Tag: MLB – English

  • Olivia Dunne and Paul Skenes celebrate Valentine's Day like Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze in Ghost

    Olivia Dunne and Paul Skenes celebrate Valentine's Day like Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze in Ghost

    Paul Skenes and Olivia Dunne continue to captivate fans with their high-profile relationship and they once again caught all the eyes with their Valentine’s Day celebration, reminiscent of the famous Ghost movie, featuring Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze.

    As Skenes prepares for a big season on the mound with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Dunne dazzles with her gymnastics performances, the couple managed to squeeze in a special celebration that stirred memories of the iconic pottery scene.

    Dunne took to Instagram to share glimpses of their unique date, where the duo attended a pottery class and the images immediately evoked comparisons to the famous scene from Ghost, where Moore and Swayze created pottery together in a moment of pure romance.

    The 22-year-old Dunne, who stars with the LSU Tigers, was dressed in a stunning red nightgown and posted a set of photos, tagging Skenes with three red hearts in a message simply reading, “@PAULSKENES.”

    Skenes also joined in on the festivities by sharing a heartfelt tribute to Dunne on his Instagram story. The Pirates‘ sensational pitcher posted a photo of Dunne proudly holding the 2024 NCAA Trophy.

    The 22-year-old, voted the National League Rookie of the Year, added the snap of his beau with the caption, “My Valentine.”

    Dunne x Skenes: America’s latest sports power couple?

    Skenes took the baseball world by storm with an impressive 1.96 earned run average and an 11-3 record and is being counted on as the ace for the Pirates‘ upcoming season, determined to build on his success and lead his team to postseason once again.

    The Pirates finished with a .459 record and 76 wins at the PNC Park but missed out on the playoffs in the National League Central, which proved to be highly competitive between the Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago Cubs, St Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds.

    Meanwhile, Dunne continues to shine with LSU gymnastics as an integral part of the team for an additional year, demonstrating her commitment and passion for the sport. Her influence extends beyond the gym as well, as she remains one of the most followed college athletes on social media, inspiring young gymnasts nationwide.



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  • Pat Mahomes Sr. and John Rocker nearly fight in New Orleans as boxing match rumors heat up

    Pat Mahomes Sr. and John Rocker nearly fight in New Orleans as boxing match rumors heat up

    Patrick Mahomes Sr., father of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, has been no stranger to controversy. In February 2024, just days before the Super Bowl, he was arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI), marking his third such offense. This incident led to a guilty plea and a five-year probation sentence. Despite these challenges, Mahomes Sr. has remained a visible figure, often seen supporting his son during high-profile games.

    Recently, Mahomes Sr. was involved in a heated confrontation with formerMLB pitcher John Rocker in New Orleans’ French Quarter. The two were captured on video exchanging intense words, appearing ready to escalate the situation physically. However, the altercation was defused before it turned violent.

    Interestingly, this encounter may not have been a spontaneous dispute. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy has hinted that both Mahomes Sr. and Rocker have signed contracts to face each other in an upcoming Rough N’ Rowdy boxing event. If true, this match promises to be a spectacle, given the personalities involved.

    In today’s media landscape, marketing strategies often leverage personal narratives and public personas to capture attention. The potential boxing match between Mahomes Sr. and Rocker exemplifies this trend, blurring the lines between genuine conflict and promotional events. Such spectacles are designed to engage audiences, especially when tied to major events like the Super Bowl.

    From verbal sparring to the boxing ring?

    The incident between Mahomes Sr. and Rocker has sparked significant public interest. While the confrontation appeared genuine, the revelation of a possible pre-arranged boxing match adds a layer of intrigue. Barstool Sports’ Rough N’ Rowdy events are known for featuring unconventional matchups, and this potential bout fits that mold perfectly. As details emerge, fans are left wondering whether the initial altercation was spontaneous or a calculated move to generate buzz for the upcoming fight.

    The Super Bowl is not only the pinnacle of sporting achievement, but also a platform for advertisements and major events. Patrick Mahomes’ father’s involvement in a high-profile confrontation, which has given rise to rumors of a boxing match, changes the usual Super Bowl narratives. It remains to be seen whether this event is a genuine dispute or a promotional strategy, but it has certainly captured the public’s attention.

    As the story unfolds, this type of advertisement changes the rules of the game of sports entertainment, where the lines between competition, personal conflict and marketing continue to blur.



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  • Aaron Judge could envy Mookie Betts' message to Dodgers

    Aaron Judge could envy Mookie Betts' message to Dodgers

    Since the Boston Red Sox traded Mookie Betts five years ago, fans have not gotten over it, and now with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the outfielder already has two World Series titles and has been one of the favorites of the West Coast team.

    Betts expressed his sincere gratitude to the Dodgers’ management, a team that is looking for one more title in the 2025 season.

    MLB superstars Paul Skenes, Elly De La Cruz and Gunnar Henderson shine on MLB The Show cover

    Betts had a sensational year in 2024 with a .289 batting average, 19 home runs, 75 RBIs and 75 runs scored in the 116 games he played.

    As if that were not enough, Betts won the Silver Slugger award for the seventh time and added his third World Series title, after being crowned with Boston in 2018.

    “Thanks to our head office for giving us the opportunity,” Betts said on a podcast, speaking about the way the Angels have strengthened by signing several Japanese stars such as Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki.

    Mookie made special mention of Ohtani, explaining that the Japanese player’s enthusiasm for playing is an incentive to aspire to another World Series title.

    Betts had met Ohtani on a trip to Japan and was one of the most recommended for the Japanese to sign with the Dodgers on a ten-year, $700 million contract.

    Ohtani was unable to work as a pitcher in 2024, but at bat he recorded amazing numbers with a .310 average, 54 home runs, 130 runs batted in and an OPS of 1.036.

    Yankees far from Dodgers’ aspirations

    In the 2024 World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers played against the New York Yankees in a Fall Classic that had not happened since 1981, which raised expectations beyond what was expected among baseball fans around the world.

    The Dodgers easily beat the Manhattan Mules in just five games, and this year it seems that the story is not going to change, and that while the Dodgers have added important reinforcements to their roster, the Yankees have a different story.

    And the Bronx Bombers have not only failed to sign the players expected of a team of the New Yorkers’ tradition, but also lost one of their most important players in Dominican Juan Soto, who signed with the Bronx’s neighbors, the New York Mets.



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  • Elly, Gunnar, and Skenes takeover The MLB The Show 25 cover

    Elly, Gunnar, and Skenes takeover The MLB The Show 25 cover

    Baseball fans, it’s time to mark your calendars. MLB The Show 25 is dropping on March 18, 2025, and this year’s cover isn’t just making history-it’s rewriting it. For the first time ever, three rising stars of Major League Baseball are sharing the spotlight. Elly De La Cruz, Gunnar Henderson, and Paul Skenes are the faces of the game’s 20th-anniversary edition, and they’re here to show why the future of baseball is as bright as ever.

    Each player represents a new chapter for their teams-and for The Show. De La Cruz, Henderson, and Skenes aren’t just phenomenal athletes; they’re the first cover stars from their respective franchises, a major milestone for the Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles, and Pittsburgh Pirates.

    MLB superstars Paul Skenes, Elly De La Cruz and Gunnar Henderson shine on MLB The Show cover

    If you’ve watched De La Cruz play, you know why he’s on the cover. The Reds phenom burst onto the MLB scene in 2023, hitting for the cycle just 17 games into his career. In 2024, he led the league with 67 stolen bases while earning his first All-Star nod-all by the age of 22. His lightning speed and explosive power make him a perfect fit for the game’s Road to the Show mode, where fans can replicate his journey from the minors to MLB superstardom.

    For the Orioles, Gunnar Henderson has become a symbol of hope and resilience. After taking home the 2023 AL Rookie of the Year award, the 23-year-old shortstop smashed a franchise-record 37 homers in 2024, earning a starting spot in the All-Star Game and wowing fans at the Home Run Derby. Henderson’s energy and hustle embody Baltimore’s resurgence, and his inclusion on the cover feels like a well-earned celebration of his rise.

    Paul Skenes and MLB The Show 25: A glimpse Into baseball’s future

    Then there’s Paul Skenes, who is redefining what’s possible for a young pitcher. Just one year after leading LSU to a College World Series title, Skenes debuted in the big leagues, became an All-Star Game starter, and racked up Rookie of the Year honors. His 1.96 ERA and 170 strikeouts in 2024 make it clear-Skenes isn’t just good; he’s historic.

    This year’s cover isn’t just about celebrating individual players-it’s about highlighting the future of the sport. By showcasing these rising stars, MLB The Show 25 isn’t just giving fans a game to play; it’s giving them a glimpse of where baseball is headed.

    With the game launching on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch, fans can dive into the action and relive these players’ incredible journeys. For baseball enthusiasts and gamers alike, this anniversary edition promises to deliver the perfect blend of nostalgia and what’s next.



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  • Francisco Lindor calls for Pete Alonso's return to Mets: “It's not going to be the same without him”

    Francisco Lindor calls for Pete Alonso's return to Mets: “It's not going to be the same without him”

    The New York Mets held their first winter fan event in five years at Citi Field on Saturday, and there was one notable absence, as first baseman Pete Alonso was not present, having failed to reach an agreement with the franchise.

    Alonso was absent for the first time since the 2016 draft as he remains a free agent this offseason, and the first baseman may have played his last game with the franchise, ESPN reported.

    Mets miss Alonso

    Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor was one of the many, if not all, who noticed and missed the presence of one of the team’s leaders.

    Going on a date with Livvy Dunne! A 11 year old goes breathless after founding the 1/1 Paul Skenes rookie card

    “Pete has been here since I have,” said Lindor, who has been a fixture with the Queens team since 2021. “He was here before me. So, yes, it would be different if he went somewhere else. Yes, it would be different, but I think he should take his time and I think he should make the best decision for himself and not feel rushed.”

    Alonso and third baseman Alex Bregman are the two best position players remaining on the free agent market. Alonso, represented by Scott Boras, originally sought a long-term deal, but is open to returning to the Mets on a three-year deal with opt-out options, according to a source.

    The Mets have been open to such a deal, but the stumbling block has been the money.

    “I would love to see Pete back with us, but I also understand that I don’t make those decisions,” Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo said. “And that’s between Pete and our front office and David Stearns and Steve Cohen. And from what I understand, there have been a lot of conversations between them. I’m still hopeful that we’ll sign him.”

    Nimmo, who is also represented by Boras, signed an eight-year, $162 million contract to remain with the Mets two seasons ago. He is the longest-tenured player on the roster, having made his debut in 2016.

    “I don’t think they’re trying to speed up the process,” Nimmo said. “When you get to free agency, it’s a privilege to be able to go through that, and it’s not a decision you want to take lightly or try to rush. So there’s a lot of talk beforehand about how you want to approach meetings and situations, and if you don’t see what you’re looking for, then there’s no reason to rush.”

    Pete Alonso, a fan favorite in Queens

    Alonso, 30, became a fan favorite with the Mets, and at the same time became a cornerstone of the franchise during his six seasons in Queens.

    He has hit 226 home runs since making his MLB debut, the second-highest total, behind only Aaron Judge. His 53 home runs in 2019 are a record for a rookie.

    He has been a reliable everyday presence; he has never missed more than nine games in a season and played in all 178 games, postseason included, in 2024. He has been part of four All-Star teams and won the Home Run Derby twice.



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  • Gary Sheffield's son's disappointment with Yankees is so huge he no longer blames Dodgers for drought

    Gary Sheffield's son's disappointment with Yankees is so huge he no longer blames Dodgers for drought

    Gary Sheffield Jr.’s disappointment with the New York Yankees is so great that he no longer blames the Dodgers for their drought

    The New York Yankees losing streak has Gary Sheffield’s son unhappy, as despite being one of the biggest and best-known teams in baseball, they can’t sign the big free agents like they used to in the past

    The Yankees have not won the World Series in the last 16 years. This decline has generated comments and one of those who has spoken about it is Gary Sheffield Jr., who considers that, at the moment, the Yankees simply do not have the same appeal as before.

    Juan Soto celebrates in style in the Dominican Republic after Mets deal unfazed by Yankees backlash

    Dodgers will continue to dominate over the Yankees

    Sheffield does not hold back and assures that, although the lack of championships is a big part of their lack of appeal, it is also influenced by the huge spending of the Los Angeles Dodgers, which he says has affected baseball in general

    Although he claimed that if the Dodgers did not exist, the Bronx Bombers would still be winless

    The recent comments of Gary Sheffield Jr., a renowned sports analyst in the United States, have reignited the debate about the Yankees’ continued struggle to regain their greatness in baseball and prove their weight on the field

    “All I know is my Yankees couldn’t win a World Series in a 16-year period before the Dodgers ‘ruined baseball.’ I’m less outraged, having understood that if the Dodgers ceased to exist, we wouldn’t be doing the job anyway,” Sheffield Jr. wrote on his X account.

    A setback for the New York team is not being able to recover Juan Soto, one of its free agents, for a contract worth $760 million. Soto opted for the New York Mets, and a contract worth $765 million.

    They were also not close to signing Shohei Ohtani, who went to the Dodgers for a similar amount, and to top it off, they also lost free agent Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who ended up with the Dodgers, which shows that the Yankees are not being as aggressive as they should be when it comes to making big signings.

    Yankees forced to look for better signings

    Sheffield Jr.’s direct criticism of the team’s lack of appeal has raised questions about whether the Yankees need to sign a key player who could be their salvation.

    The team’s eyes would be on Brendan Donovan, an outfielder for the St. Louis Cardinals, who has become an attractive option.



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  • Yankees hope to form a powerful duo with Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones

    Yankees hope to form a powerful duo with Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones

    The excitement surrounding Spencer Jones is growing to a fever pitch, and for good reason. With an imposing 6-foot-6 frame and a left-handed swing that already has scouts drooling, the Yankees top prospect is a force to be reckoned with, once he gets the chance to prove it on the big stage. Make no mistake, while we may not see Jones in the famous pinstripes tomorrow, the hype is real.

    He has some hurdles to overcome in the minors before he can become the center of attention, but let’s be honest: he’s not exactly the kind of player who backs down from a challenge. Jones may not have to look far if he’s looking for a player to look up to; Aaron Judge is right there in the Yankees lineup. Judge is 6-foot-7 and Jones is 6-foot-6, both big guys, and Jones could learn from the powerful hitter Judge how to improve and balance his swing.

    Gleyber Torres parts ways with the New York Yankees

    Spencer Jones looking forward to being with Aaron Judge

    In a video interview with Yes Network, Spencer Jones is asked: “Can you take anything from him (Aaron Judge)? Or is it so different because you’re on the other side of the play?” To which Spencer replied: “I mean there’s definitely a lot to learn from him. He’s, you know, an incredible hitter. He has been for the last decade. It’s one of those things that when I get to spring training I have more questions than ever as to what he does.” Jones further added that he is excited to work with Judge this spring and is looking forward to it.

    Spencer Jones’ 2024 season in Double-A was a rollercoaster, to say the least. On the one hand, you have the highlights: 17 home runs, 30 doubles and 78 RBIs in 122 games. But, of course, there’s the flip side. The strikeouts. Oh, the strikeouts. The staggering 200 strikeouts. It’s not just a hard number to swallow; it’s a franchise record for any Yankees minor league player. To make things even more astonishing, Jones’ strikeout rate of 36.8% was the highest among all qualified Double-A hitters. Wow!

    So what’s next for Jones? It’s about getting into the lab and refining that approach. While this Yankees prospect works on himself, there’s another standout pinstripes prospect.

    2025 could be the year of the Martian’s rise in the Bronx

    Jasson Dominguez, New York’s top prospect and one of the most exciting talents in all of baseball, is ready to take over. At just 21 years old (he will turn 22 in February), Dominguez is already a force. Nicknamed “The Martian” for his otherworldly skill set, this switch-hitting phenomenon has already dazzled in his brief Major League appearances, despite his last few years being marred by injuries.

    But now, all signs point to him becoming a regular player in 2025. And with the tools he has? It could be a special season. However, this is the big question for 2025: Where will he play? It’s not about whether Dominguez will get a spot on the roster; it’s more about where he will line up in the outfield. Most projections right now have Dominguez near the end of the lineup. Sure, you have Anthony Volpe and Jazz Chisholm, two exciting players in their own right, who could be at the top of the lineup. But imagine Dominguez opening the lineup in front of Aaron Judge.

    Last year, Gleyber Torres was the Yankees’ leadoff hitter, especially after they began to shuffle their lineup in the second half of the season and the playoffs. He did a solid job, no doubt, getting on base and setting the stage for the strong hitters. But let’s face it: Torres’ leadoff spot was a bit of an improvised solution. The Yankees know they need more consistency at the top of the lineup if they want to compete in the long run. And who better to provide that spark than Dominguez, with his combination of speed, power and a switch-hitting approach that keeps pitchers on their toes?



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  • Juan Soto is not afraid and will exceed all expectations with the Mets, says Erik Kratz

    Juan Soto is not afraid and will exceed all expectations with the Mets, says Erik Kratz

    It’s no secret that Yankees fans find it a little hard to see images of Juan Soto wearing the Mets jersey, that partnership with Aaron Judge amazed everyone, but now they are on different paths.

    The feeling of betrayal is something that many Yankees fans identify with, however, the recent signings they have completed can help the team’s spirit to keep fighting for that long-awaited World Series.

    Juan Soto celebrates in style in the Dominican Republic after Mets deal unfazed by Yankees backlash

    Soto signed a historic $765 million contract, with additional benefits such as security service, VIP tickets and a customized suite, which facilitated the closing of the deal, although the cost was not a major challenge for Steve Cohen.

    Is Juan Soto irreplaceable for the Yankees?

    Chris Gimenez, an MLB analyst and former baseball player, commented that the departure of the Dominican was not as bad as it is made out to be. He explained that they distributed the profits they had obtained thanks to the signing of a player to expand in a better way. The Yankees already have Max Fried and Paul Goldschmidt in their ranks and even negotiated to obtain Cody Bellinger from the Cubs.

    “I think Soto did the Yankees a favor. It allowed them to go after quality veteran players like Paul Goldschmidt. To me, this is the right decision at the right time not only for the Yankees but also for Goldie,” Gimenez said in a chat with MLB Network Radio.

    Goldschmidt’s game will be fundamental and key to helping Aaron Judge. He will definitely be one of the baseball players to watch closely in the new season.

    Juan Soto for Mets MVP

    Who has already put all his money on a very good season for Juan Soto with the Mets, is the good Erik Kratz.

    On the Foul Territory podcast, Erik made it pretty clear that the Dominican is going to break it all, to the point of calling her “a sure bet.”

    Along with his guest, Scott Braun, Kratz explained that Soto has played 35 games at Citi Field, demonstrating his ability to adjust his swing to the needs of the game. Despite his success, Juan has yet to reach his best level, and according to Erik, his top performance peak is expected between 28 and 32 years of age.



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  • What are the predictions with Juan Soto? Mets set the bar high

    What are the predictions with Juan Soto? Mets set the bar high

    Once the New York Mets managed to tie up Dominican Juan Soto with a 15-year, $765 million contract, the enthusiasm of the team’s fans skyrocketed and they believe that their team is a strong contender to win the World Series this year.

    The owner of the ninth, Steve Cohen, did everything in his power to secure Soto’s arrival and he succeeded, no matter the cost. Cohen was always willing to pay more than any other team and take him from the Bronx to Queens to snatch him from the hands of the Yankees.

    With Soto in their lineup, the Mets feel they have unlimited power and feel equally powerful to win the third MLB championship in their history, but it is only the beginning.

    What will the Mets’ power be for the next 15 years?

    Cohen and general manager David Stearns worked hard on the team’s lineup, and have created a new fantastic duo in the Big Apple with Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto batting one after the other from next season.

    The Queens’ attack will be very powerful with the two Latino sluggers in the lineup, but the pitching rotation leaves much to be desired, as reported by clutchpoints.com.

    The Mets could put a solution to this if they manage to acquire the services of Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki, who is a young phenomenon who could have one of the most electrifying arms on the planet.

    At just 22 years of age, Sasaki will not come to the United States as a free agent as Yoshinobu Yamamoto did last year, but will come to the United States under international amateur free agency rules, similar to the situation several years ago with Shohei Ohtani.

    International amateur free agents like Sasaki, Ohtani and the countless teenagers from Latin America who come to the United States each year face strict contractual limits in terms of salary and maximum signing bonuses on their first professional contract.

    With this, the Mets will be able to make a competitive offer that will convince Sasaki, who would immediately enter the New York rotation.

    Last season, the Mets finished with 89 wins, and the arrival of Soto could give them between five and 10 more wins than the previous season.

    If the Mets manage to re-sign Pete Alonso and put him together with most of the 2024 core of hitters, plus the new addition of Soto, the Mets will be in a great position to try to win 100 or more games.

    Soto helped boost the Yankees’ win total significantly in 2024 after the disaster that was the 2023 season. There’s no reason he can’t have a similar impact in Queens.

    Soto had the best season of his career in 2024 while hitting in front of Yankees captain Aaron Judge, and could be even better with the situation he will enjoy this season.

    The Mets’ likely lineup would feature Soto hitting behind Lindor and in front of Alonso, which would give the Dominican protection both in front and behind him, making it almost impossible for any team to dodge the 26-year-old former World Series champion.

    The Mets hope to become a new dynasty

    Cohen is an investor by nature and did not sign Soto without expecting something in return. The goal is to return the Mets to relevance and win multiple championships over the next decade. Soto will be a big part of those teams and the franchise will need him at his best.

    If Soto lives up to his potential in Queens, the Mets should be able to win multiple championships. They will have an elite lineup that will keep them in contention at all times.

    If general manager Stearns adds some impact arms and everything fits together for the Mets, they will have all the ingredients to form a major dynasty over the next decade.



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  • Gleyber Torres assumed Yankees didn't want him: “I must play where they want to give their best for me”

    Gleyber Torres assumed Yankees didn't want him: “I must play where they want to give their best for me”

    The Major League Baseball offseason is closing out the year with more deals and one of the most recent was that of Venezuelan Gleyber Torres with the Detroit Tigers, who closed his seven-season cycle with the New York Yankees.Torres did not have the best of seasons with the Yankees and realized that he would not receive an offer to return from free agency, which motivated him to look for another destination and agreed with the Tigers for one year and $15 million.

    “I think [the Yankees] have all their priorities and I wasn’t on the list,” Gleyber Torres told the press Saturday on a Zoom call, where he added: “I have to play where someone wants to give their best for me.”

    Gleyber Torres and the Tigers’ MLB 2025 bet

    With this trade, the Tigers fill a gap by having an infielder who can play second base and shortstop, with a slight short-term investment, while Torres will be able to try to recover from a forgettable first half of the season with the Yankees, to raise his value and enter the winter market of 2025, which he will reach at 29 years of age.

    “The season I had, I started slow in the first half. Everything was better in the second half, but still the numbers I had were not right to go into free agency, especially with my age. I was just telling my agents to look for a one-year contract, I always believe in myself. I bet on myself, so in this process I was trying to find the right place to play for a year,” Torres told the New York Post, concluding that he is proud to have played seven seasons with the Yankees.



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