As Spring Training continues to draw closer, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day today:
1. Cutch’s homecoming today
After spending the last half decade with the Giants, Yankees, Phillies and Brewers, longtime Pirate Andrew McCutchen is set to officially return to Pittsburgh today. McCutchen’s one-year, $5MM deal with the Pirates was reported last week, but the Pirates confirmed yesterday evening that the deal would be made official sometime today. It’s a heartwarming occasion for both the 36-year-old McCutchen and Pirates fans. McCutchen is an all-time franchise great, with his 40 bWAR accumulated with the franchise ranking top 10 in franchise history. Over his nine previous years in Pittsburgh, McCutchen was a five time All-Star, four time Silver Slugger, one time Gold Glove winner, and finished among the top five in MVP voting in four consecutive years, including an MVP win in 2013.
2. Guards Fest tomorrow
Tomorrow, the Cleveland Guardians will host Guards Fest 2023 at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland. It’ll be the ninth instance of Cleveland’s offseason fan fest event and the first time it’s been held in three years — as well as the first time it’s been held since the organization’s rebranding. Several current players (Steven Kwan, Amed Rosario, Triston McKenzie, Andres Gimenez among them) will be in attendance, as will a handful of prospects (including touted names like George Valera and Brayan Rocchio) and newcomer Josh Bell, who inked a two-year, $33MM deal earlier in the offseason. Among the more unique elements of this year’s event, Gimenez will team with local artist Jonathan Hrusovsky to host a cleat design competition, where fans can submit a sketch for a custom pair of cleats for Gimenez to wear during spring training. As we’ve seen with the Cubs, Brewers and other clubs in recent weeks, annual events like this are making a resurgence and providing fans with more to look forward to in the offseason.
3. Leiter Jr., Reynolds face outright decisions
Right-hander Mark Leiter Jr. and utilityman Matt Reynolds cleared waivers and were assigned outright to Triple-A yesterday by the Cubs and Reds, respectively. Leiter Jr. was designated for assignment last week to make room for Eric Hosmer on Chicago’s 40-man roster, while Reynolds was DFA’d to make room for Luke Weaver on Cincinnati’s 40-man. Both players have the right to reject an outright assignment and test free agency, though given they went unclaimed on waivers, they’ll likely have to compete for roster spots this spring whether they stay with their current organization or elect to explore the free agent market. Leiter Jr. had some success in 2022, pitching 67 2/3 innings of 3.99 ERA baseball, while Reynolds scuffled to a .246/.320/.332 (81 wRC+) line in 92 games 272 PA last season, though he showcased rare versatility by logging innings at each spot on the diamond except for catcher.
TGIF!!! wheres the beer?
Just bought a case of Montucky Cold Snacks. Anyone have a review of these puppies??
You’ll have to let me know how it is. They advertise like crazy on our local sports radio station.
I dont have these in my area.
Bang a gong.
Smoke a bong.
Get along
Who’s getting DFAed after the signing of Cutch? The article doesn’t mention it
Cutch is a feel good story for a franchise that desperately needs one. Don’t know that it will make a great deal of difference where being competitive is concerned but at least one can say they are finally trying
Feel good, yes. Enjoy it while you can, as their fans desperately need something to get excited about. Just take it in quick and keep open expectations because he didn’t have much left last year. But the Pirates do a nice job of wearing that chip on their shoulders and play the underdog role well. They’re generally scrappy and play hard with what they’ve got. Can’t wait to watch a game in that stadium. Beautiful city to travel through, kinda looks like pics of a Mediterranean city with houses built into the sides of hills, just never got the chance to go through during the season…
Near 800 ops when used right. Plenty left in tank.
No one could have predicted the 2002 A’s, a team that lost 3 key players in free agency and became a team splintered with no names and proverbial signings from the dumpster, with the lowest payroll in baseball to win 20 consecutive games, MLB record and subsequently win 102 games for the 2002 season
Point being, suggesting any team won’t be competitive isn’t always true
Rangers Fanfest is next Saturday the 28th.
Reds fest happened in December. I hear it was a battle of fun.
Yes, that was sarcasm.
Wondering if the GuardsFest allows any real time streaming, for those who won’t be there. Would enjoy seeing some of the events and interactions. Also would like to hear someone ask Triston who he resembles more, Satchel Paige or Oil Can Boyd.
I was mildy surpsied to not see Alvaro Espinoza at this. Almost every Cleveland get together usually brings out Big Al.
@spiders old Oil Can pitched for the Rangers too!
I have a feeling that Mookie Betts will turn into Andrew McCutchen and that contract will be pretty ugly in his mid-30s. Am I wrong?
I had that feeling for a long time. Not a good contract. Boston made the smart move.
@Gary The Dodgers have him for 9 more years so they we’ll see. I don’t assume you’re making a comparison of Betts to Cutch, but their numbers are fairly similar through age 30. Betts now age 30 has been fairly consistent the last 4 years, hitting at about his career average. Last year he hit 35 HRs, his career high for a season. Remarkable for a 5 ft 9 inch dude. Whereas Mc was starting to decline a bit by age 29. Hard to know if Betts will follow a similar path of mediocrity in his 30s, but I doubt he declines as quickly as Cutch did.
Brew you are probably right. Betts is a little bit better player than McCutchen but I guess I’m going by their size and frame and matching extraordinary ability on the baseball field.
McCutch was on a sure fire HOF path, think he still gets any votes?
Not with under 300 hrs
He should get 300 this year along with 2000 hits. Should make this season a bit more interesting.
Based on his personality and public outreach (on top of several great years), yes he gets some votes.
I don’t think he makes it in unless he plays like he did 2 years ago (2.1 oWAR) for another 4 years. Then longevity will be added as a factor.
Votes sure. Not trending to get in but they don’t always get things right.
Yes, and I don’t think it would be crazy to see him get 5% (though if he retires after this season some strong incoming names could make that harder).
Cutch’s presence will increase attendance and fire up the crowd every time he’s introduced.
This happened when the Brewers and Phillies came to town when he played for them
While his production has faltered in recent years, he’ll be a strong leader to the youngsters that will be playing next to him.
I wish he would but the hall of fame is getting watered down
prob. from being on fire.
It’s funny people treat the baseball HOF as this sacred place, but they can vote Mickey Mouse into Canton and nobody would say a word.
I’m guessing Mark Leiter Jr. is a pretty bright guy since he went to NJIT. I imagine he might make a really good coach or front office guy. But I hope he gets to pitch some more before calling it a career. Best of luck to him.
He will be back in Chicago before it’s warm outside if he decides to stay. AAAA pitchers all end up in the bigs during the season due to injuries.