MLB Summary

In MLB news, this week is notable for the announcement of the Rookie of the Year awards. Nick Kurtz of the Oakland Athletics has been named the 2025 American League Rookie of the Year, as confirmed by the Baseball Writers Association of America.

Kurtz earned this accolade over fellow nominees Jacob Wilson and Roman Anthony. Meanwhile, in the National League, Drake Baldwin of the Atlanta Braves received the award, beating out contenders Cade Horton from the Chicago Cubs and Caleb Durbin of the Milwaukee Brewers.

Both winners have secured a full year of service time as a result of their honors. As the offseason approaches, various teams are actively preparing for changes. Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow stated that the team is looking for a front-of-the-rotation starter and a middle-of-the-order bat, addressing their needs at the General Managers Meetings in Las Vegas.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have made roster adjustments, recently outrighting right-hander Michael Darrell-Hicks to Triple-A Indianapolis, indicating he cleared waivers after being designated for assignment.

Additionally, the Pirates have welcomed new talent, as Japanese stars Munetaka Murakami and Tatsuya Imai have been posted to MLB, drawing attention from multiple clubs. This has sparked speculation around which teams might pursue the 25-year-old Murakami, who has an impressive track record with 246 home runs in Japan.

The MLB landscape is also feeling the effects of a recent gambling scandal involving players Luis Ortiz of the Guardians and another pitcher, leading to their indictment on fraud allegations. In response, Major League Baseball and sportsbooks are implementing new measures to cap bets on individual pitches at $200 and exclude them from parlays to mitigate risks associated with betting.

This comes amid broader changes in the gambling landscape following the scandal, highlighting the ongoing challenges MLB faces in managing the integrity of the game. The Royals have also added to their coaching staff, hiring former big league outfielder Marcus Thames as a hitting coach, signifying their intent to bolster their offensive strategies for the upcoming season.

Lastly, Cubs great Kyle Hendricks has announced his retirement after a successful 12-season career, having spent the majority of his time on the North Side. This week’s developments highlight a mix of individual achievements, roster changes, and systemic challenges as teams prepare for the offseason and the future.