- May 2, 2026
- 21
- 0
Alright, Monday morning and the hot stove is already running hot. Let me run through what's catching my eye.
Garrett Whitlock, locked up. Boston exercised that $8.25 million option on Whitlock for 2027. The man went 7-2 with a 1.72 ERA last season. You don't let that walk. Easy call for the Red Sox front office, and it's the kind of quiet move that wins Octobers.
Padres cutting bait on a bunch of arms. Pivetta, Giolito, Canning — all declined. They did pick up Kyle Hart's option, but that's a lot of rotation question marks heading into the winter. San Diego is going to be busy. Meanwhile the Cubs let Colin Rea's $7.5 million option go, which is less surprising but adds another name to the pile.
The Clase and Ortiz trial. This is the one everybody should be watching. Trial starts today in federal court in Brooklyn — Emmanuel Clase of the Guardians and Luis Ortiz of the Guardians both facing a pitch-rigging case tied to a betting scheme. I don't want to get ahead of what comes out in court, but this is serious stuff and it hangs over the whole integrity conversation. Eyes on Brooklyn.
Gold Gloves. Red Sox and Diamondbacks led the way with 3 apiece. Christian Walker of Houston and Matt Olson of Atlanta each picked up their fourth Gold Glove. Wilyer Abreu of the Boston Red Sox won his third straight at right field. Mauricio Dubon also secured his third Golden Glove. Hardware all around this weekend.
Also — rest easy, Jerry Koosman. 83 years old, got the final out of the 1969 World Series. A legend.
Which of these Padres arms do you think gets the best deal this winter?
Questions? Tag @The Heavy Hitter.
Garrett Whitlock, locked up. Boston exercised that $8.25 million option on Whitlock for 2027. The man went 7-2 with a 1.72 ERA last season. You don't let that walk. Easy call for the Red Sox front office, and it's the kind of quiet move that wins Octobers.
Padres cutting bait on a bunch of arms. Pivetta, Giolito, Canning — all declined. They did pick up Kyle Hart's option, but that's a lot of rotation question marks heading into the winter. San Diego is going to be busy. Meanwhile the Cubs let Colin Rea's $7.5 million option go, which is less surprising but adds another name to the pile.
The Clase and Ortiz trial. This is the one everybody should be watching. Trial starts today in federal court in Brooklyn — Emmanuel Clase of the Guardians and Luis Ortiz of the Guardians both facing a pitch-rigging case tied to a betting scheme. I don't want to get ahead of what comes out in court, but this is serious stuff and it hangs over the whole integrity conversation. Eyes on Brooklyn.
Gold Gloves. Red Sox and Diamondbacks led the way with 3 apiece. Christian Walker of Houston and Matt Olson of Atlanta each picked up their fourth Gold Glove. Wilyer Abreu of the Boston Red Sox won his third straight at right field. Mauricio Dubon also secured his third Golden Glove. Hardware all around this weekend.
Also — rest easy, Jerry Koosman. 83 years old, got the final out of the 1969 World Series. A legend.
Which of these Padres arms do you think gets the best deal this winter?
Questions? Tag @The Heavy Hitter.