The Weekly Rundown: 3/3/24 - 3/9/24
Noelvi Marte popped for PEDs, Zack Wheeler and Brayan Bello earn extensions, and more.
We’re back!
Good morning and happy Sunday. The weekly routine of delivering these rundowns has resumed after a two-week hiatus, and we’ve got some interesting stories to cover. No Jordan Montgomery or Blake Snell signing yet, however, despite being several weeks into spring training…
Before we jump into the rundown, here are a couple of pieces worth checking out from the last week:
There will be more where that came from before Opening Day on March 28. My annual division standings predictions will be published over the next few weeks along with award/playoff predictions, bold predictions for the season, and more content to get you ready for the new campaign. Be sure to subscribe to the newsletter to get all of it delivered to your e-mail inbox ASAP.
Now, grab your coffee, and let’s jump into the rundown:
Phillies Lock Up Wheeler
The Philadelphia Phillies signed their ace Zack Wheeler to a three-year, $126 million contract extension. The $42 million annual salary marks the fourth-highest ever for a pitcher and the highest AAV for an extension in MLB history.
Wheeler, 33, has developed into one of the best pitchers in the game since joining the Phillies in 2020. The right-hander has earned Cy Young votes in three of his four seasons with the club, including 2021 when he was the NL runner-up and last season when he placed sixth in the voting. He posted a 3.61 ERA with a 1.08 WHIP, 212 strikeouts, and 39 walks in 32 starts (192 innings) in 2023.
Wheeler has also been lights out for Philly in the postseason. Through 11 playoff appearances (10 starts), he has a 2.42 ERA and 0.73 WHIP with 68 strikeouts in 63.1 innings.
The move keeps the 1-2 punch of Wheeler and Aaron Nola intact for the foreseeable future. The Phillies re-signed Nola to a seven-year deal worth $172 million early in the offseason.
Noelvi Marte Suspended
This one’s a bummer. Cincinnati Reds top prospect Noelvi Marte has been suspended 80 games after testing positive for Boldenone, a performance-enhancing substance.
Marte, 22, joined the Reds via the Luis Castillo trade with the Seattle Mariners in 2022. The Dominican third baseman debuted in MLB last season with Cincinnati and lived up to the hype, posting a .316/.366/.456 slash line with seven doubles, three homers, and 15 RBIs in 35 games.
A strong NL Rookie of the Year candidate, Marte was on my list of players ready to break out in 2024. The kid can flat-out rake, but now it’s fair to wonder how much of his success has been aided by PEDs.
The Reds will still be worth watching for their young talent all season with infielders Matt McLain and Elly De La Cruz.
Red Sox Lose Giolito, Extend Bello
Boston has been one of the biggest disappointments of the offseason after promising a “full throttle” approach to free agency. Their only notable signing was righty Lucas Giolito to a two-year, $38.5M contract.
Now, they won’t even have Giolito in 2024. The former Chicago White Sox hurler suffered a partially torn UCL and flexor strain, likely causing him to miss the entire season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Without Giolito, the Red Sox’ lackluster rotation is back to square one with Brayan Bello, Nick Pivetta, Kutter Crawford, Garrett Whitlock, Tanner Houck, and perhaps Josh Winckowski. Veteran Chris Sale was shipped to Atlanta in December in exchange for infielder Vaughn Grissom, who is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day due to a groin injury.
Sox fans were finally given good news on Thursday as the club announced the signing of Bello to a six-year, $55 million extension. The deal locks up one of the organization’s most promising young pitchers through 2029 and includes a $21 million club option for 2030.
This is an extremely team-friendly deal as Bello has No. 1 or 2 starter upside. The 24-year-old Dominican has shown flashes of brilliance through one-and-a-half big-league seasons, though he has yet to put it all together. Last season was full of ups and downs as he finished with a 4.24 ERA and 1.34 WHIP with 132 strikeouts and 45 walks in 28 starts (157 innings).
With Giolito out of the picture, Bello figures to be the Red Sox’ Opening Day starter. Things could change if someone like Montgomery is signed, but Bello may be forced into an ace role sooner than he anticipated.
Rapid Fire
The Washington Nationals signed veteran outfielder Eddie Rosario to a $2 million minor-league deal with an invite to big-league camp.
Longtime Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto inked a minors deal with his hometown Toronto Blue Jays.
Third baseman Josh Donaldson announced his retirement after 13 seasons. The 2015 AL MVP finishes his MLB career with a .261/.358/.489 with 1,310 hits, 279 home runs, and 816 RBIs through 1,383 games. The 38-year-old is a three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger. He spent his career with the Oakland A’s, Blue Jays, Cleveland Guardians, Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, and Milwaukee Brewers.
Catcher Mike Zunino also retired this past week after 11 years in MLB. The 2021 All-Star hangs ‘em up with a .199/.271/.406 slash line, 557 hits, 149 homers, and 372 RBIs through 892 games. He spent six years with the Seattle Mariners, four with the Tampa Bay Rays, and this past season with the Guardians.
The Mariners signed right-handed reliever Ryne Stanek to a one-year, $4 million contract. The ex-Astro had a 4.09 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in 55 appearances last season. He boasted a 1.15 ERA in 59 games during the 2022 campaign.
With Gavin Lux struggling defensively, the Los Angeles Dodgers have shifted superstar Mookie Betts to shortstop in a move that is “permanent for now,” according to manager Dave Roberts. Betts has played 16 games at shortstop in his 10-year MLB career.
The Rumor Mill
Left-hander Jordan Montgomery remains on the open market and is looking for a seven-year contract, according to The New York Post’s Jon Heyman. The Red Sox have been in touch with the 2023 World Series champion but have balked at the seven-year commitment.
The other top starting pitcher on the market, Blake Snell, has a “strong preference” to play for the Los Angeles Angels, per ESPN’s Buster Olney.
Veteran DH J.D. Martinez and the Miami Marlins have engaged in contract discussions, according to Craig Mish of the Miami Herald. The 36-year-old is coming off a productive season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, hitting .271/.321/.572 with 33 homers and 103 RBIs.
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