Being an MLB catcher is grueling work. That's not slowing this year's best on offense
Catchers are finding a way to contribute as much at the plate as behind it while withstanding the challenges that come from playing the gameโs most taxing position.
Zack Wheeler has no-hit bid for 7 1/3 innings as Phillies beat slumping White Sox 9-5
Zack Wheeler pitched no-hit ball for 7 1/3 innings, Brandon Marsh homered and the Philadelphia Phillies extended their winning streak to five by beating the struggling Chicago White Sox 9-5.
Albies, Olson, Ozuna, Harris hit homers, Braves pound 19 hits in 12-4 win over Phillies
Ozzie Albies, Matt Olson, Marcell Ozuna and Michael Harris II all homered and an expected battle of aces fizzled early in the Atlanta Bravesโ 12-4 win over the Philadelphia Phillies.
Phillies' bullpen fails late again in 6-5 loss to Diamondbacks, tying the NLCS at 2-all
Philadelphia spent most of the night taking advantage of Arizonaโs moves in a bullpen game, building a three-run lead by the seventh inning.
Schwarber homers twice, Turner goes deep, Phillies power past Arizona 10-0 in Game 2 of NLCS
Kyle Schwarber hit two of Philadelphiaโs three solo homers off Merrill Kelly, and the sweet-swinging Phillies pounded the Arizona Diamondbacks 10-0 for a 2-0 lead in the NL Championship Series.
Harper homers, Phillies shut down slugging Braves 3-0 in Game 1 of NLDS
Bryce Harper homered, Ranger Suรกrez and the Philadelphia bullpen stifled baseballโs most prolific offense, and the Phillies blanked the 104-win Atlanta Braves 3-0 in Game 1 of the NL Division Series.
Phillies sweep Marlins to earn NL Division Series rematch with MLB-best Braves
Bryson Stott crushed the second grand slam in Philadelphia Phillies postseason history and Aaron Nola tossed seven shutout innings in a performance worthy of a postseason ace that led to a 7-1 win and a two-game sweep over the Miami Marlins in their NL Wild Card Series.
MLB game time drops 24 minutes to 2:40 with pitch clock. Players steal most bases since 1987
The average time of a nine-inning major league game dropped to 2 hours, 40 minutes in the first year of the pitch clock, a 24-minute decrease in a season of change that resulted in a spike in batting average and the most stolen bases in nearly 40 years.
Kimbrel 8th pitcher in MLB history to earn 400 saves, Phillies beat Braves 6-4
Craig Kimbrel became the eighth pitcher in major league history to earn 400 saves, Brandon Marsh hit a go-ahead, two-run single in the sixth inning and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Atlanta Braves 6-4.
Astros' McCormick, Mancini show off glovework, stop Phils
Houston Astros center fielder Chas McCormick and fill-in first baseman Trey Mancini both made key defensive plays in the late innings that helped preserve a 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 5 of the World Series.
Verlander gets World Series win, Astros lead Phillies 3-2
Justin Verlander overcame an early jolt to grit out the World Series win that long eluded him, rookie Jeremy Peรฑa hit a go-ahead home run and the Houston Astros beat the Philadelphia Phillies 3-2 to head home with a 3-2 lead.
Astros' Peรฑa, Tucker, Phillies' Realmuto win Gold Gloves
Astros rookie shortstop and AL Championship Series MVP Jeremy Peรฑa won his first Gold Glove Award and Houston right fielder Kyle Tucker joined his teammate on the list announced before Game 3 of the World Series.
Astros burst ahead, beat Phillies 5-2, tie World Series 1-1
Framber Valdez made a five-run lead stand up after Houstonโs lightning first-inning burst, Alex Bregman homered and the Astros beat the Philadelphia Phillies 5-2 to tie the World Series at one game apiece.
Harper's HR powers Phillies past Padres, into World Series
Bryce Harper slugged his fifth homer of the postseason, a two-run blast in the eighth inning that turned Citizens Bank Park into a madhouse, and the $330 million slugger powered the Philadelphia Phillies past the San Diego Padres 4-3 on Sunday and into the World Series for the first the time since 2009.
Harper, Schwarber HR as Wheeler, Phils top Pads to open NLCS
Bryce Harper homered again, Kyle Schwarber hit a jaw-dropping, 488-foot drive and Zack Wheeler was brilliant in throwing one-hit ball for seven innings to lead the Philadelphia Phillies over the San Diego Padres 2-0 in the opening game of the all-wild card NL Championship Series.
Braves rookie Strider tagged in return, Phils win, lead NLDS
Atlanta Braves rookie Spencer Strider returned to the mound for the first time in nearly a month and was tagged by the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 3 of the NL Division Series.
Wright outduels Wheeler, Braves blank Phils 3-0 to even NLDS
Kyle Wright threw six brilliant innings to outduel Zack Wheeler, and the Atlanta Braves evened their NL Division Series at one game apiece with a 3-0 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies.
Castellanos' bat, glove help Phillies top Braves 7-6 in NLDS
Nick Castellanos drove in three runs and made a potentially game-saving catch in the ninth inning, lifting the Philadelphia Phillies over the reigning World Series champion Atlanta Braves 7-6 in the opener of their NL Division Series.
Phillies' Robertson injured celebrating, off NLDS roster
Philadelphia Phillies reliever David Robertson will miss the NL Division Series after injuring his right calf jumping to celebrate Bryce Harperโs home run in their clinching wild-card victory at St. Louis.
Phillies down Astros for 1st playoff berth since 2011
Aaron Nola took a perfect game into the seventh inning and Kyle Schwarber homered twice as the Philadelphia Phillies clinched their first playoff berth in 11 years with a 3-0 win over the Houston Astros Monday night.
Suรกrez, Eflin, Alvarado help Phillies shut out Braves
Ranger Suรกrez pitched six sparkling innings, and the Philadelphia Phillies continued their push toward the clubโs first playoff berth in a decade with a 1-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves.
Harper drives in 2 in return to lineup, Phils beat Pirates
Bryce Harper hit a two-run single in his first at-bat after a 52-game absence due to a broken left thumb, helping the streaking Philadelphia Phillies to a 7-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Harper breaks thumb in Phillies' 4-2 win over Padres
Bryce Harper will be sidelined indefinitely with a broken left thumb after he was hit by a pitch from Blake Snell in the Philadelphia Philliesโ 4-2 victory over the San Diego Padres.
Walker, Diamondbacks snap Phillies' 9-game winning streak
Christian Walker had three hits and three RBIs, Jake McCarthy homered and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Phillies 13-1 to end Philadelphiaโs nine-game winning streak and give interim manager Rob Thomson his first loss.
Phillies rally late to hand Angels 11th straight loss
Bryson Stott hit a game-winning, three-run homer with two outs in the ninth inning after Bryce Harper tied it with a grand slam in the eighth, and the Philadelphia Phillies rallied for a 9-7 victory that sent slumping Mike Trout and the Los Angeles Angels to their 11th straight defeat.
No-no-no-no-no! 5 Mets pitchers combine to no-hit Phillies
New York Mets starter Tylor Megill and four relievers combined on the first no-hitter of the Major League Baseball season, teaming up to throw a whopping 159 pitches and beat the Philadelphia Phillies 3-0.
Phillies finish 4-game sweep of Rockies behind ace Wheeler
Zack Wheeler tossed one-hit ball over six shutout innings and Alec Bohm homered to help the Philadelphia Phillies complete a four-game sweep of the Colorado Rockies with a 7-1 victory.
![LEADING OFF: Braves & Astros can clinch, MadBum in SanFran](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/Ucpo8_n4xbIhaj7nZruvFBHzzhI=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/DCZCEKRNJNHYDNS5OJFJFI57LQ.jpg)
LEADING OFF: Braves & Astros can clinch, MadBum in SanFran
Atlanta can clinch its fourth consecutive NL East title Thursday night with a win at home over Philadelphia, which would complete a three-game sweep of their high-stakes series.
![Phillies rally past Nationals 7-6, complete series sweep](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/5WQKCkmx_5RaBb_FQ-mkifCKasM=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/XPVICSF4YJGE5FITASJ7OBAX44.jpg)
Phillies rally past Nationals 7-6, complete series sweep
Andrew McCutchen drove in four runs and the Philadelphia Phillies erased a six-run deficit against the Washington Nationals to earn a 7-6 victory and a three-game sweep.
![Wheeler 2-hitter, Harper HR, Phils beat Mets, 8th win in row](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/u9BqOJaZJ5KNweHEdHzVXX8fd_A=/800x532/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/YDEQXAC3HJCBLIGB2N4RJ3MYUI.jpg)
Wheeler 2-hitter, Harper HR, Phils beat Mets, 8th win in row
Zack Wheeler pitched a two-hitter and struck out 11, Bryce Harper homered and the first-place Philadelphia Phillies finished off a three-game sweep for their eighth straight victory, 3-0 over the fading New York Mets.
![Scherzer takes care of Phils in his possible Nats finale](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/BN7zVMAarP79xg_pJ7f2xenyCRM=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/PTSYQOQK2ZHUDCJAKV2FRE42T4.jpg)
Scherzer takes care of Phils in his possible Nats finale
Max Scherzer delivered a signature performance in what might be his last start for the Nationals, allowing three hits in six innings as Washington beat the Philadelphia Phillies 3-1 in the opener of a doubleheader.
![LEADING OFF: Ohtani swings in HR Derby; will he start, too?](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/9Aa5HdIJ8cBJyVCIqXTrwEPQbIk=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/MX6PSI5BIVGBDNF6B7P6ZFS5MQ.jpg)
LEADING OFF: Ohtani swings in HR Derby; will he start, too?
The Shohei Ohtani Show at Coors Field starts with the All-Star Home Run Derby, with fans wondering how far the Angelsโ two-way sensation and other sluggers can hit the ball in Denverโs thin air.
![Netting collapses, Phils beat Nats; Voth HBP, broken nose](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/T3FEHvlU2ENILkDqePN3gboltRY=/800x532/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/QMHTQQE6RVBBTDNXSZBD3TTWXI.jpg)
Netting collapses, Phils beat Nats; Voth HBP, broken nose
In a bizarre scene, stadium workers using tractors scrambled to hoist the protective netting behind home plate after it suddenly collapsed Sunday, interrupting the Philadelphia Philliesโ 12-6 win over the Washington Nationals.
![Adrianza, Braves rally for 8-7 win over Phillies in 12th](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/i1SrAZqUHxii_RW7YYJ35GXvYCc=/800x609/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/FUVWQ75Y6VCR3A5AKKOYYAZY4U.jpg)
Adrianza, Braves rally for 8-7 win over Phillies in 12th
Ehire Adrianza capped a night full of comebacks for Atlanta with a game-ending RBI single in the 12th inning, helping the Braves stun the Philadelphia Phillies for a chaotic 8-7 victory.
![Chisox star Jimรฉnez out 5-6 months, Rays' Anderson ailing](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/OlIGnRYivOqAcJpfykq_zSwAkAk=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/FE6RAZFGLJC5FJI6YP4USL5RKQ.jpg)
Chisox star Jimรฉnez out 5-6 months, Rays' Anderson ailing
Sixto Sรกnchez made his third start, yielding a run on three hits and a walk in 3 1/3 innings. Austin Gomber gave up five runs on eight hits, four of them home runs, 5 1/3 innings. Arizona starter Luke Weaver struck out eight over 5 1/3 innings. Right-hander Adbert Alzolay continued to struggle for Chicago, allowing two runs in 3 1/3 innings. BREWERS 2, GIANTS 2Brett Anderson pitched two-run ball over 5 2/3 innings, allowing five hits and striking out three for Milwaukee.
![Padres star Tatis has shoulder problem, to be re-evaluated](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/0rZ08B_tmxcDJoIpcIP_Lj0ehHc=/2048x1365/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/PQVPBDQLXJGD5NDI3HOQGGHTGY.jpg)
Padres star Tatis has shoulder problem, to be re-evaluated
The Padres said Tatis had discomfort in his non-throwing left shoulder and would be re-evaluated on Wednesday. Corbin Burnes turned in 4 2/3 innings, striking out six while allowing two runs on three hits. Jon Lester allowed one run and three hits in 3 2/3 innings in his second start of the spring for Washington. He gave up five hits, hit two batters and struck out three. PADRES 5, REDS 4MacKenzie Gore worked 3 2/3 innings in his third start for San Diego, allowing two runs on three hits.
![Scherzer faces deGrom in spring game, rematch on opening day](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/v2YqSYNfxAdcPPxuycIHsPQqCSk=/2048x1365/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/BBRBWHZO35B6TGL5OS7XV6K44U.jpg)
Scherzer faces deGrom in spring game, rematch on opening day
Scherzer will make his Nationals-record sixth opening day start April 1, facing the New York Mets in Washington. The original lineup released by Washington before the game featured a designated hitter; that was revised to include Scherzer batting for himself. DeGrom struck him out, part of his 4 2/3 scoreless innings with three hits and five Ks. YANKEES 8, BLUE JAYS 3Gerritt Cole struck out eight in five innings, allowing one run in his fourth spring start for New York. BRAVES 11, RAYS 1Atlanta starter Max Fried gave up three hits and struck out five over six innings.
![Hospital job make Marlins prospect grateful for baseball](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/OPN2a3YIkaj1iXnJKgDeR5ARSh0=/2048x1365/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/ID6RAR7FZ5GHNL46H3WEXIWD3Y.jpg)
Hospital job make Marlins prospect grateful for baseball
FILE - This is a 2021 file photo showing Will Stewart of the Miami Marlins baseball team. Miami Marlins pitching prospect Will Stewart landed a $10-an-hour offseason hospital job in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic and said the experience made him more grateful for baseball. (Adam Glanzman/MLB Photos via AP, FIle)MIAMI โ Miami Marlins pitching prospect Will Stewart landed a $10-an-hour offseason hospital job in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic and said the experience made him more grateful for baseball. Now 23, Stewart has yet to advance beyond Single-A, and the pandemic wiped out the 2020 season for him. Needing the money, he landed the job through a girlfriend even though he had no experience in medicine, and worked at the hospital for six months.
![Rays OF Arozarena, Pirates 3B Hayes among MLB's top rookies](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/0P9NC9IulOfuC_Nwh4w6rYjOwVw=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/VNCNHMVLDRHDZMCQAUA4F27YF4.jpg)
Rays OF Arozarena, Pirates 3B Hayes among MLB's top rookies
โINF Ke'Bryan Hayes, Pittsburgh Pirates: Hayes, 24, provided some hope for lowly Pittsburgh in September, batting .376 with five homers in 24 games. The slick-fielding son of former big league infielder Charlie Hayes was selected by the Pirates in the first round of the 2015 amateur draft. 6 pick in the 2018 amateur draft batted .291 with 23 homers over three minor league stops in 2019. โOF Ryan Mountcastle, Baltimore Orioles: Mountcastle made his major league debut on Aug. 21 and batted .333 with five homers and 23 RBIs in 35 games. Kim batted .306 with 30 homers, 109 RBIs and 23 steals for the KBO League's Kiwoom Heroes last season.
![Easy does it: MLB pitchers prepare for usual 162-game grind](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/f2y6ttiEU8854bhCFX0LjjenK1w=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/HIW2W2766NA45OWQ27KXOZHAP4.jpg)
Easy does it: MLB pitchers prepare for usual 162-game grind
Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, that Strasburg is in preparation mode not in rehabilitation mode at spring training after having surgery in 2020. So the familiar feel of February spring training has pitchers eager to unleash fastballs, spin a few breaking balls and get ready for the 162-game long haul. โSpring training is 50 days long,โ Seattle Mariners manager Scott Servais said. But young pitchers โ many of whom didn't throw many innings last season โ will have to be watched closely. He practiced on the first day of spring training Wednesday but an MRI later revealed the break.
![Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto has fracture in right thumb](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/fUmWidhzRM3BZtu9ojBYu6Jb3B0=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/YR27A4P2T5HBLGOW7W4QG2SVCA.jpg)
Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto has fracture in right thumb
FILE - Philadelphia Phillies' J.T. The Philadelphia Phillies and two-time All-Star catcher J.T. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)Philadelphia Phillies two-time All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto has a small fracture in his right thumb and will be evaluated again in two weeks. โIโm not very worried about my thumb, so if I was a Phillies fan, I wouldnโt be too worried," Realmuto said Thursday.
![AP source: Phillies, SS Didi Gregorius agree on 2-year deal](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/YuB0Iajj507anUIXd-iAZAHV150=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/5SI6NOLLC5F2NKTVWMVPSGQVKY.jpg)
AP source: Phillies, SS Didi Gregorius agree on 2-year deal
Philadelphia Phillies' Didi Gregorius celebrates his three-run home run during the ninth inning of the team's baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)PHILADELPHIA โ The Philadelphia Phillies and shortstop Didi Gregorius have agreed on a two-year, $28 million contract, according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Saturday because the deal is pending Gregorius passing a physical. Gregorius hit .274 and averaged 20 homers and 75 RBIs over four seasons with the Yankees between 2015-18. The Phillies finished 28-32 in a pandemic-shortenened 2020 season, missing a wild-card berth by one game in the expanded playoff format.
![Phillies make it official, sign J.T. Realmuto to 5-year deal](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/-5TAQ5K0yItoXAZi_9WgauvvmQ4=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/TA6SEJDI2JES5NMPLIWQTFA7XE.jpg)
Phillies make it official, sign J.T. Realmuto to 5-year deal
All rights reserved)FILE - Philadelphia Phillies' J.T. The Philadelphia Phillies and two-time All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto agreed on a $115.5 million, five-year contract, two people familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. Both people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021, because Realmutos deal was pending a successful physical. Realmuto and the Philadelphia Phillies finalized their $115.5 million, five-year contract on Friday.
![AP sources: Phillies, Realmuto agree on $115.5 million deal](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/-s-O5HC5LGlCCGSRJm4FhbLHaNo=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/XLA7YBUEMBG77EHFXWMNKNEIEE.jpg)
AP sources: Phillies, Realmuto agree on $115.5 million deal
FILE - Philadelphia Phillies' J.T. The Philadelphia Phillies and two-time All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto agreed on a $115.5 million, five-year contract, two people familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. Realmuto agreed Tuesday on a $115.5 million, five-year contract, two people familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. Realmuto gets $20 million next season, of which $10 million is deferred, with $5 million each payable in 2026 and 2027.
![AP source: Catcher James McCann, Mets near $40M, 4-yr deal](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/30Ulb24N8nOlP5tczVJXWSRNOD0=/1600x1067/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/SWEVQZNIIBCVRDPC53K22BJNKE.jpg)
AP source: Catcher James McCann, Mets near $40M, 4-yr deal
Free agent catcher James McCann and the New York Mets were close to completing a $40 million, four-year contract Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, as the team continues to upgrade its roster under new owner Steve Cohen. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)NEW YORK โ Free agent catcher James McCann and the New York Mets were close to completing a $40 million, four-year contract Saturday as the team continues to upgrade its roster under new owner Steve Cohen. McCann was an All-Star with the White Sox in 2019 when he hit .273 with 18 home runs and 60 RBIs. Last week, the Mets signed free agent reliever Trevor May to a $15.5 million, two-year deal. He was regarded as the second-best catcher on the free agent market behind J.T.
![Freeman among trio of Braves on All-MLB first team](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/jvYlF96mSROn7N0_7JfNdHbF8Ig=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/NAM3VERJNNAR7BEWYOIC7BIK6M.jpg)
Freeman among trio of Braves on All-MLB first team
Freeman easily won the NL MVP award Thursday, Nov. 12, topping off a trying year that saw him become so ill with COVID-19 he prayed please dont take me. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)NEW YORK โ National League MVP Freddie Freeman was one of three Atlanta Braves selected to the All-MLB first team on Wednesday night. San Diego had two players on the top team: shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. and third baseman Manny Machado. AL MVP Josรฉ Abreu of the Chicago White Sox was the first baseman on the second team, which also included Philadelphia catcher J.T. Realmuto, Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe, Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager and Indians third baseman Josรฉ Ramรญrez.
![Stroman, Gausman take $18.9M; Springer, LeMahieu reject](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/7fz0X6yGIrvssiARCv-ze5NmXK0=/1600x1174/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/DJQSGC5TANERPJTVHAWEH2YLNA.jpg)
Stroman, Gausman take $18.9M; Springer, LeMahieu reject
Gausman and Mets pitcher Marcus Stroman accepted $18.9 million qualifying offers Wednesday, Nov. 11, receiving one-year deals to stay with their teams rather than test what they could get in free agency. Qualifying offers began after the 2012 season, and only 10 of 96 offers have been accepted. Stroman was acquired by the Mets from Toronto in July 2019 for left-hander Anthony Kay and minor league right-hander Simeon Woods Richardson. Gausman has a 50-66 record and 4.26 ERA in nine seasons with Baltimore, Atlanta and San Francisco. Tomlin gets a $1 million salary next season, and the deal includes a $1.25 million club option with a $250,000 buyout.
![Springer, LeMahieu, Realmuto among 6 given qualifying offers](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/3Vw1rk0M5iCaqfim8WhEVVPiyVA=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/V4G6YCSIIRCPPFJZTHR6S73JO4.jpg)
Springer, LeMahieu, Realmuto among 6 given qualifying offers
Springer, New York Yankees second baseman DJ LeMahieu and Philadelphia catcher J.T. Realmuto were among just six free agents who received $18.9 million qualifying offers on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, from their former teams. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File)NEW YORK โ Houston outfielder George Springer, New York Yankees second baseman DJ LeMahieu and Philadelphia catcher J.T. Realmuto were among just six free agents who received $18.9 million qualifying offers on Sunday from their former teams. Arizona exercised a $4.25 million option on pitcher Merrill Kelly rather than pay a $500,000 buyout, and Baltiore exercised a $3.5 million option on shortstop Josรฉ Iglesias rather than pay a $500,000 buyout.
![LEADING OFF: Astros making noise, Phillies seeking GM](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/mMa-oM6YqHcHhselZx78DD1KAoc=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/I5NTCQZTOFDAJITXPAKWPEJSD4.jpg)
LEADING OFF: Astros making noise, Phillies seeking GM
(AP Photo/Jim Mone)A look at whatโs happening around the majors today:___SOUNDING OFFThe Astros are making noise on and off the field in the postseason, and thatโs fine with outfielder Josh Reddick. Houston continues to draw the ire of fans across the majors for the sign-stealing scandal that came to light after last season. Former Houston pitcher and current Aโs starter Mike Fiers was the one who revealed the Astrosโ scam. โThatโs what this year was about.โTAKE YOUR TIMEIf it seems baseball is going through an annual playoff slowdown, itโs true. โWeโve made progress but we havenโt made enough progress fast enough,โ Phillies managing partner John Middleton said.
![LEADING OFF: Astros making noise, Phillies seeking new GM](https://www.ksat.com/resizer/nVABUShcm7XHbxyyPr_4jCvyc0g=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/XAO3QYSUH5GDTIAZ7HAX7L56OE.jpg)
LEADING OFF: Astros making noise, Phillies seeking new GM
(AP Photo/Jim Mone)A look at whatโs happening around the majors on Sunday:___SOUNDING OFFThe Astros are making noise on and off the field in the postseason, and thatโs fine with outfielder Josh Reddick. Houston continues to draw the ire of fans across the majors for the sign-stealing scandal that came to light after last season. Former Houston pitcher and current Aโs starter Mike Fiers was the one who revealed the Astrosโ scam. โThatโs what this year was about.โTAKE YOUR TIMEIf it seems baseball is going through an annual playoff slowdown, itโs true. โWeโve made progress but we havenโt made enough progress fast enough,โ Phillies managing partner John Middleton said.
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Klentak out as Phils GM after 3rd straight September slump
Klentak stepped down after a third straight September collapse left the team out of the postseason for the ninth consecutive season. โWeโve made progress but we havenโt made enough progress fast enough,โ Phillies managing partner John Middleton said. Klentak was hired in October 2015 by team President Andy MacPhail after serving as assistant general manager for the Los Angeles Angels for four seasons. The Phillies had the worst bullpen ERA in the majors this season and it didn't improve after Klentak acquired four veterans in trades. The Phillies went 161-163 under Kapler before Middleton overruled Klentak and MacPhail and fired him last year.
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Harper's 2 HRs help Phils top Nats 12-3, eliminate champs
Philadelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper, left, celebrates his home run with third base coach Dusty Wathan during the sixth inning of the team's baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020, in Washington. With Harper leading the way, and homers from Andrew McCutchen, Didi Gregorius and Andrew Knapp, too, the Phillies beat the Nationals 12-3 Wednesday night. โWeโre at the part of the season where I need to be on the field," Harper said. TRAINERโS ROOMPhillies: 1B Rhys Hoskins (left elbow) is unlikely to be activated off the injured list before the regular season ends, Girardi said. UP NEXTPhillies: Off on Thursday, then finish the regular season with a three-game series at Tampa Bay that opens Friday.