Multiple teams have made a bid for Angels star Shohei Ohtani. Juan Soto trade rumors are back on. All-Star outfielder Matt Joyce announces retirement, Cubs manager Ross reveals the target of those double middle fingers, and more MLB news.
Multiple teams make bids for Angels star Shohei Ohtani
It seems the Los Angeles Angels were willing to listen to numerous offers that would trade their once-in-a-century two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani.
The New York Post reported that a number of MLB teams made some serious offers to land Ohtani including the Yankees, Padres, White Sox, and more.
The latest report is that the Angels have decided to hold onto their All-time versatile megastar, who can pitch first in any rotation as well as bat second in any lineup.
Reports are that Angels owner Arte Moreno is unwilling to let Ohtani leave, considering the team’s two other stars – Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon – are both out with injuries. There is still a year to go before Ohtani can become a free agent.
Juan Soto trade rumors back on
It seemed that trade talks regarding the Washington Nationals' two-time Silver slugger award-winning (2020, 2021) and two-time All-Star (2021, 2022) outfielder Juan Soto were over.
On Monday, however, reports are that trade talks with the San Francisco Giants to acquire Soto are back on, in a rush to meet Tuesdays 3 PM PT trade deadline, NBC Sports reported. Rumors say negotiations could involve "moving out some veteran players like Carlos Rodón, maybe a Brandon belt," according to the MLB Network.
All-Star outfielder Matt Joyce announces retirement
All-Star outfielder Matt Joyce, 38, who played with eight major league baseball teams during his 14-season career, announced his retirement on Monday. Joyce, who did not play this season, finished his career with 149 home runs with a .242 average (898 hits) and 503 RBIs, going to the postseason five times and earning All-Star honors in 2011, the Tampa Bay Times reported.
Joyce played 43 games with the Phillies in 2021 before missing time due to injuries. Joyce also previously played for the Tigers, Rays, Angels, Pirates, Athletics, Braves, and Marlins.
Cubs manager David Ross reveals target of double middle fingers
Footage of Cubs manager David Ross went viral last week showing him holding up both middle fingers during a game in which Chicago lost to the Giants 4-2, the New York Post reported. What everyone wondered was: Who was Ross flipping off?
Giants outfielder Joc Pederson--a former Cub himsefl--revealed that he was the intended target. He told reporters that Ross "was making a joke." Ross also apologized for the childish incident, something any 13-year-old boy might do while spotting a friend in class.
"I should definitely know better," Ross said. "It was kind of my hello to a friend of mine on the other side and just got caught on camera."
"I don’t want any kids out there giving the birds to anybody," Ross added. "It’s not the way I want to represent this organization or myself or my family. Poor taste. Sorry it got caught on TV."