As the preseason of baseball begins, there are three key aspects that we will be closely monitoring in the baseball world today:
1. Will Hendriks sign?
Recent reports suggest that Liam Hendriks, a highly regarded closer and All-Star, has set a deadline for today to make a decision on his free agency. Hendriks has received multiple offers and if he does not sign with a team today, he may continue his rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery independently until he finds a suitable deal later in the summer. Over the past five years, Hendriks has been one of the most dominant relievers in the sport, boasting an impressive 2.32 ERA and 2.19 FIP in 231 appearances since 2019. He has accumulated 115 saves and has struck out an outstanding 38.3% of batters faced.
After successfully battling cancer, Hendriks made a comeback in May of last year but was sidelined with elbow inflammation after just five appearances. Despite hoping for a quick return, he did not pitch again in 2023 and underwent Tommy John surgery in August. As a result, the Chicago team declined his club option. Given his recent success, Hendriks is a potential target for all 30 clubs, although it remains uncertain which teams are willing to meet his asking price during this unique free agency period.
2. Day 2 of pitchers and catchers reporting:
While the majority of pitchers and catchers have already reported to Spring Training, the remaining ten clubs have scheduled their reporting dates for today. This group includes the 104-win Braves and the 101-win Orioles, both of whom hope to have more successful postseason runs after their previous seasons were cut short by the Phillies and Rangers, respectively. Additionally, the Brewers, who are missing key pitchers Corbin Burnes and Brandon Woodruff, will also begin their spring activities today. The Yankees, coming off a disappointing 82-80 season, have added Juan Soto and Marcus Stroman to their roster.
3. A’s meeting with local officials in Oakland:
Earlier this week, it was announced that the Oakland Athletics (A’s) would be meeting with city and county officials in Oakland today to discuss the possibility of extending the team’s lease at the Coliseum for the 2025-2027 seasons. This extension would provide a temporary solution while the A’s new ballpark in Las Vegas is being constructed. In recent months, the A’s have been searching for an interim home, considering locations such as Sacramento, Salt Lake City, and even sharing Oracle Park with the San Francisco Giants.
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao has previously stated that the A’s would not be granted an extended lease without significant concessions, including potentially changing the team name when they relocate to Nevada. However, the A’s stand to benefit financially from either negotiating an extended lease in Oakland or sharing Oracle Park with the Giants, as their TV deal is contingent on the team playing in the Bay Area. Today’s meetings may shed light on the options available to the A’s as they search for a temporary home with just over a year until Opening Day 2025.
According to the Source mlbtraderumors.com