The New York Mets and Kansas City Royals didn’t make a trade this offseason. But they might have completed the next closest thing. Veteran outfielder Starling Marte signed a one-year deal with the Royals, while MJ Melendez landed with the Mets on a split contract. The two moves effectively swapped former outfielders between organizations — and both teams may have landed exactly what they needed. Why Melendez Fits ... Read more
Unexpected Breakout: Why Tanner Murray Is Suddenly Complicating Chicago’s Infield Battle. DD
The White Sox had a fairly clear picture of their backup infield competition entering spring training. Now Tanner Murray might be scrambling those plans. Chicago quietly acquired Murray from the Tampa Bay Rays in November in a deal that also brought outfielder Everson Pereira to the organization. At the time, the move barely registered amid a busy offseason. A few weeks into spring training, however, Murray is ... Read more
Tanner Murray’s Spring Surge Could Force the White Sox Into a Tough Roster Call. DD
The White Sox had a fairly clear picture of their backup infield competition entering spring training. Now Tanner Murray might be scrambling those plans. Chicago quietly acquired Murray from the Tampa Bay Rays in November in a deal that also brought outfielder Everson Pereira to the organization. At the time, the move barely registered amid a busy offseason. A few weeks into spring training, however, Murray is ... Read more
Houston May Finally Be Changing Its Prospect Blueprint After Years of Pitching Neglect. DD
For years, the Houston Astros followed a familiar blueprint when it came to prospect development. Prioritize bats. Pitching? That usually came later. But recent moves suggest that philosophy may be changing. Houston’s latest signing — 18-year-old Cuban right-hander Danel Reyes — reinforces the idea that the organization is starting to take a more aggressive approach to developing young arms. According to ... Read more
Astros’ Signing of Cuban Teen Pitcher Signals a New Direction for Houston’s Farm System. DD
For years, the Houston Astros followed a familiar blueprint when it came to prospect development. Prioritize bats. Pitching? That usually came later. But recent moves suggest that philosophy may be changing. Houston’s latest signing — 18-year-old Cuban right-hander Danel Reyes — reinforces the idea that the organization is starting to take a more aggressive approach to developing young arms. According to ... Read more