Well I didn’t think we’d have two editions of ATR this week, but the stove is basically a five alarm fire right now. There are moves, moves, and more moves. Which is really good for the game all the way around, as it adds intrigue in the winter of discontent us baseball fans have to live through. Now let’s go around the horn, maybe we’ll turn two along the way!

First Base

Sox for Christmas: Socks have never been anyone’s favorite Christmas gift…but maybe Garrett Crochet is a fan of them after this trade. After years on the Southside of Chicago the fireballing lefty takes his talents to Fenway Park as the Boston front office seems to care for the first time in years. For the Red Sox, this is a big get for a rotation that isn’t loaded with quality arms, so Crochet’s addition plus other rumored targets could elevate this group. Meanwhile for Chicago, this is the kind of haul they have needed to reset their organization. The four prospects headed their way are highly ranked and if even just one hits and becomes a cornerstone piece, the deal will be worth it. This feels like a potential “win win” in the making.

Second Base

Wear Some Flowers in Your Hair: At least that is the advice Scott McKenzie would give Willy Adames. The shortstop was actually the first domino to fall this offseason, as he signed with the Giants for 7-years and $182 million. San Francisco has tried for years to land big time additions and while Adames doesn’t quite match the profile of a Judge or Soto or Ohtani, he’s a great get. The Giants were at their best when they had a great fundamental team that played with some edge. Adames checks both boxes and should be a fan favorite in the Bay Area. Now if only they could get him some help.

Third Base

Nate the Great Stays Put: We’ve talked a lot about guys switching teams so far this offseason, but sometimes staying put is for the best. At least for Nate Eovaldi it is, he re-upped with the Rangers to stay put for 2025! The 34-year old is coming off one of his best years yet in the league and didn’t want to mess with success as he signed a 3-year 75 million dollar deal. As the Rangers hope for a better campaign in 25, this an important move along with the trade for slugger Jake Burger! Keep an eye on Texas to bounce back in a big way.

Home Plate

Hey, Chicago, what do you Say?: Ya gotta learn the words when you get dealt to the Northside! Hopefully Kyle Tucker brings his pipes with his bat and glove, because this blockbuster trade will have the fans singing the classic tune a lot. The Cubs have swooped in almost out of nowhere and acquired the star outfielder from the Astros for a minimal return. In seven seasons Tucker has become one of the games premiere outfielders with a good glove and the ability to hit to all fields. He’s an RBI machine, and it’s frankly stunning he was available to begin with. The Cubs likely aren’t done dealing but this is a huge move as they try to make a return to the postseason. It’s hard to understand what Houston is doing here, but perhaps their true intentions will reveal themselves soon. In the meantime…cue the music!

Extra Inning

Oh Captain, My Captain: We usually don’t include the New York locals in this series, as we cover them plenty on the site and our social feeds. But, this story was too cool to pass up, the Mets announced Friday that they will retire David Wright’s number five this season. The former captain and fan favorite will take his rightful place alongside legends like Seaver, Gooden and Strawberry on July 19th. Mets fans were already having a great week with the Soto deal, but this puts it over the top.

The Walkoff

Let’s end on a celebratory note, as one of the most prestigious awards in all of baseball was given out this week. The Ford C. Frick Award, named for the former writer, broadcaster and league commissioner, is given out by the Baseball Hall of Fame to celebrate broadcasting contributions to the game. This year’s recipient is the longtime voice of baseball in Cleveland, Tom Hamilton. “Hammy” started his time with the Indians in 1990 has been there to document what is probably the best era of Cleveland baseball. He’s documented the careers of Hall of Famers and cult heroes alike from the booth at old Municipal Stadium and “The Jake.” Very few are as deserving as Hamilton and I look forward to his speech in Cooperstown!

From clutch Manny homers in the 90’s…

To Rajai Davis tying game 7…

And Jose knocking out Tim Anderson, Hamilton has been there for it all in Cleveland!

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!