The Week That Was: January 6-12

Verlander finds a new home, and Hall of Fame discussion picks up steam.

Happy Monday BYB readers and welcome to the Week That Was. This past week things were a bit slower in the hot stove, as teams focused on cleaning up their outstanding arbitration issues (and one team was dealing with in-fighting and ownership lawsuits… more on that below).

We did see a new chapter in the Rays stadium drama, what else is new? The biggest point of discussion we’ll likely see coming up over the following week will be chatter about the Hall of Fame inductions coming later this month. There’s plenty of that below, but I anticipate there will be much more to come.

Also this week an old Tigers’ friend has found a new home. Justin Verlander is headed to the Giants on a one-year deal. Discussion of his career inevitably brought up the Tigers versus Astros debate in terms of where he’ll be remembered most. It’s still Detroit, people.

Free agents Jack Flaherty and Anthony Santander were both rumored to be considering short term “pillow” contracts with opt-out clauses included. With their markets not developing as hoped, deals like that would lock in solid future earnings and give them a chance to prove their work and hit the open market again. Of course, it’s hard to believe either is going to top their 2024 work next season, so it’s a tricky decision. Their current best long-term offers might be the best they can do in terms of total guaranteed money.

Meanwhile, things are very quiet in the Alex Bregman department.

Let’s just get right into the news of the past week.

Tigers are going to win the World Series

If MLB says it, I’m placing my bet now.

News Highlights

• Vlad Jr re-signs with Toronto for $28.5 million , avoiding arbitration.
• The Rays stadium saga opens a fun new chapter as the team now appears to want their stadium fixed . Is this a genuine request, or just a ploy to test the city?
• Where does Justin Verlander fit in the Giants’ rotation ?
• Big Hall of Fame questions before the announcements happen on January 21st .
• In light of the Hall of Fame and the near certainty of Ichiro making it to Cooperstown, Tom Verducci waxes poetic about the iconic player .
• Who could be the breakout stars of the 2025 season ?
• Freddie Freeman and his wife have donated to help aid relief for the Los Angeles fires .
• Former Orioles pitcher Brian Matusz is dead at 37 , the cause of death was not released.
• Peter Seidler’s widow is suing for control of the Padres .
• On that topic, what does the current scuffle over Padres ownership say about team operations? ($)

Hot stove moves

• Predictions for the 21 best players still available in free agency .
• The A’s sign Brent Rooker to a $60 million extension .
• What are the most likely landing spots for Alex Bregman (hint: one of them is Detroit)
• Which free agents might sign short-term high-value contracts ?
• The Reds have traded with the Dodgers for Gavin Lux .
• Could the delay in signing Pete Alonso be inspiring other players to sign shorter contracts?
• The Jays sign reliever Jeff Hoffman .
• Andrew Kittredge has signed a one-year deal with the Orioles .

Social Media highlights

(Here’s a little more on that ban story .)