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The 162-game MLB season is always a thrill, filled with action-packed memories and greatness. Although we’re still in Spring Training, we’ll look ahead at the 2024 offseason. For the Colorado Rockies, a few players are getting up in age and will hit free agency, but they have been a key part of the success of this franchise. While retirement could be possible for two of the four players mentioned, they could always try to sign with the Rockies or elsewhere for one final ride. Colorado has a grueling season ahead of them, even with their new streaming platform. They’ll be looking to make the most out of every opportunity during the 2024 season. Hopefully, they will, plus these four 2024 free agents will sign back with the Rockies.
Four Rockies Hitting Free Agency in 2024
Daniel Bard (Relief Pitcher)
During the 2022 season, 38-year-old relief pitcher Daniel Bard signed a two-year extension with the Rockies. He’ll turn 39 in June and is looking to make the most out of the 2024 season, as it could be his last pro year if he decides to hang it up. Last season, Bard posted a 4-2 record through 50 appearances on the mound. Through 49 innings, he had a 4.56 ERA with 47 strikeouts. In 2022, he recorded a solid 1.79 ERA with 34 saves through 57 games.
Charlie Blackmon (Outfielder/Designated Hitter)
Before last season ended, the great Charlie Blackmon signed a one-year extension with Colorado. 2024 will be Blackmon’s 14th season with the Rockies. The 37-year-old only played 95 games during the 2023 season, partially due to injury. When healthy, Charlie is one of the most influential cornerstone pieces for this Rockies organization. His impact at the plate, or in the field, has been tremendous since his MLB debut in 2011. He’ll turn 38 in July. If this season doesn’t go as planned for the four-time all-star, we might see his fabulous career come to a close, but if he stays healthy and helps the Rockies compete for a possible playoff spot, we might see more of Charlie Blackmon in the near future.
Dakota Hudson (Starting Pitcher)
The former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher has dealt with a tough couple of seasons. A few seasons ago, in 2020, Dakota Hudson underwent Tommy John surgery. Last season, the Cardinals opted the 29-year-old to Triple-A. The move was to improve Dakota’s velocity. He became a free agent at the end of the 2023 season, and in January, he agreed to a one-year deal with the Rockies. Hudson posted a 6-3 record through 12 starts and 18 appearances on the mound in 2023. In about 81 innings, he almost posted a five ERA with just 45 strikeouts. Dakota has not appeared in any of the Rockies’ seven Spring Training games, but hopefully, we’ll see what he has to bring to the table in 2024.
Elías Díaz (Catcher)
During the 2021 offseason, Díaz signed a three-year deal with Colorado. The 33-year-old was named an all-star and hit the game-winning home run to be named the 2023 All-Star Game MVP. Rockies catcher Elías Díaz has a promising 2024 season ahead of him. It’s most likely that if he puts up numbers and becomes an all-star for the second straight year, the Rockies will most certainly try to sign him back with a big deal. In 141 games, Elías smashed 130 hits, 14 home runs with 72 runs batted in, and a .267 batting average during the 2023 season. He’s capable of repeating these numbers. Last season, he surpassed his season-high in hits by over 50 base hits! In three Spring Training games, he’s gone one for four with a home run, two runs batted in, and two strikeouts.
More must-reads:
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Paul Skenes continues home dominance in Pirates' shutout
Paul Skenes tossed six shutout innings and struck out eight to lead the host Pittsburgh Pirates to a 7-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night. Despite allowing a career-high seven hits (five singles), Skenes (7-8) delivered another dominant performance to bolster his case for the National League Cy Young Award. Skenes also beat the Reds for the fourth time in four starts in his career and first time this season. Jared Triolo and Henry Davis each had two hits and two RBIs to give Skenes more than enough of a cushion to secure a win for the third time in his past four starts. It was Skenes' third consecutive start with eight or more strikeouts. It was also the Pirates' fifth shutout of the season in a Skenes start and their 14th overall shutout. It was the Reds' 10th shutout loss. Skenes lowered his major-league best ERA to 1.94 and continues to be exceptionally good at PNC Park, where he has not allowed an earned run since June 3. Bryan Reynolds, who also had two hits, homered in the first inning off Reds' starter Brady Singer (9-9), who lasted only 3 2/3 innings and gave up four runs on six hits, walked four and struck out two. Reynolds' home run came with two outs. Singer proceeded to issue three consecutive walks to Oneil Cruz, Andrew McCutchen and Jack Suwinski to load the bases, setting up a two-run single by Triolo, which gave the Pirates a 3-0 lead. Cruz and Spencer Horwitz each had an RBI and Davis belted a two-run home run off Reds reliever Brent Suter in the bottom of the seventh. Gavin Lux had three hits, and TJ Friedl and Matt McLain each had two hits to lead Cincinnati offensively. But the Reds went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position and left eight runners on base. McLain and Elly De La Cruz hit back-to-back singles off Skenes with one out in the first. But Austin Hays grounded into an inning-ending double play to end the threat. -Field Level Media
Gap between star WR Terry McLaurin, Commanders revealed
As of Thursday morning, the Washington Commanders and Terry McLaurin remained in a contract stalemate after the 29-year-old wide receiver in the final year of his current deal requested a trade. During Thursday's edition of the ESPN "Get Up" program, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler noted that the Commanders and McLaurin are locked in "a classic standoff" as McLaurin allegedly looks to secure "parts" of the five-year, $150M deal that the Pittsburgh Steelers gave DK Metcalf this past March. "They have been far apart," Fowler said about the negotiations between the Commanders and McLaurin, as shared by Joseph Zucker of Bleacher Report. "...[McLaurin] has wanted metrics of the DK Metcalf contract, which is $32M. I'm told the Washington Commanders have only been slightly above where he was before, which is $23M. So take that gap, that's $7M to 8M that they have to bridge." Fowler added that Washington "has got some calls about McLaurin" this summer because "there's some interest league-wide" in learning whether or not the wideout could become available. For what it's worth, numerous reporters have said since McLaurin went public with his trade request that he likely won't go anywhere before Washington opens the season with a home game against the New York Giants on Sept. 7. ESPN's John Keim mentioned that Washington's joint practice with the New England Patriots on Wednesday showed that the Commanders "need McLaurin back on the field" as soon as possible. That's understandable, as McLaurin recorded team highs of 117 targets, 82 receptions and 1,096 receiving yards to help quarterback Jayden Daniels become the Offensive Rookie of the Year for the 2024 season. Additionally, McLaurin finished the 2024 campaign ranked second in the entire NFL with 13 touchdown catches. As of Thursday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook continued to list a Washington team coming off a trip to this year's NFC Championship Game sixth among the betting favorites at +1800 odds to win Super Bowl LX. Perhaps Wednesday's joint practice will spark more positive conversations between McLaurin's camp and the Commanders that will result in the playmaker rejoining summer practices as soon as early next week.
Observations from the Seattle Seahawks Press Box After 23-23 Raiders Tie
HENDERSON, Nev.—The Las Vegas Raiders came to Seattle tonight to battle the Seahawks and left with an unimpressive 23-23 tie. Our latest Las Vegas Raiders Insider Podcast offers our thoughts and observations from the first preseason game of the 2025 season for the Silver and Black tonight versus the Seattle Seahawks. You can watch the entire podcast below: Pete Carroll came back to the place he called home for many years today, and while reverent and respectful of the Seahawks and the fans, he didn’t hide his jubilation at being the coach of the Raiders. After the game today, Carroll spoke to the media about the preseason tie. We have a partial transcript of what Carroll said below. HEAD COACH PETE CARROLL Give us your overall impressions. I know you haven't seen the film. PETE CARROLL: I've seen the film. Got that done just now. Have everything in this steel trap right now. Well, we started really poorly. We had a really hard time. The official got us five times that we assessed penalties, other ones they let us go. Miserable looking first quarter. We kind of hung in the game as far as trying to win the game. We didn't run the ball very well in the first half. We didn't do very much of anything very well. But we stayed close. It was the opportunity for us to face that up and then come on back and see what you can do in the second half to finish the game. It was a marvelous second half for our guys as a team. We did so many cool things that we weren't able to do. We ran the ball better. We protected the quarterback better. The quarterbacks made their throws, guys made their catches and gave us a chance to win the football game on the last play of the game. That's kind of all we can hope for. Bud Grant taught me that a long time ago. So winds up being a tie. Too bad. I thought Treven (Ma’ae) had two huge plays in the game. The big sack, but also he blocked a kick. Said he never blocked a kick in his life. Welcome to the NFL. Cam (Miller) and Shed (Shedrick Jackson) with his touchdown catch, gorgeous play. Our ability to keep coming back, keep coming back. The sidelines were electric. The guys understood what we were talking about. It just takes one play at the end if you can get it done. We got a chance to feel that. The most important thing that is we take that forward, that we know we ain't never done, it ain't ever over. We're going to keep hanging until we get a chance to win the game. Q. Any update on Alex Bachman? PETE CARROLL: He is fine. He's had an ankle that's bothered him. He just wrenched it a bit and came back. He played after that. He's okay. Q. (On the run defense)... PETE CARROLL: We made some really glaring errors. We made errors. Couple times when we were pressuring, we just didn't hit stuff clean enough. But as the game went on, we played way better. I thought they did a nice job running the football. I thought that was a really obvious part of their game. In the end we need to do better. Q. Cam Miller gets in there for the first time, a couple scoring drives. Getting thrown into the fire the way he did, your thoughts? PETE CARROLL: We knew he would get the chance in the fourth quarter to do this. He did a terrific job. I'm so proud of him for hanging in there through all the situations. If you remember, it was almost like the mock game. Almost like that game. He kind of did the same thing there, too. Really credit to him, the guys that made the catches. We'd appreciate it if you would follow us on X @HondoCarpenter and IG @HondoSr , and let’s talk about the Silver and Black’s training camp and Pete Carroll’s comments.
Palworld Studio Adds Another 'Exciting Game' to Its Growing List of Hits
Palworld Studio’s publishing division seems to have a knack for grabbing attention lately, and they’re not slowing down. The studio behind the highly anticipated monster-collecting survival game Palworld just announced they’ve signed yet another “very exciting game” to their lineup. And yes, we’re all ears—though we’re still trying to figure out how they balance releasing one banger after another without breaking a sweat. Their latest announcement follows hot on the heels of their impressive work backing a new horror game featuring talent tied to Baldur’s Gate 3 and Final Fantasy. It seems their publishing arm is becoming the go-to for delivering games that make players pause their beloved playthroughs and say, “Alright, fine, take my money.” What’s next, world domination? At this rate, we wouldn’t be surprised. Palworld’s Publishing Momentum is Unstoppable It’s no secret that Palworld itself has been a major talking point in the gaming sphere. This isn’t just your average monster-collecting game; it’s a delightfully chaotic mashup of Pokémon-like creature taming mixed with dystopian survival elements. And yes, you can wield guns while standing alongside your adorable (and potentially exploitable) pals. If that doesn’t scream absurd fun, what does? But what’s intriguing about Palworld Studio is how their publishing arm continues to expand with titles that don’t just ride on the coattails of Palworld’s buzz. Instead, they’re curating a diverse collection of innovative games that somehow scream “this is worth your time” even before you hit the download button. It’s becoming apparent that they’ve tapped into something most publishers can only dream of. From Horror to Hopeful Anticipation The recent horror game they helped bring to life is evidence of Palworld’s ability to pick winners. Featuring developers with experience on mammoth titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Final Fantasy, this game blurred the line between spine-tingling chills and jaw-dropping visuals. The kind of game that makes you want to leave the lights on, but also keeps you glued to the screen. This success wasn’t just a one-off. It proved that their publishing arm isn’t about quantity for the sake of it, but about finding games with real potential to connect with audiences. And now, with the news of their next “exciting game” signing, the studio is making it clear they’re not just a one-hit (Palworld) wonder. What Makes Palworld Studio Unique? What’s refreshing about the Studio is that they’re building a reputation not only for their own creations but also for their keen eye as a publisher. They’re choosing projects that feel distinct, well-crafted, and most importantly, fun. This combination of bold decision-making and a knack for gaming trends is likely why they’ve been so successful in catching the attention of hardcore gamers and casual players alike. While some publishers flood the market with games that feel like clones of one another, Palworld seems laser-focused on quality and originality. Whether it’s through survival horror or creature-collecting madness, they’re ensuring that each game they touch carves its own identity in the vast gaming landscape. What’s the Mystery Game? Of course, the identity of their latest “very exciting game” is still under wraps, and we’re left to speculate (read “obsessively refresh the news feed”) about what it could be. Is it another survival title? A new RPG with mind-blowing mechanics? Or perhaps something totally out of left field? The one thing we do know is that Palworld Studio has already proven its ability to deliver. Their track record alone is enough to keep gamers invested, and whatever this new project is, expectations are sky-high. No pressure, right? What Does the Future Hold for Palworld Studio? With Palworld still riding a tidal wave of hype and their publishing portfolio growing stronger with every announcement, it’s safe to say Palworld Studio has carved a spot for themselves as a major player in the industry. And if their next project lands as well as their previous efforts, they might just redefine everyone’s expectations for what a modern game studio and publisher can achieve. While we wait (impatiently) for their sensational mystery game to be revealed, all eyes are on Palworld. Will their unique blend of chaos and charm live up to the hype when it eventually drops? Judging by their track record, we’re willing to bet on it. Why Palworld Should Be On Your Radar If you haven’t been following the studio’s meteoric rise, you’re missing out. Whether it’s their quirky and ambitious Palworld or their growing list of well-crafted published games, everything this studio touches seems to turn into a hit. And with their latest announcement promising yet another gem on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to keep Palworld Studio on your radar (and your wishlist). Stay tuned, because if one thing’s clear about Palworld Studio, it’s that they’re just getting started.
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