The Dodgers win their 8th World Series. The Yankees look back and regret a disastrous fifth inning. The Juan Soto free agency sweepstakes is underway. And other news from around MLB.
Good morning.
- I assume you know what happened in Game 5 of the World Series by now, but if you want to relive it, AJ Cassavell breaks down how the Dodgers jumped on the Yankees mistakes to clinch the Series.
- Davy Andrews also analyzes that wild Game 5.
- Jayson Stark makes the case that it was the wildest World Series clincher ever. (The Athletic sub. req.)
- Tyler Kepner tells the story of how the Yankees disastrous fifth inning led to a World Series title for the Dodgers. (The Athletic sub. req.)
- Dayn Perry also breaks down that error-filled fifth inning that cost the Yankees the game.
- Sarah Langs has some amazing statistics from a crazy Game 5.
- Game 5 had the highest TV ratings for a Game 5 in seven years.
- Tom Verducci calls Walker Buehler the unlikely hero of the Dodgers comeback.
- Emma Baccellieri gives credit to the entire Dodgers bullpen.
- Ben Lindberg writes that everything went wrong for the Dodgers until everything suddenly went right for them. He also examines the question of a Dodgers dynasty and interestingly writes about how many titles the Dodgers should have won over the past 12 years. (Spoiler: it’s two, the exact number they have won.)
- Matt Snyder thinks this is the beginning of a new Dodgers Dynasty.
- Jeff Passan writes that the Dodgers’ World Series title validates their regular-season dominance.
- Mike Lupica says that there is no doubt that the Dodgers are a dynasty.
- Freddie Freeman was named Series MVP after tying a record with 12 RBI in one World Series. Bill Ladson speaks with Bobby Richardson, who had 12 RBI in the seven-game 1960 Series about Freeman tying it. Richardson says records are made to be broken and there’s no better player to tie his record than Freeman.
- We knew about Freeman playing with an ankle sprain, but the Dodgers have now revealed that Freeman was playing with broken rib cartilage as well.
- For five-straight years, someone named Will Smith has won the World Series. And neither one has won an Oscar.
- After winning his second WS ring, right-handed reliever Daniel Hudson retired.
- Shohei Ohtani is posed to join those players who have won a World Series and an MVP in the same season.
- It’s now been 12 years since a World Series sweep.
- Questions about what’s next for the Yankees. (ESPN+ sub. req.)
- Will Leitch has five questions the Yankees need to answer to return to the World Series next year.
- Jordan Schusterman writes that the Yankees offseason will be filled with regret after this WS loss.
- Mike Axisa also looks at what’s next for the Yankees and the number-one question is free agent Juan Soto. But he adds there are other questions for the Yankees to answer as well.
- Soto has said that he’s open to listening to pitches from all 30 teams. The Athletics have a chance to do the funniest thing. Or the White Sox.
- A list of “tiers” of where Soto could sign. (The Athletic sub. req.)
- Kiley McDaniel and Jesse Rogers predict where Soto might sign. (ESPN+ sub. req.)
- R.J. Anderson ranks the top 25 free agents this winter.
- A list of teams with a lot of free agents this winter, lead by the Orioles.
The following players have exercised their options for 2025, per sources: Dbacks LHP Jordan Montgomery, Royals OF Hunter Renfroe and Royals RHP Chris Stratton.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) November 1, 2024
Interesting decision by Montgomery after D-Backs owner Ken Kendrick said the decision to sign him was “horrible” a month ago.
- The first big trade of the offseason has the Braves sending former Cub outfielder Jorge Soler to the Angels for right-hander Griffin Canning.
- The Orioles acquired A’s outfielder Daz Cameron for cash.
- The Mets signed right-handed reliever Dylan Covey to a one-year, major-league deal. Covey was a minor-league free agent, so he was not subject to the five-day “dead period” after the World Series.
- The Giants are promoting pro scouting director Zack Minasian to general manager under team president Buster Posey. Minasian is the brother of Angels GM Perry Minasian.
- Twins outfielder/first baseman Alex Kirilloff announced his retirement at age 26. Kiriloff, a former top prospect, has been beset by several injuries over his four-year major-league career.
- The trial for Rays shortstop Wander Franco on sexual abuse charges will being on December 12 in the Dominican Republic.
- The Athletics have announced that they will play a team-record 60 night games in Sacramento in 2025.
- Bob Costas has announced his retirement from play-by-play duties after 44 years. He still intends to appear on programs on the MLB Network, but he won’t be calling games anymore.
- And finally, in honor of Halloween, Doug Glanville tells the story of the year he dressed up as himself for Halloween and nobody recognized him.
And tomorrow will be a better day than today, Buster.