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Articles by Ken Rosenthal
How Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman’s defense could impact his trade value
Teams continue to call the Colorado Rockies, seeking to trade for catcher Hunter Goodman. Yet, the interest in one of the game’s top sluggers is muted. The concern with Goodman is his defense, specifically his receiving. Whether those concerns should outweigh his offensive prowess — at a time when teams are desperate for right-handed power and Goodman is under control for three additional seasons — is a question that will help determine whether the Rockies move their lone All-Star.
How Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman's defense could impact his trade value
Teams continue to call the Colorado Rockies, seeking to trade for catcher Hunter Goodman. Yet, the interest in one of the game's top sluggers is muted. The concern with Goodman is his defense, specifically his receiving. Whether those concerns should outweigh his offensive prowess -- at a time when teams are desperate for right-handed power and Goodman is under control for three additional seasons -- is a question that will help determine whether the Rockies move their lone All-Star.
Red Sox view Angels shortstop Zach Neto as strong fit: Sources Original
Picture Zach Neto in a Boston Red Sox uniform. The idea, at least from the Red Sox’s perspective, is not far-fetched. The Sox, after expressing interest in the Los Angeles Angels shortstop last offseason, continue to view him as a strong fit, according to people briefed on their discussions but granted anonymity to speak freely. The talks between the Red Sox and Angels regarding Neto last winter did not progress to the point of exchanging names.
What we’re hearing about potential Mariners’ trade pieces and more intel from around MLB Original
If the Seattle Mariners trade a starting pitcher, the logical assumption is that it would be veteran right-hander Luis Castillo. In their search for a right-handed hitter, the Mariners are telling teams they also are open to moving righty Emerson Hancock, according to people briefed on their discussions. Castillo, 33, is owed the balance of $22.75 million this season, plus another $22.75 million next season in the final guaranteed year of his contract.
This rule change is embarrassing. Plus: AL Central deadline breakdown Original
The Windup Newsletter ⚾ | This is The Athletic’s MLB newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Windup directly in your inbox. Has the league changed a rule without letting teams know? The Yankees sure think so. Plus: We give the AL Central the deadline overview treatment, and Ken Rosenthal examines an option for the Tigers and Tarik Skubal. I’m Levi Weaver — welcome to The Windup! Did MLB secretly alter rule?
What we’re hearing about the Tigers’ likely asking price on Skubal and more trade deadline intel
The Detroit Tigers probably cannot trade Tarik Skubal without dramatically compromising their chances of winning the World Series. But the Tigers are at least mulling the possibility of securing a package for Skubal that potentially would keep them strong in the present while making them stronger for the future. The way they would do it, according to two rival executives briefed on the Tigers’ thinking, is by trading Skubal for a controllable starting pitcher plus quality prospects.
What we're hearing about the Tigers' likely asking price on Skubal and more trade deadline intel
The Detroit Tigers probably cannot trade Tarik Skubal without dramatically compromising their chances of winning the World Series. But the Tigers are at least mulling the possibility of securing a package for Skubal that potentially would keep them strong in the present while making them stronger for the future. The way they would do it, according to two rival executives briefed on the Tigers' thinking, is by trading Skubal for a controllable starting pitcher plus quality prospects.
Padres' sale process moving toward vote after final documentation submitted: Sources
The group that agreed to buy the San Diego Padres for a record $3.9 billion valuation has submitted the final documentation needed to move the pending sale to a vote, team and league officials who were granted anonymity to discuss the sale process told The Athletic. That vote has not been scheduled but might take place in early August after Major League Baseball's trade deadline, the officials said. Before the sale becomes finalized, it must be approved by at least 22 of MLB's 29 owners.
Padres’ sale process moving toward vote after final documentation submitted: Sources
The group that agreed to buy the San Diego Padres for a record $3.9 billion valuation has submitted the final documentation needed to move the pending sale to a vote, team and league officials who were granted anonymity to describe the sale process told The Athletic. That vote has not been scheduled but might take place in early August after Major League Baseball’s trade deadline, the people said. Before the sale becomes finalized, it must be approved by at least 22 of MLB’s 29 owners.
3 All-Star catchers are trade candidates — here’s where each stands Original
The New York Yankees want to add a right-handed hitting catcher, and the Minnesota Twins’ Ryan Jeffers still appears to be their most obvious target. For a variety of reasons, three intriguing All-Stars — the Colorado Rockies’ Hunter Goodman, Athletics’ Shea Langeliers and Baltimore Orioles switch-hitter Adley Rutschman — are less likely to move.
A ‘don’t blink’ kind of weekend. Plus: The Red Sox are red hot Original
The Windup Newsletter ⚾ | This is The Athletic’s MLB newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Windup directly in your inbox. Baseball began its second half by pulling out all the stops. One example? The Red Sox’s (nearly historic) heater and sweep of the first-place Rays over the weekend. Plus: Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon have more on the Francisco Lindor situation in Queens.
Reds open for business, but could add for the future: Sources Original
DENVER — The Cincinnati Reds may not fully classify themselves as sellers, but they’ve made it known they’re open for business for teams looking to buy, multiple league sources granted anonymity to speak candidly told The Athletic. For now, sources indicate the Reds are focusing their efforts on moving players with expiring contracts. According to team sources, the Reds are open to adding major-league talent at this year’s trade deadline to strengthen their roster for 2027 and beyond.
Risk-Averse Front Offices Make Deadline Trades Less Likely
(Analysis) The MLB trade deadline is a last-chance saloon for clubs to make outside additions, and this year's market could feature the kind of prize that would energize a fanbase dreaming of winning the World Series: Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal. But many major league executives are reluctant when it comes to taking the kind of big swing required to acquire a player like Skubal, a back-to-back Cy Young Award winner.
Mets Unlikely To Trade Francisco Lindor At Deadline
The New York Mets are considered unlikely to trade away Francisco Lindor at the trade deadline, sources tell The Athletic. While the Mets are open to discussing nearly all of their players, Lindor represents a high bar for any interested team. Lindor, 32, holds trade veto power as a 10-year veteran who has spent the past five consecutive seasons with the same club.
Possibility of Mets trading Francisco Lindor remains unlikely: Sources
While the possibility exists that the New York Mets end up trading Francisco Lindor, multiple executives across the industry described the chances on Friday as unlikely. The Mets are open to listening to offers for nearly all of their players. Lindor is not among the exceptions. Any team that expresses interest in the star shortstop, however, would have to clear a high bar.
12 pressing questions that will define the MLB trade deadline
Welcome to the July pennant race. The two and a half weeks leading to the Aug. 3 trade deadline will be an all-out sprint. All but seven of the 30 clubs are within four games of a playoff position. Many still haven’t decided whether to buy or sell, whether they are good or actually stink. The final days of July should provide greater definition. Or, considering how muddled things are, particularly in the B-list American League, maybe confusion will continue to reign.
12 pressing questions that will define the MLB trade deadline
Welcome to the July pennant race. The two and a half weeks leading to the Aug. 3 trade deadline will be an all-out sprint. All but seven of the 30 clubs are within four games of a playoff position. Many still haven't decided whether to buy or sell, whether they are good or actually stink. The final days of July should provide greater definition. Or, considering how muddled things are, particularly in the B-list American League, maybe confusion will continue to reign.
Possibility of Mets trading Francisco Lindor remains unlikely: Sources
While the possibility exists that the New York Mets end up trading Francisco Lindor, multiple executives across the industry described the chances on Friday as unlikely. The Mets are open to listening to offers for nearly all of their players. Lindor is not among the exceptions. Any team that expresses interest in the star shortstop, however, would have to clear a high bar.
Blockbuster summer? Why buying and selling at MLB’s trade deadline is more complicated than ever
The trade deadline is a last-chance saloon for clubs to make outside additions, and this year’s market could feature the kind of prize that would energize a fanbase dreaming of winning the World Series: Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. But when it comes to the kind of big swing required to acquire a back-to-back Cy Young winner, most major-league executives have effectively become teetotalers.
Blockbuster summer? Why buying and selling at MLB's trade deadline is more complicated than ever
The trade deadline is a last-chance saloon for clubs to make outside additions, and this year's market could feature the kind of prize that would energize a fanbase dreaming of winning the World Series: Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. But when it comes to the kind of big swing required to acquire a back-to-back Cy Young winner, most major-league executives have effectively become teetotalers.
For Dave Roberts, managing this All-Star pitching staff proved a ‘stressful’ balance Original
PHILADELPHIA – One more baserunner on this hot night, and National League manager Dave Roberts might have broken into a cold sweat. The Philadelphia Phillies’ Cristopher Sánchez, the NL’s starting pitcher, already had thrown 30 pitches. Roberts was considering pulling him for St. Louis Cardinals closer Riley O’Brien right then, but terrified to do it.
Fixing the MLB Draft and Futures Game. Plus: Get ready for the Home Run Derby
The Windup Newsletter ⚾ | This is The Athletic’s MLB newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Windup directly in your inbox. The MLB Draft and the Futures Game have come and gone. I think we can make them better. Plus: Ken Rosenthal has an update on the Marlins’ deadline plans, and we preview tonight’s Home Run Derby.
Fixing the MLB Draft and Futures Game. Plus: Get ready for the Home Run Derby
The Windup Newsletter ⚾ | This is The Athletic's MLB newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Windup directly in your inbox. The MLB Draft and the Futures Game have come and gone. I think we can make them better. Plus: Ken Rosenthal has an update on the Marlins' deadline plans, and we preview tonight's Home Run Derby. I'm Levi Weaver -- welcome to The Windup! Let's start with the positive: The MLB Draft and Futures Game gave fans some new names to trust in this weekend.
Fishing for deadline help? Marlins likely to keep Alcantara, add strategically: Sources Original
The Miami Marlins have not been buyers at the trade deadline since Peter Bendix took over as president of baseball operations in November 2023. That likely is about to change. Barring an utter collapse, the hottest team in baseball not only intends to keep staff ace Sandy Alcantara, but also add strategically to its roster, according to people briefed on the club’s plans who were granted anonymity to speak freely.
Have we seen our last 300-game winner? Plus: It’s not hard to lose a no-hitter
The Windup Newsletter ⚾ | This is The Athletic’s MLB newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Windup directly in your inbox. Justin Verlander is going to be an All-Star, but that’s burying the lede: He’s also retiring after this year. Plus: Losing a no-hitter is pretty easy to do, the Rays have stopped walking hitters and Ken Rosenthal has a note on a draft bust that (eventually) went boom.
What we’re hearing about the MLB trade market: Latest on Corey Seager, Sonny Gray and more
When it comes to the possibility of the Texas Rangers trading shortstop Corey Seager, the deadline represents something of a last call. The Rangers don’t want to part with Seager, mind you. They want to get him healthy and make a legitimate run at the postseason. But if they sputter over the next three-plus weeks, the idea of moving Seager will at least warrant internal discussion.
Have we seen our last 300-game winner? Plus: It's not hard to lose a no-hitter
The Windup Newsletter ⚾ | This is The Athletic's MLB newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Windup directly in your inbox. Justin Verlander is going to be an All-Star, but that's burying the lede: He's also retiring after this year. Plus: Losing a no-hitter is pretty easy to do, the Rays have stopped walking hitters and Ken Rosenthal has a note on a draft bust that (eventually) went boom.
What we're hearing about the MLB trade market: Latest on Corey Seager, Sonny Gray and more
When it comes to the possibility of the Texas Rangers trading shortstop Corey Seager, the deadline represents something of a last call. The Rangers don't want to part with Seager, mind you. They want to get him healthy and make a legitimate run at the postseason. But if they sputter over the next three-plus weeks, the idea of moving Seager will at least warrant internal discussion.
CB Bucknor among seven MLB umpires to retire at end of 2026 season: Source
Seven of Major League Baseball’s 76 full-time umpires have accepted buyout offers and will retire at the end of the 2026 season. The umpires include Lance Barksdale, who started in a full-time role in 2006, and six others who started in 1999: CB Bucknor, Laz Diaz, Andy Fletcher, Marvin Hudson, Brian O’Nora and Tony Randazzo.
Pirates rookie Konnor Griffin to miss 8-10 weeks with left ring finger injury
Pittsburgh Pirates rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin is estimated to miss eight to 10 weeks with an injury to his left ring finger, the team’s senior director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk told reporters on Tuesday, worsening the Pirates’ injury woes as they seek to remain in contention.
CB Bucknor among seven MLB umpires to retire at end of 2026 season: Source
Seven of Major League Baseball's 76 full-time umpires have accepted buyout offers and will retire at the end of the 2026 season. The umpires include Lance Barksdale, who started in a full-time role in 2006, and six others who started in 1999: CB Bucknor, Laz Diaz, Andy Fletcher, Marvin Hudson, Brian O'Nora and Tony Randazzo.
Pirates rookie Konnor Griffin to miss 8-10 weeks with left ring finger injury
Pittsburgh Pirates rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin is estimated to miss eight to 10 weeks with an injury to his left ring finger, the team's senior director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk told reporters on Tuesday, worsening the Pirates' injury woes as they seek to remain in contention.
The Windup Newsletter ⚾ | This is The Athletic’s MLB newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Windup directly in your inbox. The All-Star rosters — or at least the first versions — have been announced. Who’s in, who’s been snubbed (so far)? Plus: a devastating but touching MLB debut, and Ken Rosenthal has thoughts on the Rangers. Hope you were able to avoid the fog (fireworks-related or otherwise) during your holiday weekend.
Healthy Cardinals in thick of wild-card race, Rangers’ reality and more MLB notes
As the St. Louis Cardinals ponder their deadline strategy, they must factor in one of the season’s most remarkable developments, knowing it partly explains their unexpected success. The Cardinals have used the injured list only six times. They currently have only one player, infielder Ramón Urías, on the IL. They have yet to lose a starting pitcher to injury. Contrast that with the Chicago Cubs, who currently have 13 pitchers alone on the IL.
What the All-Star rosters got wrong. Plus: An emotional MLB debut
The Windup Newsletter ⚾ | This is The Athletic's MLB newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Windup directly in your inbox. The All-Star rosters -- or at least the first versions -- have been announced. Who's in, who's been snubbed (so far)? Plus: a devastating but touching MLB debut, and Ken Rosenthal has thoughts on the Rangers. Hope you were able to avoid the fog (fireworks-related or otherwise) during your holiday weekend.
Healthy Cardinals in thick of wild-card race, Rangers' reality and more MLB notes
As the St. Louis Cardinals ponder their deadline strategy, they must factor in one of the season's most remarkable developments, knowing it partly explains their unexpected success. The Cardinals have used the injured list only six times. They currently have only one player, infielder Ramón Urías, on the IL. They have yet to lose a starting pitcher to injury. Contrast that with the Chicago Cubs, who currently have 13 pitchers alone on the IL.
Dansby Swanson’s scorcher and Chicago’s 23 (!!!!) scores. Plus: The least valuable player of all time
The Windup Newsletter ⚾ | This is The Athletic’s MLB newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Windup directly in your inbox. The Cubs — and specifically Dansby Swanson — keep driving in runs at an alarming rate. Plus: I go down yet another rabbit hole to find a dubious distinction, Ken Rosenthal explains the process for his All-Star picks and we have an early version of the Baseball Card of the Week. I’m Levi Weaver — welcome to The Windup! (Also, we’re off tomorrow for the Fourth of July holiday.
Dansby Swanson's scorcher and Chicago's 23 (!!!!) scores. Plus: The least valuable player of all time
The Windup Newsletter ⚾ | This is The Athletic's MLB newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Windup directly in your inbox. The Cubs -- and specifically Dansby Swanson -- keep driving in runs at an alarming rate. Plus: I go down yet another rabbit hole to find a dubious distinction, Ken Rosenthal explains the process for his All-Star picks and we have an early version of the Baseball Card of the Week. I'm Levi Weaver -- welcome to The Windup! (Also, we're off tomorrow for the Fourth of July holiday.
2026 MLB All-Star Game roster predictions: Rosenthal’s picks for the Midsummer Classic Original
In putting together my All-Star teams, I reached an inescapable conclusion. The National League playoffs should be really good. I could have formed almost my entire NL roster with players from four of the league’s top clubs — the Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies. But that’s not how this process works, is it?
John Mozeliak Q&A: New Angels’ interim GM on Arte Moreno’s vision, trade deadline
For Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno, John Mozeliak represents something different. After taking control of the club in May 2003, Moreno inherited Bill Stoneman as his general manager, then went with four straight first-time heads of baseball operations – Tony Reagins, Jerry Dipoto, Billy Eppler and Perry Minasian (Dipoto was interim GM of the Arizona Diamondbacks from July 1 to Sept. 22, 2010, but that was the extent of his experience in the role).
The surging Red Sox are somehow in the playoff hunt. Blame the watered-down AL
Only the ridiculous American League could turn Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow from a sitting duck into a potential candidate for Executive of the Year in less than a week. I exaggerate. But maybe not by much. Entering last Thursday, the Red Sox had the worst record in the AL. I wrote that day – again – that Breslow was essentially a goner. The Red Sox went on to sweep four games from the New York Yankees – at Fenway Park no less, where Boston previously was 12-25.
The surging Red Sox are somehow in the playoff hunt. Blame the watered-down AL
Only the ridiculous American League could turn Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow from a sitting duck into a potential candidate for Executive of the Year in less than a week. I exaggerate. But maybe not by much. Entering last Thursday, the Red Sox had the worst record in the AL. I wrote that day - again - that Breslow was essentially a goner. Hah! The Red Sox went on to sweep four games from the New York Yankees - at Fenway Park no less, where Boston previously was 12-25.
John Mozeliak Q&A: New Angels' interim GM on Arte Moreno's vision, trade deadline
For Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno, John Mozeliak represents something different. After taking control of the club in May 2003, Moreno inherited Bill Stoneman as his general manager, then went with four straight first-time heads of baseball operations - Tony Reagins, Jerry Dipoto, Billy Eppler and Perry Minasian (Dipoto was interim GM of the Arizona Diamondbacks from July 1 to Sept. 22, 2010, but that was the extent of his experience in the role).
It was past his time. Plus: Cy Young contenders you might not be thinking of
The Windup Newsletter ⚾ | This is The Athletic’s MLB newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Windup directly in your inbox. The Angels fired their GM. That should fix it. Plus: Some down-ballot NL Cy Young votes, a unique delivery to brighten your day and Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon look at potential replacements for Carlos Mendoza in Queens.
It was past his time. Plus: Cy Young contenders you might not be thinking of
The Windup Newsletter ⚾ | This is The Athletic's MLB newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Windup directly in your inbox. The Angels fired their GM. That should fix it. Plus: Some down-ballot NL Cy Young votes, a unique delivery to brighten your day and Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon look at potential replacements for Carlos Mendoza in Queens. I'm Levi Weaver -- welcome to The Windup! Last week, Ken Rosenthal gave us a list of front-office members on the hot seat.
From Albert Pujols to Carlos Beltrán, an early look at who might manage the Mets Original
NEW YORK — David Ross? Carlos Beltrán? Albert Pujols? After firing Carlos Mendoza on Friday, the New York Mets are in the market for their fifth full-time manager since Terry Collins’ retirement following the 2017 season. The list does not include interim manager Andy Green, whom president of baseball operations David Stearns said would return to the front office at the end of the season.
The Mets fired Carlos Mendoza, but the real indictment is on David Stearns Original
This is mostly on David Stearns, and everyone in baseball knows it. But after Wednesday night, after the New York Mets endured a six-error embarrassment in a 10-5 loss to the Chicago Cubs, the need to change managers was obvious. The Mets finally and mercifully ended Carlos Mendoza’s tenure on Friday morning, a sad outcome for a skipper who only two years ago held such promise. Mendoza still might end up succeeding as a big-league manager, but it will be with another club.
A.J. Pierzynski presents Pope Leo with last-out ball from Game 1 of the 2005 World Series Original
“Hi, I’m A.J. Pierzynski,” the former major-league catcher recalled telling Pope Leo XIV. “Oh, I know who you are. You don’t have to introduce yourself,” the pope replied. The former White Sox catcher and the world’s most famous White Sox fan met Wednesday at the Vatican. Pierzynski, who was raised Catholic, arranged for the private audience through friends, and on Thursday posted a photograph of the encounter on social media.
Dansby Swanson’s 15 historic RBI’s. Plus: All the Mets’ errors Original
The Windup Newsletter ⚾ | This is The Athletic’s MLB newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Windup directly in your inbox. It’s so rare for one game to take up two sections in this newsletter, but between Dansby Swanson’s all-time heater and the Mets’ all-time … whatever that was, you’re getting a heavy dose of Cubs-Mets today. Plus: Shohei Ohtani and Dalton Rushing had a frustrating communication breakdown, and Ken Rosenthal examines the front-office hot seat.
These MLB front-office leaders are facing intense scrutiny — and a lockout looms
If you want your favorite team to replace its head of baseball operations, you’re almost certainly going to have to wait. Clubs rarely fire top executives this close to the amateur draft, which takes place July 11 to 13, and trade deadline, which is Aug. 3. Why would a team, if it is even considering a change, entrust a suspect leader with potentially franchise-altering decisions? At least part of the reason is to avoid disruption. Processes already are in place for both the draft and deadline.
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