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Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner gave a heartfelt response when asked if he could say one thing to Leafs Nation.
It's a big year for Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner. After dealing with trade rumours almost all summer, Marner returns to Toronto for his ninth season in the National Hockey League, but this one may stand out more than his previous eight.
Next summer, Marner is set to become an unrestricted free agent and despite becoming eligible to sign an extension back in July, the 27-year-old remains without a contract after this season. Marner doesn't seem too worried about anything off the ice and has his full focus on the 2024-25 season, telling the media last week that he doesn't want to talk about his contract status at this time.
During a recent interview with Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, Mitch Marner gave a very meaningful response when asked if he could say one thing to Leafs nation. Marner told Friedman that he's very fortunate to be a Toronto Maple Leaf, adding that all the love he gets in the community is 'one-of-a-kind'.
'I mean, just thank you. I think, at some point, people probably thought drafting me was a bit of a reach, with my size and all that, and not knowing anyone's early future with any team. Looking back, it's still funny. My wife and I always talk about how crazy it is that we're heading into our ninth year in Toronto.' Marner said.He added, 'Every year brings a new challenge and a new blessing, and I'm fortunate for it all. The love you get outside the rink, around the community, is one-of-a-kind. I get to see it firsthand at my charity events in the summers, and even just walking around the city. I'm very grateful and fortunate to be a Maple Leaf.'
Marner appeared in his first preseason game of the year on Sunday night as the Maple Leafs fell to the Ottawa Senators in overtime. The Markham native finished the game with one assist, two shots on goal.
We'll have to wait and see what the 2024-25 season has in store for Mitch Marner and if the Toronto Maple Leafs and his camp, led by Darren Ferris, are able to get a deal done before he hits the open market next summer on Canada Day.
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Mariners' Cal Raleigh makes history with 40th home run
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh clubbed his 40th home run of the season on Saturday night against the Los Angeles Angels, not only extending his major league lead but also making him the first player in baseball to reach the 40-home run mark this season. It also helped him make some history. With his 40th home run, Raleigh became both the first catcher and the first switch-hitter in baseball history to reach the 40 home run mark before the end of July. Here is a look at his 40th home run. He is already in the process of having one of the best seasons ever for a Mariners player, and also one of the best seasons ever for a catcher, for any team. Especially when you add in his defense, where he is one of the best defensive catchers in the league. His only serious competition for the American League MVP Award remains New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge. But with Judge sidelined for some time now due to an elbow injury, it might open the door for Raleigh to put himself in the lead for that award.
Royals acquire outfield help in perplexing trade with Diamondbacks
The Kansas City Royals were hoping to bolster their outfield ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. They were able to do just that in a trade on Saturday. Steve Gilbert from MLB.com reported that the Royals have acquired outfielder Randal Grichuk from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Mark Feinsand from MLB.com reported that relief pitcher Andrew Hoffman will head to Arizona in exchange for Grichuk. The Royals desperately needed help in their outfield. Royals outfielders had been the worst in the majors, posting an atrocious .219/.273/.328 batting line with just 19 home runs entering Saturday's action. Although Grichuk is in the midst of a disappointing season himself, he is an immediate upgrade over whatever the Royals have sent into the outfield. Grichuk had posted a .243/.280/.462 batting line in 186 plate appearances entering Saturday, hitting seven homers and 15 doubles. In exchange, the Diamondbacks receive Hoffman, who FanGraphs ranked as the Royals' 22nd-best prospect entering the season. His upper-90s fastball and new kick change are both considered plus offerings, although his ability to command his arsenal is questionable at best. Hoffman's potential and flaws were evident this season. He made his major league debut for the Royals, allowing six runs, two earned, on seven hits and four walks over 4.2 innings, striking out five. However, Hoffman had dominated at Triple-A, posting a 3.60 ERA and a 1.125 WHiP over his 40 innings, striking out 55 batters with just 10 walks. He is another intriguing addition for a Diamondbacks team that has prioritized pitching in their two trades thus far. The same upside does not exist for the Royals. Kansas City had the same record as the Diamondbacks entering the second game of their doubleheader against the Guardians. Grichuk signed a one-year contract with $5 million guaranteed for 2025. There is a mutual option worth $5 million, with a $3 million buyout, for 2026. Theoretically, Grichuk could be part of the Royals' plans next season. However, mutual options are rarely picked up. As the Royals are currently under .500 and need to pass four teams in the standings to seize the final wild-card spot, adding a rental option does not make sense. It is possible that both sides can work out an arrangement for 2026, but unless that happens, the Royals' latest move is questionable at best.
Red Sox Dream Target Reportedly Just Hit Trade Block
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