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Articles by Ken Rosenthal
These Phillies can't get it done. It's time for dramatic action
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These Phillies can’t get it done. It’s time for dramatic action.
OK, that’s enough. Time for Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski to concede his collection of well-paid stars isn’t getting it done. Time for him to take dramatic steps to overhaul his roster. Not sure. But Dombrowski, too, is well-paid. And it’s his job to figure it out. Moving Trea Turner from shortstop to center field? That should be automatic, assuming the Phillies can’t trade him. Trading Bryce Harper or Kyle Schwarber?
These Phillies can’t get it done. It’s time for dramatic action
OK, that’s enough. Time for Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski to concede his collection of well-paid stars isn’t getting it done. Time for him to take dramatic steps to overhaul his roster. Not sure. But Dombrowski, too, is well-paid. And it’s his job to figure it out. Moving Trea Turner from shortstop to center field? That should be automatic, assuming the Phillies can’t trade him. Trading Bryce Harper or Kyle Schwarber?
Phillies vs. Braves live updates: MLB playoffs Wild Card Game 3 predictions, odds and latest
Phillies vs. Braves live updates: MLB playoffs Wild Card Game 3 predictions, odds and latest Follow our live coverage of tonight's Game 3 in the Wild Card Series as Philadelphia and Atlanta square off for a spot in the NLDS. Ken Rosenthal and The Athletic MLB Staff October 1, 2026 at 5:20 PM EDT Bryce Harper and the Phillies face the Atlanta Braves in Game 3. Getty Images Phillies vs.
Tigers coaches Anthony Sanders, Juan Nieves won’t return in 2027: Sources
The Detroit Tigers have parted ways with at least two members of their coaching staff. First base coach Anthony Sanders and assistant pitching coach Juan Nieves will not return next season, team and league sources with knowledge of the decisions who were not authorized to speak publicly told The Athletic on Tuesday. Sanders just completed his first season with the Tigers after previously spending six years with the Baltimore Orioles.
Whole new ballgame starts tomorrow. Plus: Greatest pitching change ever?
The Windup Newsletter ⚾ | This is The Athletic’s MLB newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Windup directly in your inbox. Clinchers, farewells and looking ahead to the postseason. That’s a wrap on 162; let’s catch up and look ahead to this week’s action.
Even if Rays or Brewers win World Series, competitive balance argument will endure
Here’s the thing about all the agita related to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Major League Baseball’s competitive balance and the 2026 postseason: No outcome this October will change the calculus for the owners. Even if the small-market Milwaukee Brewers, Tampa Bay Rays or Cleveland Guardians win the World Series, the league will continue its push for a salary cap, contending the sport lacks sufficient parity and is effectively broken.
No matter who wins, MLB will push salary cap
(Commentary) Here's the thing about all the agita related to the Los Angeles Dodgers, MLB's competitive balance and the 2026 postseason: No outcome this October will change the calculus for the team owners. Even if the small-market Milwaukee Brewers, Tampa Bay Rays or Cleveland Guardians win the World Series, the league will continue its push for a salary cap, contending the sport lacks sufficient parity and is effectively broken.
‘Why aren’t we the Brewers?’ How the Reds remain in limbo while other small-market clubs succeed
“Why aren’t we the Brewers?” In the first half of the season, Cincinnati Reds owner Bob Castellini posed that question in a meeting with his team’s top officials. President of baseball operations Nick Krall effectively pointed the finger right back at the owner.
Mets moving toward adding former Twins executive Derek Falvey to front office: Sources
Wanting more experience in their group under lead executive David Stearns, the New York Mets on Wednesday are moving toward adding Derek Falvey, formerly the Minnesota Twins’ president of baseball operations, to their front office, league sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the move is not yet official told The Athletic. Falvey and Stearns previously worked together in Cleveland’s organization. Falvey’s exact job title is not yet known.
MLB’s managerial merry-go-round is about to spin. These 6 jobs could be most volatile | Commentary
Once the managerial merry-go-round starts to spin, the greater intrigue will be not with the firings, but the hirings. Will Hall of Famer Carlos Beltrán land the New York Mets’ job? Will future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols get his chance, perhaps with the Los Angeles Angels? What about Alex Cora, who was the Philadelphia Phillies’ first choice to replace Rob Thomson, and likely would be their preference again if they move on from Don Mattingly?
MLB’s managerial merry-go-round is about to spin. These 6 jobs could be most volatile
Once the managerial merry-go-round starts to spin, the greater intrigue will be not with the firings, but the hirings. Will Hall of Famer Carlos Beltrán land the New York Mets’ job? Will future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols get his chance, perhaps with the Los Angeles Angels? What about Alex Cora, who was the Philadelphia Phillies’ first choice to replace Rob Thomson, and likely would be their preference again if they move on from Don Mattingly?
First two MLB playoff spots locked. Plus: The AL race tightens
The Windup Newsletter ⚾ | This is The Athletic’s MLB newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Windup directly in your inbox. How much did the playoff picture clear up over the weekend? In the case of the Rays and Brewers, a significant amount! For everyone else … not really. With just under two weeks left in the regular season, there’s still a lot to be determined. Let’s get caught up.
Astros weighing move to second base for Carlos Correa upon return: Source
Carlos Correa at second base? In 15 professional seasons, the Houston Astros star has played shortstop and third base, but never appeared on the right side of the infield. All that soon might change. As the Astros ponder how to align their defense if Correa returns from left-ankle surgery in the final week, using him at second is one possibility, according to a person briefed on the team’s deliberations who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss plans that haven’t been announced.
Could Angels bring back manager Kurt Suzuki? It might not be as far-fetched as it seems
ANAHEIM, Calif. — First-year Los Angeles Angels manager Kurt Suzuki is working on an expiring contract with a stumbling team on the verge of changing owners. By definition, he’s in danger of losing his job. Yet when the Angels fired three of their big-league pitching coaches Aug. 11, the manner of the announcement was almost as notable as the decision itself. And it offered, perhaps, a glimpse of how Suzuki might return for a second year as manager.
Yankees must be careful in building back Aaron Judge, despite his push to play
Let’s ponder the worst-case scenario. Club officials are obligated to do that. Players, not so much. Aaron Judge said he was “not happy” Tuesday night when the New York Yankees, in his first game back from a fractured right rib, pulled him after six innings. But the worst-case scenario for the Yankees is Judge re-aggravating the injury or suffering a new one because, after missing more than three months, he tried to do too much, too soon. Can’t happen.
Kevin Gausman’s soft Cubs landing, a potential Pat Murphy three-peat and more MLB notes
On the flight to Houston when Kevin Gausman learned of his trade to his Chicago Cubs, the veteran right-hander was playing cards with fellow Toronto Blue Jays pitchers Max Scherzer, Shane Bieber and Jeff Hoffman. “I had the worst three hands you can imagine,” Gausman said.
MLB tells veteran umpire he went too far by policing a rookie’s tilted cap: Sources Original
Umpires operate with broad discretion if they believe a player’s actions are distracting, but according to two people briefed on the matter who were granted anonymity because they are not authorized to speak publicly, the league viewed Eddings’ admonishment of Rincon as going too far. Eddings stopped Rincon on the field in the middle of the first inning of Saturday’s game when the Cardinals relievers were walking to the bullpen.
Why Sal Stewart’s old-school numbers should make him NL Rookie of the Year
Just this once, can we pause in our fixation with advanced metrics and be cool with RBIs again? Can we acknowledge the Cincinnati Reds’ Sal Stewart as a unique candidate for National League Rookie of the Year, lacking in WAR but bringing his team great peace? “I’m struggling with this one because I think part of winning an award is what story you’re telling,” said former Reds great Joey Votto, the 2010 NL MVP.
A work of … Arte. Plus: Meet the winning new Angels owner
The Windup Newsletter ⚾ | This is The Athletic’s MLB newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Windup directly in your inbox. Plus: More on “Independence Day” in Anaheim, and the Giants and Pirates gave us an instant … “classic?” Back from vacation, I’m Levi Weaver — welcome to The Windup! Angles Sale: Moreno selling team to NFL Rams owner In May 2003, the Anaheim Angels were the reigning World Series champions. Disney cashed out, selling them to Arte Moreno for around $183 million.
For the Angels and their fans, the team’s sale represents a newfound freedom
With all due respect to one of our most beloved national holidays, for the Los Angeles Angels and their long-suffering fans, it’s Independence Day. Independence from owner Arte Moreno, who, in no particular order, wrecked the franchise in the following ways: • Presiding over 11 straight losing seasons. • Conceding Los Angeles to the Dodgers, transforming a club in one of the game’s largest markets into an industry punchline.
Mark Walter's 2012 Dodgers' Purchase Draws Fresh Scrutiny From Feds
Federal authorities are investigating whether loans from Mark Walter's insurance companies to other businesses in his portfolio were properly disclosed, renewing attention on the financing behind his 2012 purchase of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Walter, CEO of Guggenheim Partners, led the group that bought the Dodgers for a then-record $2.15 billion through a bankruptcy sale.
Inside the Dodgers purchase that launched Mark Walter’s sports empire
The biggest prize in baseball drew a crowd in 2012. Billionaires searching for their next trophy. Corporate titans eager to break into Major League Baseball’s exclusive ownership club. And investors betting the distressed Los Angeles Dodgers were an asset too valuable to pass up.
The Yankees didn’t address two of their biggest needs at the deadline. They’re still in good shape
NEW YORK – Not a bad weekend for the New York Yankees, considering they were still without Aaron Judge, faced a disadvantage against the Boston Red Sox’s abundance of left-handed pitching and failed to address their needs for catching and bullpen help at the trade deadline. The Yankees tried for impact relievers, according to people briefed on the discussions.
Why the Mets’ Andy Green is prioritizing family over being a full-time skipper
Andy Green’s reluctance to become permanent manager of the New York Mets stems from the purest of reasons: His desire to be close to his twin daughters, Emily and Anna. “The family consideration is real,” Green told The Athletic on Thursday. “We’re all trying to do the best we can balancing career and family. My twins have one year left in high school.
Reds Place Eugenio Suarez, TJ Friedl On Waivers
The Cincinnati Reds have placed outfielder TJ Friedl and infielder Eugenio Suarez on outright waivers. The move marks the latest setback in a season that has fallen well short of expectations for a team that reached the postseason last year. MLB's other 29 clubs have a 48-hour window to claim either player. Both are expected to clear waivers and remain with Cincinnati unless the club opts to designate one or both for assignment. The decision appears aimed partly at cutting costs.
Why the Diamondbacks keep putting up with Ketel Marte
Ketel Marte turned toward the Arizona Diamondbacks dugout, flipped his bat and shook his head with the tiniest of smiles, as if to say, “don’t mess with me.” The moment, one of the most dramatic of the Diamondbacks’ season, perfectly encapsulated why team officials refuse to give up on Marte, even when he bails on the club at inopportune times. Tanner Scott’s fastball came in at 97 miles per hour.
Why the Diamondbacks keep putting up with Ketel Marte
Ketel Marte turned toward the Arizona Diamondbacks dugout, flipped his bat and shook his head with the tiniest of smiles, as if to say, “don’t mess with me.” The moment, one of the most dramatic of the Diamondbacks’ season, perfectly encapsulated why team officials refuse to give up on Marte, even when he bails on the club at inopportune times. Tanner Scott’s fastball came in at 97 miles per hour.
Reds slugger Eugenio Suárez, outfielder TJ Friedl available on waivers: Sources
When the Cincinnati Reds signed free agent Eugenio Suárez to a one-year, $15 million contract in early February, they viewed him as a slugger who could help them to a second straight postseason appearance. Instead, in the latest indication of a season that has gone awry, the Reds have placed Suárez and outfielder TJ Friel on outright waivers, according to people briefed on the process. MLB’s other 29 clubs can claim either player during a 48-hour period before the waivers expire.
Marlins make significant cuts to their pro scouting department: Sources
The Miami Marlins are letting go of the majority of their pro scouting department, club sources told The Athletic on Monday. The sources spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak freely on the topic. Those familiar with the Marlins’ decision did not specify exactly how many scouts were being let go but said the move reflected the front office’s desire to use more video during the scouting process.
Can Posey rebound in San Fran? Plus: Are Padres a playoff lock? Original
The Windup Newsletter ⚾ | This is The Athletic’s MLB newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Windup directly in your inbox. Buster Posey (catcher) was a legend in San Francisco. Is Posey (front-office exec) tarnishing that legacy? Plus: The Padres have vibed their way back into a playoff spot, we look at the teams best positioned to emerge from this wild-card traffic jam and Ken Rosenthal says the A’s can be fixed.
The A’s expected to be better than this by now – here are 3 ways to fix them
As much as Athletics owner John Fisher might be at fault, his decision to dismiss general manager David Forst stemmed from the team’s second straight year of underperformance. Factor in Forst’s reluctance to relocate with the team to Las Vegas in 2028, and perhaps the parting was inevitable. The challenge for Fisher will be finding a new head of baseball operations who can fulfill the team’s goal of contending by ‘28, when it will move into its new 33,000-seat ballpark on the Las Vegas Strip.
The A's expected to be better than this by now - here are 3 ways to fix them
As much as Athletics owner John Fisher might be at fault, his decision to dismiss general manager David Forst stemmed from the team's second straight year of underperformance. Factor in Forst's reluctance to relocate with the team to Las Vegas in 2028, and perhaps the parting was inevitable. The challenge for Fisher will be finding a new head of baseball operations who can fulfill the team's goal of contending by '28, when it will move into its new 33,000-seat ballpark on the Las Vegas Strip.
They Started the Round as Angels. Some Ended It as Opponents.
It was Aug. 3, the MLB trade deadline and a day off on the East Coast for the Los Angeles Angels before a series in Baltimore. About a dozen Angels players were gathered near the first tee, ready to begin a long-awaited round of golf at the course that Tiger Woods designed for outfielder Mike Trout. Little did the players realize, some of them would be former Angels very soon.
Twenty-one potential playoff teams. Plus: The day the Angels were dealt
The Windup Newsletter ⚾ | This is The Athletic’s MLB newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Windup directly in your inbox. It’s mid-August, and most of this past weekend’s games still had playoff implications?? Plus: Past and present players celebrated different milestones, and bad umpiring was on display.
Mike Trout brought the Angels to his private golf club for team bonding. Then the trades began
It was Aug. 3, the day of baseball’s trade deadline and an off-day on the East Coast before a series in Baltimore. About a dozen Los Angeles Angels were gathered near the first tee, ready to begin a long-awaited round of golf at the course that Tiger Woods designed for superstar Mike Trout. Little did the players realize, some of them would be former Angels very soon.
Mike Trout brought the Angels to his private golf club for team bonding. Then the trades began
It was Aug. 3, the day of baseball's trade deadline and an off-day on the East Coast before a series in Baltimore. About a dozen Los Angeles Angels were gathered near the first tee, ready to begin a long-awaited round of golf at the course that Tiger Woods designed for superstar Mike Trout. Little did the players realize, some of them would be former Angels very soon.
Twenty-one potential playoff teams. Plus: The day the Angels were dealt
The Windup Newsletter ⚾ | This is The Athletic's MLB newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Windup directly in your inbox. It's mid-August, and most of this past weekend's games still had playoff implications?? Plus: Past and present players celebrated different milestones, and bad umpiring was on display.
Details about the Tarik Skubal trade deadline sweepstakes and more MLB notes Original
In the end, the Los Angeles Dodgers simply made the best offer. One of the three players they traded for Tarik Skubal, outfielder Zyhir Hope, ranked 26th on Keith Law’s list of the top 70 prospects. Another, right-hander River Ryan, was 41st. FanGraphs ranked Ryan as the top prospect moved at the deadline and Hope sixth. Baseball America had Hope third and Ryan ninth.
Adley Rutschman deal showcases the opposite approaches of rival AL East execs Original
If ever a trade encapsulated the opposite extremes of how teams operate at the deadline, it’s Adley Rutschman to the Boston Red Sox. The Baltimore Orioles, a team that stripped down to get Rutschman with the No. 1 pick in 2019 and promised “liftoff” in 2022, are back to playing for a future that might never come. The Red Sox, who earlier this season fired their manager and were labeled “embarrassing” by their team president, are going all-in, perhaps irresponsibly.
The Braves and others showed trade interest in Jacob deGrom. He opted to stay in Texas Original
Since the start of last offseason, the Atlanta Braves have been haunted by their inability to land a high-quality starting pitcher. The trade deadline offered them a chance to finally address that need. And Texas Rangers right-hander Jacob deGrom loomed as a potentially electrifying acquisition. The Braves informed the Rangers of their desire to land deGrom, according to people briefed on the discussions who were offered anonymity for their candor.
Twins acquire Blue Jays reliever Jeff Hoffman to aid postseason push: Source
At long last, Jeff Hoffman is finally joining the Minnesota Twins as they make a push for their first postseason appearance since 2023. The Twins agreed to acquire the late-inning reliever from the Toronto Blue Jays in a deal ahead of Monday’s trade deadline, a league source who spoke candidly to describe a deal that has not been announced told The Athletic. In exchange, the Blue Jays received pitchers Dasan Hill and John Klein, and minor league infielder-outfielder Dameury Pena.
Nationals ship lefty Foster Griffin to Guardians: Source
The Washington Nationals on Monday agreed to trade left-handed starter Foster Griffin to the Cleveland Guardians within a half-hour of the deadline, a league source told The Athletic. This story will be updated. Connections: Sports Edition Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Nationals ship lefty Foster Griffin to Guardians: Source Foster Griffin was an All-Star for the Nationals this season.
Red Sox trading Marcelo Mayer to Giants for reliever Erik Miller: Sources
In an effort to bolster their pitching staff, the Boston Red Sox are trading former No. 4 overall pick Marcelo Mayer to the San Francisco Giants for left-hander Erik Miller. League sources told The Athletic. The sources spoke under condition of anonymity to discuss a deal that had not been completed. Mayer, who is currently on the IL with a bone stress reaction, has not played since June 25. His timeline for a return has not materialized.
Brewers working to land reliever Antonio Senzatela from Rockies: Source
The Milwaukee Brewers are working to acquire reliever Antonio Senzatela from the Colorado Rockies as the trade deadline draws close, a source told The Athletic. This story will be updated. Ken Rosenthal is a senior baseball writer for The Athletic who has spent nearly 40 years covering the major leagues. In addition, Ken is an Emmy-award winning broadcaster for Fox Sports’ MLB telecasts. His peers voted him National Sportswriter of the Year in 2022 and 2024.
Yankees, Giants moving forward on trade for outfielder Heliot Ramos: Source
The San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees are moving forward on a trade involving Giants outfielder Heliot Ramos, a league source who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been completed told The Athletic. The potential return to the Giants is not yet known. Ramos, who turns 27 in September, was the Giants’ first-round pick in 2017 (19th overall), and won’t be a free agent until 2030, with his first year of arbitration only beginning next season.
Mariners acquire right-handed hitter Taylor Ward from Orioles - HeraldNet.com
The Seattle Mariners on Monday acquired outfielder Taylor Ward from the Baltimore Orioles. In exchange, the Orioles received a trio of right-handed pitchers in Alex Hoppe, Harrison Kreiling and Brock Moore. The Mariners confirmed the deal in an email to The Herald. Lineup help had been an urgent need for the Mariners, and they took a step toward addressing it with Ward, who is slashing .246/.383/.346 with seven homers and 30 RBI.
In trade with Orioles, Mariners snag solid righty bat in Taylor Ward: Source
The Baltimore Orioles on Monday agreed to trade outfielder Taylor Ward to the Seattle Mariners, a league confirmed to The Athletic. This story will be updated. Connections: Sports Edition Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms In trade with Orioles, Mariners snag solid righty bat in Taylor Ward: Source Taylor Ward will be a free agent after this season. Greg Fiume / Getty Images By Dennis Lin and Ken Rosenthal Aug. 3, 2026 Updated 12:32 pm EDT
What we’re hearing with just 6 hours to go until the MLB trade deadline Original
Here’s The Athletic’s latest reporting on the MLB trade deadline based on team and league sources, who were granted anonymity to speak candidly about ongoing deliberations. George Kirby next? Rivals think Mariners could be latest to deal a controllable starter Is George Kirby the next controllable starting pitcher to get traded Monday?
How the Dodgers keep doing this. Plus: Trade roundup before today’s deadline Original
The Windup Newsletter ⚾ | This is The Athletic’s MLB newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Windup directly in your inbox. Tarik Skubal is a Dodger, and the trade deadline chaos is ongoing. We’ll catch you up, but today — the final day of the deadline — should be a whirlwind. Follow every trade and rumor in our live blog all day long.
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