With the Winter Meetings just days away, here are three things we’ll be looking at around the world of baseball all day today:
1. International players are officially sent:
Two players from across the Pacific were recently sent to major league teams, officially allowing them to join MLB’s free agent market: a KBO infielder. Hyeong Kim and right hand NPB Koyo Aoyagi. Kim, 26 in January, is the biggest name of the two. His posting had been anticipated for the better part of a year. A former doubles partner of Ha-Seong Kim, he has ample experience in both midfield positions but has spent more time in the second base – playing exclusively there in 2024. While the younger Kim hit an impressive .326/.383/ .458 in 127 games for the Kiwoom Heroes this year, those strong slash line numbers will drop off a bit at the big league level. Even if he performs at league average (or slightly below average), his youth, speed (30 steals in 2024), and strong defense make him one of the most intriguing players available on the small domestic market.
On the other hand, Aoyagi will celebrate her 31st birthday next week. A low strikeout rate could limit his upside at the big league level. Still, Aoyagi could provide an interesting depth option for clubs with a minor league contract or an inexpensive major league contract. It’s also possible that the pinch-hitter could get a look in the MLB club in relief, which could help his stuff play out better than his stint in Japan as a starter, where he posted a 3.69 ERA with a 13% strikeout rate this year.
2. The Rays’ field plan will be voted on:
While much of the attention regarding the Rays’ stadium plans is focused on the 2025 season after Hurricane Milton destroyed Tropicana Field, the question of where the club will play long term has been put back on the table. . There should be some movement in that case today. Colleen Wright of the Tampa Bay Times reports that the St. Louis City Council Petersburg is scheduled to vote to approve bonds to help finance the Rays’ new stadium. The sides had a plan in place last year to build a new stadium near the Trop in time for the 2028 season, but Milton’s result and local officials’ frustration with the club’s decision to play its home games near Hillsborough County. next year instead of a stadium within Pinellas County near Trop, has led to a delay in the approval of bonds to finance the new stadium.
Even if today’s vote passes, that won’t guarantee that the stadium’s plans go as intended. The delay has led the Rays to suggest the stadium may not be ready in time for the 2028 season, leaving the club in doubt about the deal. In addition, the Pinellas County Commission has delayed approving its bonds to finance the project. Getting permission from the county appears to be a bigger hurdle than the city of St. Petersburg, given that last month’s election changed the composition of the commission, with a few key votes in favor of an agreement on the obsolete platform.
3. The Yankees are exploring other options at the top of the market:
While all eyes were on Juan Soto since the decision seems to happen in the near future, the Yankees don’t seem to be putting all their eggs in his basket. Yesterday’s reports indicated that they are making efforts with a number of other high-profile free agents. Meet the beginners Corbin Burns again Fried Maxand shortstop Willy Adams It has also attracted interest from the team recently. Could yesterday’s reports provide a glimpse of the players the Yankees might focus on if Soto leaves?
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