Headlines

  • Braves Option Vaughn Grissom, Braden Shewmake
  • Jose Altuve To Undergo Surgery On Fractured Thumb
  • Rockies To Sign Jurickson Profar
  • Jose Altuve Leaves WBC Game After Hit By Pitch
  • Edwin Diaz Undergoes Surgery To Repair Patellar Tendon
  • Out Of Options 2023
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2022-23 MLB Free Agent List
    • Top 50 Free Agents
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2023
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Arbitration Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

The Opener: WBC, Diaz, Offseason In Review

By Nick Deeds | March 16, 2023 at 8:55am CDT

With just two weeks to go until Opening Day, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day today:

1. WBC Update

The first round of the World Baseball Classic is officially in the books, with Cuba, Italy, Japan, Australia, Mexico, the United States, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico advancing to the quarterfinals, which have already begun. Cuba defeated Australia yesterday to advance to the semifinal round, while Japan advanced past Italy this morning. While no other matches will happen today, the other two quarterfinal matchups are now set, with Team Mexico squaring off against Team Puerto Rico tomorrow night while Team USA is set to take on Team Venezuela Saturday night. Of course, the biggest story of the WBC yesterday followed Puerto Rico’s upset victory that sent home the tournament favorites from the Dominican Republic.

2. Diaz Injury Update Incoming

That story is Edwin Diaz’s right knee injury, which he seemingly suffered during the celebration of Team Puerto Rico’s victory last night. The Mets announced last night that Diaz will undergo additional imaging today after receiving x-rays last night, meaning an update on Diaz could be coming as soon as later this morning. Until then, it’s unknown how much time Diaz will miss, though sources have told ESPN’s Jeff Passan that they fear Diaz is set to miss significant time. If Diaz misses significant time, that will obviously be a massive blow to the Mets’ bullpen, as Diaz is widely seen as the best closer in the entire sport.

3. Offseason in Review Chat Today

In conjunction with yesterday’s Reds Offseason in Review, MLBTR’s Anthony Franco will be hosting a Reds-centric live chat with readers today at 2pm CT. You can click here to submit a question in advance, and that same link will take you to the chat once it begins, or allow you to read the transcript once it’s complete. Be sure to check back throughout the day so you don’t miss Anthony’s chat!

Share 0 Retweet 3 Send via email0

The Opener

Edwin Diaz Helped Off Field With Right Knee Injury
Main
Cade Cavalli To Undergo Tommy John Surgery
View Comments (37)

Comments

  1. Ty-food

    5 days ago

    I wonder if contractual language involving the WBC and injuries occurring while playing for another team could end up voiding a contract or at least voiding a season of pay? Not necessarily in Diaz’s contract, but future contacts?

    Reply
    • mitchladd

      5 days ago

      No way the union goes for that considering this is something really wanted and actively encourages current players to participate in .

      Reply
      • Lets Go DBacks

        5 days ago

        Don’t forget that the WBC is an MLB tournament either. It’s part of MLB’s strategy of promoting baseball world wide and expanding markets.
        The WBSC allows the winner to be crowned as “world champion” but WBSC has nothing else to do with the Classic. It’s an MLB show.

        Reply
        • avenger65

          5 days ago

          Even if it’s a MLB tournament (which it’s not), what idiot would void Diaz’ contract?

        • RunDMC

          5 days ago

          Yeah, even trying to void that contract would be really bad optics. While I hope he’s out only the minimal amount of time (if not at all, which doesn’t look possible), that’s a record-setting deal for the best closer in MLB — and it’s not an arm injury, fwiw. NYM will most likely try and recoup as much as they can for missed time via insurance – as they should – and plan accordingly.

          I wonder though, had this happened a few days earlier, would they have been courting Bauer to add to depth in rotation and/or use him at the end backend?

        • elmedius

          5 days ago

          Take it as you may, no one was touching Bauer this year. He made the right call to go overseas and try to show MLB teams that he’s worth the media headache. Also, don’t forget he was one of the most vocal advocates of grip aids on social media and has yet to prove what his stuff and spin rates look like in a sustained way post crack down.

    • SheaGoodbye

      5 days ago

      I’m not so sure. If they could limit the language to such celebrations, why make it a deal-breaker? Injuries which occur on the field are fine. Injuries that occur through reckless (though common) post-game celebrations are a different matter.

      Although even then, I wouldn’t go so far as to void one or more seasons.

      Reply
    • BlueBleeder

      5 days ago

      The teams have insurance to cover players getting injured in the WBC. That is why Kershaw couldn’t play. The Dodgers were unable to get an insurance policy on him.

      Reply
  2. RunDMC

    5 days ago

    That David Robertson pickup is big.

    Reply
    • Rsox

      5 days ago

      Robertson has managed 77 total appearance over the past 4 years, thats a tough crutch to lean on. I think re-signing Ottavino now looks huge for this bullpen

      Reply
      • RunDMC

        5 days ago

        If Dîaz is out most of the year, there’s not one guy at this point they’ll be able to totally depend on. True, this also makes the Ottavino re-signing important, as he’ll have a key setup role. Would be interesting if they bring Zach Britton in and possibly have a Robertson/Britton committee role. They wouldn’t be leaning too heavy on either one, and you’ll know that that team will have plenty of SV opps, while each also providing a setup/mop-up role to get IP when not closing.

        Reply
        • Rsox

          5 days ago

          Now we know Diaz will miss most of the season (if they are absent lucky he may be able to return in late September) so i would think they must at least kick the tires on Britton.

  3. mitchladd

    5 days ago

    something the commissioner’s office really wanted*

    Reply
  4. Oldguy58

    5 days ago

    Maybe an injury of significant magnitude will put an end to a needless tournament

    Reply
    • GareBear

      5 days ago

      Loser mindset

      Reply
  5. Old York

    5 days ago

    Ohtani looks a bit human today with Italy getting a few runs off him and him struggling in the 5th. Couldn’t even get through 5 innings on 71 pitches. Also concerning that Darvish pitched 2 innings and gave up a run. All against a #16 ranked team. Should be interesting how they fare against actual good teams like the U.S., PR and Venezuela.

    Reply
    • RunDMC

      5 days ago

      Didn’t he get up to 102-mph though? I don’t recall him throwing that hard.

      Reply
      • Old York

        5 days ago

        @RunDMC

        Yes, he did. on one pitch.

        Reply
    • More_Than_4000_AB_In_MLB

      5 days ago

      Ohtani’s next contract will be an albatross contract. Awful.

      Reply
  6. DrDick

    5 days ago

    Why don’t they do this in the fall? Isn’t spring training a time to evaluate your players/team and to get the team ready for the season?

    Reply
    • raregokus

      5 days ago

      No MLB player is playing in this only a couple weeks after finishing a 162 game season (plus playoff games). This time of year is the only logical time you could hold the tournament.

      Reply
      • mitchladd

        5 days ago

        that, but I believe part of the reason was to work around the schedule of some of the Asian leagues so their players can participate.

        Reply
  7. Robrock30

    5 days ago

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQ7Nz81TgGQ

    Reply
  8. More_Than_4000_AB_In_MLB

    5 days ago

    If any player is injured during this nonsense (the World Baseball “Classic”), their MLB teams should be completely off the hook for it.

    Reply
    • mitchladd

      5 days ago

      Why? it’s an MLB sponsored tournament. the league and owners are making money off it and attempting to grow the sport with it. plus, you start screwing around with contracts because of the WBC and watch zero professional players participate.

      Reply
  9. Unclemike1526

    5 days ago

    Oh boy the Reds chat. I wonder if both of their fans will be there? Can’t wait. Can’t we just do the Reds, A’s , and Pirates chats all at once? You know save some time. Might get 10 people there.

    Reply
    • StandUpDouble

      5 days ago

      The Reds outdrew Baltimore, Cleveland, Miami, Tampa, Pittsburgh, Oakland, and KC. They have fans. It’s okay if you or I are not one, but as a baseball fan, I have interest in all 30 teams. Obviously some more than others. Relax my man. There are bigger things in the world.

      Reply
      • Unclemike1526

        5 days ago

        That’s OK. I’ll pass. In fact I’d rather light myself on fire and jog through a Meth Lab.

        Reply
        • Hammerin' Hank

          5 days ago

          This chat belongs to the Reds.

  10. gregpitikus

    5 days ago

    Why is everyone talking about shutting down/stopping players from playing in the WBC, rather than just stopping (or at least channeling the enthusiasm slightly differently in) the over-the-top celebrations/dogpiles?

    Reply
  11. Rsox

    5 days ago

    Maybe the WBC should be for minor leaguers to represent their countries over players with $100+ million dollar contracts. I don’t know, i know this falls under the “freak accident” category but a prolonged absence by Diaz is going to be devastating for the Mets

    Reply
  12. Spaced-Cowboy

    5 days ago

    Kendrys Morales wants a word

    Reply
    • gregpitikus

      5 days ago

      As does Cody Bellinger’s shoulder.

      Reply
  13. CardsFan57

    5 days ago

    More players have been injured in spring training games than in the WBC. There’s no more risk at the WBC than any other games. We get it. You hate the tournament.

    Void contracts? What part of MLB sanctioned do you not understand?

    Reply
  14. stymeedone

    5 days ago

    Simple solution, that of course would not be accepted. Team signs player to contract. Player is invited to play in WBC. Player must sign waiver that covers half his salary if something happens. Team takes half the risk. Player takes half the risk. If the player doesn’t want to sign, he doesn’t play, but it’s his choice. Waiver is only for the period missed

    Reply
    • mitchladd

      5 days ago

      Why would the players agree to that? WBC is an MLB sponsored tournament so the league and the owners are making money off of it and it was their idea to begin with as a way to grow the game. all you’ll end up with is no MLB players in the tournament.

      Reply
  15. venezolano1969

    5 days ago

    I’m pretty sure the Marlins owner is wondering why can’t Marlins games draw as many people and create the same atmosphere as the WBC games?

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.
Log in Register

ad: 300x250_1_MLB

    Top Stories

    Braves Option Vaughn Grissom, Braden Shewmake

    Jose Altuve To Undergo Surgery On Fractured Thumb

    Rockies To Sign Jurickson Profar

    Jose Altuve Leaves WBC Game After Hit By Pitch

    Edwin Diaz Undergoes Surgery To Repair Patellar Tendon

    Out Of Options 2023

    Cade Cavalli To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

    Edwin Diaz Helped Off Field With Right Knee Injury

    José Quintana Out Until At Least July Due To Rib Surgery

    Trevor Bauer Signs With NPB’s Yokohama DeNA BayStars

    Craig Stammen “Highly Unlikely” To Pitch Again Following Shoulder Injury

    Diamondbacks, Corbin Carroll Agree To Eight-Year Deal

    Nationals Sign Keibert Ruiz To Eight-Year Extension

    Rockies Showing Interest In Jurickson Profar

    Andrew Painter Diagnosed With UCL Sprain; Ranger Suarez Dealing With Forearm Tightness

    Marlins, Jose Iglesias Agree To Minor League Contract

    Marlins In Agreement With Yuli Gurriel On Minor League Deal

    Carlos Rodon, Tommy Kahnle, Lou Trivino To Begin Season On IL

    Mitch Moreland Announces Retirement

    Astros Facing Gaps In Extension Talks With Kyle Tucker, Framber Valdez

    Recent

    MLBTR Live Chat

    Big Hype Prospects: Walker, Volpe, Baty, Grissom, Brown

    Blue Jays Notes: Ryu, Barger, Lopez, Lukes

    Offseason In Review Chat: San Diego Padres

    Astros Notes: Brantley, Yordan, Gage, Bullpen

    The Opener: WBC, Profar, MLBTR Chats

    Latest On D-Backs’ Rotation

    Matt Foster Diagnosed With Forearm Strain

    Adrian Houser Expected To Begin Season In Brewers’ Bullpen

    Competition Committee Evaluating Potential Alterations To 2023 Rule Changes

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Offseason Outlook Series
    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Go Ad-Free
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2023
    • 2022-23 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2023-24 MLB Free Agent List
    • MLB Player Chats
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    ad: 160x600_MLB

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • Feeds by Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    hide arrowsFOX Sports Engage Network scroll to top
    Close

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version