bass designated for assignment

• Sports Betting
• Sports Entertainment
• New York Yankees
• New York Mets
• Transactions

Recommended

Anthony bass designated for assignment by blue jays after anti-lgbtq+ controversy.

• View Author Archive
• Get author RSS feed

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

Controversial relief pitcher Anthony Bass was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays on Friday in the wake of the firestorm caused by an anti-LGBTQ+ social media post .

It was the corresponding move after the Blue Jays reinstated Mitch White from the 60-day injured list.

Bass, 35, reposted a video to his Instagram story in late May discussing “the biblical reason Christians should boycott Target and Bud Light” amid the companies’ ongoing LGBTQ+ campaigns.

He was set to catch the ceremonial first pitch before the Blue Jays’ game against the Twins on Friday night as the team begins its Pride Weekend celebrations, but it appears they reversed course just hours before game time.

Bass has come under heavy criticism from fans and was booed at Rogers Centre shortly after the message.

He eventually apologized after sharing the post on his Instagram story.

“I’ll make this quick,” Bass told reporters  on May 30. “I recognize yesterday that I made a post that was hurtful to the Pride community, which includes friends of mine and close family members of mine, and I am truly sorry for that.

“I just spoke with my teammates and shared with them my actions yesterday. I apologized [to] them and, as of right now, I am using the Blue Jays’ resources to better educate myself to make better decisions moving forward. The ballpark is for everybody. We include all fans at the ballpark and we want to welcome everybody.”

Following Bass’ post, a Blue Jays spokesperson told Toronto’s CityNews that “individual player sentiments are not representative of the club’s beliefs.”

Bass also met with Pride Toronto executive director Sherwin Modeste on Tuesday, while the plan for him to catch Friday’s first pitch was reported Thursday.

Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins told reporters on Friday said the decision was primarily because of performance but acknowledged that the controversy had a small part to do with it.

“There’s a myriad of variables,” Atkins said. “Performance is usually the driving one and performance was a large aspect of this decision. Distraction was a small part of it and something we had to factor in.”

Atkins refused to say whether Bass still would be on the team if his performance had been better.

“We’re trying to build the best possible team we can build,” Atkins said. “This was a baseball decision to make our team better.”

Atkins also said it was not “a realistic option” for Bass to land in Toronto’s minor league system.

“We won’t stand in his way to be with another organization,” Atkins said.

Bass owns a 4.95 ERA in 22 appearances out of the bullpen this season.

Share this article:

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Toronto Blue Jays Cut Player Who Defended Anti-Queer Post

Anthony Bass had reposted a video on social media that called for a boycott of L.G.B.T.Q.-friendly companies.

By Jesus Jiménez

The Toronto Blue Jays cut pitcher Anthony Bass, 35, on Friday, after he drew backlash and boos from fans for reposting a video on Instagram that called Target and Bud Light “evil” and “demonic” for being supportive of the L.G.B.T.Q. community.

The Blue Jays announced on Friday that they had designated Bass for assignment, effectively cutting him from the team, just hours before he was set to catch a ceremonial first pitch to kick off the team’s Pride Weekend for a series against the Minnesota Twins.

Last month, Bass reposted a video on Instagram that called for boycotting both Target and Bud Light, which have recently drawn the ire of conservatives, Bud Light for featuring a transgender influencer in a social media promotion, and Target for promoting its Pride collection, which included clothes and books for children. The video, which came from a Bible-themed Instagram page, was briefly posted by Bass to his Instagram Story in late May.

After the post caused blowback, Bass told reporters that he apologized for sharing the post because it was “hurtful to the Pride community.” Bass said that he was going to work with the team to “make better decisions moving forward.”

“The ballpark is for everybody,” Bass said. “We include all fans at the ballpark, and we want to welcome everybody.”

The backlash toward Bass was the latest instance of a Major League Baseball team running into issues with the L.B.G.T.Q. community. Last month, the Los Angeles Dodgers were called out by some fans after the team, under pressure from Catholic critics, dropped the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence from its Pride Night pregame ceremony. The Dodgers later backtracked on that decision after multiple L.G.B.T.Q. groups pulled out of the event.

Last year, the Tampa Bay Rays faced questions after the team allowed multiple players to opt out of wearing the team’s Pride Night uniforms.

The fallout in Toronto appeared to have settled down until Thursday when Bass, speaking to reporters, defended the message in the post he shared.

“I stand by my personal beliefs,” Bass told reporters . “And everyone is entitled to their personal beliefs, right? Also, I mean no harm towards any groups of people.”

When asked if he thought the post he shared was hateful, Bass said, “I do not.”

“That’s why I posted it originally,” Bass told reporters on Thursday. “When I look back at it, I can see how people would view it that way and that’s why I was apologetic.”

Toronto’s general manager, Ross Atkins, told reporters on Friday that the move to cut the relief pitcher was primarily driven by his performance this season.

In 22 games this season, Bass pitched 20 innings, with a lackluster earned run average of 4.95. In 2022, he recorded a 1.54 E.R.A. in 73 games, both career bests.

“There’s a myriad of variables, and performance is usually the driving one,” Atkins said. “Performance was a large aspect of this decision. Distraction was a small part of it, and something that we had to factor in.”

Since making his major league debut in 2011, Bass had bounced around from team to team. In 2016, he left M.L.B. to pitch professionally in Japan, before returning stateside.

By designating Bass for assignment, the Blue Jays now have seven days to trade him or place him on irrevocable outright waivers.

Jesus Jiménez is a general assignment reporter. More about Jesus Jiménez

Inside the World of Sports

Dive deeper into the people, issues and trends shaping professional, collegiate and amateur athletics..

What We Saw at Augusta: Golf enthusiasts regard a trip to the Masters as the stuff of dreams. Here are photos from this year’s tournament .

A Dizzying 3 Weeks: At times, Shohei Ohtani, baseball’s biggest star, seemed in danger of being tainted by a gambling scandal , before his longtime interpreter was charged with fraud.

A Soccer Team With Free Matches: When Paris F.C. made its tickets free, it began an experiment into the connection between fans and teams , and posed a question about the value of big crowds to televised sports.

Minor League Baseball’s Real Estate: The fight over a new stadium for the Eugene Emeralds  highlights a wider challenge for cheaper alternatives to big-league live sports.

New York’s Favorite Soccer Team: Some people splurge on vacations, fancy shoes and motorcycles. A group of dozens of friends, neighbors and co-workers decided to try something better (or maybe worse): They bought a middling soccer team in Denmark .

Here Comes Padel: The sport is played with a racket on a court with a net, but watch out for those bouncing shots from the back wall. Reporters take a look at the padel scene in New York City .

Blue Jays designate RHP Anthony Bass for assignment: Why Toronto made the move

The Toronto Blue Jays designated Anthony Bass for assignment, the team announced Friday. Here’s what you need to know:

• The 35-year-old pitcher posted a 4.95 ERA and 1.40 WHIP through 20 innings pitched this season.
• Bass was designated for assignment nearly a week after he shared an anti-LGBTQ+ video on Instagram. He apologized to the public last week with a brief statement and was supposed to be involved in the Blue Jays’ annual Pride Weekend, catching the ceremonial first pitch Friday.
• The Blue Jays reinstated Mitch White (shoulder) from the 60-day IL on Friday.

ROSTER MOVES: 🔹 RHP Mitch White has been reinstated from the 60-day IL and will be active for tonight’s game 🔹 RHP Anthony Bass has been designated for assignment pic.twitter.com/O36mqtPENc — Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) June 9, 2023

Why Jays made the move

The Blue Jays chose to DFA Bass a day after he expanded on his apology for posting an anti-LGBTQ+ video on his social media more than a week ago. However, he continued to defend his “personal beliefs” and suggested the reason he took the video down was that it had become a “distraction.” Earlier in the afternoon, general manager Ross Atkins said that he had believed Bass was “accountable” when he apologized last week, but after Bass’ additional comments Thursday, the club clearly feels differently and chose to dismiss him. His presence on the roster had left many fans, especially those in the LGBTQ community, conflicted about their support for the club during what is meant to be a joyous Pride celebration at the Rogers Centre on Friday and Saturday.

Advertisement

In the countermove to DFA Bass, the Blue Jays reinstated reliever White, who had been out since spring training with right elbow inflammation. White will be active for Friday’s game, and he is expected to step into a bulk role in the bullpen. White has no minor-league options left, so he couldn’t be optioned to the minors once he was activated. Bass has been a weak link in the bullpen and was a DFA candidate strictly from a baseball point of view, as well. — McGrath

What they’re saying

Atkins said Friday that DFAing Bass was a baseball decision, but the situation around the pitcher’s comments “did become a distraction and something that was a variable in that decision.”

Required reading

• Blue Jays’ Anthony Bass apologizes for sharing anti-LGBTQ video, defends ‘personal beliefs’

(Photo: Eric Canha / USA Today)

Get all-access to exclusive stories.

Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Try a week on us.

The Comeback: Today’s Top Sports Stories & Reactions

• Link to Twitter Link to Twitter
• Link to Facebook Link to Facebook
• Link to Instagram Link to Instagram
• Link to RSS Link to RSS

Blue Jays make major move against Anthony Bass

Bass was scheduled to catch the ceremonial first pitch from Toronto LGBTQIA+ activist Lezlie Lee Kam prior to Friday's game.

The Toronto Blue Jays have decided that they could no longer afford to keep Anthony Bass on their roster. The team announced on Friday they had designated the controversial pitcher for assignment.

ROSTER MOVES: 🔹 RHP Mitch White has been reinstated from the 60-day IL and will be active for tonight’s game 🔹 RHP Anthony Bass has been designated for assignment pic.twitter.com/O36mqtPENc — Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) June 9, 2023

The decision to move on from Bass could certainly have been performance-based. The Blue Jays pitcher had pitched to an ERA of nearly 5 this season. But Bass hadn’t pitched in nearly three days.

So, it could point to the fact that he completely backtracked from an apology he made just last week. Bass was in hot water after sharing a distasteful and hurtful post about the LGBTQIA+ community. He shared a post on his Instagram story that led to a serious backlash. 

As per a Sportsnet writeup , “Bass shared a post on his Instagram stories Monday urging others to spurn the American companies over support for they showed for the 2SLGBTQ+ community.” The posts highlighted recent Conservative boycotts of Bud Light and Target. Conservatives have taken issue with the companies, but the boycotts have been skewered with opponents calling them bigoted, homophobic, and transphobic.

While Bass later apologized (following criticism from team figures ), he said Thursday he doesn’t believe the anti-LGBTQIA+ post that he shared was hateful. As per ESPN , Bass said he was “working hard” to educate himself, which included meeting with the executive director of the Pride Toronto group.

For whatever reason, Bass was scheduled to catch the ceremonial first pitch from Toronto LGBTQIA+ activist Lezlie Lee Kam prior to Friday’s game. Now that Bass has been designated for assignment, that will no longer be taking place. And that may be why it happened on Friday.

In any event, those in the world of Major League Baseball were not exactly upset with the Blue Jays’ decision to kick Bass to the curb.

Oh, I feel so sorry for Bass…. #notreallly https://t.co/OaPrHXW4tJ — Ken Fang — Very Asian (@fangsbites) June 9, 2023

soooo…who is catching first pitch on pride night? https://t.co/4PEGMIXVy9 — Bradford William Davis (@BWDBWDBWD) June 9, 2023

happy pride month https://t.co/icPyHQhUuB pic.twitter.com/b4RkMwh5yJ — Brian Floyd (@BrianMFloyd) June 9, 2023

Bass doubled down on his position and now he is position-less. And will remain so. #waittosee https://t.co/Vb3XGTPHOX — David P. Samson (@DavidPSamson) June 9, 2023

https://twitter.com/bruce_arthur/status/1667219431150460929?s=20

It took some effort, but Anthony Bass finally managed to talk his way into a DFA. https://t.co/LG7hTD9N5h — Tao of Stieb (@TaoofStieb) June 9, 2023

Mitch White, it should be said, is an absolutely lovely young man. #Bluejays https://t.co/8XH0uIsvSs — Mike Wilner (@Wilnerness) June 9, 2023

Well, there's a notable roster move! https://t.co/809gQPIdLA — Andrew Bucholtz (@AndrewBucholtz) June 9, 2023

Can you still catch the first pitch when that happens? https://t.co/IITeIm08gP — CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) June 9, 2023

And let’s not give the Blue Jays credit for dumping a journeyman pitcher after shielding him from the press.

[ ESPN , Sportsnet ]

About Sam Neumann

Since the beginning of 2023, Sam has been a staff writer for Awful Announcing and The Comeback. A 2021 graduate of Temple University, Sam is a Charlotte native, who currently calls Greenville, South Carolina his home. He also has a love/hate relationship with the New York Mets and Jets.

Anthony Bass, pitcher who shared homophobic video, cut before Jays’ Pride celebration

The Toronto Blue Jays designated reliever Anthony Bass for assignment Friday afternoon, a day after they announced he would catch a ceremonial first pitch at their Pride celebration.

Both choices were surprising, the latter because Bass was given ceremonial first-pitch duty Friday night after sharing homophobic content on social media, then offering only a partial apology . Cutting Bass from the active roster 24 hours later also amounted to a swift reversal: After a week of absorbing the fallout of his online activity and concluding the best course of action was to name him a rather unqualified ambassador to the LGBTQ community, they seemingly decided he was also unqualified to pitch out of their bullpen. Bass gave up two runs on three hits in a loss to the Houston Astros on Monday night and had not pitched since. The 35-year-old had a 4.95 ERA in 20 innings.

“This was a baseball decision,” Toronto General Manager Ross Atkins told reporters, including Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet , on Friday.

“Performance was a large aspect of the decision. Distraction was a small part of it and something we had to factor in,” Atkins said.

Designating a player for assignment immediately clears a spot on the 40-man roster but gives the team 10 days to figure out how to handle the player in question. Veterans who have no minor league options remaining, such as Bass, are normally placed on waivers or traded. If that player clears waivers, he can accept a minor league assignment or become a free agent. Bass owns a 3.91 ERA in 382 career appearances. Evaluated purely on his baseball résumé, the right-hander would be the kind of veteran who could get another big league chance. Atkins told reporters he did not see a situation in which Bass would get that chance with the Blue Jays.

But any team signing Bass will have to assess more than his on-field prowess. His transformation from journeyman reliever to something more polarizing began in April when he tweeted his displeasure with United after flight attendants asked his pregnant wife to pick up popcorn their toddler spilled during a flight.

Last week, he shared a video calling for Christians to boycott Target and Bud Light because of their support for the LGBTQ community. The video, which purported to justify such boycotts with the Bible, said selling Pride merchandise is “evil” and “demonic.” Bass said he posted it because it reflected his beliefs. He later told reporters he did not see it as hateful but “could see how people can view it that way.” He eventually took the video down.

“I just felt like it was too much of a distraction, right? But I stand by my personal beliefs, and everyone’s entitled to their personal beliefs, right?” Bass told local outlets, including the Athletic , on Thursday. “But also, I mean no harm toward any groups of people. And I felt like taking that down the second time was the right thing to do and not being a distraction.”

Later, in a media session that appeared to be an apology, Bass suggested that he had not been sensitive to “what that community goes through” when members make what he called the “big decision” to come out.

“That’s something that I do apologize for because I have no ill intentions of ever being hateful or harmful toward any group,” Bass said. “I care for all people, and I stand by that.”

• The early-morning call to Cal Ripken Jr. that led to Jackson Holliday’s No. 7 April 13, 2024 The early-morning call to Cal Ripken Jr. that led to Jackson Holliday’s No. 7 April 13, 2024
• Shohei Ohtani’s ex-interpreter stole $16 million to cover gambling debts, feds say April 11, 2024 Shohei Ohtani’s ex-interpreter stole $16 million to cover gambling debts, feds say April 11, 2024
• Pitchers are buckling and breaking across baseball. What is to blame? April 10, 2024 Pitchers are buckling and breaking across baseball. What is to blame? April 10, 2024

Ex-Jay Anthony Bass refutes GM Atkins' assertion that release was 'baseball decision'

Reliever was cut in june after social-media post supporting anti-lgbtq boycotts.

Social Sharing

Former Toronto pitcher Anthony Bass said he reached out to the MLB Players Association after the Blue Jays released him last June, and disagreed with general manager Ross Atkins' assertion that the move was a "baseball decision."

The team designated Bass for assignment on June 9, nearly two weeks after he shared a social media post that supported anti-LGBTQ boycotts.

Bass, in his first public comments since the mid-season imbroglio, said he was told by the MLBPA that there wasn't a grievance opportunity because he was guaranteed the remainder of his $3-million US salary.

"If this causes future issues, I think there is a strong case to be had," Bass told The Canadian Press via direct message.

Bass, a 35-year-old free agent, has been training ahead of a potential return to the big leagues in 2024 and said "there has already been early interest."

• Analysis Blue Jays' confounding Anthony Bass saga comes to inevitable conclusion

Bass made a brief public apology the day after his later-deleted post and met with Pride Toronto executive director Sherwin Modeste. They talked for about an hour and discussed Bass catching the ceremonial first pitch to kick off Pride Weekend at Rogers Centre.

Plans changed when Bass was designated for assignment a few hours before the game.

"No one should be fired because of his/her personal beliefs," Bass said in a DM.

Atkins spoke shortly after the roster move was announced and said it was a "baseball decision to make our team better," adding the distraction was something that the club had to factor in.

Bass, a native of Dearborn, Mich., said he was surprised by the news.

"I thought they were calling me into the office to say that I would not be catching the first pitch to kick off Pride Weekend/month," he said.

WATCH | Blue Jays cut Bass:

Blue Jays brass on cutting ties with pitcher Anthony Bass

'i can read between the lines'.

Bass was formally released on June 15 and didn't land with another team.

"Ross didn't give me an explanation," he said. "Told me that they are releasing me."

"I can read between the lines," Bass added.

The 12-year big-league veteran spent the 2020 season in Toronto and was reacquired in 2022 in a trade with the Miami Marlins. Bass didn't record a decision in 22 appearances this past season and had a 4.95 earned-run average.

"It was not a baseball decision," Bass said. "I had a 1.80 ERA in the month of May. Coming off a career year where the Jays traded one of their top prospects [Jordan Groshans] for me."

The Blue Jays activated reliever Mitch White from the 60-day injured list on the day of Bass's demotion. White, who was 0-5 with a 7.74 ERA in 2022, struggled over 10 appearances and was demoted in July.

Bass was booed by home fans in his two appearances after the controversy first developed.

He spoke with a few beat reporters in the days after sharing the post and outlined steps he had taken after making his apology. Bass felt he was "in a better place" after meeting with Modeste and was looking forward to catching the first pitch by longtime LGBTQ advocate leZlie Lee Kam.

Didn't view anti-LQBTQ post as hateful

However, the day before the Pride Weekend kickoff, Bass told reporters he still stood by his personal beliefs. He added that he initially didn't think the video post — which described the selling of Pride-themed merchandise as "evil" and "demonic" — was hateful.

"That's why I posted it originally," he said at the time. "When I look back at it, I can see how people can view it that way and that's why I was apologetic."

Bass's final media scrum as a Blue Jay only raised the potential for significant awkwardness on Pride Weekend. Pitcher Kevin Gausman caught the ceremonial pitch instead.

"It was my idea to catch the first pitch when I spoke to Sherwin prior to my release," Bass said in a DM. "The Jays agreed to it saying it was a good idea. Later, they backpedalled and said they never agreed to me catching the first pitch."

When asked how he reflects on that period, Bass said he was reminded "not to believe everything you read."

"I am proud of my walk with the Lord," he said. "I have no hate in my heart towards any groups of people."

The Blue Jays went on to finish the season with an 89-73 record, securing a post-season berth on the penultimate day of the campaign. Toronto was swept by the Minnesota Twins in a wild-card series last week.

Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro was scheduled to hold an end-of-season media availability on Thursday.

"Thank you to those who supported me in 2020, 2022 and this past season," Bass said. "It doesn't go unnoticed."

Related Stories

• Blue Jays cut ties with pitcher Anthony Bass amid backlash over anti-LGBTQ social media post
• Pride Toronto director feels connection with Blue Jays is still strong after Bass saga
• Blue Jays pitcher Anthony Bass apologizes for sharing post supporting anti-LGBTQ boycotts

Add some “good” to your morning and evening.

Get up to speed on what's happening in sports. Delivered weekdays.

Blue Jays designate reliever Anthony Bass for assignment after latest anti-LGBTQ+ comments

This article was published more than 6 months ago. Some information may no longer be current.

The Anthony Bass imbroglio that engulfed the Toronto Blue Jays over the last week and a half ended Friday when the pitcher was designated for assignment hours before the start of Pride Weekend at Rogers Centre.

It was the latest development in a controversy that began last week when Bass shared a social media post that supported anti-LGBTQ boycotts. He made a brief public apology the day after the post.

General manager Ross Atkins, in a mid-afternoon availability, said the roster move was a “baseball decision to make our team better.”

“There’s a myriad of variables,” he said. “Performance is usually the driving one and performance was a large aspect of this decision. Distraction was a small part of it and something that we had to factor in.”

Bass did not record a decision in 22 appearances this season. He had a 4.95 earned-run average and was used in low-leverage situations.

Bass had shared a video post he later deleted that urged others to spurn Target and Bud Light over the support they showed for the LGBTQ community.

The right-hander was booed by home fans in his two appearances after the controversy first developed.

He did speak informally with some media members in recent days and outlined steps he had taken after making his apology. Bass said he felt he was “in a better place moving forward”' after meeting with Pride Toronto executive director Sherwin Modeste.

However, in a pre-game scrum with reporters on Thursday, Bass noted that he still stood by his personal beliefs, adding he initially did not think the video post — which described the selling of Pride-themed merchandise as “evil” and “demonic” — was hateful.

“That’s why I posted it originally,” he said. “When I look back at it, I can see how people can view it that way and that’s why I was apologetic.”

The team has seven days to trade Bass or put him on waivers. Atkins said he didn’t see the possibility of a minor-league assignment as a “realistic outcome.”

“We won’t stand in his way to be with another organization,” he said.

Messages left with Bass and his agent were not immediately returned.

Bass planned to catch the ceremonial first pitch by LGBTQ advocate leZlie Lee Kam on Friday to help kick off Pride Weekend at the ballpark. Right-hander Kevin Gausman filled in instead.

The festivities also include live performances, involvement from various LGBTQ organizations across the community and themed activities.

Bass has played for six other teams over his 12-year big-league career.

He spent the 2020 season in Toronto and was reacquired last season in a trade with the Miami Marlins. He’s in the final year of a contract that pays him US$3 million this season.

Earlier this year, Bass sparked criticism when he tweeted to complain that a flight attendant had asked his pregnant wife to clean up popcorn their toddler dropped on the floor during a flight.

He has since deleted his Twitter account, removed the Instagram app from his phone and said he was taking a break from social media.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Bass was given the news early Friday afternoon.

“All those conversations are tough,” Schneider said. “Baseball decisions, they happen all the time. It was tough but it was mutually understood from both ends that it was the best thing for him and for us right now.”

Report an editorial error

Report a technical issue

Interact with The Globe

Anthony Bass designated for assignment by Blue Jays after anti-LGBTQ+ controversy

C ontroversial relief pitcher Anthony Bass was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays on Friday in the wake of the firestorm caused by an anti-LGBTQ+ social media post .

It was the corresponding move after the Blue Jays reinstated Mitch White from the 60-day injured list.

Bass, 35, reposted a video to his Instagram story in late May discussing “the biblical reason Christians should boycott Target and Bud Light” amid the companies’ ongoing LGBTQ+ campaigns.

He was set to catch the ceremonial first pitch before the Blue Jays’ game against the Twins on Friday night as the team begins its Pride Weekend celebrations, but it appears they reversed course just hours before game time.

Bass has come under heavy criticism from fans and was booed at Rogers Centre shortly after the message.

He eventually apologized after sharing the post on his Instagram story.

“I’ll make this quick,” Bass told reporters  on May 30. “I recognize yesterday that I made a post that was hurtful to the Pride community, which includes friends of mine and close family members of mine, and I am truly sorry for that.

“I just spoke with my teammates and shared with them my actions yesterday. I apologized [to] them and, as of right now, I am using the Blue Jays’ resources to better educate myself to make better decisions moving forward. The ballpark is for everybody. We include all fans at the ballpark and we want to welcome everybody.”

Following Bass’ post, a Blue Jays spokesperson told Toronto’s CityNews that “individual player sentiments are not representative of the club’s beliefs.”

Bass also met with Pride Toronto executive director Sherwin Modeste on Tuesday, while the plan for him to catch Friday’s first pitch was reported Thursday.

Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins told reporters on Friday that, “this was part of a baseball decision,” but added that “the distraction component was a part of it.”

Bass owns a 4.95 ERA in 22 appearances out of the bullpen this season.

Blue Jays DFA Anthony Bass before Pride Weekend celebration

• ESPN News Services

The Toronto Blue Jays have designated right-handed pitcher Anthony Bass for assignment.

The reliever made headlines last week after sharing a post on social media that called for anti-LGBTQIA+ boycotts of Target and Bud Light. The shared post described the sale of LGBTQIA+ merchandise as "evil" and "demonic."

The move to DFA Bass comes on the same day that he was to catch the ceremonial first pitch from Toronto LGBTQIA+ activist leZlie Lee Kam before Friday's game against the Minnesota Twins as the Blue Jays begin their fourth annual Pride Weekend celebration. Pitcher Kevin Gausman , who is slated to start Sunday's game, will replace Bass as the ceremonial catcher.

Bass, 35, apologized for sharing the post a day later, but he was booed by fans in Toronto in two home appearances since the apology.

Speaking Thursday, Bass said he's "working hard" to educate himself but doesn't believe the social media post he shared last month was hateful.

"I do not," Bass said. "That's why I posted it originally. When I look back at it, I can see how people would view it that way, and that's why I was apologetic."

Bass said he chose to delete the post because "it was the right thing to do" and because he didn't want it to be a distraction to the team.

"But I stand by my personal beliefs," Bass said, "and everyone is entitled to their personal beliefs, right? Also, I mean no harm towards any groups of people."

"My focus from the get-go should have been doing my job and being accepting of everyone's decisions and views in life," Bass said. "Through this process, I've learned that. Moving forward, I will definitely know better than to post my personal beliefs on my social media platforms."

Toronto general manager Ross Atkins said Friday that both the controversy and Bass' on-field performance led to the move.

"Performance was a large aspect of the decision," Atkins said. "Distraction was a small part of it and something we had to factor in."

Atkins refused to say whether Bass would still be on the team if his performance had been better.

"We're trying to build the best possible team we can build," Atkins said. "This was a baseball decision to make our team better."

The team now has seven days to either trade or waive Bass, who has a 4.95 ERA in 22 relief appearances this season. The well-traveled righty has previously pitched for the Padres , Astros , Rangers , Cubs , Mariners and Marlins .

"We won't stand in his way to be with another organization," Atkins said, adding that it was not "a realistic option" for Bass to land in Toronto's minor league system.

To replace Bass, Toronto reinstated right-hander Mitch White from the 60-day injured list.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

KINSELLA: Pro-Hamas protests organized and well funded

Brampton man, 24, charged in home invasion and two robberies, chaudhri: termination of rbc cfo raises questions, lilley: iran's attack on israel a sign it's time to deal with tehran, tiger woods finishes last, gives masters update on pga tour-liv golf negotiations, blue jays designate controversial reliever anthony bass for assignment.

You can save this article by registering for free here . Or sign-in if you have an account.

Article content

After making far more headlines for his social media posts than for his play on the field, Anthony Bass has been designated for assignment by the Toronto Blue Jays.

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

• Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
• Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
• Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
• Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
• Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

• Access articles from across Canada with one account.
• Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
• Enjoy additional articles per month.
• Get email updates from your favourite authors.

Don't have an account? Create Account

Blue Jays designate controversial reliever Anthony Bass for assignment Back to video

The team announced on Friday that the reliever had been DFA’d to make room on the roster for a returning Mike White.

Bass has been at the centre of controversy recently after sharing an anti-LGBTQ video on his Instagram account. He later apologized and was not punished by the team.

He had been slated to catch the ceremonial first pitch at Friday’s night game against the Minnesota Twins, which kicks off the team’s Pride Weekend.

Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond.

• There was an error, please provide a valid email address.

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.

The next issue of Your Midday Sun will soon be in your inbox.

We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again

Earlier this season, he had posted on Twitter complaining about airline staff not cleaning up after his family.

On the field, Bass, 35, had an ERA of 4.95 in 22 appearances, pitching 20 innings and striking out 19 batters.

More to come…

ROSTER MOVES: 🔹 RHP Mitch White has been reinstated from the 60-day IL and will be active for tonight’s game 🔹 RHP Anthony Bass has been designated for assignment pic.twitter.com/O36mqtPENc — Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) June 9, 2023

Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.

This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here . By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy .

You've reached the 20 article limit.

You can manage saved articles in your account.

and save up to 100 articles!

Looks like you've reached your saved article limit!

You can manage your saved articles in your account and clicking the X located at the bottom right of the article.

• New Terms of Use
• New Privacy Policy
• Your Privacy Choices
• Closed Caption Policy
• Accessibility Statement

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2024 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset . Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions . Legal Statement . Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper .

Blue Jays GM says 'distraction' was a ‘small part’ in Anthony Bass being designated for assignment

Bass had a 4.95 era with the blue jays.

Fox News Flash top sports headlines for June 10

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

The Toronto Blue Jays' move to designate right-handed pitcher Anthony Bass for assignment on Friday was largely due to his on-field performance while "distraction" did factor into the decision, Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said.

Toronto announced the move just hours before Friday night's game against the Minnesota Twins and the start of their Pride Weekend celebration. 

Anthony Bass #52 of the Toronto Blue Jays makes a statement to the media before playing the Milwaukee Brewers in their MLB game at the Rogers Centre on May 30, 2023, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  (Mark Blinch/Getty Images)

The 35-year-old pitcher faced fierce backlash last week after sharing a social media video encouraging Christians to join boycotts against Target and Bud Light.

ANTHONY BASS INCLUDED IN BLUE JAYS’ PRIDE FESTIVITIES AFTER SHARING VIDEO ENDORSING TARGET, BUD LIGHT BOYCOTTS

Atkins told reporters on Friday that "distraction" had played a role in Bass being DFA’d, though his on-the-field performance had been the driving factor. 

"There’s a myriad of variables," Atkins said before Friday's game. "Performance is usually the driving one, and performance was a large aspect of this decision. Distraction was a small part of it and something we had to factor in."

When asked whether Bass would still be on the team if his performance during the 2023 season had been better, Atkins refused to say. 

"We’re trying to build the best possible team we can build," Atkins said. "This was a baseball decision to make our team better."

General Manager of the Toronto Blue Jays Ross Atkins speaks to the media during the Spring Training Grapefruit League Media Day at Blue Jays Player Development Complex on Thursday, February 16, 2023, in Dunedin, Florida. (Mike Carlson/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Bass had a 4.95 ERA in 20 innings for Toronto this season. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The decision to remove Bass from the active roster came a day after reports said he would catch the ceremonial first pitch from activist leZlie Lee Kam ahead of Friday’s game, which begins Toronto’s fourth annual Pride Weekend celebration.

It also follows the controversy surrounding Bass sharing a video to his Instagram Stories last week from a creator named Ryan Miller, who called on Christians to join the boycotts against Bud Light and Target. 

In the video, Miller read a Biblical verse and claimed that supporting those businesses results in taking "part in the darkness that they’re purveying" and "shoving into children’s faces."

Anthony Bass, #52 of the Toronto Blue Jays, looks on against the Minnesota Twins in the seventh inning of the game at Target Field on August 7, 2022, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Blue Jays defeated the Twins 3-2 in ten innings. (David Berding/Getty Images)

Bass apologized last week for the post that he said had been "hurtful to the Pride community." 

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Bass then told reporters on Thursday that he had shared the video because it "reflected my (Christian) beliefs" and that he didn’t view it as hateful. 

"That’s why I posted it originally. When I look back at it, I could see how people can view it that way. And that’s why I was apologetic."

Bass called the video a "distraction" before saying he stood by his "personal beliefs." 

"The video itself, obviously, I took it down," Bass said, according to The Athletic. "I just felt like it was too much of a distraction, right? But I stand by my personal beliefs and everyone’s entitled to their personal beliefs, right? But also I mean no harm toward any groups of people. And I felt like taking that down the second time was the right thing to do and not being a distraction. As a team, our job is to win baseball games. And that’s my focus."

Fox News’ Paulina Dedaj and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Joe Morgan is a Sports Reporter for Fox News.

Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.

You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!

• CBSSports.com
• Fanatics Sportsbook
• CBS Sports Home
• Champions League
• Motor Sports
• High School
• Horse Racing 

Men's Brackets

Women's Brackets

Fantasy Baseball

Fantasy football, football pick'em, college pick'em, fantasy basketball, fantasy hockey, franchise games, 24/7 sports news network.

• CBS Sports Golazo Network
• PGA Tour on CBS
• UEFA Champions League
• UEFA Europa League
• Italian Serie A
• Watch CBS Sports Network
• TV Shows & Listings

The Early Edge

A Daily SportsLine Betting Podcast

With the First Pick

NFL Draft is coming up!

• Podcasts Home
• The First Cut Golf
• Beyond the Arc
• Eye On College Basketball
• NFL Pick Six
• Cover 3 College Football
• Fantasy Football Today
• My Teams Organize / See All Teams Help Account Settings Log Out

Anthony Bass: Becomes free agent

Share video.

Bass was released by the Blue Jays on Thursday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Bass was designated for assignment Friday and will now become a free agent. He struggled to a 4.95 ERA and 1.40 WHIP across 20 innings before losing his roster spot, but he had proven to be a reliable setup man in the prior seasons. As a result, he may get a chance to latch on with another bullpen around the league.

Blue Jays' Anthony Bass: Designated for assignment

Blue jays' anthony bass: having strong spring, blue jays' anthony bass: toronto picking up option, blue jays' anthony bass: packaged to toronto in deal, marlins' anthony bass: blows save, picks up win, marlins' anthony bass: notches 14th hold, our latest fantasy baseball stories.

Sleeper hitters

Scott white • 1 min read.

Week 5 Preview: Sleeper pitchers

Week 5 two-start pitcher rankings

Here's what to watch this weekend

Chris towers • 10 min read.

Prospects: Loperfido making noise

Scott white • 10 min read.

Week 4 Trade Values Chart

Chris towers • 8 min read.

Anthony Bass

• My Quiz Activity
• Newsletters
• Sports Betting
• MY FAVORITES
• Add Sports/Teams
• Arizona Cardinals
• Atlanta Falcons
• Baltimore Ravens
• Buffalo Bills
• Carolina Panthers
• Chicago Bears
• Cincinnati Bengals
• Cleveland Browns
• Dallas Cowboys
• Denver Broncos
• Detroit Lions
• Green Bay Packers
• Houston Texans
• Indianapolis Colts
• Jacksonville Jaguars
• Kansas City Chiefs
• Las Vegas Raiders
• Los Angeles Chargers
• Los Angeles Rams
• Miami Dolphins
• Minnesota Vikings
• New England Patriots
• New Orleans Saints
• New York Jets
• New York Giants
• Philadelphia Eagles
• Pittsburgh Steelers
• San Francisco 49ers
• Seattle Seahawks
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Tennessee Titans
• Washington Commanders
• Arizona Diamondbacks
• Atlanta Braves
• Baltimore Orioles
• Boston Red Sox
• Chicago White Sox
• Chicago Cubs
• Cincinnati Reds
• Cleveland Guardians
• Colorado Rockies
• Detroit Tigers
• Houston Astros
• Kansas City Royals
• Los Angeles Angels
• Los Angeles Dodgers
• Miami Marlins
• Milwaukee Brewers
• Minnesota Twins
• New York Yankees
• New York Mets
• Oakland Athletics
• Philadelphia Phillies
• Pittsburgh Pirates
• San Diego Padres
• San Francisco Giants
• Seattle Mariners
• St. Louis Cardinals
• Tampa Bay Rays
• Texas Rangers
• Toronto Blue Jays
• Washington Nationals
• Atlanta Hawks
• Boston Celtics
• Brooklyn Nets
• Charlotte Hornets
• Chicago Bulls
• Cleveland Cavaliers
• Dallas Mavericks
• Denver Nuggets
• Detroit Pistons
• Golden State Warriors
• Houston Rockets
• Indiana Pacers
• Los Angeles Clippers
• Los Angeles Lakers
• Memphis Grizzlies
• Milwaukee Bucks
• Minnesota Timberwolves
• New Orleans Pelicans
• New York Knicks
• Oklahoma City Thunder
• Orlando Magic
• Philadelphia 76ers
• Phoenix Suns
• Portland Trail Blazers
• Sacramento Kings
• San Antonio Spurs
• Toronto Raptors
• Washington Wizards
• Anaheim Ducks
• Arizona Coyotes
• Boston Bruins
• Buffalo Sabres
• Calgary Flames
• Carolina Hurricanes
• Chicago Blackhawks
• Colorado Avalanche
• Columbus Blue Jackets
• Dallas Stars
• Detroit Red Wings
• Edmonton Oilers
• Florida Panthers
• Los Angeles Kings
• Minnesota Wild
• Montreal Canadiens
• Nashville Predators
• New Jersey Devils
• New York Islanders
• New York Rangers
• Ottawa Senators
• Philadelphia Flyers
• Pittsburgh Penguins
• San Jose Sharks
• Seattle Kraken
• St. Louis Blues
• Tampa Bay Lightning
• Toronto Maple Leafs
• Vancouver Canucks
• Vegas Golden Knights
• Washington Capitals
• Winnipeg Jets
• Entertainment Home
• Lifestyle Home
• More Sports
• YB on Facebook
• YB on Twitter
• YB on Flipboard
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service
• College Basketball
• College Football
• Entertainment
• Formula One
• Horse Racing
• Motor Sports
• Premier League
• Sports Business
• Track and Field
• More Sports ▸

Texas Rangers News

Rangers designate former All-Star infielder for assignment

The Texas Rangers announced on Saturday that they have designated first baseman Jared Walsh for assignment. They are doing so to make room for the activation of Nathaniel Lowe (oblique) from the injured list.

Walsh, 30, was an All-Star with the AL West rival Los Angeles Angels in 2021, hitting .277 with 29 homers and 98 RBIs that year. But his production fell off a cliff in subsequent years, in large part due to lingering neurological issues that Walsh believed may have been related to a bout with COVID-19.

Angels’ Jared Walsh opens up about neurological issues: ‘It’s been hell’ 'Walsh believes that COVID-19 could have played a role in his issues.' https://t.co/pWO42Byc50 — Billy Hanlon (@bhanlon15) May 20, 2023

After missing all but 39 games in 2023 with headaches, insomnia, and other symptoms related to his neurological issues, Walsh recovered to the point of being able to continue his MLB career. Still, Walsh was outrighted off the Angels roster following the 2023 campaign and was not much better after signing with the Rangers either. He hit .226 with one homer, seven RBIs, and 21 strikeouts in 17 games for Texas this season.

Lowe also plays the first base position for the Rangers ( who are slowly getting much healthier ) and was a Gold Glover there last season. That means that Walsh’s services will no longer be needed (though it seems possible that he could still catch on somewhere as a lefty platoon bat).

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

• Marlins place veteran pitcher on IL with shoulder fatigue
• Tigers place veteran third baseman on injured list
• The 'Active MLB strikeout leaders' quiz

Breaking News

Customize your newsletter.

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

• Max Scherzer Ahead Of Schedule, Could Return In Early May
• Rangers Promote Jack Leiter
• Robert Stephenson To Miss 2024 Season With Elbow Injury
• Astros To Activate Justin Verlander On Friday
• Whitey Herzog Passes Away
• Dodgers To Promote Andy Pages
• Hoops Rumors
• Pro Football Rumors
• Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

Orioles Designate Tony Kemp For Assignment

By Steve Adams | April 10, 2024 at 9:12am CDT

The Orioles announced this morning that veteran infielder/outfielder Tony Kemp has been designated for assignment. His spot on the roster will go to the game’s No. 1 overall prospect, Jackson Holliday , whose previously reported promotion to the majors has now been officially announced by the team.

The veteran Kemp only signed with the O’s two weeks ago. He spent spring training with the Reds but was granted his release after he didn’t make the roster. He signed a big league deal with Baltimore on March 26 but went 0-for-10 with a walk and a strikeout in his limited time on Baltimore’s roster.

From 2020-22, the now-32-year-old Kemp was a solid contributor with the A’s. He split time between second base and left field, turning in a .252/.341/.361 slash (105 wRC+). Kemp lacks power but has superlative contact skills and keen plate discipline, evidenced by 12.5% strikeout rate and 10.5% walk rate during that three-year stretch (and by his career 10.1% walk rate and 13.3% strikeout rate).

The 2023 season was one of Kemp’s worst since debuting with the Astros back in 2016, however. He played 124 games with the A’s and picked up 419 plate appearances but mustered only a .209/.303/.304 slash (77 wRC+). Kemp struck out in a career-low 9.5% of his plate appearances and swiped a career-high 15 bases (in 19 attempts), but those silver linings don’t outweigh his broader-reaching struggles at the dish.

In 2247 career plate appearances at the MLB level, Kemp is a .237/.324/.351 hitter. He’s drawn roughly average defensive grades in left field and has typically been an average or better defender at second base, though metrics like Defensive Runs Saved (-9) and Outs Above Average (0) were down on his glovework in last year’s sample of 410 innings at the position.

The Orioles will have a week to trade Kemp, place him on outright waivers or release him. For veterans of this status, a release is most common, though it’s possible a team in need of some infield depth could look at the affordable nature of Kemp’s $1MM contract with the O’s and work out a small trade (likely for cash).

60 Comments

Now we just need to get Urias off this roster and we’ll be ready to roll

He’s playing like his days are numbered.

I feel like he’s playing his way INTO his days being numbered.

I’d wager Hays is the more likely to get DFA’d next now even though he has more cache being the longer-tenured player.

The next guy up from Norfolk would probably be Kjerstad given his unreal stats this year and having gotten his cup of coffee already late last year. Mayo and Norby are both raking in AAA but I figure they’ll be more late summer/fall call-ups.

Urias’ bat is off to a slow start for sure but he’s made some slick defensive plays and some in the clutch (like the force out to home in that one game against PIT).

Hays wouldn’t make it through waivers. There’s no way.

Then trade him for pitching. Kjerstad is too good not to be I. The MLB playing every day.

Oh, I agree…another team would absolutely claim Hays. Then again, Urias would also almost certainly be claimed.

I just think Hays is the more logical fit as the DFA to free up a spot for Kjerstad (and more playing time for Cowser too). Urias is already accustomed to platoon play and bringing solid IF defense.

Hays doesn’t get near DFA territory. He’s coming off a 2.5 WAR season, had a 114 OPS+, and 5 DRS. He’s making $6million this year and still has one more year before free agency. You may see a trade, but I doubt it. He plays excellent defense and has a good bat. It’s April 10. We all need to calm down.

Brother, I assure you…I’m calm. I was just responding to the OP’s comment that Urias is the next on the block. I just don’t see how the stats lead to that conclusion. Urias has been much more productive than Hays on average and is already accustomed to a platoon role.

I just don’t see how Urias would be next on the block except emotionally.

Hays would clear waivers. At 6.3 million no team would bite. They would wait for the Orioles to release him after he cleared waivers and sign him for the minimum. But the Orioles aren’t releasing him.

I don’t think Urías has been more productive than Hays by any metric offensively , unless we’re only considering the 10 games so far in 2024. They’re both incredible defensively.

Hays is 28 to Urías’ 31 and he’s controllable

I don’t think this would even be a conversation if not for more of the prospects are OFers than infielders, save Mayo.

I don’t think either are likely to get DFA’d but Urías would be up first. Mateo can play in the outfield but he’s more of an infield utility player and that makes Urías redundant.

I would think that the likelihood, in order is that

1) Hays short side platoons with Cowser 2) Hays gets traded 3) Hays gets optioned to Norfolk until there’s an OF injury on the big club

CALM DOWN!?.CALM DOWN!? That’s not what we do here!

I don’t think a team at this point is willing to pay him 6m so he might make it, if not, the potential of the young guys is better than his solid but far from spectacular production.

I am acting on behalf of the CLE front office here, and we’d like to send Scott Barlow to BAL in exchange for Hays.

Who plays lf defensively at that level? You need a cf in lf at Camden yards. Only cowser fits that criteria.

I think you’d find a team willing to take on what’s left of the $6.3MM for Hays fairly easily.

I mean cmon guys. We’re talking about a solid OF who has had a few bad weeks. I don’t see anyway that he’s on the roster next season and could play his way into a non tender then, but I think you’d find an interested team at his current price point.

Urías is cheap (cheaper) and controllable too

There’s plenty of smart MLB teams with a need that would take those guys on for no prospect capital if they found their way to waivers.

No way would he clear. 6.3 million for a above average defensive outfield with a little pop and speed? But I agree they aren’t releasing him.

Hays DFA is absolute nonsense.

The Orioles don’t have to DFA Hays. He still has an option. So the Orioles could merely option him to Norfolk if they so desire. Doubt they would do that. If the Orioles were to DFA Hays, which they aren’t, he would clear waivers. 6.3 million salary, no team would take that on, they would just wait for him to be released. But Hays isn’t going anywhere.

Since he has an option, they won’t release him. They don’t need to put him thru waivers. If some one wants him, he comes with his contract.

Hays isn’t going anywhere.

That’s ridiculous. Hays is a proven bat and one of the best defensive outfielders in baseball. Ya all need to relax and not judge a veteran after he’s played 7 games.

Also stop acting like battering a terrible AAA team in Charlotte has anything to do with what guys will do in the majors. Look what happened last night when the Tides faced a real pitching prospect.

All these guys everybody wants to DFA started for a team that won 101 games – but you all want a team with no veterans. Calm down and let Elias do his job.

You should want the best players on your team regardless of age. Kjerstad is elite and needs to play. Why develop all this elite talent if you don’t intend to use it for some slightly above average players?

Hays has an option remaining.

Hays also has 2 options left

I’ll take a wager of any amount that Hays doesn’t get dfa’d

Poor fella. He’ll find a spot somewhere else, but it likely won’t be on a team of Baltimore’s caliber.

Agreed. Kemp seems like a solid dude and I got the sense from the other players’ body language that he’s a good clubhouse presence. I’d figure the O’s knew he’d be tradable given they gave him a guaranteed contract too given he was likely to get DFA’d for one of the O’s IFs that are tearing up AAA.

Also, he got robbed on that one challenge…should have been a hit but I think replay review is hesitant to overturn those because the “was it a double/did the runner score?” aspects are impossible to determine with replay.

Sugarland skeeters?

Seriously if your team doesn’t have a better option than Tony Kemp you’re in trouble.

Maybe the Marlins perhaps.

Drasco, Chris Getz is waving his arms furiously trying to get Mike Elias’ attention… With Moncada out indefinitely, Kemp is a better bench piece than anybody in the minors (assuming they won’t start Montgomery’s clock until after the Super Two cutoff).

I mean, it is still pissing in the wind, but…

@just_thinkin

Question though, are you saying an Urias DFA wouldn’t be nonsense? If so, would you care to elaborate?

For what it’s worth, Urias has actually been much more productive than Hays on average. For a quick stat, Hays has put up about 8.5 bWAR on about 2000 plate appearances where Urias has put up about 7.5bWAR in a little over half as many plate appearances.

Hays is a good, solid player and a veteran presence…but saying Urias should get the DFA first might be a bit of “voting with the heart rather than the head” thinking from what I can see via the stats and positional fit.

I think what a lot of people are missing is that the O’s don’t have many RH bats.

Hays and Urias both provide value for that and the defense. I don’t think Rubinstein is counting coins in the cushion either.

I think Hays may be the more valuable positional fit being a RH OF’er.

Stowers and Kjerstad are both lefties. Other than trying to stick Coby Mayo in a corner OF slot—-there’s not much knocking on the door .

If Urias goes—we have both Norby & Mayo for either 2b or 3B as depth.

Though we would obviously be taking a huge defensive downgrade.

Kemp is an example of a player who I wonder if he has what it takes to get to 10 years service time.

Seems incredibly doubtful since a player has to have 173 days on the active roster for it to equate to a year.

He made that good play yesterday, maybe the Sox works sign him.

(I’m not sure if he’s an actual upgrade, I’m just sick of watching Valdez and Hamilton play defense).

Yeah, he made the Premier Plays of the game, how can you do that to someone that accomplished that?

I think Bloom acquired both and that guy had no clue about defense at all!

Scuffling utility player that’s on the downswing of his career? Minimum salary?

BAH GOD, THAT’S – THAT’S JERRY REINSDORF’S MUSIC!

But he isn’t Cuban.

End of an era

Kemp has been a replacement level player throughout his career, except for the 2021 season when he somehow put up an .800 OPS. For that “production” he’s earned nearly ten million dollars. Not a bad parlay.

He’ll probably catch on somewhere, on his way to being an infield coach.

The amount of positional depth they have is insane. Feels wrong to congratulate a team for tanking all those years, but we’ll see if it pays off eventually.

104 wins last year says it already is paying off. Once they add more pitching, they just feel like a dynasty waiting to happen. I know nothing’s guaranteed..but I can’t remember ever seeing a team with this many young studs in 40 years of watching baseball.

Dynasty is a strong word especially in MLB. Granted, most of those players are under controll for what? 6 years. You either need to get creative like ATL or have the money like a Houston.

I would say the Orioles have proven their rebuild worked already. Winning 101 games and the division in the toughest in baseball points that out pretty well. If they don’t do anything better than that I would bet the reason would be because they didn’t support this team by bringing in outside help to fill in the weak points. They went out and got an ace from the Brewers so good there. They probably need to upgrade 3B and didn’t there.

I certainly wouldn’t predict a dynasty. That’s just setting yourself up for failure. You have to let this play out a lot more.

Braves have done a nice job locking down their young guys but they’re certainly spending a bunch of money.

They’ll be paying lux taxes this year.

See Astros.

Terrible contract for Holliday. WAY underpaid.

If he were a free agent, he’d get at least $100 million.

It is immoral that the Orioles’ greedy owners are keeping all that money that should be going into Holliday’s pocket and that they haven’t yet offered him a deal that he feel accurately reflects his worth.

Takes two to tango. Orioles FO vs Scott Boras. Oof.

Jackson’s signing bonus was 8 plus mil. A record at the time for a high school draftee. Not chump change.

A fraction of his market value

I expect the A’s might come a-callin’ for Kemp as long as he’s willing to work for food – specifically what the vendors have left after the game. And that’s not bad considering the Guardians’ “work for food” contracts provide 3 packs of ramen daily.

Where is that one A’s fan who thought he was the worst player in ML history?

100% he ends back with the A’s

Let’s not get carried away with the DFAs for Urais(GG 2022) and Hays(AS 2023). Both are above average MLB players. They both know they aren’t playing for their jobs, but their next job. Still steel sharpens steel.

I could see numerous teams that could use an outfielder like Hays and a player like Urias who has a gold glove in his resume. In today’s game neither of them have bad contracts. Teams will try to get them for nothing and why not?

Great win for O’s. But wait Jackson didn’t go 4 for 4? Is it harder to hit in the majors? Who knew.

Btw – excited about Jackson – just saying people need to calm down a bit with all the DFA talk.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.

Log in Register

• Feeds by Team
• Commenting Policy
• Privacy Policy

MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

Username or Email Address

Remember Me

Ex-Angels Infielder Claimed By Orioles is Designated for Assignment Again

• Author: Maren Angus-Coombs

In this story:

Former Los Angeles Angels infielder Livan Soto has been going back and forth between the Angels' roster and the Baltimore Orioles' roster for the past couple months.

The Orioles claimed Soto off waivers from the Angels on Feb. 8, and the Angels claimed him 10 days later. He was claimed off waivers by Baltimore again on April 11 but was designated for assignment on Tuesday. Soto has now been designated for assignment four times since the beginning of February.

Baltimore has an infield loaded with young talent. The recent call-up of Jackson Holliday left Triple-A Norfolk with an open middle infield spot for Soto. He still has another option year remaining after this one, so if he can hang onto a 40-man roster spot, he could be a depth piece for the Orioles moving forward.

He made his debut with Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday and finished the day 2-for-4 with a double, home run and two RBIs.

The 24-year-old has slashed .375/.414/.531 in his 71 plate appearances in the big leagues. However, his minor league numbers are a better sample size of what his offensive production is truly like. In 1,505 plate appearances since the start of 2021, he has a combined batting line of .246/.340/.355.

Soto appeared in nine games at Triple-A Salt Lake this year and was 6-for-28 (.214).

Latest Angels News

Angels Miss Out on Free Agent Target to AL West Rival

Angels News: Luis Rengifo Provides Update on Hamstring Injury

Angels Owner Arte Moreno Was Way Off In His Valuation of Potential Shohei Ohtani Contract

Shohei Ohtani’s Interpreter Accused of ‘Massive Theft’ of Former Angels Star’s Funds

Surprise Angels Starter Could Hit Leadoff This Season