MLB News Roundup: Yankees face humiliating subway series sweep against Mets; Alex Cora set to extend Red Sox tenure with multi-year deal; Kevin Kiermaier announces retirement plans post 2024 season
There's less than a week left in the MLB before the trade deadline, and with teams looking to buy or sell, depending on their records, it's going to be a busy period. Wednesday saw three big developments take place, so let's take a closer look at what unfolded in the major league and what it meant for the teams involved:
Mets sweep Yankees in Subway Series
The New York Mets finished the Subway Series with a bang, as they managed to hit 12 runs against the New York Yankees while only conceding 3. In doing so, they managed a series sweep against the Bronx Brothers for the first time since 2013.
Despite Juan Soto giving his team a 2-1 lead in the third inning with a solo homer, the Yankees fell to a 12-3 loss. The game changed with two homers blasted by Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor, who contributed to five runs. The New York Mets ran up the score against the Yankees, who are expected to be buyers at the deadline.
Alex Cora signs a three-year deal with the Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox and manager Alex Cora have agreed to a three-year deal. As per ESPN, the deal is for $21.75 million, which will make him the second-highest-paid manager in MLB history, behind Craig Counsell of the Chicago Cubs.
Alex Cora was excited to continue with the Red Sox as their manager and told the media:
“We're very happy with what this organization means to us,” said Cora. “It’s the world. We’ve been talking for a little bit here, and talking to [my partner] Angelica [and daughter] Camila, and this is home for us. I just want to be happy and comfortable.”
Cora has been with the Red Sox since Nov. 2017, and he's set to stay with them for the next three seasons as well. Cora got them the World Series championship during his first year as their manager and at 54-47, Boston could be buyers at the deadline to perhaps contend once again.
Kevin Kiermaier set to retire after the 2024 MLB season
Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Kevin Kiermaier has announced his plans to retire at the end of the season. After playing 12 campaigns, he is ready to call time on his career. Kiermaier broke the news after the Blue Jays' 6-3 victory against the Tampa Bay Rays to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times:
“When you know, you know, and I know it’s time,” Kiermaier said. “Playing on this turf all these years, it’s beaten me up, but I’m so happy with how everything has played out, and it’s not done yet. I don’t know what’s going to happen with me with the state of our team in the next week, but if I’m on a roster, I’m going to give it all like I always do."
Kiermaier had a great run, winning four Gold Glove awards and a Platinum Glove in his career. Back in 2023, he was signed only for a one-year deal with Toronto, however, after a remarkable 2023 season, he got offered an extension. Now, he's decided to announce the end of his MLB journey at 33 years old. Kiermaier currently has a career batting average of .191 and a .544 OPS.
With Toronto bottom of the AL East with a 46-55 record, the Blue Jays need a miracle to make the playoffs and are more likely to be sellers at the deadline.