mets - he accepted the qualifying offer. He'll be at the front of the staff along with Jacob deGrom, but the Mets still have a bunch of holes to plug. The Padres are discussing a two-year extension with Mike Clevinger. All this (and more) on today's episode.

The Miami Marlins have hired Kim Ng to be their next general manager. Ng has over 30 years of experience in Major League Baseball, which include stints across three different franchises. Ng is the first female to become a general manager in any major American sport.

Jose Abreu and Freddie Freeman are this year's MVPs. Abreu's selection came as bit of a surprise to some, but it was certainly well deserved. The Cuban slugger has been one of the most consistent hitters in baseball for a long time, and his strong 2020 season found him at the top of multiple major categories. Freeman bounced back from a rough bout with COVID-19 and was a clear-cut favorite to win the award.