Francisco Lindor

Francisco Lindor

SS - NYM
Height: 5-11
Weight: 190 lbs
Age: 30
College:
New York Mets

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The ScoreSkubal, Tigers to start fast vs. White Sox on Opening Day

Find year-round coverage of betting news and insights for all sports by visiting our Betting section and subscribing to push notifications.Opening Day has finally arrived and all 30 teams will be in action. Let's take a look at a couple of ways to attack a monstrous slate.Tigers (-175) @ White Sox (+150)The White Sox look to be in for another miserable season. Their offense was horrendous a year ago, outscoring only the Athletics on a per-game basis. They made no meaningful additions to improve their attack and are starting with an extremely difficult matchup against dark horse Cy Young candidate Tarik Skubal.Skubal was nothing short of incredible last season, posting a sparkling 2.80 ERA while striking out 102 batters over just 80 innings. His underlying metrics were elite, with Skubal throwing strikes at an extremely high clip while giving up little hard contact.He should have his way with a bad White Sox offense that struggled immensely versus left-handed pitching. Last season, the team ranked 27th in wOBA against lefties and struck out more than 25% of the time, one of the league's highest rates.That doesn't set the White Sox up for success against an efficient strikeout pitcher like Skubal.Garrett Crochet is a very talented kid, but he'll be making his first career start against a Tigers offense featuring a lot of guys who can make life difficult for lefties.Spencer Torkelson hit for a ton of power against left-handed pitching in 2023, Riley Greene hit .280 versus lefties, and left-handed bats Parker Meadows and Kerry Carpenter are certainly capable of doing damage.I think the Tigers will get to Crochet as he navigates his first career start - on Opening Day, at that - while Skubal should have very little trouble mowing down White Sox batters.Look for the Tigers to grind out a lead through five innings.Bet: Tigers F5 -0.5 (-125)Christian Walker: Over 1.5 total basesTo say Walker destroys left-handed pitching would be an understatement. Last season, he posted a .314 ISO and .397 xwOBA against lefties and hit 13 homers. Only Francisco Lindor, Mookie Betts, Kyle Schwarber, and Jorge Soler recorded more.All of the underlying metrics for Walker are insanely good. He posted a barrel rate of 16.2% versus lefties, nearly double the league average. Walker also posted a hard-hit rate 6.8% above average and a fly-ball rate 12% higher.Walker hit the ball hard and consistently put it in the air. Those things lead to increased extra-base hits, and Walker would only need one on Opening Day to get the job done.Walker also finds himself in the best Opening Day matchup he could ask for, squaring off against Kyle Freeland and the Rockies.Freeland allowed a .234 ISO and .383 wOBA versus right-handed bats a year ago, both abysmal numbers.When Freeland is eventually chased from the game, a Rockies bullpen that never seems to be competent will be in for damage control.Walker only needs one good swing to go over this number. He should have no problem generating one against a subpar lefty and an exploitable bullpen.Odds: -110 (playable to -125)Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X at @ToddCordell.Copyright © 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Source: The Score
Wednesday, Mar 27, 2024

CBS SportsHow to watch New York Mets games in 2024: Live stream, TV channel, watch baseball online

Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso figure to anchor the Mets lineup in 2024

Source: CBS Sports
Wednesday, Mar 27, 2024

The ScoreMLB Power Rankings: Teeing up Opening Day

Welcome to theScore's MLB Power Rankings for the 2024 regular season. Playoff odds courtesy theScore Bet. 1. Los Angeles Dodgers PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 100-62 93-69 -5000 The Dodgers spent over a billion dollars on players this winter, and anything short of a World Series title will be considered a disappointment. This team is absolutely loaded - with three MVP winners perched atop the lineup - but there are some potential early signs of concern. The durability of the pitching staff, Mookie Betts playing shortstop, Yoshinobu Yamamoto's transition to MLB, and the lingering scandal around Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter are all things to watch.2. Atlanta Braves PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 101-61 97-65 -1500 The Braves bring back the same lineup that tied an MLB-record 307 homers last season. Yet, the offense could get even better if newcomer Jarred Kelenic can reach his potential. The rotation looks deeper, with Chris Sale and Reynaldo L pez rounding out the group. It's also a World Series or bust for Atlanta with such an embarrassment of riches.3. Houston Astros PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 95-67 90-72 -400 The Astros have epitomized success and consistency by appearing in seven straight ALCS, and they look primed to make it eight. Houston returns much of the same lineup as 2023, along with a new closer in Josh Hader and a change at catcher with Yainer Diaz taking over everyday duties. Several injuries to the rotation could lead to a slow start, but the Astros still look like the AL's best team entering the season.4. Philadelphia Phillies PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 84-78 85-77 -230 Philadelphia should be motivated after collapsing against Arizona and letting a golden chance at a World Series slip last campaign. Dave Dombrowski spent the winter extending key starters Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola rather than making a major splash outside the organization. A full season of Bryce Harper should help the Phillies as they try to snap Atlanta's six-year reign as NL East champions.5. Baltimore Orioles Daniel Shirey / Major League Baseball / Getty PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 87-75 85-77 -215 The Orioles surprised many with a 101-win season and an AL East title in 2023. Baltimore isn't sneaking up on anybody this year. The club filled a major need by acquiring ace Corbin Burnes to add to an excellent young core, which will soon see the arrival of No. 1 prospect Jackson Holliday.6. Texas Rangers PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 86-76 82-80 -190 The reigning World Series champions should be a force again, with Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, and Adolis Garc a leading the charge for an offense that scored an AL-best 881 runs last season. The Rangers are rolling the dice by entrusting Evan Carter and Wyatt Langford with starting duties, but the pair look like future stars. Starting pitching remains a concern, with Max Scherzer, Jacob deGrom, and Tyler Mahle injured to begin the campaign.7. Arizona Diamondbacks PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 84-78 84-78 +110 The Diamondbacks are coming off a surprise run to the World Series last season and did a great job supplementing a solid core by adding Eugenio Su rez, Joc Pederson, Randal Grichuk, Jordan Montgomery and Eduardo Rodriguez. Corbin Carroll, Gabriel Moreno, and Brandon Pfaadt developing more could push the club to the next level. They might not challenge the Dodgers for the division, but they're getting closer. 8. New York Yankees PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 92-70 88-74 -275 Pairing Juan Soto, who's in a contract year, with Aaron Judge will give many pitchers nightmares before playing the Yankees. However, New York's rotation has major question marks with Gerrit Cole out long term and potential durability issues surrounding Nestor Cortes, Marcus Stroman, and Carlos Rod n. The Yankees look like a playoff team, but injuries could quickly derail this older roster.9. San Francisco Giants PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 86-76 83-79 +135 The Giants look much different than the 79-win team from a campaign ago after an offseason spending spree landed them Blake Snell, Jung Hoo Lee, Matt Chapman, Jordan Hicks, Jorge Soler, and Robbie Ray. It's clear San Francisco is in it to win it, but claiming the loaded NL West is no small task. Despite the additions, there are still questions about how much this club will score.10. Toronto Blue Jays Julio Aguilar / Getty Images Sport / Getty PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 88-74 85-77 -140 It's finally time for the Blue Jays to deliver on all their promise. This is no longer a young team; the clock is ticking on their competitive window. Toronto's offense greatly underperformed last season, and several players will need to have bounce-back years if the club wants to be a threat come October. The Blue Jays are dealing with some early injuries to the pitching staff, and the schedule to start the campaign is difficult. They'll need to weather the storm out of the gates.11. Seattle Mariners PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 84-78 85-77 -175 The Mariners spent the winter remaking the offense after their hitters recorded the second-most strikeouts in the majors in 2023. Julio Rodr guez looks like a perennial MVP candidate, and the 23-year-old will need to be since he'll likely have to carry the offensive load again this season. The rotation might be the most underrated in the majors.12. Tampa Bay Rays PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 87-75 86-76 +110 With Wander Franco, Shane McClanahan, and Tyler Glasnow missing from the 2024 roster, the Rays have lost almost a combined 10 fWAR. Tampa Bay also basically has an entire rotation sidelined, as McClanahan, Shane Baz, Taj Bradley, Drew Rasmussen, and Jeffrey Springs are on the IL. The team has a modus operandi of turning water into wine, but this could be the year the club takes a step back.13. Minnesota Twins PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 89-73 84-78 -180 TV revenue uncertainties prevented the Twins from adding much of anything this winter. However, they're still dangerous if Byron Buxton, Carlos Correa, and Royce Lewis remain healthy and produce like they can. Losing key pieces like Sonny Gray, Kenta Maeda, and Jorge Polanco hurts, but Minnesota is still the favorite to repeat as AL Central champs.14. Chicago Cubs PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 81-81 82-80 -125 The Cubs are returning a roster similar to the one that missed the playoffs by one game last year. Chicago is counting on Cody Bellinger to prove 2023 wasn't a fluke and newcomer Shota Imanaga to replace Stroman in the rotation. The team's success could also depend on top prospects Pete Crow-Armstrong and Cade Horton graduating to the majors.15. San Diego Padres Gene Wang / Getty Images Sport / Getty PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 82-80 83-79 +140 Trading Juan Soto was a tough pill to swallow, but the roster might be more balanced because of it. And a lineup consisting of Xander Bogaerts, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Manny Machado still looks capable of making the postseason. Acquiring Dylan Cease is also a huge addition after losing Blake Snell, Seth Lugo, and Michael Wacha this offseason.16. Boston Red Sox PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 78-84 80-82 +300 A completely underwhelming winter has the Red Sox entering the season in a weird spot. The offense could actually be very good, with the lineup featuring several young and athletic players and Trevor Story looking healthy for the first time in years. Still, if Boston hopes to escape the AL East basement, it'll need its young arms to take the next step under new pitching coach Andrew Bailey, something they couldn't do last season.17. Cincinnati Reds PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 79-83 79-83 +150 Jonathan India believes the Reds will win the NL Central this campaign. While Cincinnati has the high-end talent to win the division, is the core experienced and consistent enough to take the crown for the first time since 2012? Adding veterans like Jeimer Candelario and Frankie Montas helps, but Matt McLain and TJ Friedl have early injury concerns.18. New York Mets PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 84-78 81-81 +200 The Mets took a different approach to the offseason than last year, focusing on depth instead of inking star-studded deals. A core of Pete Alonso, Francisco Lindor, and Brandon Nimmo have quite a test in front of them. However, shutdown closer Edwin D az's return should erase any uncertainties in the late innings.19. Milwaukee Brewers PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 79-83 80-82 +340 Milwaukee made moves for 2024 and beyond this winter, trading away Corbin Burnes for Joey Ortiz and DL Hall - both of whom will start the season on the MLB roster - and signing Rhys Hoskins, Gary S nchez, and Jakob Junis to short-term deals. All eyes will be on Jackson Chourio, though. The 20-year-old inked a $82-million deal in December despite never playing higher than Triple-A.20. St. Louis Cardinals Megan Briggs / Getty Images Sport / Getty PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 84-78 83-79 -110 The Cardinals aren't used to being doubted. St. Louis finished under .500 last season for the first time since 2007, missing the postseason for only the fourth time in the previous 13 years. The club's lineup looks strong, but a revamped rotation featuring Lance Lynn, Kyle Gibson, and Sonny Gray, who's already hurt, has an average age of almost 35.21. Detroit Tigers PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 75-87 79-83 +165 Detroit enters the campaign without Miguel Cabrera for the first time since 2008. Youngsters Spencer Torkelson, Riley Greene, and Kerry Carpenter are the offense's focal point, with veteran help sprinkled in. A full season of Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize could go a long way for a Tigers rotation featuring veteran newcomers Maeda and Jack Flaherty.22. Cleveland Guardians PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 83-79 80-82 +220 Cleveland did little to supplement a lineup that hit the fewest home runs in the majors last season - 27 fewer than the next worst team. The Guardians' strength remains in their pitching staff, which will benefit from a healthy Shane Bieber and Triston McKenzie to start the year. Those two combined for just 25 starts in 2023.23. Los Angeles Angels PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 74-88 78-84 +800 Mike Trout publicly begged the front office and ownership for meaningful roster additions all offseason after seeing Ohtani leave for nothing. The Angels didn't replace the two-way superstar in the lineup or rotation. Instead, Aaron Hicks and Robert Stephenson were the club's biggest moves, which speaks volumes about where Los Angeles is at.24. Pittsburgh Pirates PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 71-91 77-85 +550 This version of the Pirates is the closest it has looked to a playoff contender since Ben Cherington took over as GM in 2019. Oneil Cruz, Henry Davis, and Jack Suwinski are promising young players who should accompany Bryan Reynolds well on offense. The rotation looks better behind ace Mitch Keller, and the bullpen should be tough in the late innings with David Bednar and Aroldis Chapman.25. Miami Marlins PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 80-82 80-82 +260 Miami reached the postseason last year despite a minus-57 run differential. The offense again appears underwhelming, and it'll be more difficult to keep runs off the board with Sandy Alcantara, Edward Cabrera, Braxton Garrett, and Eury P rez sidelined to start the campaign. Those four combined to throw over 500 innings in 2023.26. Kansas City Royals Bob Levey / Getty Images Sport / Getty PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 71-91 76-86 +475 After a strong offseason, the Royals could make some noise in a weak division. They improved the pitching staff by adding Michael Wacha, Seth Lugo, Will Smith, and John Schreiber. Kansas City also looks like it finally has an ace in Cole Ragans. Budding superstar Bobby Witt Jr. leads an underrated lineup that may surprise.27. Washington Nationals PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 58-104 66-96 +1800 The Nationals punched above their weight last season, winning 71 games despite playing in a tough division. Adding Joey Gallo, Eddie Rosario, and Jesse Winker could incrementally increase the team's victories. But Washington will need CJ Abrams, Lane Thomas, Josiah Gray, and MacKenzie Gore to continue upward trajectories if it stands any chance of making a significant jump in the standings.28. Chicago White Sox PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 67-95 67-95 +2200 The White Sox are entering another rebuild. New general manager Chris Getz completely remade the roster by trading away several veterans while letting others depart in free agency. Chicago carved out a lot of playing time for younger players, and the club will see what it has in Garrett Crochet and Michael Soroka in the rotation. It'll be interesting to see if Luis Robert Jr. and Eloy Jim nez stick around through the campaign.29. Oakland Athletics PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 65-97 72-90 +2800 The Athletics' rebuild continues after averaging 107 losses per season over the last two years. Yet, there's some hope youngsters like Zack Gelof, JJ Bleday, and Shea Langeliers can become reliable impact players. The rotation looks better with veterans Alex Wood and Ross Stripling leading the way.30. Colorado Rockies PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 57-105 63-99 +2500 Aside from adding Cal Quantrill and Dakota Hudson to the rotation, the Rockies' extension of shortstop Ezequiel Tovar was their biggest offseason business. Even if Kris Bryant remains healthy, Colorado looks destined for its third straight last-place finish because the rest of the division is that much better.Copyright © 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Source: The Score
Wednesday, Mar 27, 2024

The ScoreMLB Power Rankings: Where each team stands on Opening Day

Welcome to theScore's MLB Power Rankings for the 2024 regular season. Playoff odds courtesy theScore Bet. 1. Los Angeles Dodgers PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 100-62 93-69 -5000 The Dodgers spent over a billion dollars on players this winter, and anything short of a World Series title will be considered a disappointment. This team is absolutely loaded - with three MVP winners perched atop the lineup - but there are some potential early signs of concern. The durability of the pitching staff, Mookie Betts playing shortstop, Yoshinobu Yamamoto's transition to MLB, and the lingering scandal around Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter are all things to watch.2. Atlanta Braves PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 101-61 97-65 -1500 The Braves bring back the same lineup that tied an MLB-record 307 homers last season. Yet, the offense could get even better if newcomer Jarred Kelenic can reach his potential. The rotation looks deeper, with Chris Sale and Reynaldo L pez rounding out the group. It's also a World Series or bust for Atlanta with such an embarrassment of riches.3. Houston Astros PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 95-67 90-72 -400 The Astros have epitomized success and consistency by appearing in seven straight ALCS, and they look primed to make it eight. Houston returns much of the same lineup as 2023, along with a new closer in Josh Hader and a change at catcher with Yainer Diaz taking over everyday duties. Several injuries to the rotation could lead to a slow start, but the Astros still look like the AL's best team entering the season.4. Philadelphia Phillies PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 84-78 85-77 -230 Philadelphia should be motivated after collapsing against Arizona and letting a golden chance at a World Series slip last campaign. Dave Dombrowski spent the winter extending key starters Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola rather than making a major splash outside the organization. A full season of Bryce Harper should help the Phillies as they try to snap Atlanta's six-year reign as NL East champions.5. Baltimore Orioles Daniel Shirey / Major League Baseball / Getty PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 87-75 85-77 -215 The Orioles surprised many with a 101-win season and an AL East title in 2023. Baltimore isn't sneaking up on anybody this year. The club filled a major need by acquiring ace Corbin Burnes to add to an excellent young core, which will soon see the arrival of No. 1 prospect Jackson Holliday.6. Texas Rangers PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 86-76 82-80 -190 The reigning World Series champions should be a force again, with Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, and Adolis Garc a leading the charge for an offense that scored an AL-best 881 runs last season. The Rangers are rolling the dice by entrusting Evan Carter and Wyatt Langford with starting duties, but the pair look like future stars. Starting pitching remains a concern, with Max Scherzer, Jacob deGrom, and Tyler Mahle injured to begin the campaign.7. Arizona Diamondbacks PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 84-78 84-78 +110 The Diamondbacks are coming off a surprise run to the World Series last season and did a great job supplementing a solid core by adding Eugenio Su rez, Joc Pederson, Randal Grichuk, Jordan Montgomery and Eduardo Rodriguez. Corbin Carroll, Gabriel Moreno, and Brandon Pfaadt developing more could push the club to the next level. They might not challenge the Dodgers for the division, but they're getting closer. 8. New York Yankees PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 92-70 88-74 -275 Pairing Juan Soto, who's in a contract year, with Aaron Judge will give many pitchers nightmares before playing the Yankees. However, New York's rotation has major question marks with Gerrit Cole out long term and potential durability issues surrounding Nestor Cortes, Marcus Stroman, and Carlos Rod n. The Yankees look like a playoff team, but injuries could quickly derail this older roster.9. San Francisco Giants PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 86-76 83-79 +135 The Giants look much different than the 79-win team from a campaign ago after an offseason spending spree landed them Blake Snell, Jung Hoo Lee, Matt Chapman, Jordan Hicks, Jorge Soler, and Robbie Ray. It's clear San Francisco is in it to win it, but claiming the loaded NL West is no small task. Despite the additions, there are still questions about how much this club will score.10. Toronto Blue Jays Julio Aguilar / Getty Images Sport / Getty PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 88-74 85-77 -140 It's finally time for the Blue Jays to deliver on all their promise. This is no longer a young team; the clock is ticking on their competitive window. Toronto's offense greatly underperformed last season, and several players will need to have bounce-back years if the club wants to be a threat come October. The Blue Jays are dealing with some early injuries to the pitching staff, and the schedule to start the campaign is difficult. They'll need to weather the storm out of the gates.11. Seattle Mariners PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 84-78 85-77 -175 The Mariners spent the winter remaking the offense after their hitters recorded the second-most strikeouts in the majors in 2023. Julio Rodr guez looks like a perennial MVP candidate, and the 23-year-old will need to be since he'll likely have to carry the offensive load again this season. The rotation might be the most underrated in the majors.12. Tampa Bay Rays PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 87-75 86-76 +110 With Wander Franco, Shane McClanahan, and Tyler Glasnow missing from the 2024 roster, the Rays have lost almost a combined 10 fWAR. Tampa Bay also basically has an entire rotation sidelined, as McClanahan, Shane Baz, Taj Bradley, Drew Rasmussen, and Jeffrey Springs are on the IL. The team has a modus operandi of turning water into wine, but this could be the year the club takes a step back.13. Minnesota Twins PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 89-73 84-78 -180 TV revenue uncertainties prevented the Twins from adding much of anything this winter. However, they're still dangerous if Byron Buxton, Carlos Correa, and Royce Lewis remain healthy and produce like they can. Losing key pieces like Sonny Gray, Kenta Maeda, and Jorge Polanco hurts, but Minnesota is still the favorite to repeat as AL Central champs.14. Chicago Cubs PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 81-81 82-80 -125 The Cubs are returning a roster similar to the one that missed the playoffs by one game last year. Chicago is counting on Cody Bellinger to prove 2023 wasn't a fluke and newcomer Shota Imanaga to replace Stroman in the rotation. The team's success could also depend on top prospects Pete Crow-Armstrong and Cade Horton graduating to the majors.15. San Diego Padres Gene Wang / Getty Images Sport / Getty PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 82-80 83-79 +140 Trading Juan Soto was a tough pill to swallow, but the roster might be more balanced because of it. And a lineup consisting of Xander Bogaerts, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Manny Machado still looks capable of making the postseason. Acquiring Dylan Cease is also a huge addition after losing Blake Snell, Seth Lugo, and Michael Wacha this offseason.16. Boston Red Sox PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 78-84 80-82 +300 A completely underwhelming winter has the Red Sox entering the season in a weird spot. The offense could actually be very good, with the lineup featuring several young and athletic players and Trevor Story looking healthy for the first time in years. Still, if Boston hopes to escape the AL East basement, it'll need its young arms to take the next step under new pitching coach Andrew Bailey, something they couldn't do last season.17. Cincinnati Reds PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 79-83 79-83 +150 Jonathan India believes the Reds will win the NL Central this campaign. While Cincinnati has the high-end talent to win the division, is the core experienced and consistent enough to take the crown for the first time since 2012? Adding veterans like Jeimer Candelario and Frankie Montas helps, but Matt McLain and TJ Friedl have early injury concerns.18. New York Mets PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 84-78 81-81 +200 The Mets took a different approach to the offseason than last year, focusing on depth instead of inking star-studded deals. A core of Pete Alonso, Francisco Lindor, and Brandon Nimmo have quite a test in front of them. However, shutdown closer Edwin D az's return should erase any uncertainties in the late innings.19. Milwaukee Brewers PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 79-83 80-82 +340 Milwaukee made moves for 2024 and beyond this winter, trading away Corbin Burnes for Joey Ortiz and DL Hall - both of whom will start the season on the MLB roster - and signing Rhys Hoskins, Gary S nchez, and Jakob Junis to short-term deals. All eyes will be on Jackson Chourio, though. The 20-year-old inked a $82-million deal in December despite never playing higher than Triple-A.20. St. Louis Cardinals Megan Briggs / Getty Images Sport / Getty PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 84-78 83-79 -110 The Cardinals aren't used to being doubted. St. Louis finished under .500 last season for the first time since 2007, missing the postseason for only the fourth time in the previous 13 years. The club's lineup looks strong, but a revamped rotation featuring Lance Lynn, Kyle Gibson, and Sonny Gray, who's already hurt, has an average age of almost 35.21. Detroit Tigers PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 75-87 79-83 +165 Detroit enters the campaign without Miguel Cabrera for the first time since 2008. Youngsters Spencer Torkelson, Riley Greene, and Kerry Carpenter are the offense's focal point, with veteran help sprinkled in. A full season of Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize could go a long way for a Tigers rotation featuring veteran newcomers Maeda and Jack Flaherty.22. Cleveland Guardians PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 83-79 80-82 +220 Cleveland did little to supplement a lineup that hit the fewest home runs in the majors last season - 27 fewer than the next worst team. The Guardians' strength remains in their pitching staff, which will benefit from a healthy Shane Bieber and Triston McKenzie to start the year. Those two combined for just 25 starts in 2023.23. Los Angeles Angels PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 74-88 78-84 +800 Mike Trout publicly begged the front office and ownership for meaningful roster additions all offseason after seeing Ohtani leave for nothing. The Angels didn't replace the two-way superstar in the lineup or rotation. Instead, Aaron Hicks and Robert Stephenson were the club's biggest moves, which speaks volumes about where Los Angeles is at.24. Pittsburgh Pirates PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 71-91 77-85 +550 This version of the Pirates is the closest it has looked to a playoff contender since Ben Cherington took over as GM in 2019. Oneil Cruz, Henry Davis, and Jack Suwinski are promising young players who should accompany Bryan Reynolds well on offense. The rotation looks better behind ace Mitch Keller, and the bullpen should be tough in the late innings with David Bednar and Aroldis Chapman.25. Miami Marlins PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 80-82 80-82 +260 Miami reached the postseason last year despite a minus-57 run differential. The offense again appears underwhelming, and it'll be more difficult to keep runs off the board with Sandy Alcantara, Edward Cabrera, Braxton Garrett, and Eury P rez sidelined to start the campaign. Those four combined to throw over 500 innings in 2023.26. Kansas City Royals Bob Levey / Getty Images Sport / Getty PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 71-91 76-86 +475 After a strong offseason, the Royals could make some noise in a weak division. They improved the pitching staff by adding Michael Wacha, Seth Lugo, Will Smith, and John Schreiber. Kansas City also looks like it finally has an ace in Cole Ragans. Budding superstar Bobby Witt Jr. leads an underrated lineup that may surprise.27. Washington Nationals PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 58-104 66-96 +1800 The Nationals punched above their weight last season, winning 71 games despite playing in a tough division. Adding Joey Gallo, Eddie Rosario, and Jesse Winker could incrementally increase the team's victories. But Washington will need CJ Abrams, Lane Thomas, Josiah Gray, and MacKenzie Gore to continue upward trajectories if it stands any chance of making a significant jump in the standings.28. Chicago White Sox PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 67-95 67-95 +2200 The White Sox are entering another rebuild. New general manager Chris Getz completely remade the roster by trading away several veterans while letting others depart in free agency. Chicago carved up a lot of playing time for younger players, and the club will see what it has in Garrett Crochet and Michael Soroka in the rotation. It'll be interesting to see if Luis Robert Jr. and Eloy Jim nez stick around through the campaign.29. Oakland Athletics PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 65-97 72-90 +2800 The Athletics' rebuild continues after averaging 107 losses per season over the last two years. Yet, there's some hope youngsters like Zack Gelof, JJ Bleday, and Shea Langeliers can become reliable impact players. The rotation looks better with veterans Alex Wood and Ross Stripling leading the way.30. Colorado Rockies PECOTA Projection FanGraphs Projection Playoff Odds 57-105 63-99 +2500 Aside from adding Cal Quantrill and Dakota Hudson to the rotation, the Rockies' extension of shortstop Ezequiel Tovar was their biggest offseason business. Even if Kris Bryant remains healthy, Colorado looks destined for its third straight last-place finish because the rest of the division is that much better.Copyright © 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Source: The Score
Wednesday, Mar 27, 2024

The ScoreMets, J.D. Martinez agree to 1-year deal reportedly worth $12M

The New York Mets agreed to a one-year contract with designated hitter J.D. Martinez, the club announced Saturday.Martinez will earn $12 million in 2024, reports the New York Post's Jon Heyman.The deal, which is still pending a physical, pays Martinez $4.5 million this season and $1.5 million in deferred money per year from 2034 to 2038, a source told SNY's Andy Martino. The pact's structure reduces the Mets' luxury tax for the upcoming campaign. Once the deferrals are factored, the Mets' luxury tax hit on the Martinez contract is about $9 million, according to sources. Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) March 22, 2024 Martinez will begin the season in the minors because he doesn't have enough time to get ready for Opening Day on March 28, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.The veteran slugger gives New York another run producer in the heart of its lineup, joining Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor. The Mets finished 19th in RBIs and 20th in runs scored last season.Mets' projected 2024 lineup ORDER POSITION PLAYER HITS 1 LF Brandon Nimmo L 2 SS Francisco Lindor S 3 1B Pete Alonso R 4 DH J.D. Martinez R 5 RF Starling Marte R 6 2B Jeff McNeil L 7 C Francisco Alvarez R 8 3B Brett Baty L 9 CF Harrison Bader R Martinez made his sixth career All-Star Game appearance in 2023, posting a .271/.321/.572 slash line with 33 home runs and 103 RBIs in 113 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The veteran's .893 OPS last season was his highest since 2019 and ranked eighth among NL hitters with at least 450 plate appearances, according to FanGraphs.Despite his 2023 production, the 36-year-old struggled to find a multi-year deal. Martinez reportedly turned down a one-year, $14-million offer from the San Francisco Giants because he sought at least a two-year pact. He also apparently rejected an offer from the Los Angeles Angels.The Mets have stayed busy this winter under new president of baseball operations David Stearns, who has focused on acquiring depth while avoiding lucrative long-term agreements. New York's two-year, $28-million contract with pitcher Sean Manaea is its highest expenditure this offseason.The club is looking to improve after finishing fourth in the NL East with a 75-87 record last season despite entering the campaign with the league's highest payroll.Copyright © 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Source: The Score
Saturday, Mar 23, 2024


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