News and Notes - Rule 5 Countdown Begins
News and Notes for Thursday, November 7th, 2024
If you missed yesterday’s News and Notes - Austin Hedges is back! It is being reported (seen first from Buster Olney) that Hedges signed a one-year, $4 million contract. In this media interview with Hedgey after the announcement, he touched on how much he enjoys Cleveland and appreciates being embraced by the fans. He made it very clear that, despite only signing a one-year deal, he will stay in Cleveland for as long as the team and front office want him. He also touched on watching starting catcher Bo Naylor grow this season and learn from his first full season in the league. Hedges mentioned that both he and Bo are in Arizona for the off-season and will be training together.
Here’s Hedgey’s 69th career home run for celebratory viewing:
The Guardians announced that they are planning on selling some of the green seats that are being removed as they complete the next leg of renovations at Progressive Field.
Guardians prospect Zak Kent threw four innings of one-hit ball, striking out three in Surprise, Arizona. Kent came to the Cleveland Guardians from the Texas Rangers in March 2024 in exchange for international bonus pool money. Kent is a 26 year old RHP and spent his 2024 season in AAA. He was DFA’d, released, resigned to a minor league contract, then immediately placed on the 7-day IL by the Guardians organization all in the span of 2.5 weeks. He put up a 7.23 ERA in 23.2 IP for the Clippers.
Chris Antonetti spoke with MLB Network on the phenomenal job done by rookie manager Stephen Vogt, David Fry’s surgery and future rehabilitation, Shane Bieber’s free agency, Steven Kwan’s continued success, and expressed the hope that Matthew Boyd is in the Cleveland rotation “for years to come.”
"It's an awesome partnership and we're really excited to continue to work with him moving forward."@CleGuardians President of Baseball Ops. Chris Antonetti discusses Stephen Vogt's exciting first year at the helm and what's next.
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) November 7, 2024
MLB Network + @SageUSAmerica pic.twitter.com/5rFyN1ww2L
It has been reported that the official deadline for Rule 5 protection is November 19th. With the Austin Hedges signing, the roster is at 39 which leaves a lot of questions. Some notable Rule 5 eligible players include Doug Nikhazy, Tommy Mace, and Aaron Davenport.
Guardians roster is at 39 with re-signing Austin Hedges.
— Justin L. (@JL_Baseball) November 6, 2024
Deadline for rule 5 protection is Nov 19 by the way.
Around the League:
Shohei Ohtani underwent surgery to repair a torn left labrum. It is expected that he will return in time for Spring Training.
Skip Schumaker joins the Texas Rangers as a Senior Advisor.
Don’t forget to vote for the Rawlings Platinum Glove Award. Steven Kwan and Andrés Giménez are both eligible to with the Platinum Glove honor. Giménez is up for his 2nd straight Platinum Glove. You have until tomorrow, November 8th!