On Wednesday, the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/red-sox-top-4-replacements-for-trevor-story-after-elbow-surgery-20230113-SPD-3324.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Red Sox</a> and Rafael Devers agreed to an 11-year agreement, making Devers the latest outstanding player to stay with the team after the departures of Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts. As Devers was already on the team, the Red Sox didn’t have to make any moves to accommodate his new contract, but it does have an immediate impact on the following winter free-agency market.



Devers might have finished the season with the Red Sox and then been one of the top two or three players available next winter if he had stayed with them. Instead, the independent workforce will have fewer resources available to them. But it doesn’t imply just minor players will be available in the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/top-3-mlb-extension-candidates-20230108-SPD-3314.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2023-24 season</a>.



To that end, CBS Sports have make an early attempt at rating the top players who are anticipated to be free in around nine months. Take a look at the four possible players that could be available to get for free in 2023-24.



<h2>4. Aaron Nola</h2>



Due to a lackluster 2021 season, Nola’s numbers aren’t very impressive. In spite of this, he is a proven workhorse with three Cy Young Award top-five finishes to his name. Whether it’s with the Phillies or another team, Nola will likely be offered a lucrative long-term contract.



<h2>3. Julio Urias</h2>



After pitching at least 300 innings throughout the Pandemic Era, Urias will approach his walk year with the fourth-best ERA+ in that group. The fact that he will still be relatively young at 27, the fact that he throws with his left hand, and the fact that the Dodgers have lots of financial freedom moving into the new year all appear to point toward his getting a lucrative contract.



<h2>2. Manny Machado</h2>



After the current season, Machado can exercise his contract’s opt-out and walk away from $160 million over the remaining five years. By then, he will be 31 years old and likely fresh off a stretch that had him nominated for the Most Valuable Player Award four times in a row. 



Although unusual outcomes with opt-out calls are possible, it is believed Machado would be able to enhance his total payout or surpass his average yearly value by signing one of the recently popular super long-term agreements. If he finds that he like life in San Diego too much to leave, then that’s OK.



<h2>1. Shohei Ohtani</h2>



Ohtani is a once-in-a-generation talent who will earn a once-in-a-generation salary. Hehas made it clear that he wants to help the Angels win a World Series, but that seems unlikely. If and when he becomes available, other teams, including the Dodgers and Mets, are likely to aggressively pursue him. That means Ohtani won’t have to choose winning above financial success.

Top 4 possible 2023-24 MLB season free agents - thesportsdrops NEWS

Top 4 possible 2023-24 MLB season free agents

destacadas

The <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/top-3-mlb-extension-candidates-20230108-SPD-3314.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boston Red Sox</a> have had a rough offseason so far, and on Tuesday they learned that shortstop Trevor Story would miss a large portion of the 2023 season due to elbow surgery. After Xander Bogaerts left, the expectation was that Story, who started at second base last season, would go over to shortstop.



Things couldn’t go much worse for the Red Sox at this time. There were a ton of good shortstops available this winter, but as of Tuesday night, they were all signed. This leaves Boston’s senior baseball executive, Chaim Bloom, with a lot of work to do in the coming weeks since the Red Sox plan to use Enrique Hernandez and Christian Arroyo in the middle infield.



Bloom and the Red Sox need a shortstop, but they don’t know where to go or who to ask. Check out the top four emergency options for the Red Sox, as per CBS Sports.



<h2>4. Jose Iglesias</h2>



Iglesias, alongside Andrus, is the top remaining free agent possibility is Jose Iglesias. He’s been with the Red Sox twice, both times as a second baseman by the end of the 2021 season. At this stage of his career, he should definitely stick to that side of the bag, but the Red Sox can’t afford to be greedy right now.



<h2>3. Taylor Wall</h2>



Wall is a switch-hitter who, in over 200 games in the majors, has produced dreadful offensive stats. Fortunately, his defensive play relies on it. While public metrics like Defensive Runs Saved give him high marks, Statcast’s Outs Above Average give him low marks.



<h2>2. Joey Wendle</h2>



The Red Sox have reportedly shown interest in Wendle and Miguel Rojas, who both play for the Marlins. Despite Wendle’s below-average hitting performance in his debut year with the Marlins, he had posted above-average numbers in each of the two prior campaigns. Moreover, his defensive adaptability would allow him to remain in Boston’s rotation even after Story’s late summer comeback.



<h2>1. Elvis Andrus</h2>



The Red Sox would be wise to pursue <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/carlos-correa-and-the-most-shocking-mlb-trades-in-this-offseason-20221223-SPD-3278.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Andrus</a>. The 34-year-old has shown no signs of improving his offensive production in the past, therefore it’s quite improbable that he will do so in the future. However, he has lived up to his reputation as a solid defender, and signing him to a one-year contract wouldn’t mean the Red Sox passed up on total-package shortstops.

Red Sox: Top 4 replacements for Trevor Story after elbow surgery - thesportsdrops NEWS

Red Sox: Top 4 replacements for Trevor Story after elbow surgery

The <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/carlos-correa-and-the-most-shocking-mlb-trades-in-this-offseason-20221223-SPD-3278.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MLB</a> season will soon reach a critical deadline: Teams and their arbitration-eligible players have until Friday, January 13 to submit pay numbers for 2023. This isn’t the most exciting deadline in terms of the hot stove, but it is serious business since the great majority of players will have signed contracts for 2023 by then. 



The unofficial beginning of extension season is marked by the filing deadline. One such deal was completed this month when <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/carlos-correa-aaron-judge-and-top-10-largest-mlb-contracts-of-all-time-20221214-SPD-3255.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rafael Devers</a> and the Red Sox agreed to a hefty 11-year, $331 million contract to keep him from becoming a free agent following the season.



Despite the exceptional circumstances caused by the lockout, a number of players, including Emmanuel Clase, Ke’Bryan Hayes, Ryan McMahon, and Matt Olson, signed long-term extensions between the conclusion of the lockout and the start of the season. Even though Devers’ deal was the first of the year, other massive contracts will almost definitely be signed before the 2023 season starts.&nbsp;Check out the top three MLB players who could get long-term deals.



<h2>3. Brandon Woodruff</h2>



Although the Brewers have a number of contract contenders, including Willy Adames and Corbin Burnes, Woodruff seems to be the most likely to sign a long-term agreement that is within the team’s budget constraints. It’s safe to assume that Adames is salivating over the shortstop contracts that were signed this offseason, and Burnes has roughly two years on Woodruff in age. 



Since 2015, Milwaukee’s Opening Day payroll has never been better than the 17th, therefore the team must carefully use their resources. Of course, Woodruff is terrific, and the Brewers wouldn’t settle for less even if he has a better chance of signing a cheap long-term deal than Adames or Burnes.



<h2>2. Logan Webb</h2>



One option for the San Francisco Giants to fix things is to extend the contract of the popular domestic star, Logan Webb. Certainly not all, but a few. Webb is a local person who grew up just about two hours outside of the Bay Area, and negotiations for a contract have already started.



With just Mitch Haniger signed until 2025, the Giants have relatively little long-term payroll commitment, giving them a lot of flexibility. They have enough cap space to re-sign Webb and make another go at major free players in the summer after failing to get any of the big fish this time around. Webb is, bar none, the greatest player on the club, so signing him to a long-term deal is smart business.



<h2>1. Kyle Tucker</h2>



Though not every player on the team receives an extension (recent free agents Gerrit Cole, Carlos Correa, and George Springer are examples), the Astros make sure to keep hold of their most valuable assets. Long-term contracts have recently been given to players like Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, and Lance McCullers Jr. Yordan Alvarez inked a six-year, $115 million contract in June of last year. Three years from now in 2023, Tucker will be eligible for free agency, and by that time he is expected to have made close to $6 million.

Top 3 MLB extension candidates - thesportsdrops NEWS

Top 3 MLB extension candidates

They may say the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/lebron-james-and-other-nba-greats-who-could-have-had-successful-nfl-careers-20221221-SPD-3274.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> is where the unbelievable occurs, but the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/aaron-judge-and-other-top-3-potential-mlb-free-agents-20221113-SPD-3150.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MLB</a> isn’t too far behind. There are often surprising transactions and overseas signings throughout the offseason.



Even this year didn’t break that pattern. You never know what’s going to happen in this league, what with the New York Mets signing Kodai Senga to a large contract and Cody Bellinger earning MVP-kind of money.



Even more so with Carlos Correa’s impromptu transfer to Queens at the last minute, this offseason has all the makings of being one of the wildest in recent memory. Given this, let’s examine the three deals that shocked people the most.



<h2>3. Xander Bogaerts</h2>



While it was not unexpected for Xander Bogaerts to have significant interest from many organizations, the fact that he signed with the San Diego Padres was stunning.



Spending large money on superstars is a clear step in the right way as the Padres aim to construct a contender. However, one has to consider whether this is really the best arrangement for both people involved.



<h2>2. Jacob deGrom</h2>



Generally speaking, opinions on Jacob deGrom were divided. The Mets had the support of 50 percent of those polled, while the Braves had the support of percent. So, it came as a surprise when the Texas Rangers came out of nowhere to sign the finest pitcher in baseball to a massive contract.



<h2>1. Carlos Correa</h2>



It was planned that the San Francisco Giants will formally welcome <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/carlos-correa-aaron-judge-and-top-10-largest-mlb-contracts-of-all-time-20221214-SPD-3255.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carlos Correa</a> to the team on Tuesday morning. Instead, he will join the New York Mets.



Correa’s 13-year, $350 million agreement with San Francisco fell through when a medical concern was discovered during his physical, which was discovered only hours before his planned introduction news conference in San Francisco. According to reports, the Mets came in during the night and agreed to a 12-year, $315 million contract with Correa.

Carlos Correa and the most shocking MLB trades in this offseason - thesportsdrops NEWS

Carlos Correa and the most shocking MLB trades in this offseason

Last Monday, <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/aaron-judge-and-other-top-3-potential-mlb-free-agents-20221113-SPD-3150.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aaron Judge</a>, who is now holding the title of Most Valuable Player in the American League, re-signed with the New York Yankees after reaching an agreement on a nine-year deal for $360 million. According to reports, the San Francisco Giants and the San Diego Padres made a late effort at signing Judge, but he ultimately decided to sign with the New York Yankees. However, the significant offseason expenditure in baseball was not finished.



The talented shortstop <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/nolan-arenado-to-stay-at-cardinals-after-declining-to-exercise-opt-out-clause-20221029-SPD-3063.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carlos Correa</a> agreed to a contract with the Giants this week that is worth $350 million over 13 years. Both Judge and Correa now hold spots in the top five of the all-time list of the largest contracts in Major League Baseball history. The position players’ market now has a new standard to measure up to thanks to Judge’s average yearly worth of $40 million. 



This record had previously been held by Mike Trout, who had earned $35.54 million throughout his career. Although Judge’s average annual value (AAV) did not surpass that of Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander of the New York Mets, who both have an AAV of $43.3 million annually, he still has enough to celebrate.



After all, this development follows in the footsteps of his decision, made just before the start of the season, to turn down a seven-year deal with an approximate value of $213 million. Although Correa’s 13-year deal does not have a significant average annual value (AAV), it still ranks fourth all-time in terms of guaranteed money.



According to Cot’s Contracts, the following are the top 10 costliest contracts in the history of MLB in terms of overall value, as well as the top 5 richest contracts in terms of average yearly value. It is important to point out that four of the five contracts were signed in either the previous or the most recent offseason. In point of fact, Verlander, deGrom, and Judge all put pen to paper during this month. 



The huge contract that Judge just signed after an unprecedented campaign for the team. As a result of his 62 home runs, he set new marks for the American League and the Yankees in terms of the most home runs hit in a single season. Both of these records had previously been held by Roger Maris, who set the previous mark in 1961 by hitting 61 home runs.



<h2>Largest contracts (total money) in MLB history</h2>



<ol><li>Mike Trout, Angels: $426.5 million (2019-30)</li><li>Mookie Betts, Dodgers: $365 million (2021-32)</li><li>Aaron Judge, Yankees: $360 million (2023-31)</li><li>Carlos Correa, Giants: $350 million (2023-2035)</li><li>Francisco Lindor, Mets: $341 million (2022-31)</li><li>Fernando Tatis, Padres: $340 million (2021-34)</li><li>Bryce Harper, Phillies: $330 million (2019-2031)</li><li>Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins/Yankees: $325 million (2015-2027)</li><li>Corey Seager, Rangers: $325 million (2022-31)</li><li>Gerrit Cole, Yankees: $324 million (2020-28)</li></ol>



<h2>Highest average annual value (AAV) in MLB history</h2>



<ol><li>Max Scherzer, Mets: $43.33 million (2022-24)</li><li>Justin Verlander, Mets: $43.33 million (2023-24)</li><li>Aaron Judge, Yankees: $40 million (2023-31)</li><li>Jacob deGrom, Rangers: $37 million (2023-27)</li><li>Gerrit Cole, Yankees: $36 million (2020-28)</li></ol>

Carlos Correa, Aaron Judge and top 10 largest MLB contracts of all time - thesportsdrops NEWS

Carlos Correa, Aaron Judge and top 10 largest MLB contracts of all time

The conclusion of the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/nolan-arenado-to-stay-at-cardinals-after-declining-to-exercise-opt-out-clause-20221029-SPD-3063.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Series</a> signals a shift in attention to the future, and more particularly, the 2022 class of <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/aaron-boone-slated-to-continue-as-yankeess-manager-in-2023-20221027-SPD-3047.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Major League Baseball</a> free agents. At 5:00 PM (ET) on Thursday, the free agency market officially began, allowing players to seek the greatest possible compensation for their services.



CBS Sports, as usual, have rated the best free agents of the class based on our assessments and forecasts of the market. A mix of projected Annual Average Value and anticipated effect is used to determine placement.



Each player also has a limited number of possible landing teams. Since last Sunday’s conclusion of the World Series, six free agents have signed contracts with big league teams; four of them are relievers.



<h2>3. Carlos Correa</h2>



In April, Correa only hit one home run, contributing to a dreadful stat line that followed him into the summer and made it seem as if he was having a bad season overall, despite the fact that his performance had improved significantly by that point. In other words, he is still a top-tier player, and it wouldn’t be shocking if he finally got the contract he deserved. The Dodgers, Cubs, and Twins are some of his landing destinations as per CBS.



<h2>2. Jacob deGrom</h2>



Since making his debut in 2014, of course, he has been one of the best pitchers in the league, earning himself two Cy Young Awards and four selections to the All-Star Game. DeGrom is a half-year away from turning 35, but injuries have restricted his career to only 26 starts over the last two seasons. Generally speaking, pitchers’ health declines as they get older.



Eventually, a team will shell out the cash to give themselves a shot at adding a true ace to their rotation, but if deGrom’s body continues to refuse to cooperate, that team may come to regret their investment. Such examples are the Mets, Rangers, and Giants, as per CBS.



<h2>1. Aaron Judge</h2>



He has a high batting average, walks often, hits for power (interesting fact: he set a new American League record for home runs in a season), and has one of the best-throwing arms in the outfield. To further demonstrate his shape, the Yankees played him in center field for the majority of the season.



The criticisms were leveled against Judge in the spring when he turned down a seven-year agreement for $213.5 million. Among his possible new destinations, CBS see the Yankees, Giants, and Dodgers.

Aaron Judge and other top 3 MLB free agents and their potential destinations - thesportsdrops NEWS

Aaron Judge and other top 3 MLB free agents and their potential destinations

The Athletic reports that <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/terry-francona-to-lead-guardians-as-manager-once-again-in-2023-20221021-SPD-3015.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St. Louis Cardinals</a> third baseman <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/aaron-boone-slated-to-continue-as-yankeess-manager-in-2023-20221027-SPD-3047.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nolan Arenado</a> has notified the organization that he would not be exercising his opt-out option this summer. Five more years and $144 million are still on the horizon for the seven-time All-Star. While he had the option to explore other teams and contracts, he has decided to stay in St. Louis.



John Mozeliak, the Cardinals’ vice president of baseball operations, recently told MLB.com: “I would just say that I’m optimistic that this will have a positive resolution, and like I said, I hope that’s something we get some news on sooner rather than later. I don’t think it’s about re-working the deal. He’s just trying to use his time and sort through some things.



“He asked questions on how we’re thinking about the club, what we’re thinking about in the future, and topics like, ‘How are we going to deploy our resources?’ It was a very positive conversation. Again, I’m hopeful and optimistic that we can come to a place where we’re both very happy and have that understanding. He just wants a little time to think through that.”



<h2>Nolan Arenado to see out his contract with Cardinals</h2>



Arenado had one of his best seasons ever in his second year with the St. Louis Cardinals, batting.293 with 30 home runs, 103 RBIs, and a career-low strikeout rate. Last year, he led all position players in the National League with a 7.9 WAR.



After being moved to St. Louis from Colorado in advance of the 2021 season, Arenado was eligible to exercise his second and final opt-out clause. Throughout 2022, the Cardinals maintained confidence that the seven-time All-Star would return to St. Louis.

Nolan Arenado to stay at Cardinals after declining to exercise opt out clause - thesportsdrops NEWS

Nolan Arenado to stay at Cardinals after declining to exercise opt out clause

Despite playing in MLB’s strongest division in 2022, the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-news-padres-owners-opens-up-on-fernando-tatis-jr-340m-contract-extension-2628-20220830-SPD-2628.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York Yankees</a> still managed to win 99 games and the American League East. After beating the Cleveland Guardians in a thrilling five-game American League Division Series, Boone and the Yankees were swept by the Houston Astros in the American League Championship Series.



After the season ended in failure, fans vented their anger in public, and some of it was aimed at <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/terry-francona-to-lead-guardians-as-manager-once-again-in-2023-20221021-SPD-3015.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aaron Boone</a>. Steinbrenner may have given himself a little bit of wiggle room by saying “don’t see a change there,” but his words still clearly suggest Boone will be back in the Yankee dugout.



According to Hal Steinbrenner, the New York Yankees owner, the 49-year-old is expected to remain a manager in 2023 for his sixth season, despite significant conjecture to the contrary.



<h2>Aaron Boone to keep his job at Yankees</h2>



“As far as Boone’s concerned, we just signed him and for all the same reasons I listed a year ago, I believe he is a very good manager. I don’t see a change there,” Steinbrenner told Mark Didtler of the Associated Press.



Boone’s contract is for three years, starting in October 2021, with the fourth year being a club option in 2025. After five years in charge, Boone leads the Yankees at 427-281 (.603) with two division victories and playoff appearances each year. However, the Yankees have gone 14-17 under Boone in the playoffs and have never made it through the ALCS in his tenure.

Aaron Boone slated to continue as Yankees manager in 2023 - thesportsdrops NEWS

Aaron Boone slated to continue as Yankees manager in 2023

After guiding the majors’ youngest club to a division championship and the AL Division Series in 2022, the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-news-fernando-tatis-jr-breaks-the-silence-on-his-suspension-2583-20220824-SPD-2583.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cleveland Guardians</a> manager <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-news-padres-owners-opens-up-on-fernando-tatis-jr-340m-contract-extension-2628-20220830-SPD-2628.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Terry Francona</a> has committed to return for his 11th season. Apparently, the discussions went well.



Despite having his previous two seasons cut short owing to health difficulties, Francona was able to see out the whole 2022 campaign. Back in 2020, he had to battle stomach problems and a blood clotting emergency that landed him in the intensive care unit. 



He had to take some time off last year around the trade deadline to recover from two operations (one on his hip, the other on his foot) so that he would be fully operational this spring and throughout the season. The team’s leadership has always said that Francona is welcome to continue leading the club for as long as he sees fit. Francona’s desired length of time in charge has been the main topic of discussion.



<h2>Terry Francona to remain with Guardians at least until end of next season</h2>



“I want to enjoy what I’m doing. It’s getting harder to do that, just because physically it’s harder. I just want to be careful. And at the same time, I want to be fair to the team,” Francona said back in September.



In terms of managerial success, the 63-year-old is among the all-time greats. Since taking over as manager of the Cleveland Indians in 2004, he has led those players to three American League pennants and two World Series victories, while winning more than 54 percent of his regular-season games in three different cities (2004 and 2007).

Terry Francona to lead Guardians as manager once again in 2023 - thesportsdrops NEWS

Terry Francona to lead Guardians as manager once again in 2023

miniaturas

Nothing has gone according to plan for <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-news-fernando-tatis-jr-breaks-the-silence-on-his-suspension-2583-20220824-SPD-2583.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fernando Tatis Jr</a>. this year. Having missed the first half of the 2022 <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-news-aaron-ashby-signs-new-long-term-contract-with-brewers-2339-20220724-SPD-2339.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MLB</a> season due to a fractured wrist, his return date was just around the corner when he received another blow.



Tatis Jr was given an 80-game suspension from MLB after testing positive for Clostebol, violating the league’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment program. That means he’s not playing at all this year, and he will also miss games in 2023.



Before this chaotic year, the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-rumors-joe-musgrove-turns-down-padres-contract-extension-offer-339-20220504-SPD-339.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Padres</a> had given Tatis Jr. a 14 year, fully guaranteed $340 million contract. In an interview with USA TODAY Sports, team chairman Peter Seidler said he had no regrets in striking that deal.



<h2>Padres owner doesn’t regret giving Fernando Tatis Jr. $340m deal</h2>



“It was a significant body blow for him, for the organization, and for the fans,’’ Seidler said. “But yelling, screaming, breaking glasses, that wasn’t going to help anything. In my experience, this can make you stronger and better. The wrong way to look at it is to be angry at a 23-year-old young man. We’ve had him since he was 17. He has grown up in front of our eyes. I know he’s a good guy with a good heart and he cares.



“No regrets. No. No. No. Fernando knows I have his back. There’s no way you go into a 14-year relationship and think it’s going to be a smooth ride for pure joy and happiness. Your eyes are wide open. There’s going to be a mistake or hiccup. I knew that going in. It’s a similar feeling in any long-term relationship. You’re going to have your speed bumps. My expectation is that we got rid of a lot of the speed bumps here.’’

MLB News: Padres owner opens up on Fernando Tatis Jr $340m contract extension - thesportsdrops NEWS

MLB News: Padres owner opens up on Fernando Tatis Jr $340m contract extension

This year didn’t begin well for Fernando Tatis Jr., who was unable to play in the 2022 <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-news-blue-jays-and-charlie-montoyo-part-ways-john-schneider-appointed-temporary-coach-2192-20220713-SPD-2192.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MLB</a> regular season due to a fractured wrist he picked up in the offseason. When he was finally getting close to come back, the Padres star received another blow.



A few weeks ago, <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-news-dodgers-david-price-opens-up-about-retirement-rumors-2025-20220705-SPD-2025.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MLB</a> suspended Tatis Jr. for 80 games after testing positive for Clostebol, a performance-enhancing substance in violation of the league’s drug policy. That means he is not seeing the ballpark this year, and will also miss games of <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-news-aaron-ashby-signs-new-long-term-contract-with-brewers-2339-20220724-SPD-2339.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2023</a>.



On Tuesday, the 23-year-old shortstop addressed the media for the first time since his suspension. Far from making any excuses, Tatis Jr. took responsibility and apologized for what happened.



<h2>Fernando Tatis Jr. breaks silence on MLB suspension</h2>



“I’m truly sorry, I am,” Tatis said, via ClutchPoints. “I have let so many people down… I failed the front office, San Diego Padres. I failed every fan in this city, I failed my country, I failed my family, my parents. I’m really sorry for my mistakes. I’ve seen how my dreams have turned into my worst nightmares… There is no one else to blame but myself.”



Tatis’ return would have come in a great moment for San Diego. Having landed Juan Soto and Josh Bell before the trade deadline, the Padres head into the final stretch of the regular season with high aspirations.



Unfortunately, Tatis Jr. won’t be joining their powerful lineup this year. However, it’s good to see that at least he took accountability. After all, that’s the first step to make things different next time.

MLB