Tag

Designated Hitter

All articles tagged with #designated hitter

sports1 year ago

Cubs' Trade Rumors Swirl Around Suzuki and Bellinger Amidst Discontent

Seiya Suzuki's agent, Joel Wolfe, has expressed dissatisfaction with Suzuki's role as a designated hitter for the Chicago Cubs, suggesting that Suzuki would be open to a trade if it meant playing in the field. Despite Suzuki's strong performance as a DH, he prefers not to be limited to that role, and the Cubs have not committed to making him a full-time DH for the 2025 season. While a trade isn't certain due to Suzuki's no-trade clause, the Cubs are exploring options to improve their roster, which could include trading Suzuki if an irresistible offer arises.

sports1 year ago

MLB Teams Vie for Juan Soto as Free Agency Heats Up

Juan Soto, a standout hitter and Gold Glove finalist, is being considered by the Boston Red Sox primarily as a designated hitter due to his average fielding skills. Despite his defensive limitations, Soto's exceptional batting prowess, highlighted by a career 160 OPS+ and 36.4 WAR, makes him a highly sought-after player likely to secure a $600 million contract. While teams like the Yankees and Mets are interested, the Red Sox see him fitting seamlessly into their lineup, potentially transitioning to a DH role in the future.

sports1 year ago

"Marcell Ozuna's Resurgence Powers Braves in 2024"

Marcell Ozuna has been on a hitting streak since May 2023, following a rough start in April. His impressive offensive performance has made him a key player for the Atlanta Braves, with 43 home runs and 111 RBIs since May 1. Despite serving exclusively as a designated hitter, Ozuna's revival has been a significant boost for the team, and his supportive attitude has also helped teammates improve their performance.

sports1 year ago

"Mets' J.D. Martinez Takes Slow Approach for Debut, Shares Tips with Teammates"

J.D. Martinez finalized a $12 million, one-year contract with the New York Mets, but will take it slow to get ready for the season due to back and groin problems. The 36-year-old designated hitter, who hit .271 with 33 homers and 103 RBIs in 113 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers last year, won't be available for Opening Day and will need at least 15 days to prepare. His signing led to the Mets designating right-hander Phil Bickford for assignment, and he is expected to slot into the middle of the Mets' lineup alongside Pete Alonso.

sports1 year ago

"J.D. Martinez Signs 1-Year, $12M Deal with Mets"

The New York Mets have reached a one-year, $12 million deal with designated hitter J.D. Martinez, pending a physical, providing a power source for their lineup alongside Pete Alonso at a discounted rate. Martinez's bounce-back All-Star season with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023 led to this agreement, as the Mets sought to mitigate luxury tax penalties. The 36-year-old veteran, known for his hitting prowess, will bring his career .287 batting average to the Mets after the Dodgers opted for a one-year commitment and signed Shohei Ohtani.

sports1 year ago

"Mets Secure J.D. Martinez on 1-Year, $12 Million Deal"

J.D. Martinez, the best designated hitter in the free agent market, signed a 1-year, $12 million deal with the New York Mets, pending a physical. The Mets identified Martinez as a target early in the offseason and finally secured him at a favorable price. Martinez, known for his power hitting, will provide a much-needed offensive boost to the Mets' lineup. Despite his age and injury concerns, Martinez's hitting prowess and track record make him a valuable addition to the team.

sports1 year ago

J.D. Martinez Signs 1-Year, $12M Deal with Mets

After a prolonged free agency, J.D. Martinez has reportedly agreed to a 1-year, $12 million deal with the New York Mets. The veteran designated hitter was one of several notable Scott Boras clients to negotiate contracts into March, with Martinez ultimately finding a fit with the Mets, providing them with a significant upgrade at the designated hitter position. Despite some red flags in his peripherals, Martinez's hitting prowess makes him a valuable addition to the team as they aim to contend for a wild-card spot in the upcoming MLB season.

sports1 year ago

"Cincinnati Reds Add Depth with Minor League Deals for Mike Ford and Tony Kemp"

The Cincinnati Reds have signed first baseman/designated hitter Mike Ford to a minor league deal with incentives. Ford, known for his power and high strikeout rate, had a strong 2023 season with the Mariners. The left-handed hitter provides depth for the Reds' infield and DH spot, competing with other promising young infielders for playing time.

sports1 year ago

"Jorge Soler Joins San Francisco Giants on Three-Year Deal"

The San Francisco Giants have signed right-handed slugger Jorge Soler to a three-year contract, addressing their offensive struggles from last season. Soler had a strong offensive season with the Miami Marlins in 2023 and is expected to primarily serve as a designated hitter for the Giants. While there are some concerns about his past performance and injury history, his impressive hitting metrics and ability to hit offspeed pitches have led projection systems to believe in his sustainability. Soler's addition may lead to changes in the Giants' lineup, potentially impacting players like J.D. Davis, Michael Conforto, and LaMonte Wade Jr.

sports1 year ago

Twins Secure Deal with Veteran Slugger Carlos Santana

The Minnesota Twins are close to signing veteran slugger Carlos Santana to a one-year contract worth $5.25 million, adding switch-hitting power to their lineup and preventing Santana from victimizing their pitching in 2024. Santana, known for his success against the Twins, has hit 31 home runs and 174 hits against them in his career. This move is reminiscent of the Twins' previous signing of Nelson Cruz and adds experience to their relatively young lineup.

sports1 year ago

Blue Jays Sign Justin Turner to 1-Year, $13M Deal

The Toronto Blue Jays have signed veteran Justin Turner to a one-year, $13 million deal, with the potential to earn an additional $1.5 million in bonuses. Turner, a 15-year MLB veteran, brings a productive bat and valuable postseason experience to the team, although his defensive abilities have declined in recent years. Expected to primarily serve as the designated hitter, Turner's signing addresses a key offseason priority for the Blue Jays, who may still seek to add another left-handed bat to their lineup.

sports1 year ago

"Blue Jays Secure Justin Turner on 1-Year Deal as Mets Target Makes Decision"

The Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly signed free agent Justin Turner to a one-year, $13MM contract with the potential to earn up to $14.5MM with bonuses and incentives. Turner, known for his consistent hitting and leadership, is expected to serve as the team's primary designated hitter and provide depth at third base and first base. The signing pushes the Blue Jays into luxury tax territory for the first time, but they may still be considering further moves to bolster their lineup and rotation.

sports2 years ago

Shohei Ohtani's Next Start Skipped Due to Arm Fatigue

Los Angeles Angels' Shohei Ohtani will skip his next scheduled pitching start due to arm fatigue, according to manager Phil Nevin. Ohtani, who is not injured, will continue playing as the team's designated hitter and is expected to return to the rotation on August 21. Despite experiencing regular arm fatigue, Ohtani remains confident and assured Nevin that there is no pain or injury.

sports2 years ago

"Yankees' Aaron Judge: DH Only?"

New York Yankees' outfielder Aaron Judge, known for his offensive prowess and defensive skills, may be limited to the designated hitter (DH) position for the rest of the season due to a toe injury. Judge, who values his versatility and takes pride in his defense, has been working on improving his outfield play and athleticism. However, the lingering pain in his toe could restrict his mobility, potentially impacting his ability to contribute beyond his powerful bat. This would create a logjam at the DH position and result in a less capable defense for the Yankees.

sports2 years ago

Padres Cut Ties with Slugger Nelson Cruz

The San Diego Padres have designated slugger Nelson Cruz for assignment, while placing right-handed starter Michael Wacha on the injured list and optioning right-hander Domingo Tapia to Triple-A. Left-hander Jose Castillo, right-hander Matt Waldron, and infielder Matthew Batten have been recalled from Triple-A in corresponding moves. Cruz, in his 19th major league season, has a batting average of .245 with five home runs and 23 RBIs in 49 games.