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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/jesus-luzardo-trade-grades-phillies-marlins');   ga('set', 'title', 'Jesus Luzardo trade grades for Phillies, Marlins');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Jesus-Luzardo-trade-grades-for-Phillies-Marlins.jpg"></figure><h1>Jesus Luzardo trade grades for Phillies, Marlins</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-22T12:22:13-08:00">December 22nd, 12:22pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-22T12:22:13-08:00">December 22nd, 12:22pm</time><address><a>Dan Fappiano</a>Dan Fappiano is a Connecticut based sports journalist and a graduate of both Tunxis Community College and Central Connecticut State University. Dan has spent time covering high school and professional sports in both the print and online medium. He hopes to see his beloved Chicago Bears win a Super Bowl someday.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Miami Marlins</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Philadelphia Phillies and Miami Marlins are on two completely different trajectories heading into the 2025 campaign. Their <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/phillies-news-philadelphia-acquires-jesus-luzardo-trade-marlins">Jesus Luzardo trade further demonstrated</a> exactly what both franchises value most.</p><p>The Phillies acquired Luzardo and catcher Paul McIntosh in exchange for prospects Starlyn Caba and Emaarion Boyd. Luzardo will now slot into the middle of Philadelphia’s rotation, while Miami acquired key prospect capital.</p><p>It’s rare to see a player of Luzardo’s status <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/43109069/source-phillies-acquire-jesus-luzardo-trade-marlins" rel="noopener">traded between two teams within the same division</a>. However, the Phillies are trying to make a push for the World Series. The Marlins, on the other hand, are in the midst of an aggressive rebuild and are looking to add as much future talent as possible.</p><p>In terms of 2025 alone, Philadelphia comes out on top simply because Luzardo is a major league player; let alone his stats. However, this trade will shape both franchises well beyond just 2025.</p><h2><b>Phillies’ Jesus Luzardo trade grade </b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Jesus-Luzardo-.jpg"><figcaption>David Frerker-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The Phillies ended their 2024 regular season ranked 11th in the league with their 3.85 ERA. They had the eighth-most strikeouts (1,433) and ranked 12th in batting average against (.243). Philadelphia is led by a litany of talented starting pitchers such as Zack Wheeler, Christopher Sanchez, Aaron Nola and Ranger Suarez.</p><p>However, the Phillies were in need of a fifth. Taijuan Walker and Andrew Painter were internal options, but they both come with question marks. Walker struggled mightily during the 2024 season while Painter is a top prospect, but working his way back from serious injury. Philadelphia’s Luzardo acquisition provides and answer to the questions and adds a bit more certainty to the rotation.</p><p>The lefty had a down year in 2024, struggling to a 5.00 ERA while injuries held him to just 12 starts. However, in 2023, Luzardo proved the the Phillies and MLB what he can be.</p><p>Over a career-high 32 starts, Luzardo held a 3.58 ERA and a 208/55 K/BB ratio. Through his 105 career appearances, the left-hander has recorded a 4.29 ERA and a 559/180 K/BB ratio. Alongside his work on the diamond, the Phillies will have Luzardo through the 2027 at arbitration prices.</p><p>With the four initial starters already on the roster, Philadelphia had one of the scariest rotations in the league. With Luzardo in tow – assuming he is healthy – there may be no better staff than the Phillies’ entering 2025.</p><p><b>Phillies Trade Grade: A-</b></p><h2><b>Marlins’ Luzardo trade grade </b></h2><p>After making the playoffs in 2023, the Marlins decided to make a swift 180. They gutted their front office and brought in new management with a focus on rebuilding. They’ve traded away some of their biggest stars from Jazz Chisholm to Luis Arraez and more recently Jake Burger. Luzardo has now become the latest in what seems like a never-ending line of players dealt out of Miami.</p><p>In return, the Marlins received a pair of prospects in Caba and Boyd. Caba is well-regarded around the industry and already<a href="https://www.mlb.com/milb/prospects/marlins/" rel="noopener"> ranks as the No. 3 prospect</a> in the organization, via MLB Pipeline. Furthermore, he is the 81 best prospect in all of baseball.</p><p>Only 19-years-old, Caba spent the 2024 season between Rookie and Single-A ball. He hit .228 with two home runs, 26 RBI and 50 stolen bases. While he’ll need to get more consistent at the plate, there’s no doubting his speed. Furthermore, he’s still getting acclimated to professional pitching.</p><p>If Caba pans out how the Marlins are hoping, he has a chance to be Miami’s shortstop of the future. But that future is in a much further distance. He needs much more seasoning in the minors. And while <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb-rumors-cubs-pushing-for-jesus-luzardo-trade-with-marlins">it seemed inevitable that Luzardo would be traded</a>, the fact that a 19-year-old was the headliner shows that Miami knows their time to compete isn’t coming anytime soon.</p><p>The Marlins did a solid job of landing a prospect to build around in the infield. But eventually, they’ll need to go from dealing away talent to winning games on the diamond.</p><p><b>Marlins Trade Grade: B+</b></p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Jesus Luzardo trade grades for Phillies, Marlins

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/phillies-news-philadelphia-acquires-jesus-luzardo-trade-marlins');   ga('set', 'title', 'Phillies acquire Jesus Luzardo in trade with Marlins');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Phillies-news-Philadelphia-acquires-Jesus-Luzardo-in-trade-with-Marlins.jpg"></figure><h1>Phillies acquire Jesus Luzardo in trade with Marlins</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-22T06:54:17-08:00">December 22nd, 6:54am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-22T07:28:04-08:00">December 22nd, 7:28am</time><address><a>Jason Patt</a>Jason Patt started as an editor at ClutchPoints in 2018 and became the head of the editorial team in 2022. He also co-hosts Cash Considerations: A Chicago Bulls Podcast for the Blue Wire Network.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Miami Marlins</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Philadelphia Phillies have acquired Miami Marlins lefty Jesus Luzardo <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6011962/2024/12/22/jesus-luzardo-trade-phillies-marlins/" rel="noopener">in a trade</a> that involves prospects Starlyn Caba and Emaarion Boyd going to the Marlins, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic. The Phillies will also acquire minor league catcher Paul McIntosh in the trade.</p><p>Philadelphia already boasts one of the best rotations in MLB and will only get stronger if Luzardo returns to his form from a couple years ago. Luzardo is set to slot in as the No. 5 starter in Philly behind Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Christopher Sanchez and Ranger Suarez.</p><p>Luzardo struggled to start his career with the Oakland Athletics but then blossomed into an ace in Miami. The lefty’s initial breakout came in 2022 when he struck out 120 batters in 100 1/3 innings while boasting a 3.32 ERA. Then in 2023, he struck out 208 hitters in 178 2/3 innings with a 3.58 ERA.</p><p>Unfortunately, Luzardo took a major step back in 2024 as he dealt with injury problems. The 27-year-old only pitched 66 2/3 innings and had an ERA of 5.00. His strikeout rate also took a major dip with just 58 punchouts.</p><p>The Marlins held trade negotiations on Luzardo with the Chicago Cubs, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb-rumors-cubs-jesus-luzardo-trade-talks-with-marlins-are-dead">but those fell apart</a>. Now, the Phillies are betting on Luzardo returning to that form of 2022 and 2023. The 19-year-old Caba was the <a href="https://x.com/Feinsand/status/1870843552844124176" rel="noopener">No. 4 prospect in the organization</a>, according to MLB Pipeline, so Miami is getting a prized young player in this trade. Meanwhile, Boyd was at No. 23 on the list.</p><h2>What’s next for Phillies?</h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Bryce-Harper-with-Philadelphia-Phillies.jpg"><figcaption>Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Jesus Luzardo has two years left of club control and is set to make about $6 million in 2025 through salary arbitration. With Luzardo in the fold, will Philadelphia look to trade any pitching to help bolster a lineup that struggled in the NLDS loss to the New York Mets?</p><p>Gelb notes the Phillies could look to trade Ranger Suarez for a hitter ahead of his free agency, but he also says that likely won’t happen and the franchise will “lean into run prevention.” Philadelphia’s starters <a href="https://www.mlb.com/stats/team/pitching?split=sp&amp;sortState=asc" rel="noopener">ranked No. 8 in ERA</a> in 2024.</p><p>When it comes to the lineup, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/phillies-news-max-kepler-agrees-1-year-10-million-contract">Phillies did just sign Max Kepler</a> to a one-year deal. There have been trade rumors surrounding Alec Bohm and Nick Castellanos, but nothing has come to fruition yet. There’s still plenty of hitting talent in place with Bryce Harper leading the way, but the way Philadelphia struggled in that playoff series has had them seeking changes.</p><p>Whatever else happens, the Phillies are set to have one of the most expensive rosters in baseball as they enter 2025 with World Series expectations.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Phillies acquire Jesus Luzardo in trade with Marlins

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb-rumors-unique-pitch-michael-lorenzen-free-agency');   ga('set', 'title', 'MLB rumors: The unique pitch Michael Lorenzen is giving interested teams in free agency');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12-19-24-Lorenzen-featured.jpeg"></figure><h1>MLB rumors: The unique pitch Michael Lorenzen is giving interested teams in free agency</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-19T10:10:20-08:00">December 19th, 10:10am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-19T10:10:20-08:00">December 19th, 10:10am</time><address><a>David Korn</a>David Korn is an MLB associate editor at ClutchPoints. He is also a producer at MLB Network Radio and covers college basketball for A10Talk. David graduated from George Washington in 2023, where he was the radio play-by-play broadcaster for their Men's and Women's Basketball teams.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Chicago White Sox</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Free agent pitcher <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/royals-news-kc-trades-rangers-michael-lorenzen">Michael Lorenzen went under-the-radar last season</a> and was extremely effective for the Kansas City Royals down the stretch. As Lorenzen navigates free agency, he has a shocking plan to make him a more appealing-option to a few teams.</p><p>Lorenzen and his agent, Ryan Hamill of CAA, are planning to market him as a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6005197/2024/12/19/michael-lorenzen-two-way-player/" rel="noopener">two-way player</a> as a way to circumvent Major League Baseball’s 13-pitcher roster limit according to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.</p><p>“Hamill, according to sources briefed on his conversations, is talking with such clubs about signing Lorenzen, getting him the necessary plate appearances to qualify for two-way status and then flipping him to a contender that would benefit from carrying him as a 14th pitcher,” Rosenthal wrote.</p><p>“Teams that employ large numbers of platoons might not consider keeping an extra pitcher an advantage,” Rosenthal continued. “But teams with fairly set lineups might welcome the spare arm. The Los Angeles Dodgers will be in that position next season if, as expected, Ohtani resumes pitching. If the Dodgers then traded for a two-way Lorenzen, they could choose from among 15 pitchers. Which would be the most Dodgers thing ever.”</p><p>In order to qualify as a two-way player, Lorenzen would need to pitch 20 innings and appear in 20 games as a position player or designated hitter with at least three plate appearances in each game.</p><h2><b>Why Michael Lorenzen would make sense as a two-way player</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12-19-24-lorenzen-image.jpeg"><figcaption>© Peter Aiken-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Rosenthal speculates that rebuilding teams like the Miami Marlins or Chicago White Sox would be potential fits for Lorenzen to sign with as a two-way player, as they are not actively trying to compete and have ample opportunities at designated hitter for Lorenzen to meet to necessary threshold to qualify as a two-way player.</p><p>That way, once Lorenzen qualifies as a two-way player, the Marlins, White Sox, or any other team that signs Lorenzen with the intention of giving him at-bats would be able to trade him to a contender where he would not count against the 13-pitcher limit.</p><p>Before the National League adopted the designated hitter in 2022, Lorenzen had shown that he was a very capable hitter. During the 2018 season with the Cincinnati Reds, Lorenzen hit four home runs in 34 plate appearances. Throughout 147 plate appearances in his career, Lorenzen is slashing slugging .429 with seven home runs and 24 RBI.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/royals-news-michael-lorenzen-big-injury-update-playoffs-draw-near">Lorenzen is a quality arm</a> without the added bonus of the potential production at the plate. Based on the potential haul he would command at the trade deadline as a two-way player should make him a very appealing target for any rebuilding team.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

MLB rumors: The unique pitch Michael Lorenzen is giving interested teams in free agency

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb-rumors-cubs-jesus-luzardo-trade-talks-with-marlins-are-dead');   ga('set', 'title', 'MLB rumors: Cubs’ Jesus Luzardo trade talks with Marlins are ‘dead’');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Cubs-Jesus-Luzardo-trade-talks-with-Marlins-are-dead.jpg"></figure><h1>MLB rumors: Cubs’ Jesus Luzardo trade talks with Marlins are ‘dead’</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-19T10:10:04-08:00">December 19th, 10:10am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-19T10:10:04-08:00">December 19th, 10:10am</time><address><a>Brayden Haena</a>Brayden Haena is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints. A die-hard San Francisco Giants fan and a football fanatic, Brayden further channels his baseball enthusiasm through his podcast, where he delves into the latest in sports with engaging commentary. He also serves as the Defensive Coordinator for Heritage High School. His commitment to sports journalism is evident in his diverse experiences with ContraCosta.news and his dedication to delivering compelling and insightful content.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Chicago Cubs</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/cubs-news-kyle-tucker-breaks-silence-chicago-astros-blockbuster-trade">Chicago Cubs’ aggressive approach to the offseason trade market</a> has hit a significant snag. Negotiations between the Cubs and the Miami Marlins for left-handed pitcher Jesus Luzardo have “appeared to be dead.” This revelation comes after earlier reports indicated serious momentum toward a deal earlier this week. Medical reviews on one side or the other seem to have contributed to the breakdown.</p><p>While many may speculate that <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb-rumors-why-marlins-jesus-luzardo-could-still-be-traded-despite-injury">Luzardo’s medical history is the source of the hesitation</a>, there’s no concrete evidence to confirm this. It’s equally plausible that the Marlins took issue with the health records of one of the Cubs’ prospects involved in the proposed trade. Both sides remain tight-lipped on specifics, but the deal’s collapse underscores the complexities of trading a high-ceiling but injury-prone player like Luzardo.</p><p>Luzardo, 27, has long been seen as a pitcher with ace-level potential. The lefty has shown flashes of brilliance, <a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/cubs-trade-rumors-jesus-luzardo-marlins-talks-dead.html" rel="noopener">posting a 3.48 ERA</a> with a stellar 28.7% strikeout rate over 279 innings from 2022-23. However, injuries have consistently limited his availability. His career has been marked by stints on the injured list, including time missed in 2024 due to elbow tightness and a lumbar stress reaction that ended his season prematurely. These setbacks, combined with his past Tommy John surgery, have raised legitimate concerns about his durability.</p><h2><b>The Marlins and Cubs have ended discussions about a Jesus Luzardo trade</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Jesus-Luzardo.jpg"><figcaption>Brad Penner-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Despite these challenges, Luzardo’s raw talent makes him a rare commodity. A left-handed starter who can touch 96 mph on his fastball, generate high swinging-strike rates, and maintain at least average command is highly valuable. For the Cubs, the potential addition of Luzardo represented a chance to solidify their rotation with a high-upside arm. Unfortunately, the halted talks leave Chicago searching for alternatives.</p><p>The Cubs are far from without options. Having recently offloaded most of Cody Bellinger’s $27.5 million salary in a trade, the team now has ample payroll flexibility. With an estimated payroll of $174 million and luxury tax obligations just over $191 million, Chicago has roughly $50 million of room before hitting the first luxury tax threshold. While Levine dismissed the idea of a Cubs pursuit of Corbin Burnes, the team could pivot toward free-agent relievers or other rotation upgrades.</p><p>Late-inning bullpen options like Kirby Yates, Kenley Jansen, or Tanner Scott could make sense for the Cubs, especially given Jed Hoyer’s preference for short-term commitments in the relief market. While the Luzardo deal may not be salvageable, Chicago’s offseason plans remain dynamic.</p><p>The Cubs’ missed opportunity to land Luzardo underscores the challenges of acquiring high-upside players with injury concerns. Whether Chicago revisits Luzardo or shifts focus elsewhere, their determination to improve remains evident. Fans will be watching closely to see how they address their needs as the offseason unfolds.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

MLB rumors: Cubs’ Jesus Luzardo trade talks with Marlins are ‘dead’

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/rangers-news-texas-trade-slugger-marlins-winter-meetings');   ga('set', 'title', 'Rangers trade for infield slugger from Marlins during winter meetings');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Texas-trades-for-infield-slugger-from-Marlins-during-winter-meetings.jpg"></figure><h1>Rangers trade for infield slugger from Marlins during winter meetings</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-10T22:10:26-08:00">December 10th, 10:10pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-10T22:10:26-08:00">December 10th, 10:10pm</time><address><a>Troy Finnegan</a>Troy Finnegan is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints. He graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2023 with a degree in journalism and minors in communications and sports media, as well as a critical sports studies certificate. He has had a passion for sports his entire life, and enjoys covering and writing about all sports.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Miami Marlins</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb-rumors-blue-jays-giants-emerge-as-front-runners-for-corbin-burnes">arms race in Major League Baseball is heating up</a> and teams all over the league are looking to improve their rosters ahead of spring training and the 2025 season. The Texas Rangers, who won the World Series in 2023 but came crashing down to Earth with a 78-84 season in 2024, are no different.</p><p>On Tuesday night, the Rangers made a big move. They acquired big-hitting infielder Jake Burger from the Miami Marlins in <a href="https://x.com/Alden_Gonzalez/status/1866715450471748074" rel="noopener">exchange for a couple of prospects</a> and a pitcher, according to Alden González of ESPN.</p><p>“Source: The Marlins are getting two prospects, Echedry Vargas and Max Acosta, and a lefty starter, Brayan Mendoza, from the Rangers in exchange for 1B/3B Jake Burger,” González reported on X, formerly Twitter.</p><p>Burger is a big addition to the lineup for the Rangers, both literally and figuratively. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound slugger can play both first and third base and has a big bat to go along with a great name. Burger has mashed 63 home runs and racked up 156 RBIs over the last two seasons. He has huge power from the middle of the lineup and can change a game with one swing at any time.</p><p>Of course, like many big hitters do, Burger has had problems with strikeouts. He has been sat down on strikes 299 times in the last two seasons, but that is a trade off that the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rangers-news-chris-young-reveals-texas-free-agency-strategy">Rangers are clearly willing to take</a> as they add another dangerous power hitter to the middle of a very strong lineup.</p><p>Burger’s defense is also a slight concern, but the Rangers can also use him as a designated hitter if they find a pair of capable defenders on the corners to play over him. That would limit some of the downsides of having Burger in the lineup and allow him to just focus on what he does best: crushing baseballs.</p><p>On the Marlins side, they get a trio of minor leaguers to add to their farm system as they attempt to regroup after a disappointing season. After reaching the playoffs in 2023, they are already looking at another long-term rebuild.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Rangers trade for infield slugger from Marlins during winter meetings

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb-rumors-marlins-open-to-trading-jesus-luzardo-but-value-comes-with-catch');   ga('set', 'title', 'MLB rumors: Marlins open to trading Jesús Luzardo, but value comes with catch');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Marlins-open-to-trading-Jesus-Luzardobut-value-comes-with-catch.jpg"></figure><h1>MLB rumors: Marlins open to trading Jesús Luzardo, but value comes with catch</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-10T08:39:21-08:00">December 10th, 8:39am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-10T08:41:07-08:00">December 10th, 8:41am</time><address><a href="https://letterboxd.com/splooshpuhrty/films/by/your-rating/">Jedd Pagaduan</a>Jedd Pagaduan is a certified Clippers and Gunners fan, which means he's a very sports-traumatized individual. He now writes about sports instead as a form of therapy.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Miami Marlins</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Miami Marlins are coming off a terrible 2024 season in which they finished with a 62-100 record — a major fall-off from their promising 2023 season in which they snuck into the postseason, although they did go winless in the Wild Card round. Another reset appears to be on the cards for the Marlins, as they have a few starting pitchers that will be commanding a ton of interest on the trade market, with <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb-rumors-jesus-luzardo-marlins-trade-status-180">one of them being Jesus Luzardo</a>.</p><p>According to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, the Marlins <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5983167/2024/12/09/devin-williams-brewers-trade-mlb-winter-meetings/" rel="noopener">are “open”</a> to trading Luzardo, who has two years of team control remaining. As per the two insiders, the Marlins’ left-handed starting pitcher is “projected to earn $6 million” in arbitration, making him quite an affordable get for any team willing to gamble on the 27-year-old.</p><p>The catch, however, is that Luzardo has not suited up on the mound since June 16 after <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb-rumors-why-marlins-jesus-luzardo-could-still-be-traded-despite-injury">suffering a lumbar stress reaction</a>. It’s not quite clear how healthy the 27-year-old southpaw is, so there is a ton of uncertainty on that front which would make trading for him a major shot in the dark.</p><p>The good news is that Luzardo is not set to make too much money heading into the 2025 season, and any team that will be trading for him will get him until 2026 — boosting his trade value for the Marlins. However, he is coming off a season in which he put up a disappointing 5.00 ERA in 66.2 innings of work (12 starts), which would then give prospective trade partners some pause.</p><p>Any team that will be trading for Luzardo will be hoping that 2024 is simply an outlier and that the 27-year-old will waste no time returning to his 2022 and 2023 form in which he put up a <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/players/jesus-luzardo/19959/stats?position=P" rel="noopener">combined 6.1 WAR</a> (per Fangraphs) in 279 innings pitched.</p><h2><b>Marlins might be better off being patient on the Jesus Luzardo trade front</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Jesus-Luzardo-pitches-in-spring-training.jpg"><figcaption>Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure><p>There is always a risk in holding on to trade assets instead of pulling the trigger on the first available chance; players can either suffer drops in production or an injury that will then keep them out of the trade market entirely. But for the Marlins, they might be best served by being patient on the Jesus Luzardo trade front.</p><p>As Rosenthal and Sammon pointed out, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb-rumors-marlins-potential-sandy-alcantara-trade-plan-focus">Marlins might be able to get a bigger trade return</a> for Luzardo if the 27-year-old southpaw proves that he is back in form and is healthy following a lost 2024 season.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

MLB rumors: Marlins open to trading Jesús Luzardo, but value comes with catch

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/marlins-news-sandy-alcantara-crucial-injury-update-miami-manager');   ga('set', 'title', 'Sandy Alcantara gets crucial injury update from new Marlins manager');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Marlins-news-Sandy-Alcantara-gets-crucial-injury-update-from-new-Miami-manager.jpg"></figure><h1>Sandy Alcantara gets crucial injury update from new Marlins manager</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-01T17:46:12-08:00">December 1st, 5:46pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-01T17:46:12-08:00">December 1st, 5:46pm</time><address><a>Christopher Hennessy</a>Christopher Hennessy graduated with a journalism degree from Fordham University in 2022. He has also worked at Spectrum News One in Albany, New York and with The Hockey Writers as a New York Islanders writer. Chris is originally from Connecticut and is a lifelong New York Yankees, Islanders, and Jets fan.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Miami Marlins</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Miami Marlins had a disastrous 2024 season. Just one year after a playoff berth, they lost 100 games to finish last in the NL East. Manager Skip Schumaker left the team and was <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/marlins-news-president-reveals-clayton-mccullough-perfect-fit">replaced by Clayton McCullough</a>, who has a tough task ahead of him. One thing that should help is the return of Marlins’ ace Sandy Alcantara, who missed the entire season with a UCL injury. McCullough <a href="https://x.com/MLBNetworkRadio/status/1861824766992326890" rel="noopener">gave a</a> positive update to MLB Network Radio.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">"He's such an important leader for this team."</p><p>Sandy Alcántara returns to the top of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Marlins?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Marlins</a> rotation in 2025. <a href="https://twitter.com/Marlins?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Marlins</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarlinsBeisbol?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MarlinsBeisbol</a><br>🔗 <a href="https://t.co/fGPbvbjGlC">https://t.co/fGPbvbjGlC</a> <a href="https://t.co/TW3EObscIV">pic.twitter.com/TW3EObscIV</a></p><p>— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBNetworkRadio/status/1861824766992326890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2024</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>“I had a chance to see him at an outing about a week ago and he looked great, sounded great, felt like he was right on track at this point,” the Marlins manager said. “Sandy’s such a hard worker and such an important part and a leader of this pitching staff and this team. All signs point to things looking very positive for the start of the season.”</p><p>When he is healthy, Alcantara is one of the best pitchers in the National League. His 2022 campaign will go down as one of the great pitching seasons in Marlins history, with a 2.28 ERA and six complete games. He won the Cy Young Award for his efforts.</p><p>Alcantara was not as strong in 2023, however. He posted a 4.14 ERA in 28 starts with 44 fewer innings pitched than the previous season. A <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/marlins-news-sandy-alcantara-tommy-john-surgery">strained UCL followed, which meant the entire season</a> was gone. Now he joins a team in a much different spot than when he left them.</p><h2><b>Marlins need prime Sandy Alcantara to have a successful 2025</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Sandy-Alcantara-with-Miami-Marlins.jpg"><figcaption>Jim Rassol-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>When Alcantara and the Marlins made the postseason in 2023, they were seen as an up-and-coming team in the NL. That team had a promising manager in Schumaker, Luis Arraez, Tanner Scott, Jazz Chisholm, Jorge Soler, and Jon Berti. None of those people are with the team anymore.</p><p>That is why Alcantara must be at his best for the Marlins next season. An ace pitcher can only do so much, but with one of the best, maybe Miami can get rolling. The rest of the rotation can follow in his footsteps and create a strong core to build around.</p><p>The best starter for the 2024 Marlins was 24-year-old Ryan Weathers. He posted a rotation-best 3.63 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 18 starts. That is the type of prospect the team should build around and hope continues to grow with Alcantara pitching in front of him.</p><p>Clayton McCullough gave Marlins fans a little bit of hope when he said Sandy Alcantara is on pace to return for the 2025 season. With their ace, maybe Miami can shock the world.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Sandy Alcantara gets crucial injury update from new Marlins manager

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/marlins-news-president-reveals-clayton-mccullough-perfect-fit');   ga('set', 'title', 'Marlins President reveals why Clayton McCullough is a ‘perfect fit’');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Marlins-news-Miami-President-reveals-why-Clayton-McCullough-is-a-perfect-fit.jpg"></figure><h1>Marlins President reveals why Clayton McCullough is a ‘perfect fit’</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-11-11T12:48:36-08:00">November 11th, 12:48pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-11-11T12:48:36-08:00">November 11th, 12:48pm</time><address><a>Russell Steinberg</a>Russell Steinberg covers Major League Baseball and the New York Liberty for ClutchPoints. A baseball and basketball lifer, he has written for Boardroom, SLAM, SB Nation, The Next, and more. He graduated from NYU in 2012 and still returns to serve as PA announcer and occasional broadcaster for the school’s basketball and volleyball teams.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Miami Marlins</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/marlins-news-miami-hiring-dodgers-coach-new-manager">Miami Marlins have a new manager</a> and it’s former Los Angeles Dodgers first base coach Clayton McCullough.</p><p>The 45-year-old McCullough is fresh off <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/dodgers-news-dave-roberts-makes-afraid-to-go-back-to-los-angeles-world-series-admission">winning the 2024 World Series with the Dodgers</a> and will take over a Marlins team that lost 100 games and finished last in the National League East.</p><p>Marlins president of baseball operations Peter Bendix explained on Monday <a href="https://www.mlb.com/marlins/news/marlins-clayton-mccullough-manager-hire" rel="noopener">why the team went with someone</a> with only three years of MLB coaching experience and no time as a Major League manager.</p><p>“Throughout our process, his character, care for people and culture, passion for player development, and desire to win stood out and make him a perfect fit for our organization,” Bendix said. “He has an impressive track record of success, building relationships, and bringing positive energy every day. It’s clear that Clayton’s values and vision align perfectly with ours.”</p><p>McCullough expressed his excitement as well, noting that he and his family have spent a decade living in the Miami area already.</p><p>“It is an honor to be introduced as the manager for the Miami Marlins, and I would like to thank Bruce, Peter and the entire organization,” McCullough said. “Following an incredible past few weeks, it is exciting to end the year by finding the right opportunity for me and my family. We have called South Florida home for the last 10 years, and now I get to lead the Marlins’ franchise forward with a culture that is built on determination, focus and care.”</p><h2><b>How Clayton McCullough helped the Dodgers build a World Series winner</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Clayton-McCullough.jpg"><figcaption>Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Base coaches are among the more overlooked members of a baseball coaching staff, but the guys manning the first- and third-base lines often take on significant roles in player development. For McCullough, that has meant working with the outfielders and running the team’s base-running program.</p><p>As part of that program, McCullough helped Shohei Ohtani <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/42315424/miami-marlins-hire-clayton-mccullough-manager" rel="noopener">hone his technique</a> as the Dodgers slugger became the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/dodgers-news-how-much-did-la-offer-shohei-ohtani-50-50-hr-ball">first 50-50 player</a> in baseball history, according to ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez.</p><p>Though this will be McCullough’s first managerial job in the Majors, he managed seven seasons in the Minor Leagues in the Toronto Blue Jays organization. His teams finished with winning records in six of his seven campaigns, winning back-to-back championships with Class A Vancouver in 20212 and 2013.</p><p>“Clayton joins our organization following a World Series championship season and brings a strong pedigree of winning,” Marlins chairman and principal owner Bruce Sherman said in a statement. “His love of the game, ability to build meaningful relationships, and new leadership will guide our organization into an exciting new era. With roots already in South Florida, we are excited to welcome Clayton along with his wife Jill and their children to the Marlins’ organization.”</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Marlins President reveals why Clayton McCullough is a ‘perfect fit’

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/marlins-news-miami-hiring-dodgers-coach-new-manager');   ga('set', 'title', 'Marlins hiring Dodgers coach as new manager');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Marlins-news-Miami-hiring-Dodgers-coach-as-new-manager.jpg"></figure><h1>Marlins hiring Dodgers coach as new manager</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-11-10T15:41:44-08:00">November 10th, 3:41pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-11-10T15:41:44-08:00">November 10th, 3:41pm</time><address><a>Dan Fappiano</a>Dan Fappiano is a Connecticut based sports journalist and a graduate of both Tunxis Community College and Central Connecticut State University. Dan has spent time covering high school and professional sports in both the print and online medium. He hopes to see his beloved Chicago Bears win a Super Bowl someday.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Miami Marlins</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>After a disappointing 2024 campaign, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/marlins-news-skip-schumaker-final-decision-future">former Miami Marlins manager Skip Schumaker decided to leave</a> the organization. On Sunday, the Marlins found his replacement.</p><p>Miami <a href="https://x.com/Alden_Gonzalez/status/1855742469734047945" rel="noopener">has hired</a> Clayton McCullough as their new manager, via Alden Gonzalez of ESPN. He most recently served as the Los Angeles Dodgers first base coach, winning the World Series in 2024.</p><p>McCullough has been in that role since 2021, previously working as Los Angeles’ minor league field coordinator. He does have some managerial experience, in the Toronto Blue Jays’ minor league system from 2007-2014. Working at the Rookie and then Class-A levels, McCullough compiled a record of 629-559.</p><p>But this will be a major jump for the now ex-first base coach. He has earned an opportunity at the highest level to prove he can be a strong leader and developer. While no one can even take away being an MLB manager from McCullough, he is walking right into a sticky situation.</p><p>The Marlins made the playoffs in 2023 with their 84-78 record. However, Miami decided to make a complete 180 and change their entire front office structure. The Marlins brought in Pete Bendix as their new President of baseball operations. Previously working for the Tampa Bay Rays, Bendix is building the Marlins with cost effective measures in mind.</p><p>From the jump it was clear that the future was the focus in Miami. They struggled to a 62-100 record, trading away players like Jazz Chisholm, Tanner Scott, Trevor Rogers and AJ Puk. But even with all their deals, the Marlins <a href="https://www.mlb.com/prospects/top100/" rel="noopener">have just three players</a> inside the top 100 prospects, via MLB Pipeline.</p><p>Still, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb-rumors-dodgers-coach-interviewing-marlins-manager-opening">Clayton McCullough was a widely sought after managerial candidate</a> throughout the cycle. He has seen what it takes to succeed with the Dodgers. Of course, Miami won’t be in the market to sign a player like Shohei Ohtani. But McCullough will be credited with his ability to develop and craft Miami’s future.</p><p>The Marlins are confident they found the right person for the job to lead their next era.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Marlins hiring Dodgers coach as new manager

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/rangers-news-texas-ex-marlins-manager-coaching-staff');   ga('set', 'title', 'Rangers add ex-Marlins manager to coaching staff');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Texas-adds-ex-Marlins-manager-to-coaching-staff.jpg"></figure><h1>Rangers add ex-Marlins manager to coaching staff</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-11-05T14:59:30-08:00">November 5th, 2:59pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-11-05T14:59:30-08:00">November 5th, 2:59pm</time><address><a>Christopher Hennessy</a>Christopher Hennessy graduated with a journalism degree from Fordham University in 2022. He has also worked at Spectrum News One in Albany, New York and with The Hockey Writers as a New York Islanders writer. Chris is originally from Connecticut and is a lifelong New York Yankees, Islanders, and Jets fan.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Miami Marlins</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Texas Rangers have added two new members to their coaching staff. After <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/white-sox-news-find-new-manager-after-historically-brutal-season">Will Venable left to take the Chicago White Sox</a> managerial job, they needed a new bench coach. Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News <a href="https://x.com/Evan_P_Grant/status/1853922507549487450" rel="noopener">reported that</a> Luis Urueta was hired to fill the role. The former Marlins’ bench coach is joined by fellow face Skip Schumaker to work under Bruce Bochy and Chris Young.</p><p>“The Rangers have hired Skip Schumaker as a senior adviser to President of Baseball Operations Chris Young &amp; are expected to finalize a deal with Schumaker’s former bench coach with Miami Luis Urueta to join Rangers coaching staff in that role,” Grant reported.</p><p>Schumaker and Urueta were among many let go by the Marlins this offseason. While recovering from an abysmal 100-loss season, they cleaned house and let both coaches go. The Rangers saw the opportunity to add two potential replacements for Bochy, who is 69 years old. Many believed Venable was the heir apparent, and now Schumaker takes over that title.</p><p>A change in voice won’t hurt the Rangers either. A bevy of injuries blew up their chance at a World Series repeat and they missed the playoffs with 78 wins. While Bochy has earned another chance with this team, they do have to find a replacement for when he retires.</p><h2><b>Rangers set up for a successful 2025 season</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Skip-Schumaker-with-Miami-Marlins.jpg"><figcaption>Brett Davis-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Despite the poor 2024 season, the Rangers cannot be counted out for the American League playoffs in 2025. Jacob deGrom is finally healthy and should be their ace. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/rangers-news-kumar-rocker-gets-100-real-following-strong-mlb-debut">Kumar Rocker made waves in his first MLB starts</a> and Jack Leiter had a solid season at 25 years old. World Series MVP Corey Seager should be healthy and Marcus Semien was one of the few core players who did not get hurt.</p><p>The Rangers have two great young fielders, Josh Jung and Wyatt Langford. Jung was a part of the World Series run while Langford was a rookie in 2024. Jung only played 46 games this season and Langford had a 111 OPS+ in 134 games. The Rangers can build around these two players while spending big on their rotation.</p><p>Max Scherzer has come off the books and while the Mets were paying most of the salary, that is still a big anchor off the books. If they can spend like a big-market team, Corbin Burnes and Max Fried should be in play. These two aces are available, Texas should be on the front lines trying to get them.</p><p>Skip Schumaker and Luis Urueta will add to the 2025 Rangers while learning more about the franchise. Whether or not either one of them will be the next manager is unknown but they will make the team better now.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Rangers add ex-Marlins manager to coaching staff

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/5-best-mlb-trade-candidates-2024-25-offseason');   ga('set', 'title', '5 best MLB trade candidates for 2024-25 offseason');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/5-best-MLB-trade-candidates-for-2024-25-offseason.jpg"></figure><h1>5 best MLB trade candidates for 2024-25 offseason</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-11-04T09:07:49-08:00">November 4th, 9:07am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-11-04T09:07:49-08:00">November 4th, 9:07am</time><address><a>Bailey Bassett</a>Bailey Bassett is a sports writer from Denver, Colorado, covering major sports events and athlete backgrounds at ClutchPoints. He has experience covering and writing on high school, collegiate, and professional sports.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Chicago White Sox</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/2024-mlb-offseason-key-dates-free-agency-schedule-awards">2024-25 MLB offseason</a> is officially here. The offseason will be highlighted by big free agent signings, a highly anticipated draft lottery, and some sneaky Rule 5 acquisitions, but one of the biggest parts of MLB’s offseason is the game-changing trades.</p><p>There are a lot of teams still looking to sell, and others that want to add proven talent to their roster through the trade market, and the offseason will be a perfect time to do so. Check out the gallery to see the five best MLB trade candidates this offseason.</p><h2><b>1. Garrett Crochet, Chicago White Sox – SP</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Garrett-Crochet.jpg"><figcaption>Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The Chicago White Sox made Garrett Crochet the rare relief pitcher to be drafted in the first round back in 2020. The team knew they could fast-track him to the majors, and he could make an immediate impact in their bullpen. Crochet did just that, but he then missed all of 2022 and most of 2023 after having Tommy John surgery.</p><p>In 2024, though, the White Sox did the unexpected and turned the reliever into a starter. It was a risky proposition considering Crochet’s injury history and his experience as a hurler with dominant stuff that was usually only displayed in short stints. The experiment worked out, though, and Crochet established himself as one of the best starting pitchers in baseball.</p><p>He did that while the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/worst-mlb-teams-history-white-sox-record-breaking-season">White Sox had one of the worst seasons in baseball history</a>, though. Chicago finished the season with the worst record in modern MLB history. That fact made Crochet an attractive trade chip around the MLB trade deadline, but the White Sox held onto their star under the impression that they could get even more for him in the offseason.</p><p>Now, the White Sox should cash out and make the blockbuster deal that could jolt their rebuild into hyperdrive. Crochet is only 25 years old, and with limited experience as a starter, he should only get even better. Those factors might incentive Chicago to hold onto the pitcher and build around him, but if the White Sox do trade Crochet, then they could net a huge return.</p><h2><b>2. Luis Robert, Chicago White Sox – OF</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Luis-Robert.jpg"><figcaption>Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Garrett Crochet won’t be the only member of the White Sox on the trade block this offseason. The team’s star center fielder, Luis Robert, will also hear his name in trade rumors, as he did during the MLB trade deadline as well. Robert is a five-tool talent and one of the best raw athletes in baseball.</p><p>His biggest issue has been health, but considering Robert is only 27 years old, there is optimism that he can buck the injury bug. If he can, Robert can establish himself as one of the best players in MLB. Robert is extremely fast, which makes him a force on both the base paths and in the outfield. He has the power to match, though.</p><p>Like Crochet, Robert could likely net a massive trade return. The White Sox are clearly moving in a new direction after an embarrassing season, and considering they don’t get a lottery pick this season, they’d be smart to add more young talent through the trade market.</p><h2><b>3. Brent Rooker, Oakland Athletics – OF</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Brent-Rooker.jpg"><figcaption>Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>A move out of Oakland and (temporarily) to Sacramento signals a new era for the Athletics, but the team has already been trading off their talent for years now. Brent Rooker could be next in line to be on the move.</p><p>The outfielder/designated hitter is one of the best long-ball threats in baseball. In an era that loves home runs, Rooker can step up into the middle of the order on any team and hit around 40 homers. He is yet another player who was involved in trade rumors at the deadline that was held onto but who could be on the move now this offseason.</p><p>Like the White Sox, the Athletics will also be without a lottery pick this year despite being one of the worst teams in baseball. They should also jumpstart their rebuild with a blockbuster trade, and Rooker is the best trade piece they have.</p><h2><b>4. Sandy Alcantara, Miami Marlins – SP</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Sandy-Alcantara.jpg"><figcaption>Sam Navarro-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The Miami Marlins have <a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/players/sandy-alcantara" rel="noopener">reportedly informed</a> Sandy Alcantara that he won’t be traded this offseason, but we still think that it is a legitimate possibility that he is moved. The Marlins’ ace won the Cy Young in 2022, but he missed all of last season after having Tommy John surgery.</p><p>During his absence from the team, the Marlins traded away anything of value on their roster. Most notably, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/yankees-news-new-york-agrees-jazz-chisholm-trade-marlins">Jazz Chisholm Jr. was one of the biggest names traded</a> at the trade deadline. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/padres-news-luis-arraez-breaks-silence-san-diego-marlins-trade">Luis Arraez was even traded</a> months before the deadline. It makes too much sense to continue the fire sale and to move off of Alcantara.</p><p>Even coming off of injury, Alcantara will still be valued throughout the league because the other 29 teams in baseball know that he is one of the best pitchers in the sport when healthy. Success post-Tommy John surgery isn’t nearly as rare as it used to be. Perhaps the Marlins will hold onto Alcantara for the time being in order to let him restore his trade value, but it does seem that Alcantara will be traded sooner rather than later.</p><h2><b>5. Yandy Diaz, Tampa Bay Rays – 1B</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Yandy-Diaz.jpg"><figcaption>Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The Tampa Bay Rays, despite being contenders not long ago, made a number of trade deadline moves in 2024. They held onto Yandy Diaz, but the team’s fire sale likely isn’t over. Diaz is an aging veteran but one with enough left in the tank to net a decent return in a potential trade.</p><p>Diaz started the season off slow last year, which hurt his trade value. He salvaged his trade stock by finishing the season off strong, though. The first baseman isn’t going to be a part of the Rays’ long-term plans, so they should look to trade him this offseason as they continue in their rebuild.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

5 best MLB trade candidates for 2024-25 offseason

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/guardians-news-guardians-bench-coach-withdrew-marlins-managerial-race');   ga('set', 'title', 'Guardians bench coach withdrew from Marlins managerial race');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Guardians-news-Cleveland-bench-coach-withdrew-from-Marlins-managerial-race.jpg"></figure><h1>Guardians bench coach withdrew from Marlins managerial race</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-10-31T12:14:25-07:00">October 31st, 12:14pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-10-31T12:14:25-07:00">October 31st, 12:14pm</time><address><a>Brayden Haena</a>Brayden Haena is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints. A die-hard San Francisco Giants fan and a football fanatic, Brayden further channels his baseball enthusiasm through his podcast, where he delves into the latest in sports with engaging commentary. He also serves as the Defensive Coordinator for Heritage High School. His commitment to sports journalism is evident in his diverse experiences with ContraCosta.news and his dedication to delivering compelling and insightful content.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Cleveland Guardians</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Cleveland Guardians bench coach, Craig Albernaz, has decided to withdraw his name from consideration for <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb-rumors-two-names-emerge-finalists-marlins-manager-opening">the managerial position with the Miami Marlins</a>. This marks the second time this offseason that Albernaz has opted out of a potential managerial role, having previously stepped back from <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb-rumors-white-sox-marlins-interested-same-managerial-candidate">the running for the Chicago White Sox job</a>. His decision to remain with the Guardians solidifies his commitment to the team amidst <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1852048797137768654" rel="noopener">widespread recognition</a> of his managerial potential in major league baseball.</p><p>“Cleveland Guardians bench coach Craig Albernaz withdrew from consideration for the Miami Marlins managerial job, sources tell ESPN. He had done the same with the Chicago White Sox. Albernaz will remain in Cleveland. He is regarded by front offices as a future big league manager,” via Jeff Passan on X, formerly Twitter.</p><p>Albernaz, who was once considered a front-runner for both the White Sox and Marlin’s positions, is highly regarded in baseball circles for his leadership and strategic acumen. His coaching prowess and understanding of the game have made him a valuable asset to the Guardians and a sought-after candidate for higher managerial roles.</p><h2><b>Craig Albernaz opts to remain with the Guardians for 2025</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Craig-Albernaz_41a715.jpg"><figcaption>Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The decision to stay with Cleveland comes at a time when the Guardians are actively <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/guardians-news-stephen-vogt-100-alcs-second-guessing">working to build on recent successes</a> and stabilize their coaching staff. By retaining Albernaz, the Guardians ensure continuity within their coaching ranks, which is crucial for the team’s strategic development and the nurturing of young talent.</p><p>The Marlins and the White Sox will now have to continue their search for new managers without one of their top candidates. Both teams are in a phase of restructuring and were looking at Albernaz as someone who could bring fresh perspectives and drive their teams forward.</p><p>For Albernaz, the decision to withdraw from these opportunities was not made lightly. His choice indicates a deep commitment to his current team and a strategic decision to continue developing his skills within a familiar environment. The Guardians’ front office and players have expressed confidence in his abilities, and his leadership continues to be integral to the team’s operations.</p><p>As the MLB offseason progresses, it will be interesting to see how the career of Albernaz develops and whether he will entertain managerial offers in the future. For now, he remains a key figure within the Guardians’ coaching staff, poised to contribute to their success in the 2025 season.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

2024 SEASON STATS
IP	ERA	K	WHIP	WINS
206	3.67	44	1.31	3

2024 SEASON STATS
IP	ERA	K	WHIP	WINS
206	3.67	44	1.31	3

Valente
Bellozo

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• Rangers add ex-Marlins manager to coaching staff

• 5 best MLB trade candidates for 2024-25 offseason

• Guardians bench coach withdrew from Marlins managerial race

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