Archive - Mike's Hardball Talk

My thoughts on the Dodgers and what is "Bad for Baseball"

Debunking the arguments and common fan sentiment that the Dodgers flexing their financial muscle is bad for the overall health of the game.

Jan 30 •

Michael McDermott

Full details on Corbin Burnes' $210 million contract with the D-backs

Breaking down the six-year, $210 million contract Corbin Burnes signed with the Diamondbacks.

Jan 3 •

Michael McDermott

December 2024

The opt-out clause has become popular with Boras clients

Investigating recent results of player opt-outs for Scott Boras clients who hit the market after declining a qualifying offer.

Dec 31, 2024 •

Michael McDermott

D-backs unique advantages lands another marquee free agent pitcher

The extra benefits afforded to a contending Diamondbacks club lands them the top pitcher in free agency.

Dec 30, 2024 •

Michael McDermott

D-backs must leverage rotation surplus to strengthen lineup long-term

With too many starters on the roster and pressing needs to address, the Diamondbacks should explore a trade to bolster their lineup for 2025.

Dec 29, 2024 •

Michael McDermott

D-backs shock the world with Corbin Burnes signing

The Diamondbacks have agreed to a six-year deal, with a 2027 opt-out, with Corbin Burnes, the top remaining starter on the market.

Dec 28, 2024 •

Michael McDermott

Diamondbacks acquire Josh Naylor from Guardians

The Diamondbacks solve their first base via trade need one day after losing Christian Walker in free agency.

Dec 22, 2024 •

Michael McDermott

Diamondbacks checked in on Devin Williams before trade to Yankees

Arizona Sports Insider and radio host John Gambadoro reported that the Diamondbacks kicked the tires on the former Brewers closer.

Dec 14, 2024 •

Michael McDermott

Former D-backs starting catcher to sign 2-year deal with Cubs

Carson Kelly, who was the Diamondbacks starting catcher for 2019-2022, has agreed to a two-year deal with the Chicago Cubs

Dec 14, 2024 •

Michael McDermott

Kristian Robinson goes untouched in Rule 5 Draft

The Diamondbacks gamble to leave the talented outfielder off the 40-man roster pays off

Dec 11, 2024 •

Michael McDermott

Yankees turn attention to D-backs first baseman after losing out on Juan Soto

With Juan Soto now a Met, the Yankees have pivoted to Christian Walker to improve their offense.

Dec 9, 2024 •

Michael McDermott

Orioles considered former D-backs outfielder before signing Tyler O'Neill

Before signing Tyler O'Neill to a 3-year deal, the Orioles were considering Randal Grichuk to fill their outfield.

Dec 8, 2024 •

Michael McDermott

#nojs-banner { position: fixed; bottom: 0; left: 0; padding: 16px 16px 16px 32px; width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; background: red; color: white; font-family: -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px; } #nojs-banner a { color: inherit; text-decoration: underline; } This site requires JavaScript to run correctly. Please turn on JavaScript or unblock scripts