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MLB Rumors: Rockies to Lower Payroll in 2025; Cal Quantrill, More Could Be Traded

Oct 20, 2024
DENVER, COLORADO - SEPTEMBER 27: Starting pitcher Cal Quantrill #47 of the Colorado Rockies throws against the Los Angels Dodgers in the first inning at Coors Field on September 27, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - SEPTEMBER 27: Starting pitcher Cal Quantrill #47 of the Colorado Rockies throws against the Los Angels Dodgers in the first inning at Coors Field on September 27, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

The Colorado Rockies could trade veteran players including Cal Quantrill this offseason as part of a plan to spend less on their payroll in 2025, Patrick Saunders reported for The Denver Post.

The Rockies ranked 17th in the MLB with a payroll of just over $147 million in 2024, per Spotrac.

That number is now expected to dip due to falling television revenue tied to the decline of regional sports networks, Saunders reported.

Second baseman Brendan Rodgers and starter Austin Gomber, along with Quantrill, are "top candidates" for trades this offseason, per Saunders.

Quantrill, Rodgers and Gomber are each set to hit free agency after their final season under arbitration in 2025.

Quantrill recorded a 4.98 ERA and walked an NL-high 69 batters through 29 starts this season after struggling with his sinker. He could be a trade target for a team hoping he can get back to the promise he showed as a go-to starter in Cleveland in 2022.

Gomber meanwhile made a career-high 30 starts last season and recorded 116 strikeouts to 38 walks, while former Gold Glove Award winner Rodgers slashed .267/.314/.407 with 54 RBI in his first full season back from shoulder surgery.

The Rockies are already set to free up $14.5 million in payroll with the retirement of designated hitter Charlie Blackmon, bringing their projected 2025 payroll total to around $130 million, per FanGraphs.

Colorado could lower that total further by trading this trio of 2025 free agents, which would free up a projected total of $18 million from next season's payroll, per Saunders and Cots Baseball Contracts.

The Rockies will need to spend some money in order to guarantee the return of Jacob Stallings, who is expected to return for 2025, per Saunders. Stallings has a $2 million mutual option for next season but is "likely to negotiate for a new contract," according to Saunders.

Colorado has ranked in the bottom half of the league in opening-day payroll for the last four seasons, per Cots. That trend looks set to continue heading into 2025.

Dodgers' Roberts: Freddie Freeman's Swing 'Not Right,' NLCS G6 Status TBD amid Injury

Oct 19, 2024
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 16: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers in action against the New York Mets in Game Three of the Championship Series at Citi Field on October 16, 2024 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 16: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers in action against the New York Mets in Game Three of the Championship Series at Citi Field on October 16, 2024 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

Freddie Freeman's status for Game 6 of the 2024 National League Championship Series is uncertain.

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters that Freeman's swing is "not right" following a 12-6 loss to the New York Mets on Friday.

"I do think that his swing is not right," Roberts said, per Bill Plunkett of the Orange Country Register. "I'm certain it's the ankle. We'll have that conversation, but it's certainly an option to not have him in there for Game 6, yes."

Freeman didn't appear in Game 4 of the series due to an ankle issue and went 0-for-5 with two strikeouts in his return.

The 35-year-old initially suffered the injury in the seventh inning of a 7-2 win over the San Diego Padres on Sept. 26. Freeman's sprained ankle also forced him to miss Game 4 of the Dodgers' NL Division Series against San Diego.

The eight-time All-Star hasn't been as effective in the middle of Los Angeles' lineup, hitting just .219 with 1 RBI during the team's 2024 postseason run. He also hasn't recorded an extra-base hit in eight games.

Freeman acknowledged that his routine has been affected by the injury, as he's needed to undergo multiple hours of treatment on his ankle each day.

"It is what it is," Freeman said, via Juan Toribio of MLB.com. "I know what every day is like, I just wish I could do my routine. You guys know I'm very routine-based, and I haven't been able to do it. I'll get to the field tomorrow when the training room opens to get my treatment and right after that get in the cage to try and fix this swing."

The Dodgers' offense has still been potent without the former NL MVP playing like his usual self, leading all MLB teams in runs and homers during the postseason. Los Angeles also holds a 3-2 series lead over New York.

With or without Freeman, the Dodgers will attempt to capture the NL pennant and secure a spot in the World Series in Game 6 on Sunday at 8:08 p.m. ET.

Dodgers' Roberts Feels Mookie Betts Took Mets Walking Shohei Ohtani 'Personal'

Oct 18, 2024
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 17: Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers rounds the bases after hitting a two RBI home run in the sixth inning during Game 4 of the NLCS presented by loanDepot between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets at Citi Field on Thursday, October 17, 2024 in New York, New York. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 17: Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers rounds the bases after hitting a two RBI home run in the sixth inning during Game 4 of the NLCS presented by loanDepot between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets at Citi Field on Thursday, October 17, 2024 in New York, New York. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts thinks Mookie Betts' outstanding effort in Game 4 of the NLCS may have been fueled by a feeling of disrespect from the New York Mets walking Shohei Ohtani three times.

Roberts told reporters after the Dodgers' 10-2 win that Betts took it "personal" that the Mets may have been trying to avoid pitching to Ohtani.

"And that's OK. That's OK," Roberts said. "And I think that he understands that whether it's a manager putting four fingers up or you're throwing intentional balls two feet outside, you're going to go after the next guy. So I think that Mookie takes it personal like all competitors should. And I do think that stuff like that lights a little fire under him."

None of the walks to Ohtani were intentional, but two of them were on four pitches. Betts took advantage of the opportunities with at least one runner on base ahead of him, going 4-of-6 with a double, three-run homer and four RBI.

This postseason has been an illustration of what makes the Dodgers so dangerous. Ohtani was getting talked about for his struggles with no runners on base, but he was crushing the ball when anyone got on.

Ohtani erased that narrative in Game 4 by hitting a leadoff homer off José Quintana. He reached base four times in six plate appearances and scored four runs.

The Dodgers have scored at least eight runs in each of their three wins in the NLCS. They have allowed a total of nine runs in their last six playoff games dating back to Game 4 of the NLDS against the San Diego Padres.

Perhaps the most encouraging sign for the Dodgers in the past two games has been the performances of Walker Buehler and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. They combined to allow two runs on seven hits and three walks with 14 strikeouts in 8.1 innings.

Given the depth of their lineup, particularly with Ohtani and Betts at the top of the order, the Dodgers don't need great starting pitching to win. They have gotten exactly what they need in the past two games and are one victory away from reaching the World Series for the first time since 2020.

The Dodgers can end the NLCS in Game 5 on Friday when they send Jack Flaherty to the mound against Mets starter David Peterson at Citi Field.

Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts Applauded by MLB Fans with NLCS G4 Win vs. Mets

Oct 18, 2024
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 17: Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates a two run home run with Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers as Francisco Alvarez #4 of the New York Mets reacts during the sixth inning against the New York Mets during Game Four of the National League Championship Series at Citi Field on October 17, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 17: Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates a two run home run with Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers as Francisco Alvarez #4 of the New York Mets reacts during the sixth inning against the New York Mets during Game Four of the National League Championship Series at Citi Field on October 17, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Dodgers have a comfortable 3-1 lead in the National League Championship after downing the New York Mets 10-2 on Thursday.

The Dodgers piled on eight runs in a shutout on Wednesday and continued their dominant offense into Thursday's meeting, starting with a solo home run from Shohei Ohtani in the first inning.

The Mets quickly answered with a home run from Mark Vientos in the bottom of the second, but two innings later New York had a 3-1 lead thanks to an RBI double from Tommy Edman and an RBI single from Enrique Hernández.

Brandon Nimmo cut into the defecit after driving in Francisco Alvarez on a fielder's choice in the bottom of the third.

Mookie Betts then took over to put the game away, hitting a two-run RBI double in the fourth and a two-run homer in the sixth to make it 7-2. Betts finished 4-for-5 with a home run, four RBI and three runs.

With an already comfortable lead, the Dodgers piled on three more runs in the eighth after an RBI double from Edman and an RBI single from Will Smith.

After the dominant win, fans hyped Betts, Ohtani and Los Angeles' offense.

The Mets seemed capable of giving the National League's best a tough series after winning Game 2, but the Dodgers have quickly established their offense and now seem primed for a World Series appearance.

Los Angeles now has the chance to end the series on the road in Game 5 on Friday.

Dodgers Win NLCS Game 3 vs. Mets as MLB Fans Commend Walker Buehler, LA Pitching

Oct 17, 2024
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 16: Walker Buehler #21 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches in the first inning against the New York Mets during Game Three of the National League Championship Series at Citi Field on October 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 16: Walker Buehler #21 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches in the first inning against the New York Mets during Game Three of the National League Championship Series at Citi Field on October 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Dodgers used a combination of dominant pitching and electric offense to pick up an 8-0 win against the New York Mets in Game 3 of the National League Championship on Wednesday.

The Dodgers got on the board early, picking up two runs in the second on an RBI single from Will Smith and a sac fly from Tommy Edman. From there, they didn't look back, tacking on two more runs in the fourth thanks to Enrique Hernandez's two-run homer.

Shohei Ohtani put the game out of reach in the seventh with a three-run home run to make it a comfortable 7-0 lead and Max Muncy gave the Dodgers one more insurance run on a leadoff homer in the ninth.

On the mound, starting pitcher Walker Buehler delivered with six strikeouts and just three hits allowed in his four innings before being relieved by Michael Kopech. Los Angeles used Kopech, Ryan Brasier, Blake Treinen and Ben Casparius out of the bullpen to combine for 12 strikeouts, allowing just one hit.

After the dominant win, fans praised the Dodgers' for showing up both on the mound and on offense.

The Dodgers have all the momentum after Wednesday's win, but the series is still up for grabs as Game 4 stays in New York on Thursday.

If the Dodgers can stay hot, they could pick up a comfortable 3-1 lead and be in position to put the series away in Game 5.

Shohei Ohtani Will Remain Dodgers' Leadoff Hitter for NLCS G3 vs. Mets, per Roberts

Oct 16, 2024
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 14: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers prepares to bat in the first inning during Game 2 of the NLCS presented by loanDepot between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Monday, October 14, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 14: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers prepares to bat in the first inning during Game 2 of the NLCS presented by loanDepot between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Monday, October 14, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Dodgers won't be making any changes to the top of the order against the New York Mets in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series.

Per ESPN's Jesse Rogers, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Shohei Ohtani will stay in the leadoff spot for Los Angeles despite posting better numbers with runners on base. Ohtani is 0-for-19 with the bases empty and has hit 6-for-8 with runners on while batting leadoff in the postseason, according to Rogers.

Roberts shrugged off Ohtani's struggles with no runners on the base, saying the script has flipped to some extent. His average was slightly better with the bases empty (.311) compared to his average with runners on (.308) during the regular season.

"It's just funny how things change, where there was a lot of concern about Shohei not being able to get hits with the runners in scoring position—and now we're all trying to find ways...to get guys on base so he can hit, right?" Roberts said, per Rogers. "I kind of find that comical, a little bit."

Ohtani, playing in his first MLB postseason this year, has one home run, five walks, 12 strikeouts and a .222 batting average in seven games. He was 0-for-3 with two walks and a pair of strikeouts in the Dodgers' Game 2 loss to the Mets on Monday.

Roberts expressed confidence that Ohtani will start to play better as the series continues on Wednesday.

"I think it's isolated," he said, per Rogers. "There have been times that he has to reset as all hitters do. Sometimes certain pitchers sort of kind of trigger bad habits. And you've got to identify that to then reset. ... But to think that I'm going to move Shohei to the 4 or the 3, that's just not going to happen."

The Dodgers are looking to avoid going down 2-1 in the series in Game 3, and a strong showing from Ohtani in the leadoff spot could help propel them to a win.

Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw Plans to Pitch in 2025 MLB Season Amid Toe Injury Rehab

Oct 14, 2024
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 05: Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw is introduced before game one of the National League Division Series against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024 in Los Angeles. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 05: Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw is introduced before game one of the National League Division Series against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024 in Los Angeles. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw said he plans to be on the mound in 2025.

Kershaw, who went on the injured list in August due to a bone spur in his left big toe, said he wants to make the most of the surgery he had over the offseason.

"My shoulder, my elbow, my arm feels great," Kershaw said. "Obviously, I had some tough luck with my foot this year. But I want to make use of this surgery. I don't want to have surgery and shut it down. So I'm gonna come back next year and give it a go and see how it goes."

Kershaw underwent surgery in November to repair the glenohumeral ligaments and capsule in his left shoulder and managed to get on the mound by late July. He had just seven appearances before suffering the toe injury in August.

In his seven starts, Kershaw threw 24 strikeouts and recorded a 4.50 ERA across 30 innings. In his last healthy season in 2023, Kershaw had 137 strikeouts, a 2.46 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP across 131.2 innings, enough for him to be named an All-Star for the 10th time.

The veteran will be 37 during the 2025 season and has a player option for the upcoming free agency.

The Dodgers could use Kershaw in 2025 given recent injury news regarding pitchers in their starting rotation. Starter Gavin Stone underwent surgery on his right shoulder last week and is expected to miss the entirety of the 2025 season. Stone had a breakout season in 2024 that saw him record 116 strikeouts and a 3.53 ERA in 25 starts.

Should he be on the mound again in 2025, Kershaw will have the chance to chase history. He's just 32 strikeouts away from reaching the 3,000 strikeout mark, a number just 19 pitchers have achieved in MLB history. That feat would only add to the illustrious career Kershaw has had.

Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers Pitchers Championed by MLB Fans After NLCS Game 1 Win vs. Mets

Oct 14, 2024
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 13: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates with teammates in the dugout after scoring on an RBI single hit by Freddie Freeman in the fourth inning during Game 1 of the NLCS between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 13, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 13: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates with teammates in the dugout after scoring on an RBI single hit by Freddie Freeman in the fourth inning during Game 1 of the NLCS between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Sunday, October 13, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Dodgers opened the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets in spectacular fashion on Sunday, earning a 9-0 win at home for their third consecutive shutout victory.

Shohei Ohtani went 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs, and Max Muncy had a two-run single to lead the Dodgers lineup. Los Angeles scored its first six runs on singles before Mookie Betts broke the game open with a bases-clearing three-run double in the eighth inning.

The Dodgers' pitching staff continued its epic run behind a strong start by Jack Flaherty, who pitched seven innings with two hits, two walks and six strikeouts. Daniel Hudson and Ben Casparius pitched the final two innings to preserve the shutout, extending the team's streak to 33 straight innings and tying the postseason record for most consecutive scoreless innings.

Fans on social media were excited by the performance of the Dodgers both on the mound and at the plate in Sunday's win:

Los Angeles overcame a 2-1 series deficit in the National League Division Series against the San Diego Padres, but 8-0 and 2-0 wins propelled the team to the NLCS against a New York team that upset the NL East champion Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS.

Flaherty and the rest of the pitching staff helped the Dodgers continue their wave of momentum and get the NLCS started in the right direction.

The Dodgers will try to protect their home-field advantage when they face the Mets in Game 2 on Monday.

Clayton Kershaw Hypes Dodgers' Yamamoto After Game 5 Win vs. Padres: 'You Are a Stud'

Oct 12, 2024
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 7: Yoshinobu Yamamoto #18 of the Los Angeles Dodgers fist bumps Clayton Kershaw #22 prior to a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium on August 7, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 7: Yoshinobu Yamamoto #18 of the Los Angeles Dodgers fist bumps Clayton Kershaw #22 prior to a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium on August 7, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images)

It's safe to say that Clayton Kershaw is impressed with rookie pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

The injured star pitcher watched in awe as Yamamoto delivered a scoreless start that helped the Los Angeles Dodgers earn a crucial Game 5 victory over the San Diego Padres to advance to the NLCS.

Following the victory, Kershaw remarked that Yamamoto is a "stud" and that it's important to make sure he remembers that.

"Once in a while," Kershaw said, per Andy McCullough of The Athletic, "you just have to remind him: You are a stud. You might be a rookie. But you are a stud."

While Yamamoto is technically in his rookie season, his experience and ability far exceeds that of a typical rookie. The 26-year-old spent seven seasons playing in the NPB in Japan, compiling a 72-29 record with a 2.11 career ERA.

He signed a 12-year, $325 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers prior to the 2024 season and had a solid debut season, going 7-2 with a 3.00 ERA and 105 strikeouts in 90 innings.

He had a tough first outing in Game 1 of the NLDS, allowing five runs in three innings, but his five-inning, two-hit performance showed growth, and now he will hope to help Los Angeles reach the World Series for the first time since 2020.

While Kershaw won't be on the field to help, he will still have his role in supporting Yamamoto and the rest of the Dodgers pitching staff.

Max Muncy Rips 'Experts' Who Doubted Dodgers' Chances vs. Padres: 'F--k Those Guys'

Oct 12, 2024
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 09: Max Muncy #13 of the Los Angeles Dodgers after hitting a double in the third inning during Game Four of the Division Series against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on October 09, 2024 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 09: Max Muncy #13 of the Los Angeles Dodgers after hitting a double in the third inning during Game Four of the Division Series against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on October 09, 2024 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Dodgers are using an underdog mentality to get them through the postseason after a 2-0 win in Game 5 of the NLDS against the San Diego Padres on Friday night sent them to the National League Championship Series.

Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy shouted down all of the "experts" who predicted they would lose to the Padres after leading MLB with 98 wins during the regular season.

"What was it, 80 percent of the f--king experts said we were going to lose?" Muncy said. "F--k those guys. We know who we are. We're the f---ing best team in baseball, and we're out there to prove it."

It's unclear where Muncy came up with 80 percent of experts picked against the Dodgers. MLB.com's panel of analysts predicted the Padres to win the series before it started, but it wasn't split up by voting totals.

When the Dodgers fell behind 2-1 in the series, the odds heavily swung in San Diego's favor. Teams that take a 2-1 lead in a best-of-five have won the series 72.3 percent of the time.

The Padres had a chance to clinch at home in Game 4 where they started 3-0 this postseason. They also had an 8-5 record against the Dodgers during the regular season and scored at least five runs in each of the first three games of the series.

There was nothing to suggest that San Diego's offense was going to go cold, so it seemed like the Dodgers' bats would have to keep up in order to win.

Unfortunately for the Padres, their bats not only went cold, they completely vanished for all but one inning over the past three games. Even their victory in Game 3 saw them score all six of their runs in the second inning.

The Padres went scoreless over the final 24 innings in the series. MLB.com's Mark Sheldon noted it's the longest scoreless drought by a single team in the playoffs since the 1991 Atlanta Braves in the NLCS against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

There were plenty of reasons to be skeptical of the Dodgers' ability to pull off a comeback. Their pitching staff was a mess early in the series with the longest start being Jack Flaherty's 5.1-inning outing in Game 2.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto rebounded from a rough Game 1 by throwing five shutout innings in Game 5. Four Dodgers relievers combined to throw four perfect innings with five strikeouts.

The Dodgers' offense came courtesy of solo homers by Enrique Hernández and Teoscar Hernández off Padres starter Yu Darvish.

Muncy and the Dodgers get to take their victory lap after avoiding a third straight season ending with a loss in the NLDS. They don't have to much time to celebrate since they will host the New York Mets for Game 1 of the NLCS on Sunday at 8:15 p.m. ET.

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