With elite glove, can Cruz develop bat to climb Nats system?
Bobby Blanco
Nationals
PROSPECT REVIEW: ARMANDO CRUZ Age on opening day 2024: 20 How acquired: Signed as international free agent, January 2021 Ranking: No. 26 per MLB Pipeline, No. 18 per Baseball America MLB ETA: 2025* Projected by MLB Pipeline Signing bonus: $3.9 million (tying then Nationals record for international prospect) 2023 levels: Single-A Fredericksburg 2023
More Orioles mailbag leftovers
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The leftover Halloween candy should be the good stuff if you were smart and used the proper strategy. Hand out the filler first from those big variety bags – Whoppers, Sweet Tarts, Dum Dums – and withhold the fun-size Snickers until you run out. We could debate what’s “fun” about a smaller version, but I’m here to share extras from this week’s mail
Nats promote Longosz to head player development
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
The Nationals decided to promote from within when selecting a new farm director. The club today named Eddie Longosz as vice president and assistant general manager of player development and administration, giving a longtime front office member the opportunity to now oversee the entire minor league operation. Longosz, 37, has worked for the National
Nationals name Eddie Longosz head of player development
MASN Staff
Nationals
The Washington Nationals announced the promotion of Eddie Longosz to Vice President and Assistant General Manager of Player Development and Administration on Friday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Longosz, 37, was promoted to this role after spending the last eight years as Washingto
Can erratic reliever Thompson find consistency at last?
Mark Zuckerman
Masn
PLAYER REVIEW: MASON THOMPSON Age on Opening Day 2024: 26 How acquired: Traded with Jordy Barley from Padres for Daniel Hudson, July 2021 MLB service time: 2 years, 42 days 2023 salary: $724,400 Contract status: Under club control, arbitration-eligible in 2025, free agent in 2028 2023 stats: 4-4, 5.50 ERA, 51 G, 1 SV, 54 IP, 62 H, 35 R, 33 ER, 4 HR
A few thoughts and notes on the Rangers' World Series title
Steve Melewski
Orioles
When the Orioles took the field for Game 1 of the American League Division Series, we would be watching the eventual World Series champion. It just would not be the team in Orange and Black. But the Texas Rangers, a team that lost 102 games in 2021 and went 68-94 last year. A team that won just 90 games this year and a team that from Aug. 16-Sept.
Will more versatility help Baker reach majors?
Bobby Blanco
Nationals
PROSPECT REVIEW: DARREN BAKER Age on opening day 2024: 25 How acquired: Drafted in 10th round in 2021 from University of California, Berkeley Ranking: No. 24 per MLB Pipeline, No. 26 per Baseball America MLB ETA: 2023* Projected by MLB Pipeline Signing bonus: $146,800 2023 levels: Rookie-level Florida Complex League, High-A Wilmington and Triple-A
Some Orioles 40-man fodder
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles filled their 40-man roster last week by claiming left-hander Tucker Davidson off waivers from the Royals. The start of the tinkering and retooling. They made another move Wednesday, claiming outfielder Sam Hilliard off waivers from the Braves and designating reliever Joey Krehbiel for assignment. Davidson and Hilliard, who are out of mi
Nats decline 2024 option, but retain rights, on Robles
Mark Zuckerman
Masn
The Nationals have declined their 2024 club option on Victor Robles, but that doesn’t necessarily mean an end to the outfielder’s time with the organization. In choosing not to pick up their $3.3 million option for Robles, the Nats still retain control of the player, who has accrued only five years and 33 days of big league service time. That makes
Millas made the most of his opportunities in 2023
Bobby Blanco
Nationals
PROSPECT REVIEW: DREW MILLAS Age on opening day 2024: 26 How acquired: Traded with Richard Guasch and Seth Shuman from Athletics for Yan Gomes, Josh Harrison and cash in July 2021; originally drafted in seventh round by Athletics in 2019 from Missouri State University Ranking: No. 22 per MLB Pipeline, No. 28 per Baseball America MLB debut: Aug. 28,