Latest news with #MajorLeagues
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cal Raleigh to participate in Home Run Derby
Major League Baseball announced today that Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh will participate in the 2025 T-Mobile Home Run Derby on Monday, July 14, at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia. Raleigh, 28, leads the Major Leagues with 32 home runs this season, making history as the first catcher and switch-hitter to reach 30 homers before the All-Star Break. Advertisement 'I'm excited to represent the Mariners and our fanbase at the [Home Run] Derby,' Raleigh said. 'It will be extra special for me getting to do it in Atlanta, where I spent a lot of time playing baseball as a kid.' Cal Raleigh's father, Todd Raleigh, will be his pitcher for the event. Todd, who throws right-handed, has a background as a head baseball coach at Western Carolina University and the University of Tennessee. Raleigh aims to become the first catcher to win the Home Run Derby, an event that began in 1985. He joins a list of Mariners players who have participated, including Hall of Famers Ken Griffey Jr. and Edgar Martinez. Ken Griffey Jr. remains the only Mariners player to win the Derby, achieving this feat three times. Julio Rodríguez, Raleigh's teammate, holds the single-round home run record under the current format. In 79 games this season, Raleigh is batting .275 with 69 RBI, 58 runs scored, and a .380 on-base percentage, showcasing his impressive performance. Cal Raleigh's participation in the Home Run Derby highlights his exceptional season and offers him a chance to make history as the first catcher to win the event.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Yankees' outfield prospect continues home run barrage in Double-A
Spencer Jones might be the most perplexing prospect in the Yankees' organization, as his high strikeout rates raise massive alarm bells, but unlike last year, he's generating tons of home run power. The contact rates are as bad as last year, but Jones is hitting the ball in the air and making better swing decisions, resulting in a monstrous .974 OPS in an Eastern League that's been more pitcher-friendly in 2025. Advertisement Hitters in the Eastern League have a .365 SLG% and .679 OPS on average, and yet Jones is dominating in terms of results. Launching his 14th home run of the season, he's just three away from matching his 2024 total despite playing in just 44 games so far. It raises some interesting questions about whether Jones can make it in the big leagues or not, and whether his abnormal combination of raw tools can result in a productive everyday regular. Why Spencer Jones' HR Barrage Could Catch the Yankees' Attention Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports It can feel impossible to predict who will or won't have success at the next level, and that's why anomalies exist in this league. Advertisement Oneil Cruz and Elly De La Cruz have displayed that highly questionable hit tools can be overlooked for elite-level raw power and athleticism, but Jones pushes that to the brink with his strikeout rates. He has a 34.2% K%, and while the K% in the Eastern League (24.7%) is higher than in the Major Leagues (22.0%), you have to imagine those contact numbers will only get worse as he moves up the professional ladder. I tried to find hitters with the outlier traits that Jones has, a K% above 34% and a ISO above .300, and the only two hitters to pop up (min. 200 PA) at the Double-A level since 2021 are Moises Gomez and Drew Lugbauer. Neither player reached the Major Leagues, but it should be noted that neither played centerfield primarily, a position that the Yankees' 2022 first-round pick handles extremely well. Advertisement READ MORE: Yankees' infielder is quietly dominating — and no one's noticing Hudson Valley Renegades outfielder Spencer Jones during media day on April 5, 2023. Renegades Media Day I tried to expend this search, looking for hitters with at least 130 plate appearances, and the only other hitter who popped up besides Spencer Jones was Trey Cabbage. Cabbage reached the Major Leagues but his time there was brief, and he's currently playing in the NPB as he hit .209 with a 58 wRC+ in 67 games. He struck out in 40.8% of his plate appearances, and it's safe to say that if Jones does that in the Major Leagues his time would also be pretty brief. History would tell us that hitters of Jones' mold do not end up making it or sticking at baseball's highest level, but none of these examples have had teams consider their defensive and baserunning abilities. Advertisement While all three of the players I mentioned projected to be below-average in both regards, you can reasonably expect Spencer Jones to be a plus (or double plus) in those categories. Very quietly, Spencer Jones is stealing at a pace that would result in 34 stolen bases at an 83.3% success clip over 150 games. He does an excellent job getting downhill and using his long legs to make massive strides, and the Yankees have allowed him to be an aggressive runner. The arm is unreal, the range is good because of his aforementioned speed, and his tall frame allows him to bring down liners and flyballs that would sail over the heads of most outfielders. Advertisement We could be looking at a good defender at a premium position who also steals 20-30 bases a season efficiently. Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images Add on the fact that he has 14 home runs in just 184 plate appearances in one of the most run-depressed leagues in the Minor League circuit, and you have someone who could provide MLB value. I find it utterly fascinating that Steamer projects him for a 36.9% strikeout rate as well; if he ran that strikeout rate he likely wouldn't be a good hitter, but could he be league average with the power and patience he has? Sure, pitchers wouldn't be scared to death of going after him in the zone, but the home run power has to create some level of deterrence. Advertisement This is one of the weirdest prospects I've evaluated not just in the Yankees' organization, but really in all of baseball. His combination of whiffs and game power alone are unique, and none of his loose comparisons have the speed or defense he has. With Jones cutting his groundball rate by 12.3% from last season, he's hitting the ball in the air and on a line at a much higher rate than last season, and he has so much power that it almost always results in damage. There's no one like him in professional baseball, and that can allow him to challenge the expectations and projections we'd normally have for someone with his profile. Advertisement Maybe he ends up flaming out the way Moises Gomez, Trey Cabbage, and Drew Lugbauer did after leaving the Double-A level, or maybe his athletic tools allow him to contribute without the bat, giving him time to acclimate and hit bombs in the Bronx. Related Headlines
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bruce the Bat Dog to make MLB debut with Washington Nationals
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — One beloved Rochester dog is howling with pride after getting the call-up! Bruce the Bat Dog is making the leap to from Triple-A to the Major Leagues — making his big-league debut with the Washington Nationals on Saturday! Bruce will bring his signature charm and enthusiasm as the team takes on the Miami Marlins. Bruce made the his debut in 2024, and has fetched 43 bats in just three appearances this season. Off the diamond, the 'Bruce Bettering the Community Campaign' has raised funds for Honor Flight Rochester and the Veterans Outreach Center. 'We always knew Bruce was destined for the Big Leagues—he's got the paws, the personality, and the hustle,' said Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason. 'But what makes us even prouder is the difference he's made off the field. From bringing smiles to fans at the ballpark to supporting our veterans through his community campaign, Bruce has truly earned this call-up. He's going to do a doggone great job for the Nationals and their fans!' Don't worry — Bruce will be back in time for the upcoming 'Meet & Pet' happening on July 6 and August 9. For more information, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Red Sox Prospect Roman Anthony Responds 'Yeah' Amid Question on Big League Call-Up
Red Sox Prospect Roman Anthony Responds 'Yeah' Amid Question on Big League Call-Up originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Boston Red Sox made a major move ahead of their series against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Red Sox called up top prospect and outfielder Roman Anthony. The call-up was one of the most highly anticipated call-ups in recent MLB history, and Anthony will now get his shot in the Major Leagues. Advertisement As Anthony was making his way to Boston for the Red Sox's series against the Rays, Anthony was spotted leaving the team's facility in Worcester by Katie Morrison-O'Day, reporter of the Worcester Red Sox for MassLive. Morrison-O'Day asked Anthony as he was driving away from the team facility if he was getting the call-up. Anthony provided just a one-word reaction and answer, "Yeah." Anthony said. It's a short answer, and little more than a basic response, but it's the first that the Red Sox fandom has heard from Anthony after his call-up to the Major Leagues. His MLB debut is bound to draw a lot of attention, and his first reaction to the media after getting the call will get plenty of attention as well. Red Sox top prospect Roman Anthony gets ready for an at-bat during a WooSox game on April 13, 2025 at Polar Park. WooSox Photo/Ashley Green / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Anthony, hitting .288 in Triple-A for the Red Sox, has been putting on a show. Just a few days before getting called-up, Anthony hit a home run that went 497 feet, the furthest home run across professional baseball in 2025. Advertisement On the year, Anthony has 61 hits, 45 runs scored, 9 doubles, 2 triples, 10 home runs, 29 RBIs, and an impressive 51 walks through 58 games. His OPS is an incredible .914, and he's been one of the best players within the Red Sox's Minor League system in 2025. After being selected in the second round, at 79th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, Anthony is finally getting the call to the Major Leagues. His first public comments after being called up weren't much, but his calm demeanor is hopefully a sign of things to come for the talented rookie. Related: Red Sox Make Major Roster Move Amid Roman Anthony Decision Related: Red Sox Make Huge Roman Anthony Decision This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Why Kyle Hendricks shared his 100th win with his childhood mentor from Los Angeles Angels
Why Kyle Hendricks shared his 100th win with his childhood mentor from Los Angeles Angels (Image Source: Getty Images) Kyle Hendricks' 100th win in the Major Leagues with the Los Angeles Angels against the Seattle Mariners on June 6, 2025, is not just a statistic. The path of this right-hander to this moment in his career highlights the effect early guidance has on an athlete's success over many years. By hugging Clyde Wright, the coach who guided him as a child and retired with 100 wins, Hendricks reflected the importance of early guidance for any sports career. Hendricks' 5-4 victory over the Mariners showed he has what it takes and also highlighted how strong bonds between players help baseball grow. Clyde Wright's Foundational Impact on Kyle Hendricks' Baseball Development Clyde Wright being part of Kyle Hendricks' celebration with the Los Angeles Angels made for an incredible 23-year story. When Hendricks started with Wright's Anaheim pitching academy at age 12, Wright was already a seasoned pitching instructor at 84. Clyde Wright ended his 10-year career in Major League Baseball with 100 wins, just like Kyle Hendricks' current achievement. The fact that the numbers are equal in this way makes their relationship more meaningful, proving how Wright's early encouragement of others affected their careers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Milana, 38, Shows Her Huge Size In New Photos. Paperela Undo Hendricks said Wright introduced him to pitching as well as encouraged his passion for baseball, making sure he remained interested in the sport. Kyle Hendricks' Career Trajectory from Chicago Cubs Star to Los Angeles Angels Milestone The way Kyle Hendricks reached 100 career wins shows a strong and consistent performance in different teams and at different stages of his career. In his time with the Cubs, Hendricks achieved 97 victories and was counted on to give accurate pitches, not just powerful ones. He has carried on this style in Los Angeles, and his June 6 game against the Seattle Mariners proved that he relies on strategy instead of sheer strength. Kyle Hendricks showed his tactical skills even though he gave up four runs and eight hits in six innings, with no more than two strikeouts. Even though his fastball was clocked at only 86.6 miles per hour, he handled a potential bases-loaded situation in the fifth inning and got out of it. Jorge Soler stopped the Tigers from getting a grand slam, and Travis d'Arnaud hit a two-run homer that tied the game. Also Read: Colton Gordon's electric debut fuels Astros' victory over Guardians Kyle Hendricks' 100th career victory ultimately transcends individual achievement, representing the profound influence of quality mentorship in athletic development. His emotional reunion with Clyde Wright demonstrates how foundational relationships continue shaping professional careers decades after initial contact. For Los Angeles Angels fans wanting to follow Hendricks' continued pursuit of wins, games are broadcast on Fox Sports West and available through streaming services, with home games scheduled throughout the summer at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California.
