After a 99-day lockout, MLB fans heard exactly what they have been yearning to hear on Thursday…baseball is back. MLB and the MLB Players Association officially ratified a new deal, meaning labor peace for the next five years.
The two sides were able to come to an agreement on many of the financial hurdles that they encountered through their bargaining sessions. They also agreed to continue discussing the idea of an international draft, with the ability to revert back to the old system if an agreement can’t be found.
With the lockout lifted, teams are anxiously working on finishing their offseason checklists ahead of Sunday; the official mandated reporting day for spring training.
With so much news swirling around the game, let’s take a look at some of the biggest stories since the lockout ended.
Kershaw Returns To Dodgers
Throughout the lockout, there was a lot of speculation as to what Clayton Kershaw’s future could look like. Many assumed it would be either the Dodgers, Rangers, or retirement. It turns out a return to Los Angeles was Kershaw’s preference.
On Friday, the first full day after the lockout, Kershaw agreed to return to the Dodgers on a one-year deal worth $17 million. The deal also includes some other incentives.
Since breaking into the majors in 2008, the Dodgers is the only team that he has ever known. In that span, the soon-to-be 34-year-old has amassed a 185-84 record.
Last season, injuries limited him to just 22 starts, where he went 10-8 with a 3.55 ERA and 144 strikeouts in 121.2 innings.
With a loaded offense and a rotation led by Kershaw, Walker Buehler, and Julio Urias, it is no wonder why the Dodgers are the favorites to win the World Series this season at +600.
Giants Bring In Rodon To Help Lead Staff
In 2021, there was only one team that had a better regular-season record than the Dodgers, and that was their division rivals, the San Francisco Giants. While the Giants lost last year’s ace Kevin Gausman in free agency to the Blue Jays, they brought in another potential ace Friday.
Carlos Rodon is joining the Giants’ pitching staff as he signed a two-year deal worth $44 million.
Last year, with the White Sox, the 29-year-old southpaw went 13-5 in 24 starts with a 2.47 ERA and 185 strikeouts in 132.2 innings of work.
The knock on Rodon has always been health, though. While he was able to make 24 starts last year, the previous two years combined, he made just nine total starts.
If healthy, he can help the Giants to another successful season, but whether he can stay healthy for a whole season remains to be seen. Since breaking into the league in 2015, he has yet to make more than 28 starts in a season and has made more than 20 just twice.
San Francisco is currently +2200 to win the World Series this season.
Cubs Make Some Moves On Friday
The Chicago Cubs made headlines on Friday for two very different moves. First, the Cubs announced that they have extended manager David Ross’ contract through the 2024 season, with a club option for 2025.
Without the extension, Ross would have been entering the final year of his contract this season. Since taking over in 2020, Ross has gone 105-117, good for a .474 winning percentage.
The Cubs also signed a shortstop in free agency Friday, although it wasn’t the shortstop many fans had hoped for. While rumors swirled of the Cubs’ interest in Carlos Correa, it was Andrelton Simmons who the team ended up picking up on a one-year, $4 million deal.
Simmons has always been a defensive whiz, having won three Gold Glove awards, but his bat has always left something to be desired.
Last season, with the Twins, Simmons hit just .223/.283/.274 with three home runs, 31 runs batted in, and 37 runs scored.
After trading Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and Javier Baez last offseason, the Cubs are in a bit of a retooling period. Still, after picking up Simmons, Marcus Stroman, and Wade Miley thus far this offseason, they could have aspirations of competing in the division this year.
The Cubs are +1000 to win the NL Central and +13000 to win the World Series.
Keep up with your latest MLB news coverage and betting pick previews at NJ Sportsbook.