Sponsored

The following is a paid advertisement from Rapsodo. Rapsodo is the leading provider of baseball analytics technology, offering simulators that combines high-speed cameras and radar to capture and analyze athlete performance metrics. From pitch velocity and spin rate to launch angle and exit velocity, Rapsodo’s products provide comprehensive data to help pitchers refine their mechanics, hitters improve their swings, and coaches make data-driven decisions to enhance team performance.

The 2024 MLB Draft has officially wrapped up. It featured an exciting first round live from Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, which included Travis Bazzana going first overall. MLB clubs then flew through 19 more rounds, picking the future faces of their franchise.

This year’s draft was showcased by future stars of the game from seniors in college and those grinding at the JUCO level to Rapsodo’s NIL athletes and stars from high school. It’s a reminder of the impact technology like Rapsodo is having on the next generation of baseball.

Rapsodo NIL Athletes Get Drafted in the First Round

This year, 90% of first-round picks have one thing in common: Rapsodo. Our industry-leading player development tools have been pivotal in helping these athletes fine-tune their skills.

By providing unparalleled insights into their pitching and hitting mechanics, Rapsodo has helped these players climb to the top of draft boards. The result? A first round packed with athletes poised to make an impact in the majors.

Chase Burns – RHP (1st Round, 2nd Pick)

Burns was the first of Rapsodo’s NIL athletes to be drafted in the 2024 MLB Draft and it didn’t take long. The Wake Forest pitcher was picked up by the Cincinnati Reds with the second overall pick of the draft.

Chase was originally projected as the sixth best prospect by MLB Pipeline, so the jump to No. 2 was a pleasant surprise. The 6’4” right-handed pitcher led all of D1 Baseball with 191 strikeouts, 30 K’s more than the next closest pitcher.

With his signature fastball that tops out at 101 MPH and a spin rate of 2,700 RPMs, he also mixes in a slider, curveball, and circle changeup into his pitch arsenal.

Jac Caglianone – TWP (1st Round, 6th Pick)

Drawing comparisons to Shohei Ohtani as the next great two-way player, Jac Caglianone was the sixth overall pick of the draft, getting picked by the Kansas City Royals.

The LHP/1B combo can touch 100 MPH on the mound and 115+ MPH off the bat. He hit 68 home runs over his last two seasons at Florida which included a stretch of hitting a home run in nine straight games, tying an NCAA record.

As a pitcher the lefty struck out 170 through 34 appearances (148 1/3 innings) across his three years in Gainesville.

The Royals will allow him to start his MLB career as a two-way player.

Vance Honeycutt – OF (1st Round, 22nd Pick)

Honeycutt is a five-tool player out of North Carolina and was taken by the Baltimore Orioles with their first round selection.

As one of the best defensive outfielders in this year’s draft, the former Tar Heel helped lead his team to the College World Series, including a walk-off hit in the opening game against Virginia.

Vance finished his career in Chapel Hill with 65 HRs and 76 stolen bases. Honeycutt slashed .318/.410/.714 this season with 28 HRs and 28 stolen bases, ranking 1st and 3rd in the ACC.

Blake Burke – 1B (CB-A, 34th Pick)

The biggest jump made by a Rapsodo athlete in the MLB Draft was Blake Burke. The first baseman, originally projected 66th by MLB, was taken with the 34th overall pick by the Milwaukee Brewers.

The power hitter was part of the College World Series champions Tennessee Volunteers, hitting 50 home runs in his time at Knoxville, which ranks second all-time.

Burke made a huge contribution to the Volunteers championship season, especially on the offensive side of the ball. He batted .379 with 108 hits, 20 home runs and 61 RBIs – all of which were career bests.

Brody Brecht – RHP (CB-A, 36th Pick)

As a two-sport athlete playing for Iowa baseball and football, Brecht decided to focus on baseball this season. The decision paid off for the Ankeny native, as he was picked by the Colorado Rockies.

His pitch arsenal consists of a four-seam fastball that reached 104 MPH this year. He also has a sweeper and a slider that is potentially his best pitch, getting up to 91 MPH.

Get Drafted with Rapsodo

At Rapsodo, our mission is to give athletes everywhere the tools they need to play like never before. By delivering precise, real-time data, we enable players and coaches to make informed decisions that lead to significant improvements. The 2024 MLB Draft is a testament to the power of our technology.

For pitchers and hitters alike, Rapsodo’s advanced analytics provide the data, data visualization, video replay and more to help develop players, create a more competitive environment, and advance recruiting / getting the next level.

Join the ranks of the next generation of baseball and get drafted with Rapsodo.

If you’re interested in learning about our new PRO 2.0 product and taking your game to the next level, email playerdevelopment@rapsodo.com and let our team of experts walk you through our products.

This is a sponsored post from BetterHelp.  As a BetterHelp affiliate, MLB Trade Rumors receives compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided.

As society’s knowledge of mental health grows, more treatment opportunities are available to a more significant number of people living with mental health challenges. One such option is online therapy, which allows individuals to receive mental health support from a device with an internet connection from any location.

What Is BetterHelp?

BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that works with a database of over 30,000 counselors, therapists, social workers, and psychologists from all 50 US states and some countries worldwide. This platform aims to break down barriers that often keep people from seeking help, such as financial burdens, a rural location with limited options for therapy, or a lack of accessibility in one’s area.

Understanding BetterHelp

BetterHelp may work differently than meeting with a traditional therapist. Below are some ways individuals can use online therapy via this service.

Signing Up

Signing up for BetterHelp often takes a few minutes. The initial sign-up process is a questionnaire which asks prospective clients about the following:

• Reasons for seeking therapy and goals
• The individual’s diagnosis or mental health challenge
• Therapist gender preferences
• Whether they’d like to meet with an LGBTQ+, Black, or Asian therapist
• Preferences for individual, couples, or teen therapy
• Gender, age, sexuality (optional), pronouns, and relationship status
• Spiritual identity
• Past experience in therapy
• Intimacy challenges
• Substance use habits

After filling out the questionnaire, which may take around five to ten minutes, prospective clients will be directed to fill out their name, email, and password. Then, they will be sent to the payment page, where they can choose a plan. After the payment has been processed, it often takes around 48 hours for a therapist to be matched with them.

Payment

BetterHelp plans are charged monthly for four weeks of therapy. The overall monthly cost covers four sessions with the therapist (one per week) and access to all of BetterHelp’s other resources, such as support groups and classes. Cost ranges from $65 to $100 per week, which can be more affordable than traditional therapy.

The match process

Therapists are matched with clients based on the client’s responses to the questionnaire upon signing up. The only limitation is that a therapist must be licensed to practice in the state the client lives in to be able to work with them. Clients can change providers at any time for any reason.

Using the platform

Individuals can log in through the app or website to use the BetterHelp platform. There, they can find their messages with their therapist, a journaling feature, options to schedule appointments, and extra resources. Through the settings section, clients can check their billing information, change their therapist, and edit their profile. Weekly sessions with a therapist can be held via phone, video, or live chat, all through the app or website.

Extra resources

BetterHelp offers resources that might not be offered by in-person providers, such as the following:

• Weekly support groups
• Online classes by mental health experts
• Goal tracking options
• Journaling and journal prompts
• Worksheets

All features are included in the platform’s weekly price, so clients can access them without paying extra.

BetterHelp’s outreach

BetterHelp works with the broader community to offer support to non-profit organizations and individuals in need. They have given over 65 million dollars in discounts and financial aid to cover therapy for low-income individuals and donated over 95,000 months of free therapy to communities in need. BetterHelp partners with over 100 non-profit organizations.

Who might benefit from an online therapy platform?

Online therapy is often more flexible and convenient than in-person options. This option might benefit people with a busy schedule, such as parents, full-time workers, and athletes, who may not have the time to commute to an extra appointment. Many of the most evidence-based modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), are available online.

Is online therapy effective?

Since 2021, four out of ten US adults have used this option. One study reported that over 71% of participants believed it was more effective than face-to-face therapy. Another study found that online therapy often led to increased quality of life for clients with anxiety and depression and was more affordable.

Takeaway

By seeking support online, financial, locational, and accessibility barriers can be removed, allowing more people to receive the support they seek. To get started, consider working with a platform like BetterHelp.

Iconic Baseball Brand Releases Limited-Edition Gloves Highlighting Legendary Rock Band

Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc., is the official game ball, glove, helmet, face guard and base of Major League Baseball® and the creator of the renowned Rawlings Gold GloveAward®.

In a highly anticipated collaboration with the Grateful Dead, Rawlings has announced the creation of three limited-edition glove models bearing the widely-recognized logos and designs associated with the generation-spanning musical group.

The gloves dropped exclusively on Rawlings.com at 11am EST on June 6th and are also available at the “Rawlings Experience,” the brand’s flagship location in St. Louis, MO.

“Our partnership with the Grateful Dead appealed to us given we both have a long history of innovation which we’ve tapped into to attract new fans over the course of several decades,” said Eric Reinsfelder, vice-president of brand and sports marketing for Rawlings.

“Our new glove collection with the Grateful Dead is the perfect blend of pioneering design mixed with nostalgic elements of two iconic American brands.”

Fans can select from three models: either the “Skull and Roses,” “Dancing Bears,” or “Steal Your Face” logos made popular through the years by the Grateful Dead’s loyal fans, also fondly referred to as “Dead Heads.”

Click here for more info!

These REV1X™ series gloves are marked by a synthetic back infused with unique technology that yields a sturdy, 3D shape with a Heart of the Hide® leather palm for added durability and quality. Additionally, each glove is constructed with an optimized lattice structure that provides variable stiffness in the pinky and thumb area significantly reducing weight. A lace-less web design combined with an adaptive fit system ensures ultimate fielding ability and a custom, tailored fit. Further, each glove within the collection is individually numbered.

The gloves retail for $449.95 with 120 of each of the three models available for purchase on Rawlings.com.

About Rawlings
Established in 1887, Rawlings is an innovative leading global brand and manufacturer of premium baseball and softball equipment, including gloves, balls, and protective headwear. Rawlings’ unparalleled quality, innovative engineering and expert craftsmanship are the fundamental reasons why more professional athletes, national governing bodies and sports leagues choose Rawlings. Rawlings is the official baseball, glove, helmet, face guard and base of Major League Baseball®, the official baseball of Minor League Baseball® and the official baseball and softball of the NCAA® and the NAIA®.

Rawlings acquired Easton Diamond Sports®, the official equipment supplier of Little League® Baseball and Softball, Team USA Softball®, and USSSA® Softball, in 2020. The company is headquartered in St. Louis. For more information, please visit www.Rawlings.com.

About the Grateful Dead
The Grateful Dead is a social and musical phenomenon that grew into a genuine American treasure. In 1965, an entire generation was linked together by common ideals, gathering by the hundreds and thousands. This movement created a seamless connection between the band and its fans. As the band toured, Dead Heads would follow. Not because it was a part of popular culture but because it is a true counterculture that exists to this very day – one that earnestly believes in the value of its beliefs.

By 1995, the Grateful Dead had attracted the most concertgoers in the history of the music business, and today remains one of the all-time leaders in concert ticket sales. Eventually, the caravan evolved into a community with various artists, craftsmen and entrepreneurs supplying a growing demand for merchandise that connected them to the music. Today, the connection is as strong as ever. The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and received a GRAMMY® Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. Their final tally of 2,318 total concerts remains a world record. The Grateful Dead recently celebrated their 60th Top 40 album on the Billboard chart, a feat no other group has achieved.

The following is a paid advertisement from Rapsodo. Rapsodo is the leading provider of baseball analytics technology, offering simulators that combine high-speed cameras and radar to capture and analyze athlete performance metrics. From pitch velocity and spin rate to launch angle and exit velocity, Rapsodo’s products provide comprehensive data to help pitchers refine their mechanics, hitters improve their swings, and coaches make data-driven decisions to enhance team performance.

Rapsodo Introduces Newest Product: PRO 2.0

Rapsodo is on a mission to provide athletes everywhere the tools they need to play like never before. From Shohei Ohtani and the best prospects in this year’s MLB Draft to athletes playing at the youth level, Rapsodo continues to push the boundaries of player development.

The industry leaders in baseball technology have announced their newest product: PRO 2.0. PRO 2.0 Ball Flight Monitor is a versatile, user-friendly solution that empowers coaches to see the game differently, unlock player potential, and lead their programs to new heights.

With 2 cameras and radar to track full-ball flight, coaches and athletes have the power to track pitching metrics, hitting metrics, or both. Meticulously designed to help coaches benchmark, track, and transform how players perform, PRO 2.0 is equipped with everything you need to round out your entire coaching arsenal.

The newest product in Rapsodo’s lineup combines their older HITTING 2.0 and PITCHING 2.0 units into one, while allowing teams to only pay for what they need.

Player Development

Train your whole squad with a single device and seamlessly switch between Pitching and Hitting modes without missing a beat.

PRO 2.0 lets you analyze pitch dynamics and perfect swings all in the same training session. Take your players from Hitting Mode to Pitching Mode to Beast Mode.

The real-time insights from PRO 2.0 helps you break down each player’s hitting or pitching performance to see what’s working, where to improve, and how to transform their game.

Whether it’s tweaking a grip or fine-tuning a stance, PRO 2.0’s instant video replay provides immediate and accurate feedback on every pitch or hit.

The versatile views for basic or advanced data lets coaches choose the metrics that matter most. Dive deep into the data with over 17 hitting and pitching metrics or keep things simple by picking only the data points most important to you.

Pitching Metrics	Hitting Metrics
Velocity	Exit Velocity
Total Spin	Launch Angle
True Spin Rate	Distance
Spin Direction	Exit Direction
Gyro Degree	Total Spin
Spin Efficiency	Spin Direction
Horizontal & Vertical Break	Inbound Pitch
Release Extension	Hit Outcomes
Release Height	Batting Average

Competitive Play

PRO 2.0 takes competitive play to a new level, turning every practice into a highlight reel. For the most ambitious players, it’s not about measuring up against others; it’s about beating yesterday’s benchmarks.

With PRO 2.0, everyone can see progress made in real time-from coaches to teammates and potential scouts. When every moment is a chance for players to prove themselves, PRO 2.0 ensures not a single pitch or swing goes unnoticed.

Taking the competition one step farther, PRO 2.0 brings the field to your cage with enhanced 3D simulation that lets you analyze spray charts and pitch tunnel visuals with unparalleled accuracy.

See a player’s pitch from the eyes of the hitter or watch the ball fly off the bat and over the fences. With PRO 2.0, the game is always in session, wherever you are.

Recruitment

Data is the new currency. Now, more than ever, players can get noticed by coaches without having to attend showcases or spend money traveling around the country.

Get the robust data you need to propel every player forward and turn their hard work into tangible opportunities. PRO 2.0’s auto-generated single or multi-session reports provide the detailed data dashboards you need for immediate review or in-depth analysis later. Plus, it’s quick and easy to share with players, parents, and future scouts.

Track an athlete’s journey to greatness with PRO 2.0’s Lifetime Stats Database. Every pitch, every swing, and every milestone is captured and uploaded to the Rapsodo Cloud, providing coaches, players, and parents with immediate access to a comprehensive performance history-from session to session, season to season-with improvements made over time.

The path to the Pro has never been more clear.

Some additional features of PRO 2.0 include:

• Reinforced cage to protect against high speed impact
• Bolt down capability for anti-movement
• Enhanced wi-fi and ethernet options for seamless connectivity
• 2 cameras + radar for full-ball flight tracking
• Rugged, weather-resistant shell for use indoor or outdoors
• Quick start QR code for easy setup
• Faster processing and 6+ hour battery life

Existing Rapsodo HITTING & PITCHING 2.0 users can upgrade their existing unit(s) for a credit towards the purchase of a new PRO 2.0.

Rapsodo also offers preferred pricing for MLB players and agencies who represent pro athletes. If you fall in this category, reach out to dillon.saffle@rapsodo.com to learn more. Rapsodo also offers discounts for high school programs.

Greatness awaits. Your players are ready to take their game to the next level. Are you?

Shop now for PRO 2.0 or contact playerdevelopment@rapsodo.com to learn more about adding PRO 2.0 to your player development program.

The following is a sponsored post from Dugout Mugs.

Baseball dads are the unsung heroes of the ballpark, and deserve more than just a pat on the back for their unwavering support. They’re the real MVPs, juggling schedules, cheering from the stands, being a human snack dispenser, and playing catch until the mosquitos come out. So, when it comes to gifts, let’s ditch the clichés (ties, gift cards, and stretched out polos) and step up to the plate with something truly unique.

Enter Dugout Mugs. Now, I know what you’re thinking. “A mug? Really?” But picture this: a hollowed-out baseball bat barrel, transformed into a one-of-a-kind drinking vessel. YES, we’re serious…it’s the perfect blend of form and function, just like that one kid on the team who’s surprisingly good at bunting.

But wait, there’s more! The Dugout Mug isn’t just a drinking apparatus; it’s a conversation starter. With customizable options galore, you can slap on a team logo (MLB, travel ball, etc) a custom message, or even a picture. This is DEFINITELY a home run in the nostalgia department!

“Shut up and take my money,” right? Not just yet. We haven’t even told you about the rest of their roster. We’re talking bottle openers made from baseballs and bat handles, wine glasses that are more bat than glass, shot glasses made from bat knobs, whiskey mugs, and more.

But perhaps the best part of all is the sense of community that comes with each Dugout Mug. Don’t believe us? Just ask any of of their 3 million (plus) followers online, or read some of their 50,000+ 5-star reviews they have online (yes, seriously).

So, there you have it, folks. The guys over at Dugout Mugs have your back this Father’s Day, so give them the nod and have them come out of the bullpen to close the deal!

The following is a paid advertisement from Rapsodo. Rapsodo is the leading provider of baseball analytics technology, offering simulators that combine high-speed cameras and radar to capture and analyze athlete performance metrics. From pitch velocity and spin rate to launch angle and exit velocity, Rapsodo’s products provide comprehensive data to help pitchers refine their mechanics, hitters improve their swings, and coaches make data-driven decisions to enhance team performance.

In a move poised to reshape the landscape of baseball technology, Rapsodo has officially announced a groundbreaking partnership with baseball’s best two-way player, none other than Shohei Ohtani.

This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in the convergence of sports and technology, revolutionizing player development and performance analytics across all of baseball, from youth to MLB.

Since bringing his talents to MLB, Ohtani has been an advocate for Rapsodo, using the technology to help him develop both on the mound and at the plate.

“I had been using Rapsodo for a few seasons and thought it was such a great tool; I only wished I had started using it earlier,” said the three-time MLB all-star.

At the heart of this partnership lies Rapsodo’s state-of-the-art pitching and hitting ball flight monitors, PRO 2.0 and PRO 3.0, which provide players with valuable insights into their performance metrics.

Rapsodo’s baseball flight monitors deliver real-time data on hitting and pitching metrics like pitch velocity, spin rate, trajectory, distance, exit velocity and more, empowering players to optimize mechanics and take their game to new heights.

Despite being an incredibly gifted player, Ohtani uses advanced data and technology to refine his skills, validate his intuition, and further adjust both his hitting and pitching mechanics.

In an interview with Rapsodo back in February, Shohei talked about how and why he utilizes their industry-leading player development tools:

“Mainly to quantify my growth as a player daily. For example, I check to see if I’m making the correct hit on my swing, making sure I have an efficient pitch, and help me design a pitch that’s difficult to hit. Having the ability to see the data and confirm it connects to my growth as a player.”

In the midst of his rehab from Tommy John surgery, the two-time American League MVP has relied on PRO 3.0 to assist in recovery, consistently tracking performance and ensuring a confident return to the mound without causing further injury.

“Since my pitching rehab started, I check to see if my pitching data matches the intention that I am throwing. I think being able to check the data helps smooth out my rehab process.

While the two-way player rehabs on the pithing side, he has stepped into the role as designated hitter for the Los Angeles Dodgers this season. Based on recent comments by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, it doesn’t seem like he’ll be pitching anytime this year.

“We’ll see how that progression goes,” Roberts said. “If his arm is healthy enough, we’ll have that conversation in the field. I do know he’s not gonna pitch this year. But right now, our only focus is him being a designated hitter.”

Ohtani has an MLB-leading 36 hits in 115 plate appearances so far as the Dodgers’ DH, good for an MLB-best .364 batting average. So far in the early going, he has six home runs, 14 RBI, and 20 runs scored.

Ohtani embodies the spirit of what Rapsodo stands for. He dares to defy tradition, proving you’re never too young to follow your dreams and play the game on your own terms. He shows the world the power that data and technology has on the game, and with it, anyone can be a record-breaking, two-way force at ANY level of baseball.

“I wish these tools were available to me earlier. I think if I had something like this during my Little League years, how much better could I have been now?” the superstar said.

“When I look at the youth level players and see the tools available, I feel quite envious that they can use them.” He added, “I think they should use these tools for growth and the earlier you start using them, I believe the faster your growth will be.”

Throughout the partnership, Rapsodo will roll out content they captured with Ohtani from their production shoot. Fans can see all of this on Rapsodo’s Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, YouTube, and LinkedIn channels.

Every athlete has a story, even the best in the game. Rapsodo is on a mission to tell those stories while providing athletes everywhere the tools they need to play like never before and #PlayWithoutLimits.

If you’re interested in learning more about Rapsodo and their products, click here to visit their website.

ThriveFantasy is giving MLBTR fans the chance to win a share of $1,000!

With ThriveFantasy, you can eliminate the countless hours of research and focus on only the top-tier athletes that have the biggest impact on the game. All you have to do is choose 10 out of the 20 available player props to build your lineup.

Sign up today for a FREE entry into their $1,000 MLB Opening Day contest.

How to Claim:
1. Click this link or enter code MLBTR when signing up
2. Pick Your Props
3. Win your share of the Prize Pool!

This is a sponsored post from ThriveFantasy.