This is why it's so hard to pitch to Ohtani
Shohei Ohtani is doing things we’ve never seen on a baseball field before. That might be an obvious statement for you, the reader, but there’s never a bad time to recount his heroics of recent years. The two-way phenomenon has won three straight MVPs, the latter two coming with the
Each team's longest home run of 2025
Happy holidays, baseball fans. As our gift to you, we're back with the tradition we are determined to make happen: our yearly list of every team's longest home run of the season just past. Admittedly, we always think these lists make for good gifts, but we have a pretty good
Kikuchi, Matsui among 7 pitchers added to Japan's Classic roster
As Samurai Japan gears up to defend its World Baseball Classic title, its roster is beginning to take shape. While superstar Shohei Ohtani had previously announced his intent to play for the tournament's reigning champs, seven other players were named by Samurai Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata on Friday in Tokyo,
Each team's prospect to watch for 2026
Nick Kurtz. Drake Baldwin. Roman Anthony. Trey Yesavage. Nolan McLean. They and so many other rookies left their marks on the 2025 season. One year ago, they were mere prospects who had yet to make their MLB debuts, and another host of newcomers will inevitably be difference-makers for their clubs
15 superlative plays from the 2025 season
Another year in baseball is in the books, so let's look back at the best of the best plays from this past season. These are the annual Statcast superlatives -- the longest home run, the fastest strikeout, the speediest inside-the-park home run, the toughest catch and more. Here are 15
Soderstrom agrees to A's-record 7-year, $86 million deal (source)
Tyler Soderstrom received a gift on Christmas -- but it was one that he earned. Following a breakout season in 2025, Soderstrom agreed to a seven-year, $86 million extension with the A's, a source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. The deal, which has not been confirmed by the club, constitutes the
Here's every new Minor League alternate identity announced for 2026 so far
Be yourself, unless you feel like being something else. This is now an established Minor League Baseball promotional strategy, as teams across the country regularly assume alternate identities in lieu of their day-to-day primary identities. These alternate identities often have a local connection, with teams celebrating their region's culinary specialties,
Remember Blue Jays prospect Ricky T? You should
TORONTO -- Nearly three years ago, Ricky Tiedemann threw one pitch that no one could stop talking about. They still talk about it, actually. In a Spring Training game in late February 2023, a 20-year-old Tiedemann blew a 99 mph fastball past Javier Báez for strike three. Baseball games in
Best baseball scenes from non-baseball films
The game of baseball has been around for 150 some-odd years -- longer than football or basketball, longer than many countries have existed. It infiltrates every part of our culture: books, music and, most notably, movies. And sometimes, even when a movie isn't about baseball, baseball still slips into the
6 reasons David Wright belongs in the Hall
David Wright's Hall of Fame case, like his playing career, is largely overshadowed by questions of what could have been. But bad luck doesn't tell his entire story, which is why he's managed to stick around for a third year of eligibility. He even made (admittedly minor) gains last season,
Remembering Rickey, all-time steals king and 1 of 1
There are many incredible stories out there about Rickey Henderson. And we mean literally incredible -- as in, hard to believe. Some are true, some are apocryphal. But the one Will Clark tells is definitely true. A former All-Star first baseman for the Giants, “Will the Thrill” played against Henderson
Finding perfect fits for top 14 remaining free agents
Thursday is Christmas, and it’s been nearly two months since the Dodgers defeated the Blue Jays in Game 7 of the World Series. That means we’re now at roughly the midpoint between the start of the offseason and when pitchers and catchers begin reporting to Spring Training in February. A
Here's the most important trait for today's modern manager to succeed
It was 65 years ago next month that owner Philip K. Wrigley used the Cubs’ annual press luncheon to make a bold announcement about the club’s next manager. Namely, that there would not be one.
Yanks, Mets among teams interested in All-Star outfielder (report)
We're keeping track of all the latest free agent and trade rumors.
Marlins reel in closer Pete Fairbanks on 1-year deal (sources)
The Marlins found their high-leverage reliever, reaching an agreement with right-hander Pete Fairbanks on a one-year, $13 million contract, sources told MLB.com on Wednesday. Fairbanks’ deal includes a $1 million signing bonus, plus another $1 million in incentives based on appearances, per source. There’s also an acquisition bonus of $500,000
The inside story of how 'Field of Dreams' got its iconic title
Would “Field of Dreams” be as iconic as it is today if it wasn’t called “Field of Dreams?” Believe it or not, the man who made one of the greatest baseball movies ever hated the title when he first heard it. “It sounds like a room deodorizer,” moaned writer/director Phil
These 5 prospects improved their stock the most in 2025
With days left until 2025 becomes 2026, it's natural to use this time for reflection. Looking back at the year that was and finding satisfaction in all the progress that was made, while also looking ahead with hope for even better things to come, along with new goals in the
Welcome to The Blooper Zone, home to the 13 best bloopers of '25
As we come upon the end of the year and begin to look back at the incredible Major League season, we find ourselves staring at a … fifth dimension, beyond that which is known to man or even the scorekeeper. This dimension, as vast as the Rockies outfield and as
For Teel, giving back during the holidays 'extremely important to me'
CHICAGO -- The Park Wood Deli is a home away from home for White Sox catcher Kyle Teel, with a sandwich there known as the “Real Deal Kyle Teel.”
Here is each team's best win of 2025
While the old adage says that a win is a win, most would agree that not all victories are equal in terms of overall significance to a team -- or simply from an entertainment perspective as a fan. With that in mind, and with the help of all 30 MLB.com
Every team's largest contracts by total value
We’ve seen plenty of large contracts in recent years -- both for free agents and teams extending players already on their roster. Here’s a look at each team’s largest free-agent contract and biggest extension by total value, along with the season that it was signed either during or entering, and
Wizardry: Ozzie Smith's top 10 career moments
When Ozzie Smith performed backflips while heading to his position before the start of Cardinals home openers, postseason contests and All-Star Games, it was as if he were saying, “Let the fun begin.” Watching Smith sustain defensive wizardry at shortstop was indeed fun for his multitude of aficionados, whom he
10 moments that defined Carlton Fisk's career
Though he’s largely remembered for one swing and the immediate seconds that followed, Carlton Fisk established a legacy of longevity behind the plate. He finished among the top 10 in Most Valuable Player Award balloting in four of his first 12 full seasons and ranked between 13th and 18th on
The rare skill set that could carry Rice to stardom in '26
There’s a big reason the Yankees’ offseason shopping list didn’t include a star first baseman. They might already have one in house. While the spot didn’t officially open up until Paul Goldschmidt reached free agency in November, Ben Rice effectively became the Yankees’ starting first baseman the moment their 2025
Pirates land lefty bat in All-Star O'Hearn on 2-year deal (source)
The Pirates are in agreement with free agent and 2025 All-Star Ryan O'Hearn on a two-year, $29 million contract, per sources, adding another bat to a lineup they very much wanted to revamp this winter. The club has not confirmed the agreement. O’Hearn would become the first free agent the