Ivy League Cubs

By: Jacob Zanolla

Ryne Stanek finally has chosen a new home, signing with the Seattle Mariners this morning. Multiple reports have confirmed the signing, which is for $4Million with an extra $2M in possible incentives. Stanek has been in Houston for the last three years, having a 2.90 ERA, 0.9 HR/9, and 10.2K/9. He had a big jump in ERA from 2022 to 2023, which is surprising. However, his WHIP only went up by 17 points from 1.226 to 1.243. One reason could be due to his pitch location. As you can see by the heatmaps below, he pounded the zone a lot more this season compared to 2022. 

He was a rumored Cubs target, as discussion did take place between the two sides, although we don’t know how far they got. It’s a great get for the Mariners, and someone that can help their bullpen after trading Sewald away last deadline.

Joey Votto has a home!!! A fan favorite, everyone has wanted him to sign with someone so we can see him on the field again. Although his social media posts were entertaining, you could tell he missed playing. He has signed a NRI deal worth $2Million with the Blue Jays, which is very fitting with him being Canadian. It became apparent that the Reds didn’t want a reunion, so Toronto seemed like the most fun option. The Angels were interested, as well as where I assumed he would end up. Hopefully he can make the major league roster and get some playing time for the Blue Jays.

Lastly, Lars Nootbaar is out for a few weeks. The Cardinals announced that he fractured his ribs, and will not participate in any baseball activities for at least the next two weeks. This means that both Nootbaar and Edman are out, giving them quite the thin outfield as of now. They are hopeful he will be ready for Opening Day, where they face the Dodgers. Cardinals fans hope he will be back, but similar to the Cubs and Ian Happ, the last thing you want to do is rush an injured player back too quickly.

Photo Credit: Joey Votto on X. Never change Joey. Never change