So hot you shouldn’t even go near it. The burners are on, the pot is boiling, and the players are signing. The Winter Meetings are in full swing and it’s frankly never been more captivating to watch. The Juan Soto saga kicked things off and from there it’s only gotten busier. We’ll keep the Mets addition of Juan Soto and the Yankees adding Max Fried out of it for now, as those have been covered here on the site and on our social feeds. Instead we’ll talk about some of the other moves and an announcement from the Hall of Fame. Let’s hit the bags!

First Base

Everybody Loves Jordan: At least in Philly they do, for now. The Jordan I’m referring to is closer Jordan Romano, who signed a 1-year $8.5 million dollar deal with the Phillies on Monday. The talented righty was non-tendered by Toronto following an injury shortened 2024 campaign. The former all star closer arrives in the city of brotherly love looking to solve one of the clubs biggest weaknesses, as the “fightin’s” have struggled to lock down the end of games. GM Dave Dombrowski likely just stole a very good solution, as Romano has racked up 105 saves in what amounts to three full years of working the ninth, while pitching to a career 2.90 ERA. Savvy work by the Phils!

Second Base

Flying North for the Winter: That’s what Andres Gimenez and Nick Sandlin are doing following their trade to the Jays Tuesday night! This is a nice bit of business by the Jays, who have been too right handed, unathletic and bad defensively for years now. Adding an infielder who has won back to back gold gloves while stealing 30 bases each of the last two years should help remedy the situation quickly. He’ll put the ball in play a bit more than the rest of their team as well, an added bonus to a lineup that loves to punch out. Sandlin should help their bullpen too, as he has pitched to a career 3.75 ERA out of the pen with 223 career K’s in 195 innings pitched. Toronto still has work to do but this is a nice start to their offseason.

Third Base

Whataburger on Line 1: For those unaware I’m referring to both Marlins infielder Jake Burger and popular Dallas/Fort Worth Burger chain Whataburger. Why you ask? Because the Marlins dealt the big slugger to the Rangers late Tuesday night in exchange for three prospects. The big slugger is coming off an impressive 2024 season, one in which he hit .250, with 29 homers and 76 RBI’s. While defense isn’t his strong suit, he hits enough to stay in the lineup while staying ready to audition for the part of Clu Haywood in a Major League reboot. As for the Whatburger…I’m sensing an endorsement possibility here Jake!

Home Plate

Sevy Goes to Sacramento: Luis Severino signing with the Athletics was not a move I had on my bingo card. The 30-year old is coming off a solid season in Queens where he went 11-7 with a 3.91 ERA. He parlayed that success into a 3-year old $67 million dollar contract…the richest in A’s franchise history. When you think about the players that were on the A’s over the years, it’s hard to imagine someone not getting more earlier than this. Nonetheless it’s nice to see the A’s spending a buck as the offseason gets going.

Extra Inning

Rest in Peace Rocky: The baseball world was saddened to learn of the loss of another hero of the game. That hero is Cleveland baseball legend Rocky Colavito who passed at the age of 91 on Tuesday night. Colavito was a nine time All Star in 14 major league seasons from 1955 to 1968, and hit 374 home runs in his career. He’s beloved in Cleveland for his contributions to the Indians franchise back in their original hey day. I had the privilege of listening to Rocky on the fabulous Lost Ballparks Podcast as he recalled his career, and I can’t recommend it enough! Check it out sometime wherever you get your podcasts!

The Walkoff

The Baseball Hall of Fame has two new members, both of whom waited for too long to receive the call! Dave “The Cobra” Parker and Dick Allen were voted in via the classic era ballot on Sunday as the game will finally pay respect to their careers. Both were incredible offensive players as you’re about to learn below!

Parker had all five tools as a major league outfielder. The big right fielder hit 339 homers, with 1,493 RBI’s and a .290 career average in 19 seasons. He was the NL MVP in 1978 and helped the “we are family” Pirates win it all in 1979 while making seven all star teams. While he was well before my time, I love to watch his highlights as he was a rare kind of athlete, one that have dominated in any era! Welcome to the hall Dave!

Joining Parker for this induction will be 60’s and 70’s slugger Dick Allen! Allen played 15 seasons, mostly for the Phillies and White Sox and put up some great numbers on bad teams. He won AL MVP in 1972, helping to carry White Sox to contention and made the all star team 6 times. Much like Parker, Allen is well before my time, but on his numbers alone he should have gotten in a long time ago. His career mark of 351 homers with 1,119 RBI’s and a .292 batting average. Allen passed in 2020 and Parker’s health is sadly deteriorating as well, as he has dealt with Parkinson’s since 2013, but it will be great to see them celebrated by the baseball world on induction day!

On Twitter you can find Mike @Mike_Sheerin, Tyler @TMon_19 and Sean @SeanMartinNFL. Subscribe to the site by hitting the follow button in the bottom right corner and entering your email address. Check out our Instagram feed @thebroadwaybreakdownsports for special gameday and promotional content. Our podcasts are available on Spotify. Visit the Rangers Ed Shop by clicking the link on our homepage. Check out our mailbag page to join the conversation here on the site and on our partners show, The Rangers Ed Podcast! We’ll be back with more soon!