Well Spring Training is here in only a few days now, but the Braves still have a desire to add a starting pitcher and fortunately there are still some options out there, headlined by Chris Bassitt and Zac Gallen. They’d better get a move on to sign (or trade for) whoever they intend to add if they want to have them for a normal Spring Training, with pitchers (and catchers) reporting on Monday. Right now, Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Spencer Strider are rotation locks if healthy, Grant Holmes and Reynaldo Lopez are flex options for the rotation of bullpen with injury questions of their own, and Hurston Waldrep, Bryce Elder, Joey Wentz, and Martin Perez as legitimate rotation competitors. It would be nice to have one more piece in there with a little more certainty than the incumbent options.
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 27: Jasson Domínguez #24 of the New York Yankees leaves the field during the game between the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Saturday, September 27, 2025 in New York, New York. (Photo by Michael Mooney/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Sports Illustrated | Jordon Lawrenz: Ever since the Yankees re-signed Cody Bellinger, many fans began to speculate that the team would look to move Jasson Domínguez in a trade — speculation that only increased when Jon Heyman reported that, barring anything unforeseen, the Martian was likely to begin the season in Triple-A. Fans should not be so eager to send Domínguez packing, however. Even ignoring the fact that he is still just 23 years old and hasn’t even played 150 Major League games, one injury to Giancarlo Stanton or one of the team’s starting outfielders and suddenly the Martian has a spot in the starting lineup once more.
The Athletic | Johnny Flores Jr.: (subscription required) Earlier this week, the World Baseball Classic rosters were officially announced, and now, the time has come to preview the tournament that begins on March 5th. Flores begins The Athletic’s preview by discussing how Team USA altered its approach after falling short three years ago to Samurai Japan. In particular, he notes that, rather than just collecting the best pool of talent they possibly could (although they did do that), manager Mark DeRosa put an emphasis on building a cohesive roster; for example, by bringing along Clayton Kershaw and Garrett Whitlock, the team has true long relief options, and will not be forced to burn its bullpen in blowouts — something which put Team USA in a bind last time around.
Flores also goes into the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico teams, the latter of which has an immense amount of turnover from the last tournament due to insurance issues.
MLB Trade Rumors | Mark Polishuk: We must wrap up today’s news with a very sad report. Yesterday morning, former pinch-running specialist Terrance Gore passed away due to unexpected complications from a routine surgery. While Gore is most known for his time with the mid-2010s Kansas City Royals, the three-time World Series champion (2015, 2020, 2021) spent the latter of the 2019 season with the Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate. We’re sending all our best to the Gore family and his loved ones.
We extend our deepest condolences to Terrance Gore’s friends and family. https://t.co/f3CSuskrPw
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Baltimore Orioles won their salary arbitration case Saturday against pitcher Keegan Akin, the first victory for teams this year after five decisions in favor of players.
Akin was awarded $2,975,000 rather than his $3,375,000 request by John Stout, Jeanne Charles and Samantha Tower, who heard arguments Friday.
A 30-year-old left-hander, Akin was 5-4 with a 3.41 ERA and eight saves in 64 relief appearances last season, striking out 59 and walking 33 in 63 1/3 innings. He had a $1,475,000 salary.
Akin has a 16-22 record with a 4.48 ERA and 11 saves in six major league seasons, all with the Orioles. He can become a free agent after this year’s World Series.
Players lead 5-1 with up to seven decisions remaining.
Two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal won his case Thursday when he was awarded an arbitration-record $32 million rather than the Detroit Tigers’ $19 million offer.
In other decisions, catcher Yainer Diaz received $4.5 million instead of the Houston Astros’ $3 million proposal, right-hander Kyle Bradish was awarded $3.55 million instead of the Orioles’ offer of $2,875,000, right-hander Graham Ashcraft was awarded $1.75 million rather than the Cincinnati Reds’ $1.25 million offer and right-hander Edwin Uceta will be paid $1,525,000 rather than the Tampa Bay Rays’ $1.2 million proposal.
Two cases have been argued with decisions withheld until next week: Toronto left-hander Eric Lauer ($5.75 million vs. $4.4 million) and Atlanta left-hander Dylan Lee ($2.2 million vs. $2 million).
Five players remain scheduled for hearings next week: Kansas City left-hander Kris Bubic ($6.15 million vs. $5.15 million), Milwaukee catcher Willson Contreras ($9.9 million vs. $8.55 million), Los Angeles Angels left-hander Reid Detmers ($2,925,000 vs. $2,625,000), Miami right-hander Calvin Faucher ($2.05 million vs. $1.8 million) and Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson ($6.8 million vs $6.55 million).
Sep 25, 2022; Oakland, California, USA; New York Mets designated hitter Terrance Gore (4) during the ninth inning against the Oakland Athletics at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Darren Yamashita/Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Terrance Gore, a speedy outfielder who played for three World Series champions while spending parts of eight seasons in the major leagues, has died. He was 34.
Chad Funderburk, a family friend who also worked with Gore through his baseball academy, confirmed Gore died Friday night. He deferred to Gore’s family in terms of providing any further details.
While Gore was known for his athleticism, Funderburk said he was “a much kinder human.”
“Just a giving, giving man to so many youth. ... That’s just who Terrance was,” Funderburk said.
Gore, a Georgia native, was selected by Kansas City in the 20th round of the 2011 amateur draft. He batted .216, scored 33 runs and swiped 43 bags in 52 attempts over 112 regular-season games with the Royals, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets.
“Terrance was an unforgettable part of our organization with a unique talent that catapulted him to some of the biggest moments in Royals history,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said in a team statement. “While his speed and athleticism were what most people immediately noticed, those of us who had the opportunity to know him also remember his energy, his humility, and the impact he made in big moments on the game’s biggest stage.”
Gore was mostly used as a pinch runner and defensive replacement. He made his debut with the Royals in 2014 and stole 23 bases before he got his first hit, a single to center for the Cubs against Max Scherzer in the ninth inning of a 10-3 loss at Washington on Sept. 8, 2018.
Gore appeared in two postseason games during Kansas City’s championship run in 2015. He played in two regular-season games when the Dodgers won the World Series in 2020. He appeared in one NL playoff game with Atlanta in 2021, and the Braves went on to win the World Series.
“Terrance brought a high level of excitement and anticipation to the game,” former Royals executive Dayton Moore said. “He was unstoppable as a base stealer, and he inspired athletes throughout our country to pursue baseball. He was loved and respected by his very special teammates, who will continue to love his family during this time of sadness.”
Terrance Gore during Spring Training in Phoenix in 2020. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times)
Terrance Gore, a baseball player whose remarkable speed earned him spots on three championship teams, including the 2020 Dodgers, died Friday, the Kansas City Royals announced on social media. He was 34.
The Royals organization drafted Gore out of Gulf Coast State College in Panama City in the 2011 Major League Baseball draft, while he was still 19. After several seasons in the minors, he played his first major league game in September 2014.
He struggled at the plate, slipped down to the minors repeatedly, and bounced between teams, including the New York Mets and the Chicago Cubs.
But few players were swifter around the bases, and managers enlisted him as a pinch runner in close, late-innings games. He played on three teams that won the World Series — the 2015 Royals, the 2020 Los Angeles Dodgers and the 2021 Atlanta Braves.
Born in Macon, Ga., Gore played 112 regular season games over eight seasons. The Dodgers added him to their roster in September 2020, as it approached a National League Wild Card Series against Milwaukee, although he had appeared in just two prior major-league games that year.
Gore is survived by his wife and three children. USA Today reported that he died from complications of a routine surgical procedure, citing his widow's social media post.
Former Oakland Athletics Mark McGwire waves to fans after being inducted into the A's Hall of Fame prior to the baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Sept. 21, 2019, in Oakland, Calif.
It’s a homecoming of sorts for McGwire, who spent parts of 12 seasons with the A’s during their days in Oakland.
McGwire, who was taken No. 10 overall by the A’s in the 1984 MLB Draft, won the 1987 American League Rookie of the Year and hit a then-rookie record 49 home runs.
Former Oakland Athletics Mark McGwire waves to fans after being inducted into the A’s Hall of Fame prior to the baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Sept. 21, 2019, in Oakland, Calif. AP
He was a key part of the Oakland team that won three straight AL pennants from 1988-90, including a 1989 World Series championship over their cross-bay rival Giants.
McGwire and Jose Canseco made up one of the most iconic duos in baseball history, nicknamed the “Bash Brothers,” during their six seasons together in Oakland.
In 1997, McGwire was dealt to the Cardinals, with whom he became an even larger figure in the game of baseball, breaking the single-season home run record set by Roger Maris in 1998 during a historic home run race with Sammy Sosa.
McGwire retired after the 2001 season, having hit 583 home runs and made 12 All-Star teams.
Since his playing days, McGwire has been held out of the Baseball Hall of Fame due to his ties to steroids, although the A’s inducted him into their team Hall of Fame in 2019.
Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire of the Oakland Athletics celebrate during a 1990 MLB season game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. Getty Images
It’s not the first time McGwire will be part of a team’s staff.
From 2010-12, McGwire served as the hitting coach for the Cardinals before taking the same position with the Dodgers from 2013-15.
He served as the bench coach for the Padres in the 2017 and ’18 seasons.
The A’s are entering their second of at least three seasons in Sacramento since leaving Oakland, which was where they had played since 1968.
The franchise is aiming to move to their permanent home in Las Vegas for the 2028 season.
NEW YORK — Paul Goldschmidt and the Yankees have agreed to a one-year, $4 million contract, according to a person familiar with the negotiations, another move by New York that makes its 2026 roster resemble last year’s team.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity Saturday because the agreement was subject to a successful physical.
A seven-time All-Star and the 2022 NL MVP, the 38-year-old Goldschmidt hit .274 with 10 homers, 45 RBIs and a .731 OPS after signing a one-year, $12.5 million contract as a free agent.
He tailed off badly, hitting .287 with eight homers, 36 RBIs and a .776 OPS before the All-Star break and .245 with two homers, nine RBIs and a .631 OPS after. The right-handed-hitting Goldschmidt lost playing time at first to lefty-batting Ben Rice and started just two postseason games.
A seven-time Gold Glove winner, Goldschmidt provides defense and a veteran presence to a team seeking its first World Series title since 2009. He has a .288 average with 372 homers, 1,232 RBIs and an ,882 OPS in 15 major league seasons with Arizona (2011-18), St. Louis (2019) and the Yankees.
Coming off an AL Division Series loss to Toronto, New York has had a relatively quiet offseason. The Yankees’ major moves were re-signing outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger to a five-year, $162.5 million contract, acquiring left-hander Ryan Weathers from Miami in a trade and retaining center fielder Trent Grisham with a $22,025,000 qualifying offer.
MILWAUKEE, WI - OCTOBER 09: Terrance Gore #11 of the Atlanta Braves dives back to first base on an attempted pick-off during Game 2 of the NLDS between the Atlanta Braves and the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on Saturday, October 9, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
I hope that the weekend is treating you well, wherever you are.
Here’s a not-so-random clip. Rest in peace, Terrance Gore.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 06: Relief pitcher Bryce Jarvis #40 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches during the game against the Kansas City Royals at Chase Field on July 06, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
More right-handed pitchers? Don’t mind if we do! This batch includes some names about which I’m quite excited, with promising youngsters, crafty veterans and someone bidding for their fourth season playing on the Diamondbacks…
Daniel Eagen (80)
There’s a case to be made that Eagen is the team’s top pitching prospect. A third-round pick in 2024, he chewed up High-A pitching last season, with a K-rate of 12.2 per nine innings (including an immaculate inning). He was subsequently named Northwest League Pitcher of the Year. The launching pad of Amarillo proved a reality check, Daniel allowing five home-runs in under twenty frames. But if he can adapt in 2026, his rise should continue. In addition to the interview below, I recommend checking out this episode of the Snakes Territory where Jesse Friedman had a very good in-depth discussion with Daniel.
This pitcher last appeared in the majors in 2022. After that, he tried his luck in Japan, but right distal clavicle lysis – and, no, I’ve never heard of that either – derailed his career there. Returning to the US, he has been in the minors with the Blue Jays, Nationals, Royals and Mets. Most recently, he had four scoreless appearances for Triple-A Syracuse, before spending the winter in the Dominican Republic, pitching for Aguilas Cibaenas. There’s no denying the stuff – Statcast had his sinker averaging 98.7 mph in 2022, and he fanned 57 over 35 AAA innings last year. But control has been an issue, and will likely define whether he’s useful in his time here.
Tom Hatch (43)
The D-backs will be Hatch’s sixth organization: last year was his most active in the majors, tossing 34 innings between the Twins and Royals. Though the results were ho-hum, a 5.82 ERA and 6.02 FIP. Like Fernandez, he moved to Japan for the 2023 season, and it did not go well for him either: a 7.46 ERA in 22 innings. The following year, he went to Korea, but the contract got nixed after his physical. Between that and his poor peripherals last season, this seems more like a depth piece. Unless something changes dramatically, if we see Hatch in the majors, it’ll indicate that something has gone very wrong for the 2026 Diamondbacks.
Bryce Jarvis (40)
Jarvis looked set for a career role as a long reliever in 2023-24, throwing 83 innings with a 3.14 ERA. However, that outperformed his FIP by almost two runs (5.09), and regression to that hit hard in 2025. His FIP was a career-best 4.50; his ERA a career-worst 5.73. He was designated for assignment in December, to make room for Michael Soroka, but went unclaimed and is now outside the 40-man roster for the first time since he made his debut in August 2023. However, there still might be a role for him in 2026, unless the team wants to use a starting pitcher in the long relief role, rather than a specialist like Jarvis.
Derek Law (38)
This is definitely the most experienced pitcher in the group, with 322 major-league games to his name, since Law made his debut with the Giants in 2016. He was very good during his last stab at the big leagues, in 2024. Derek had a 2.60 ERA over 90 innings out of the Nationals bullpen. However, a forearm issue derailed his 2025 campaign before it got going, eventually needing surgery in late July. The estimated recovery time at that point was ten months, so he is highly unlikely to be anywhere near ready by Opening Day. Proving his health will be the first thing, but if he returns to anything close to his 2024 form, Law would be a good pickup when he returns to the mound.
Sep 23, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Lou Trivino (57) throws a pitch during the eleventh inning against the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
The hits just keep on coming.
Free-agent reliever Lou Trivino in agreement with Phillies on minor-league deal with invitation to major-league spring training, source tells @TheAthletic. Ended last season with Phillies.
Instead of being satisfied with their roster, the Phillies continue to add minor league depth to the bullpen. Trivino got into a few games with the team at the end of the season, so he’s familiar with the roster. But for all those that made jokes about the team being happy with where they are at with the construction of the roster, this one’s for you.
1. The Maven is accepting one-worders that best describes the Rangers mess. `Let's start with "disaster." (Got better? Lemme know.)
2. Most fans see through "Blueshirts Alibi Letter," 2025-26 season. Others cannot figure out James Dolan approved what amounts to the Rangers surrendering the current season.
3. Third Most Heard Fan Comment after yet another MSG loss: "It looked like the Rangers didn't even care."
4. Fourth Most: "They're as listless as ever."
5. First Most: "I want a refund."
6. If these Rangers were a Broadway show, it would close after one night.
7. The Maven's premier mind-reader – author George Grimm – believes that something was in the Rangers' players' heads after the Panarin deal. Something like, "Is that all they could get for him?"
PEORIA, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 26: An aerial view of the Peoria Sports Complex on February 26, 2021 in Peoria, Arizona. The Peoria Sports Complex is the MLB spring training home for the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Peoria Sports Complex in Peoria, Ariz. will be very busy beginning Feb. 10 as the San Diego Padres begin their 2026 season with pitchers and catchers reporting for physicals before their first workouts on Feb. 11.
The next day, Feb. 12, is the report date for all Padres players who will be participating in the World Baseball Classic. With the addition of three more relievers this past week, the group now totals eight players/pitchers who will be leaving the team early and reporting to their respective WBC teams. Those Padres are:
Manny Machado – Dominican Republic team
Fernando Tatis Jr. – Dominican Republic team
Xander Bogaerts – Netherlands team
Yuki Matsui – Japanese team
Mason Miller – USA team
Wandy Peralta – Dominican Republic team
Ron Marinaccio – Italian team
Alek Jacob – Italian team
There will also be three minor league participants, as well as special assistant Mark Loretta who was named as the third base coach for the Israel team.
RHP Carlton Loewen – Canadian team
LHP Miguel Cienfuegos – Panama team
RHP Josh Mallitz – Israel team
The rest of the team is due to report for their first workout on Feb. 15. Jake Cronenworth stated at Padres FanFest on Jan. 31 that he had heard from many teammates who intended to report early to have more time together due to the WBC.
WBC/MLB exhibitions scheduled
There will be exhibition games played between MLB and WBC teams on March 3 and 4 before the WBC officially begins. The Padres will play Team Great Britain on March 4 at 12:10 p.m. PST in Peoria. There will be 28 games played over the two days at various locations.
The first official WBC games start in the Tokyo Dome on March 4 and 5 with other locations beginning March 6. Team USA plays its first game in Houston, Texas versus Brazil on March 6.
Media access on Feb. 10
Media availability for manager Craig Stammen will be Feb. 10 at 8 a.m. PST with coaches Steven Souza (hitting) and Randy Knorr (bench coach) following Stammen. The clubhouse will be open for media on Wednesday.
Spring Breakout games return
MLB will once again hold Spring Breakout games during Spring Training for teams to showcase their top prospects. Those games will take place March 19-22 with a 16-game schedule. The Padres prospects plays the Chicago Cubs prospects on Saturday, March 21 at 6 p.m. PST. Those rosters will be announced after minor league players arrive in camp.
Spring Training schedule
The Padres play their first Spring Training game on March 20 at 12:10 p.m. PST versus the Seattle Mariners in the yearly charity game played at Peoria Sports Complex. They will then play 30 games (split squad included) and finish on March 23. There are no exhibition games this year after they leave Peoria and return to San Diego. The home opener is March 26 versus the Detroit Tigers at Petco Park.
There are currently 38 players on the 40-man roster with the reported signing of Miguel Andujar not yet official. When that player is added to the roster, the Padres will have one spot available and then will have to make a roster move to add any other players.
Non-roster invites
The organization recently announced 28 players invited to Spring Training who are not on the roster. Those players (NRI’s) include 13 players who were recently added to the organization. There are 13 pitchers, four catchers, seven infielders and four outfielders in the group. It includes the Padres No. 1 prospect Ethan Salas who missed most of the 2025 season due to a stress fracture in his lower back. Following is the full list of NRI:
RHRP Francis Pena and RHSP Triston McKenzie as well as LHSP Marco Gonzales have the best chances to make big impressions from the group of pitchers. There are others who could be taking a step forward but those three have gotten the most mentions.
Catchers Ethan Salas and Blake Hunt should be followed closely. Hunt is presumably in competition for the backup catching job and was originally drafted by the Padres in 2017. He is a defense-first catcher who was most recently in the Seattle Mariners organization, playing in 25 games for the Mariners.
This will be a pivotal year for Salas, he needs to re-establish himself as a highly regarded prospect after struggling in 2024 and missing most of last season.
The Padres signed infielder Jose Miranda to a minor league deal. Entering his year-28 season, Miranda played in 12 games for Minnesota last season with a .417 OPS. He had a .569 OPS in Triple-A in the Twins organization. He is a candidate for a bounce-back year.
The Padres’ most advanced first base prospect, Romeo Sanabria, gets his first Spring Training invite at 24 years old. He needs to take a step forward this season to be considered an MLB player.
Infielder Marcos Castañon appeared to make advances last season and might stand out this spring.
Outfielders Carlos Rodriguez and Nick Schnell could be auditioning as depth pieces for the Padres. Schnell is 26 and Rodriguez is 25, both are left-handed hitters.
New roster additions
Padres fans should also keep an eye on the two new additions to the 40-man roster from the minor league prospect list. Both righty reliever Garrett Hawkins and right-handed starter Miguel Mendez are likely to show well in Spring Training but probably need a little more seasoning in the minor leagues to begin the season.
Mendez would benefit from added bulk to improve stamina and durability. He took a major step forward with command last year.
Hawkins was a standout with his dominant performance last year but was newly returned to baseball after Tommy John surgery. He has the potential to be a dominant late-inning reliever if he continues progressing on his current path.
I am still waiting for a couple more additions to the team from general manager A.J. Preller. The next few weeks should be an exciting time for Padres fans as we near the 2026 season and enjoy the WBC and spring games as we wait.
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 15: Matthew Liberatore #52 of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches against the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning at Busch Stadium on September 15, 2025 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) | Getty Images
While I believe that many are very satisfied with what Chaim Bloom has accomplished with his many roster moves during the offseason, we’re about to begin the 2026 season with some fear and trepidation about how competitive or not the St. Louis Cardinals will be. Knowing what we know now, what do you think the St. Louis Cardinals win-loss record will be for 2026?
Before I share my guess, let’s look at what the latest professional projections say about the 2026 St. Louis Cardinals team. According to a share a week and a half ago by Fangraphs, the latest ZiPS projections say the St. Louis Cardinals will finish 4th in the National League Central with a record of 77-85 only 3 games ahead of the Pittsburgh Pirates. FanDuel and other Vegas odds say the St. Louis Cardinals are only a 70 to 71 win team. Bernie Miklasz shared what several other betting sites were predicting, but this was a week and a half ago and all of these predictions were posted before the Brendan Donovan trade.
I have a difficult time separating my emotions from my mind when it comes to trying to nail down what the St. Louis Cardinals 2026 record will be. My heart is thrilled that the team has finally stopped settling for mediocrity and made big changes to insure the St. Louis Cardinals will be perennial serious contenders at some point in the future, but my mind has to realistically accept the fact that we’re not built to win this year. My prediction is a 76-86 St. Louis Cardinals team that will be fortunate to finish above the Pittsburgh Pirates. I think that will look optimistic once the new projections are done post-Brendan Donovan trade, but I’m overall bullish on this team.
I do think there is a scenario (albeit an unlikely one) where the St. Louis Cardinals surprise everyone and become a .500 or better team this season, but that involves a lot of daydreaming. If Jordan Walker and Nolan Gorman both wake up and live up to their potential, this could get interesting. JJ Wetherholt would need to have the type of season where he’s a legitimate rookie of the year candidate. We would need Michael McGreevy and Matthew Liberatore to go next level and the Cardinals bullpen to become something it doesn’t appear to be on paper. This daydream also requires Masyn Winn to remain fully healthy and add impressive offensive pop to his gold glove defense. Alec Burleson and Ivan Herrera would also need to backup strong 2025 showings and remain healthy. If all of those elements line up, the St. Louis Cardinals could be much more than the predictions say they will be in 2026, but I think it’s best to embrace what looks like our reality for the next couple of years and that’s not what my heart hopes will happen.
We can revisit this once the St. Louis Cardinals break camp after Spring Training, but as of today, what is your guess of what the St. Louis Cardinals win-loss record will be in 2026 and how do you think they’ll rank in the National League Central?
This will be the last weekend without baseball, potentially until November, with Game 7 of the 2026 World Series scheduled for October 31. The Super Bowl is tomorrow (though we’re going to the RenFair), and football will then be done – mercifully, if you’re a Cardinals fan. The off-season is, effectively, over. So, before players start to show up at Salt River Fields next week, this is your change to say whatever you want. Be that about the Diamondbacks, baseball in general, or even random off-topicness. Though not too off-topic: the usual SnakePit prohibitions still remain in effect!
Open vent thread: Get it all out before pitchers and catchers report!
Have the Diamondbacks done enough? How thin ice are Torey Lovullo and Mike Hazen skating on this season? What is your go-to ballpark food and drink? Is the NL West a pointless procession to another Dodgers title? Why is Zac Gallen still unsigned? Has the way you watch baseball changed over the years? What’s your favorite baseball movie? Feel free answer absolutely none of these questions, and go your own way instead.
Sep 9, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals outfielder Terrance Gore (0) scores the go ahead run during the eighth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Terrance Gore, Royals postseason legend and three-time World Series champion, died last night. He was 34 years old. Gore is survived by his wife, Britney, and three children.
We are heartbroken from the loss of Terrance Gore, and send our love to his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/qgZFkHRFSx
Gore leaves behind an incredible baseball legacy as one of the greatest baserunning specialists of recent memory. Despite rarely coming to the plate, Gore stole 48 bases across the regular season and playoffs at an 82.7% success rate across his eight-year MLB career. But when playing for the Royals across their 2014 and 2015 campaigns, Gore was otherworldly: during those two years, he stole 12 bases and was only thrown out once. One of those stolen bases came in the best Royals game of all-time: the 2014 AL Wild Card Game.
Gore went on to become a postseason fixture with multiple other teams, lending his legs to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 2020 World Series campaign as well as the Atlanta Braves’ 2021 World Series season.
But Gore is equally well known within the game for being a kind and wonderful human. Gore’s wife shared a post on Facebook about Gore, who passed away from complications after a routine surgery.
This post is extremely tough to write. Last night, I lost my best friend/husband from complications after what was supposed to have been a simple procedure. Our hearts are shattered, my babies are shattered. Our whole family is lost. This was so unexpected. Everything Zane does is centered around his dad. Baseball, hunting, fishing. Skylyn said, “I don’t have a daddy anymore, he’s up in heaven in the stars.” I don’t know where to go from here. I feel like I’m living my biggest nightmare and feel so lost. He loved his children with everything in him. He loved coaching the youth and those boys absolutely loved him. Please keep our family in your prayers for the coming days and for the strength to get through this. Life is precious and is too short. What I would do to give you one more hug or kiss. We had so many more memories to make. I love you forever Terrance Gore and I’ll continue to watch over our babies.
