Stay updated on everything baseball with our morning MLB News & Moments articles. We’ve got you covered to keep you in the know.
Today’s Headlines
Mad Max is heading to Texas.
Full details of the trade, per ESPN sources:
Texas receives Max Scherzer
New York receives 21-year-old shortstop Luisangel Acuña, the brother of Atlanta star Ronald Acuña Jr.
Scherzer opts in to 2024.
The Rangers will pay Scherzer $22.5M. The Mets will cover $35M-plus.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 30, 2023
The New York Mets traded veteran pitcher Max Scherzer to the Texas Rangers for Luisangel Acuña, the younger brother of Ronald Acuña Jr. The Mets will cover most of Scherzer’s contract, around $35 million, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. Scherzer, who had a player option for 2024, agreed to opt in. The Rangers will pay the remaining $22.5 million on his contract.
As for the Mets’ return, Will Sammon of The Athletic had the following to say about the 21-year-old shortstop: Multiple evaluators say he profiles as an above-average major leaguer. One compared his ceiling to “like an Ozzie Albies guy.” Not exact, but it speaks to Acuña’s power-speed combo as an up-the-middle guy. In 84 games at the Double-A level, Acuña is hitting .315/.377/.453 with 25 doubles, 7 home runs, 51 RBI, and 42 stolen bases.
Lastly, as the hot stove season gets even hotter, let’s keep this message in mind:
One year ago. The Baseball Gods sure have a sense of humor. Beyond excited to reunite with old baseball friends and meet new ones but absolutely crushed saying goodbye to current ones. What a day… https://t.co/beTSjtPmnc
— Erica Scherzer (@emaysway) July 30, 2023
Ronald Acuña Jr. steals his 50th base of the season.
.@ronaldacunajr24 has reached FIFTY steals.#ForTheA pic.twitter.com/iUxhZMNPxC
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 29, 2023
Ronald Acuña Jr. nabbed second base with ease in the top of the first inning on Saturday. The great Sarah Langs pointed out that Acuña is the first player with 20+ home runs and 50+ stolen bases before August in a season. He came into today on-pace for 79 stolen bases. The last time a player stole that many bases was Rickey Henderson with 93 in 1988.
Aaron Judge homers in second game back.
Crush-a-tize me, Cap'n.#AllRise pic.twitter.com/Vf0u17QgEv
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) July 30, 2023
Aaron Judge returned to the field on Friday night for the first time since suffering a toe injury nearly two months ago. He looked as good as we all remember on Saturday, collecting three hits including a third-inning, 442-foot home run. The last-place Yankees beat the first-place Orioles with a final score of 8-3.
Best Moments From Yesterday
South Florida continues to honor Miggy.
.@MiguelCabrera collects his second hit of the day and leaves to a standing ovation from the Miami crowd! 👏 pic.twitter.com/zlQXkGW5is
— MLB (@MLB) July 29, 2023
Yesterday’s Tigers vs. Marlins game was an honor to attend in person. 32,936 fans packed the stadium to celebrate future Hall of Famer Miguel Cabrera on Venezuelan Heritage Day. He got a standing ovation from the crowd each time he came to bat, including as he walked off the field in the ninth inning and saluted the crowd.
Farewell, Miggy. South Florida loves you.
Where it all started 🫶
Welcome back, Miggy 🥹 pic.twitter.com/dMdO7G9JpT
— Bally Sports Florida: Marlins (@BallyMarlins) July 28, 2023
Shout out to Brandon Crawford and the Giants’ social media person.
We're Swifties today (and every day let's be real lol) 🎶 pic.twitter.com/OVDBPTkxE9
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) July 29, 2023
Today was a fairytale in San Francisco. The Giants won on a walk-off home run from J.D. Davis. The Red Sox will try to shake it off and win the series this afternoon.
Injuries & Transactions
RP Jordan Romano was placed on the 15-day IL with lower back inflammation.
SP Nathan Eovaldi will not start today due to soreness in his elbow. His MRI was clean but he will be pushed back further rather than placed on the injured list, per Evan Grant of Dallas Morning News.
OF Mookie Betts was scratched with right ankle soreness on Saturday. He’s considered day-to-day.
2B Jonathan India was scratched with left heel pain. He’s also day-to-day.
Articles You Should Read
Miggy propels Tigers on ‘one of the most special days of my career’ — Paige Leckie, MLB.com
2023 Marlins Fans and 2027 Mets Fans, Rejoice: Your Teams Made a Great Trade — Ben Clemens, FanGraphs
An Open Letter from Ray Kinsella to Our Fans — Sean Roberts, Pitcher List
Fantasy Baseball Coverage
Featured image by Justin Paradis (@JustParaDesigns on Twitter)