MLBits: Trade Deadline Implications from New CBA, Games in Mexico, Cardinals, Red Sox, More

I’m heading out to the game tonight, so if you find yourself in the bleachers and you see me – Michael – scarfing down two Hot Dougs’ (don’t say sandwiches) hot dogs, don’t be surprised (but do come say hi!).

We still have sometime before the game, so let’s get to some news from around the league …

  • By now, we’re used to rule changes affecting the game of baseball, but this is the first year for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, which means each segment of the year will come with differences from what we’ve been used to. For example, the CBA will affect the way front offices deal at the upcoming Trade Deadline. At MLB.com, Jon Morosi runs down the differences in the new CBA and the effect they can have on the upcoming July Trade deadline. In short, because fewer teams will be eligible to receive a competitive balance pick after the first round of the draft for losing a qualified free agent, trades may be a little easier to execute. In other words, what was once a balance between Prospect So-and-So and the 35th pick in the draft is now a question of Prospect So-and-So and the 100th (or later) pick. As always, though, uncharted waters come with unexpected consequences. We’ll have to play this one out to really see how the CBA impacts trade talks.
  • Commissioner Rob Manfred addressed a number of topics Tuesday, including the idea of playing real, regular-season games in Mexico City. The goal would be to continue spreading Major League Baseball across the world, of course, but also to test whether that’s a viable location for a Major League team in the future. He also heralded the increased use of Statcast by broadcasters, and reinforced that security remains a priority for MLB, in light of the Manchester bombing.
  • As I’m sure you’ve heard, fastball velocity has been increasing over the years. In fact, the 92.7 MPH average fastball velocity in 2017 is the highest it’s ever been (a record set in each of the past seven years). However, did you also know that the number of fastballs thrown is declining? From 2002 (when Pitch F/X began capturing data), the percentage of fastballs has declined from 64.4% to 55.4%. At Sports Illustrated, Tom Verducci uses this as a springboard to discuss the resurgence of the curveball and how it’s changing modern pitching. It’s a deep dive, but it’s a good one.
  • When the St. Louis Cardinals lost Alex Reyes at the beginning of the season, many (including me) thought the blow was too devastating to overcome. After all, beyond him in the rotation, there was plenty of talent, but way more questions. And while regression may eventually strike the Cardinals, it sure hasn’t yet. Their rotational 3.06 ERA stands atop Major League Baseball by nearly half a run – the second place Dodgers are next best at 3.47. But don’t knock them for being lucky just yet, because their 3.74 FIP is second best in baseball and their 3.84 xFIP is seventh best (one spot behind the Cubs, for what that’s worth).
  • Sticking with stats of the NL Central, while Eric Thames’ season stats still reside in the top ten of the league (by wRC+) he has certainly slowed down a bit lately … just not as much as some of the naysayers might’ve expected. In the month of May (64 PAs), Thames is slashing .250/.391/.423 (112 wRC+). That’s a far cry from where he was at the beginning of the season when he was being drug tested seemingly every day, but Thames was never going to keep up that pace anyway. And, of course, if he gets hot again, a 112 wRC+ slump is actually quite brilliant. I can’t wait to see his numbers at the end of the year.
  • OH.HELL.YA. A TMZ report (via Hardball Talk) suggests that Charlie Sheen has gotten the original cast of ‘Major League’ on board for the oft-rumored ‘Major League 3’ (I know, there already was a ‘Major League 3,’ I have no idea why they don’t just call it ‘Major League 4’). A reunion of the original cast would be so awesome, though I’m not quite sure I know how they’ll explain any of these old men on a baseball field. Before we get too excited, though, I should point out that they’re still looking for financial backing. But, like, how hard can that be? Here’s my $5 ….
  • The Boston Red Sox, not unlike the Chicago Cubs, were pretty heavily favored to win their division in 2017. However, also like the Cubs, they’ve started the season out with a 23-21 record in third place of their division. At Yahoo Sports, Darren Hartwell writes that despite the struggles, Red Sox President of Baseball Operations, Dave Dombrowski, isn’t ready to blow things up (but, I mean, duh). I believe he mostly means that manager John Farrell’s job is not in danger, but again I’m not sure I understand why it would be right now. The season is still very young, and he just led a Red Sox team to a 93-69 record last season. Given what we learned about how much weight to (not) give to their first 50 games of a season earlier today, I’d say this is all a bit of an unwarranted freakout. Apparently, it’s not just Cubs fans.
  • At Baseball is Fun, I took a deep look into Mike Trout’s 2017 season, because if you can believe it, he’s actually off to a better start than he ever has before:
  • After his homer last night, he is now tied with Aaron Judge for the Major League lead (15). It still blows me away that we get to see one of the best players of all time (and make no mistake, that’s what he is) play right in front of our very eyes.
  • written by

    Michael Cerami began covering the Chicago Cubs for Bleacher Nation as a part-time contributor in 2015. One year later, he joined Bleacher Nation full-time, covering the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball. Today, Michael runs Bleacher Nation, contributing as a writer (Cubs, MLB) and an editor for all sections of the site, including the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks, as well as MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL. In 2019, Michael was the co-host of NBC Sports Chicago's Cubs Post-Game Show Outside the Ivy. You can find him on Twitter/X @Michael_Cerami

    more cubs news

    Cubs Roster Moves: Wisdom and Taillon Are Back, Wesneski and Mastrobuoni Are Out

    Even with tonight's rainout, the Chicago Cubs are still making some roster moves. When Patrick Wisdom was removed (perfectly healthy) from the I-Cubs game in the 4th inning on Wednesday, we had an idea of what was coming next. When...

    Tonight’s Cubs-Marlins Game Has Been Postponed

    The weather wasn't going to cooperate for Jameson Taillon's season debut, and tonight's Cubs-Marlins tilt has been postponed. The game will instead be part of a split-doubleheader this Saturday, with the first game at 1:20pm CT and the second at...

    MLBits: Paul Skenes Could Make His MLB Debut Any Day (But Probably Won’t), Red-Hot Orioles, Houck’s Maddux, More

    If you're into tracking young pitchers with star potential like I am—as I watch Jack Leiter's debut while typing this column—then you're probably itching to see Pirates top prospect Paul Skenes make his way to Pittsburgh sooner than later. While...

    Back to Wrigley: Cubs vs Marlins – Series Preview

    Cubs vs Marlins — Whew! The Cubs got through their first West Coast road trip of the year, and did so with a winning record (5-4) against the Padres, Mariners, and Diamondbacks. They definitely let a couple games slip out...

    Taillon Coming Back, Busch’s Integrity and Success, Bad News for the White Sox, Wicks, Hendricks, and Other Cubs Bullets

    As the father of a toddler who was sick for an entire week — the same week Brett was out from his back surgery and the Cubs were playing almost exclusively late-night ballgames on the West Coast — I was...

    Cubs Farm Report | April 18, 2024: Caissie, Alcántara Go Yard, South Bend and Myrtle Beach Smoked, More

    Kevin Alcántara hit his first home run of the season for the Tennessee Smokies last night, and Owen Caissie hit his first Triple-A home run for the Iowa Cubs as Iowa and Tennessee secured victories. The same can't be said...

    Cody Bellinger Sticking With Scott Boras

    Given the way the offseason played out for super agent Scott Boras's top available clients - Cody Bellinger, Matt Chapman, Blake Snell, and Jordan Montgomery - you wouldn't be shocked to see some unhappiness behind the scenes. Did Boras overplay...

    You’ll Be Even More Impressed with Hayden Wesneski, When You Hear What it Took to Get Him to Arizona

    Hayden Wesneski was the hero of yesterday's finale and series-win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, coming in to clean up Jordan Wicks' (little) mess in the 5th ... and then tossing 4 shutout innings to save an over-used bullpen and help...

    Offseason Cubs Target Robert Stephenson Now Out for the Year

    Hand up, I really wanted the Cubs to sign reliever Robert Stephenson this offseason. I felt like they could use one more impact arm (accurate), and I felt like Stephenson was one of the best available (about that ... )....

    Rays Closer Pete Fairbanks With a Wonderful and Brutally Honest Line About His Performance

    Rays closer Pete Fairbanks has been an extremely effective reliever the last four years, posting a 2.66 ERA from 2020 through 2023, with a 34.8% K rate and worth 4.1 WAR. But things have started out much more rough for...

    Latest News

    Pacers vs. Bucks Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets for NBA Playoffs Game 1 – Sunday, April 21, 2024

    The Indiana Pacers are slight 1-point favorites heading into Game 1 of the opening round of the NBA Playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on Sunday, starting at 7:00 PM ET on TNT. The matchup's over/under is set...

    Mavericks vs. Clippers Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets for NBA Playoffs Game 1 – Sunday, April 21, 2024

    The Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers meet to start the first round of the NBA Playoffs. The Mavericks are favored by 1.5 points in the contest, which will be broadcast on ABC at 3:30 PM ET. The matchup...

    Knicks vs. 76ers Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets for NBA Playoffs Game 1 – Saturday, April 20, 2024

    The New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers take the court to start the opening round of the NBA Playoffs. The Knicks are favored by 3 points in the matchup, which will be broadcast on ESPN at 6:00 PM ET....

    Heat vs. Bulls Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets for NBA Playoffs Game 1 – Friday, April 19, 2024

    The Chicago Bulls are slight 1.5-point underdogs heading into Game 1 of the opening round of the NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on Friday, tipping off at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN. The matchup's over/under is...

    How to Watch Phillies vs. White Sox: Live Stream or on TV

    On Friday, Trea Turner and the Philadelphia Phillies (11-8) open a series versus Gavin Sheets and the Chicago White Sox (3-15) at Citizens Bank Park, with first pitch scheduled for 6:40 PM ET.Keep reading to find out all the details...

    Braves vs. Rangers: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Atlanta Braves (12-5), with Chris Sale on the hill, host the Texas Rangers (11-9) who will counter with Nathan Eovaldi, at 7:20 PM ET on Friday.The article below will provide you with everything you need to watch Atlanta play...

    How to Watch Guardians vs. Athletics: Live Stream or on TV

    The Cleveland Guardians (13-6), with Triston McKenzie on the mound, host the Oakland Athletics (8-11) who will start Joseph Boyle, at 7:10 PM ET on Friday in a series opener.Keep reading to find out all the details on how to...

    How to Watch Astros vs. Nationals: Live Stream or on TV

    On Friday at 6:45 PM ET, Jose Altuve and the Houston Astros (6-14) play C.J. Abrams and the Washington Nationals (8-10) at Nationals Park.The article below will provide you with everything you need to know to watch Houston play Washington.When...

    Yankees vs. Rays: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The New York Yankees (13-6), with Clarke Schmidt on the hill, host the Tampa Bay Rays (11-9) who will start Tyler Alexander, at 7:05 PM ET on Friday.The article below will give you everything you need to know to watch...

    Heat vs. Bulls Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: NBA Playoffs Game 1 – Friday, April 19, 2024

    The Miami Heat and the Chicago Bulls meet to start the first round of the NBA Playoffs. The Heat are favored by 1.5 points in the contest, which will be broadcast on ESPN at 7:00 PM ET. The matchup has...

    more cubs news