MLB

It’s not really a surprise given that the Rangers won the World Series, but J.J Cooper of Baseball America said they were not just picking based on that. “This is an award that looks at the totality of an organization’s baseball operations. The Rangers have been adept at signing free agents who had made an impact, but they’ve also succeeded in adding talent in trades and have had success in landing draftees like Evan Carter and Wyatt Langford.” This is the second time the Rangers have been selected as the Organization of the Year, last winning in 1989.

A status check is a formal procedure when MLB teams show interest in a KBO player. Since Ham has already accrued nine years of service time in the KBO, he is a true unrestricted free agent and can sign with any team in any league without requiring a transfer via the posting system. The 28-year-old has a 3.04 ERA with a 23.4 percent strikeout rate since 2018 but also has a 12 percent walk rate. In 2023, he pitched to a career-best 1.62 ERA in 57 appearances for the Twins and helped them win their first Korean Series title in 29 years. Ham is not a hard-thrower, but relies on a four-pitch mix including a change-up that has historically made him more effective against right-handed hitters despite throwing left-handed. There’s no word yet on whether or not he has interest in playing for an MLB team.

Gelles started her career with an internship with the Pirates organization and then moved to the research and development team with the Orioles and then to the top of the Astros analytics department. According to Sarris, many executives credit her with helping the Astros utilize proprietary research to optimize player development. Executives claim she has “an amazing ability to oversee dozens of projects and not ever give the appearance that her attention is divided. She cares a lot about the well-being of her people.” She’ll now get the chance to showcase that one step away from a top job in the front office.

In his report, Rosenthal mentions that he’s heard that the “Marlins could trade a starter to address needs at shortstop and/or catcher.” He mentions that Jesus Luzardo and Braxton Garrett are “almost certainly off-limits,” but Cabrera and Rogers could be available. One issue is that Cabrera dealt with a left biceps strain and then a partial tear in his right lat, which Rosenthal suggests could be “compromising his value.” This will certainly be a situation to monitor this offseason.

The deal is expected to cover eight guaranteed years for around $80 million, with a pair of club options. If completed, it would crush the previous record for a contract with a minor leaguer who has yet to play a game in the majors, topping Luis Robert’s $50 million deal with the White Sox back in 2020. Chourio turns 20 in March and spent nearly all of last season in Double-A, where he batted .280/.336/.467 with 22 home runs and 43 steals over 122 games. He’s one of the top overall prospects in the game, and assuming no late snags in the agreement, he has a real chance to open the 2024 season as the Brewers’ starting center fielder.

The deal includes an opt-out after the first year, much like the contract the Reds agreed to earlier this week with fellow free agent Emilio Pagán. Martinez had a solid 2023 season in 63 appearances for the Padres, including nine starts. He posted a 3.43 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 106 strikeouts in 110 1/3 innings. He opted out of the last two years and $16 million of his deal with San Diego to become a free agent and will now perhaps get a chance to start in Cincinnati. If not, he’ll serve as a valuable multi-inning reliever out of the bullpen.

It’s a non-guaranteed split contract for Stephens, but he’s back on Atlanta’s 40-man roster after electing free agency earlier this month. The 29-year-old righty reliever made just five appearances this past season in the big leagues. He’s extra organizational depth for the Braves heading into next season.

No word on the exact financial terms, but it’s a split contract for Murfee, who was non-tendered by the Braves just a few weeks ago after being claimed off waivers from the division-rival Mets. The 29-year-old righty reliever isn’t expected to be ready to contribute until midseason after undergoing right elbow surgery back in late June.

Barria heads to Cleveland to compete in spring training for a spot on the Guardians’ season-opening roster. The 27-year-old right-hander struggled to a lackluster 5.68 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 62/30 K/BB ratio across 82 1/3 innings (34 appearances, six starts) this past season for the Angels. He’ll likely operate in a versatile swingman-type role for Cleveland this upcoming season.

The deal, which is pending a physical, will bring Wendle to Queens after spending the last two seasons with the division-rival Marlins where he posted an underwhelming .610 OPS with five homers and 19 steals across 689 plate appearances over 213 contests. The 33-year-old veteran infielder still offers plenty of defensive versatility, which makes him ideal for a utility role, but he’s not going to make much of an impact at the dish for New York. His presence could make it more difficult for some of the Mets’ top prospects to make their season-opening roster.