Toolshed: Hunt preparing to catch on with Rays
James McCann signed a four-year, $40.6-million contract with the Mets this offseason. Prior to his age-29 season in 2019, he had produced just a 76 OPS+ over his first five years with the Tigers and was subsequently non-tendered. The still-unsigned J.T. Realmuto's first All-Star appearance didn't come until he was
Rangers first-rounder Foscue joins podcast
Check out the latest episode of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review "Minor League Baseball podcast" on iTunes. The podcast is also available via Spotify,
MiLB memory box: Mementos from the road
"Do you collect anything?" As someone who has visited 177 Minor League Baseball ballparks, many more than once, I get that question a lot. The individuals who pose this query, usually collectors themselves, are curious as to whether I have made it a point to procure the same sort of
Modern marvels: Williams saved the day
MiLB.com staff combed through decades of stats to uncover Minor League hitting and pitching leaders among players active for at least one season in the 21st century. "Modern marvels" presents their stories. We covered the hits leaders, the strikeouts leaders and the home run leaders in previous editions.
Phillies' Simmons testing progress in ABL
At some point between Spring Training and Summer Camp in 2020, the baseball field at Dominion Christian northwest of Atlanta transformed from a high school diamond into a professional sandlot. Some of the area’s best talent gathered to stay sharp while the sport charted a course for playing through a
2021 Prospect Projections: NL East
This is the second in a six-part Toolshed series that uses FanGraphs' Steamer600 projections to look at how prospects would fare over a full Major League season in 2021. The system bases its forecast on 600 plate appearances for position players, 450 plate appearances for catchers, 200 innings for starting
No spin zone: Phil Niekro's Minor League career
Phil Niekro, 300-game winner and Hall of Famer, passed away on Dec. 26 at the age of 81. He was the best knuckleball pitcher in baseball history. Niekro, often referred to by his knuckleball-referencing nickname of Knucksie, spent 24 seasons (1964 through 1987) in the Major Leagues and pitched until
Head headlines big prospect package for Pirates
The Padres have flexed the strength of their farm system in recent weeks to acquire high-end Major League talent, and the organization went to the well again Monday to bolster its team at the top. San Diego sent four prospects to Pittsburgh -- headlined by the club's No. 7 prospect,
Modern marvels: Hessman wears homer crown
MiLB.com staff combed through decades of stats to uncover Minor League hitting and pitching leaders among players active for at least one season in the 21st century. In "Modern marvels," we present their stories. Read about the hits leaders and the strikeouts leaders in previous editions. It should come as
Phillies pick up prospect Chatham from Red Sox
Dave Dombrowski joined the Phillies front office in December, and one month later, the new president of baseball operations has pulled off a deal with his former organization. The Phillies acquired middle infielder C.J. Chatham from the Red Sox for a player to be named later or cash, both clubs
The Road to the Show: Red Sox slugger Casas
Each week, MiLB.com profiles an elite prospect by chronicling the steps he's taken to reach the brink of realizing his Major League dream. Here's a look at Boston Red Sox infielder Triston Casas. For more player journeys on The Road to The Show, click here.
MLB international signing period roundup
They may not be the biggest free-agent signings of the day, but in a few years they could be stars. Jan. 15 brings a delayed opening to the 2021 Major League international signing period and with it the official start of many professional baseball careers. The traditional date of July
Top hats: 2020's most popular caps
Minor League fans love a good ballcap. Even when they can’t go to the ballpark. In a year without games, fans from all over showed support for their favorite Minor League clubs with hat purchases. Whether it be the local ties, the bright colors or the head-turning designs, baseball caps
Toolshed: Now arriving, international signings
Jan. 15 isn't typically a big day on the baseball calendar. It's another step toward Spring Training, sure. Another number to rip off of the daily countdown to the arrival of pitchers and catchers, but often little more. The big headlines last Jan. 15 were the free-agent signings of Alex
Taking a walk through Lasorda's playing days
Tommy Lasorda enjoyed one of the longest careers in professional baseball history, one that spanned from 1945 to his death at age 93 on Jan. 7. Of course, he will be best remembered as the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, a post he held from 1976 through 1996. Lasorda's
Pirates' Crowe visits Minors podcast
Check out the latest episode of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review "Minor League Baseball podcast" on iTunes. The podcast is also available via Spotify,
Modern marvels: Figueroa is Minors' K king
MiLB.com staff combed through decades of stats to uncover Minor League hitting and pitching leaders among players active for at least one season in the 21st century. In "Modern marvels," we present their stories. Learn about the hits leaders here.
2021 Prospect Projections: AL East
This is the first in a six-part Toolshed series that uses FanGraphs' Steamer600 projections to look at how prospects would fare over a full Major League season in 2021. The system bases its forecast on 600 plate appearances for position players, 450 plate appearances for catchers, 200 innings for starting
Modern marvels: Wood's hits unmatched
MiLB.com staff combed through decades of stats to uncover Minor League hitting and pitching leaders among players active for at least one season in the 21st century. This is the first installment of a new series called "Modern marvels." It’s been 12 years since Jason Wood stepped to the plate
RIP: Paying tribute to beloved gameday employees
From April until September, Opening Night through the playoffs, first pitch to final out, gameday employees are always there. These largely unsung individuals are part of the fabric of the Minor League Baseball experience, whether they're taking your ticket, guiding you to a seat or catering suites. If you attend
Smith bringing singular focus, drive to Red Sox
There's no exact road map to the Major Leagues. But, in baseball, those who do the work often benefit. Bianca Smith did the work. And then she worked some more. It's paid off. Last week, the Red Sox announced the 29-year-old will become the first Black woman to hold a
The Road to The Show: Blue Jays' Groshans
Each week, MiLB.com profiles an elite prospect by chronicling the steps he's taken to reach the brink of realizing his Major League dream. Here's a look at Toronto Blue Jays infielder Jordan Groshans. For more player journeys on The Road to The Show, click here.
Toolshed: 2021 NL farm system resolutions
Be healthy. That is the biggest resolution for everyone, in and out of Minor League Baseball, as the coronavirus pandemic rages on. But we can't write that 30 times. Instead, Toolshed is taking this first full week of 2021 to lay out New Year's resolutions for all 30 farm systems.
Nationals righty Cavalli visits Minors podcast
Check out the latest episode of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review "Minor League Baseball podcast" on iTunes. The podcast is also available via Spotify,
Cleveland nabs prospects Wolf, Greene in Lindor deal
On Thursday, the Mets pulled off a blockbuster worthy of the Big Apple. New York acquired All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor and former Cy Young contender Carlos Carrasco from Cleveland, sending prospects Josh Wolf and Isaiah Greene along with Major League infielders Andrés Giménez and Amed Rosario the other way. Wolf