MLB

Ex-Phillies World Series Closer Unveils Game-Changing Blueprint for 2024 Comeback

03/11/2024 Raymond 0

In 2024, the Philadelphia Phillies concluded the regular season with the second-best record in the National League and all of Major League Baseball, just behind the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are on the brink of clinching the World Series title. This season marked a pivotal moment for the Phillies as they finished first in the NL East for the first time, having previously entered the playoffs as a Wild Card team. However, this success has raised questions about the advantages of being a top contender throughout the season. Former Phillies World Series closer Brad Lidge shared his thoughts on what the team might need to change moving forward.

Despite an impressive start and high expectations—with Cy Young contenders and an MVP favorite—the Phillies struggled in the latter part of the season. They secured the No. 2 seed in the NL and earned a first-round bye, but their late-season difficulties carried over into the playoffs, resulting in a disappointing four-game loss to the New York Mets in the NLDS. Lidge speculated that perhaps the Phillies would benefit from not clinching the division title until late September, allowing them to build momentum at the right time. He acknowledged that while the team has immense talent, a new strategy may be essential for maintaining their competitive edge in the future.

Orioles Star Corbin Burnes Shakes Up Offseason: Chooses Free Agency, While Boston’s Lucas Giolito Stays Put!

01/11/2024 Raymond 0

Corbin Burnes, a right-handed pitcher, had a strong first season with the Baltimore Orioles, finishing with a record of 15-9 and an impressive 2.92 ERA across 32 games. This year marked his debut with the Orioles after being traded from the Milwaukee Brewers, where he won the National League Cy Young Award in 2021. Alongside him, outfielder Anthony Santander had a productive season in 2024, hitting .235 while belting 44 home runs and driving in 102 runs.

In addition to Burnes and Santander, several other players opted for free agency, including right-hander Brooks Kriske, left-hander John Means, catcher James McCann, and outfielder Austin Slater. The Boston Red Sox announced that right-handed pitcher Lucas Giolito has exercised his player option worth $19 million for the 2025 season. This decision was anticipated following Giolito’s March surgery on his pitching elbow, which kept him from playing during his first season with the Red Sox after signing a two-year, $38.5 million contract.

Meanwhile, the Chicago White Sox decided not to exercise their 2025 option on infielder Yoan Moncada, allowing him to enter free agency. Moncada, who had previously signed a five-year, $70 million contract extension, struggled with injuries, limiting his appearances in recent seasons. In addition, the St. Louis Cardinals announced that they would not be exercising their options on right-handed pitchers Kyle Gibson, Lance Lynn, and Keynan Middleton, further reshaping their roster for the upcoming year.