MLB Player News

Coleman was outrighted to Triple-A by the Tigers on Wednesday despite posting a solid 3.51 ERA across 51 1/3 innings of relief in 2018. The 32-year-old right-hander might be able to find himself a guaranteed major league contract on the open market this winter.

Ozuna’s $16 million option had become an easy call, and expectations were always that d’Arnaud would be back, whether it was through the $8 million option year or not. Bummer was the tougher call at $7.25 million. He pitched 55 1/3 innings with a 3.58 ERA this year.

Long one of Japan’s best pitchers, Sagano was posted by Yomiuri after the 2020 season and had several suitors, but he wound up signing a four-year, $40 million deal to stay put. That contract had a clause that allowed him to explore international free agency after the 2021 season, but following something of a down year, he declined to exercise it. Even accounting for the low offense environment in Japan right now, Sagano has had a terrific 2024, going 15-3 with a 1.67 ERA and a 111/16 K/BB in 156 2/3 innings. He turns 35 later this month, and his fastball sits in the 90-93 mph range, so he probably won’t land a huge contract an MLB team this winter. There will be significant interest, though.

Levine spent eight years as Twins GM, working under president of baseball operations Derek Falvey. He interviewed to become the head of Boston’s baseball operations last year, only to remove himself from the process before a choice was made. Long well thought of around the game, it’s unlikely that he’ll be a free agent for long, unless maybe he wants a break.

Francona took 2024 off after 11 years managing the Guardians. The Reds will be his fourth stop as a manager. Francona takes a 1950-1672 career record, two World Series and three Manager of the Year awards to Cincinnati.

Alonso had struggled down the stretch of the season, but all is forgiven after getting the biggest hit of the Mets’ season. The Polar Bear hit a Devin Williams changeup out to right field for a go-ahead three-run home run with one out in the ninth inning. He certainly gave the Mets at least one memorable moment before heading into free agency this offseason.

Edwin Diaz was already used earlier in the game so when the Mets took the lead in the ninth the team was scrambling for a closer. Peterson, having not pitched in the series to this point, stepped up and closed the door on the Brewers by inducing a Brice Turang double play. Peterson figures to start in the NLDS against the Phillies, though the Mets have a bevy of rotation options.

Williams had allowed one home run in 22 appearances this year, but after Francisco Lindor walked and Brandon Nimmo singled in the ninth inning, he gave up a big three-run blast to Pete Alonso. The Brewers couldn’t have drawn up Game 3 of the Wild Card series much better than having Williams on the mound in the ninth inning with a two-run lead, but he didn’t get the job done. He’s still a top five fantasy closer heading into the offseason.

Myers allowed two hits, walked none and struck out five. He was somewhat curiously removed from the game after only 66 pitches. Nonetheless, the 26-year-old rookie was just as impressive during the regular season as he was in his brief playoff start. Myers heads into the offseason on a personal high note.

Quintana allowed four hits, walked one and struck out five. He gave the Mets exactly what they needed in an elimination game. Quintana is sure to get at least another start in the NLDS against the Phillies.

A Game 3 starter still hasn’t been revealed yet. The reasoning for the Dodgers going with Flaherty in Game 2 now is that he would be more accustomed to pitching with regular rest in a Game 5 if necessary.