Hope in Beantown

[OmahaBaseball]

Santana’s Breakout Season Earns Eastern League MVP Honors

Cristian Santana may have had less experience than most of his Eastern League peers, but that did little to slow him down in 2024. The 20-year-old shortstop for the Erie SeaWolves was named the Eastern League’s Most Valuable Player after putting together one of the league’s most productive seasons. Santana hit .298 with a .340 on-base percentage, appearing in 135 games and collecting 167 hits. His power and run production stood out as he totaled 29 doubles, eight triples, 34 home runs, 110 RBI and 82 runs scored.

Santana received five first-place votes and finished with 128 total points to secure the award. Teammate Jackson Jobe finished second in the voting with six first-place votes and 104 points, while Bladimir Restituyo of the Hartford Yard Goats placed third with 88 points. The complete voting results are as follows:

   Player                    Team                 1st Place    Total Pts

Cristian Santana	Erie Seawolves		      5		  128
Jackson Jobe 		Erie Seawolves		      6 	  104
Bladimir Restituyo 	Hartford Yard Goats	      0 	   88
Matthew Lugo 		Portland Sea Dogs	      1 	   81
Mac Horvath 		Bowie Baysox 		      0 	   67
Christopher Familia	Somerset Patriots	      0 	   62
Jud Fabian 		Bowie Baysox 		      0 	   48
Victor Bericoto 	Richmond Flying Squirrels     0 	   40
Matt Gorski 		Altoona Curve		      0 	   34
Brady House 		Harrisburg Senators	      0 	   22
Termarr Johnson 	Altoona Curve		      0 	   20
George Valera 		Altoona Curve		      0 	   12
Joe Perez 		Altoona Curve		      0 	    2

[OmahaBaseball]

Boston Claims Contreras Off Waivers

The Boston Red Sox have added right-handed pitcher Roansy Contreras after successfully claiming him off the Major League Baseball waiver wire. The Office of the Commissioner informed the organization that its claim on Contreras, who had been designated for assignment by the Pittsburgh Pirates, was approved earlier today.

With the move, Contreras is now officially a member of the club and is fully expected to slot into the bullpen. Contreras, 25, brings major league experience to the pitching staff after spending parts of several seasons with Pittsburgh. During the 2024 regular season, Contreras posted a 1-1 record with a 1.98 ERA in 36.1 innings of work that generated 0.5 WAR in 19 total game appearances.

[OmahaBaseball]

2024 MLB Playoffs - Division Series

The 2024 MLB Playoffs continue ahead, as teams now begin the Division Series round. In the American League, the Boston Red Sox travel to take on the New York Yankees, while the Houston Astros welcome the visiting Baltimore Orioles. In the National League, the Milwaukee Brewers will host the San Diego Padres, while the Atlanta Braves square off against the Philadelphia Phillies in the City of Brotherly Love.

[OmahaBaseball]

Red Sox Take Control Early in ALDS with 7–1 Victory Over Yankees

New York City, NY — The Boston Red Sox delivered a statement in the opener of the American League Division Series on Saturday night, rolling past the New York Yankees 7–1 at Yankee Stadium to take a 1–0 lead in the best-of-five matchup. Boston scored in five different innings and backed the offense with overpowering pitching in front of a sellout crowd of 52,915 that went home disappointed.

Right-hander Tanner Houck (2-0) was the difference from the start, carving through the Yankees lineup for eight innings. Houck scattered five hits, walked three, and struck out seven, allowing only a sixth-inning run; Game Score 72. He threw 112 pitches and kept New York off balance with command on both sides of the plate, earning the win and Player of the Game honors. Reliever Justin Slaten closed it out with a scoreless ninth.

Boston’s offense broke through in the fourth inning and never looked back. Rafael Devers powered the attack, going 2 for 5 with a two-run homer in the fifth that pushed the lead to 3–0. Masataka Yoshida had a standout night at the plate, collecting four hits and two doubles, while Triston Casas and Jarren Duran each drove in a run. The Red Sox piled up 12 hits and consistently pressured Yankees ace Gerrit Cole (0-1), who was charged with seven runs (six earned) over eight innings while striking out 8 and walking 1; Game Score 43.

The Yankees struggled to generate sustained offense, finishing with just five hits. Juan Soto drove in New York’s only run, while Anthony Judge and DJ LeMahieu each singled but were largely neutralized as Boston turned timely double plays and stranded runners in key spots. Game 2 of the series is scheduled for Sunday night at Yankee Stadium.

Player of the Game: Tanner Houck (Season: #14)

American League Division Series Round: Leads 1-0

[OmahaBaseball]

Cortes, Yankees Silence Red Sox to Even ALDS at 1–1

New York City, NY — Behind a masterful outing from left-hander Nestor Cortes and just enough power in the middle innings, the New York Yankees clipped the Boston Red Sox, 2–1, on Sunday night at Yankee Stadium to square their American League Division Series at one game apiece.

Cortes (1-0) was in complete control, holding Boston to two hits over 7 1/3 innings while striking out seven and walking two; Game Score 77. Mixing his fastball and cutter effectively, Cortes repeatedly disrupted the Red Sox’ timing and stranded potential rallies before they could develop. He threw 96 pitches and exited to a standing ovation after retiring the side in the eighth.

The Yankees’ offense came in a decisive burst in the fourth inning. Jasson Domínguez opened the scoring with a solo home run to right field, and Aaron Judge followed moments later with a towering drive of his own, giving New York a 2–0 lead. The back-to-back shots accounted for all three Yankee hits on the night, but proved enough in a tightly played postseason game.

Boston starter Kutter Crawford (1-1) matched Cortes for much of the evening, pitching 7 2/3 innings and allowing only three hits and two runs while walking five; Game Score 65. Despite the solid effort, the Red Sox offense never found its footing, striking out 10 times and managing only a single run in the eighth inning when Marcelo Mayer drove in Triston Casas with a base hit.

Closer Clay Holmes (SV 1) finished the job for New York, striking out three over the final 1 2/3 innings to earn the save. The game was played before a crowd of 53,109 on a cool, partly cloudy night in the Bronx. With the win, the Yankees even the best-of-five series, which now shifts to Fenway Park for Game 3 on Tuesday as the rivalry renews on Boston’s home field.

Player of the Game: Nestor Cortes

American League Division Series Round: Tied 1-1

[OmahaBaseball]

Phillies Reach Contract Extension with Marsh

Philadelphia, PA — The Philadelphia Phillies announced that they had reached terms on a 5-year contract extension with promising outfielder Brandon Marsh. In a deal that sees the fan favorite receiving a total of $46.7M that will carry him through the 2029 season, Marsh was very appreciative of the Phillies front-office staff making the extension possible.

Marsh, a key part of the Phillies’ outfield mix since being acquired from the Los Angeles Angels in 2022, has shown above-average defense and offensive versatility. Despite a challenging start to the 2024 season, he rebounded to finish the year with solid production (.244/.344/.391; 3.4 WAR) and will continue to be in the team’s plans as they navigate a competitive National League East landscape.

2025	Age 27	 $2,880,000
2026	Age 28	 $6,700,000
2027	Age 29	$10,500,000
2028	Age 30	$13,300,000
2029	Age 31	$13,300,000

Promised Role:	Starting Lineup

[OmahaBaseball]

Red Sox Take Command with Game 3 Win Over Yankees

Boston, MA — The Boston Red Sox moved within one victory of the American League Championship Series on Tuesday night, defeating the New York Yankees 9–6 in Game 3 of their Division Series at Fenway Park to take a 2–1 lead in the best-of-five matchup.

Boston erased an early deficit and seized control with a decisive four-run rally in the sixth inning. Jarren Duran delivered the biggest blow, lining a two-run single to right with runners in scoring position, turning a close game into an 8–4 Red Sox advantage. Rafael Devers anchored the offense all night, collecting four hits in five at-bats and scoring twice as Boston finished with 14 hits against three Yankees pitchers.

The Yankees relied on power to stay in contention, getting home runs from Aaron Judge, Trent Grisham, Jose Trevino, and Anthony Volpe, but defensive miscues and missed opportunities proved costly. New York committed two errors and left several runners on base in key moments. Starter Carlos Rodon (0-1) was tagged with the loss after allowing 5 runs (4 earned) in 4 1/3 innings of play; Game Score 33.

Boston starter Jack Flaherty (1-0) earned the win, striking out 10 over six innings despite allowing five runs; Game Score 46. The Red Sox bullpen limited further damage, and Liam Hendriks (SV 1) recorded the final out to seal the victory. Game 4 is set for Wednesday night at Fenway Park, where Boston will look to close out the series and advance to the ALCS.

Player of the Game: Rafael Devers (Season: #10)

American League Division Series Round: Leads 2-1

[OmahaBaseball]

Red Sox Eliminate Yankees, Advance to ALCS

Boston, MA — The Red Sox earned a hard-fought 2–1 win over the New York Yankees on Wednesday night at Fenway Park, closing out the American League Division Series, three games to one, in front of a rain-soaked crowd of 36,793.

After three scoreless innings, Boston struck first in the bottom of the third. Marcelo Mayer opened the rally with a double and later came home on Jarren Duran’s two-out single, with another run scoring on aggressive baserunning to give the Red Sox a 2–0 edge. The Yankees answered in the fourth when DJ LeMahieu drove in a run with a double, but New York was unable to capitalize further, stranding several runners.

Red Sox right-hander Logan Gilbert (1-0) was dominant, working eight innings while allowing one run on four hits and striking out eight without issuing a walk; Game Score 78. He consistently kept the Yankees off balance and was named Player of the Game. Closer Liam Hendriks (SV 2) handled the ninth inning calmly to record his second save of the postseason. Yankee starter Chase Hampton (0-1) was saddled with the loss after permitting 2 earned runs on 6 hits and 4 walks in 6 innings of work; Game Score 53.

Masataka Yoshida, named series MVP, continued his strong postseason with a key hit and steady presence in the middle of the lineup, finishing the series with a .444 batting average. With the victory, Boston moves on to face the Houston Astros in the American League Championship Series, which opens October 13.

Player of the Game: Logan Gilbert (Season: #5)

American League Division Series Round: Wins 3-1
American League Division Series MVP: Masataka Yoshida

[OmahaBaseball]

The Championship Series round is here, and there is some surprise with the final four participating teams. While it was expected that the Houston Astros would make a serious run in the playoffs, the Boston Red Sox were not expected to be here. In the National League, both of the favorites were bounced from the race, and now fans are able to enjoy the unexpected series between the Atlanta Braves and the San Diego Padres.

[OmahaBaseball]

Red Sox Rally Late to Take ALCS Opener

Houston, TX — In a back-and-forth opener that set the tone for the series, the Boston Red Sox outlasted the Houston Astros, 7–6, in 10 innings Sunday night at Minute Maid Park to seize a 1–0 lead in the American League Championship Series. Boston leaned on power, patience, and a steady bullpen finish to overcome early Houston bursts and a charged postseason atmosphere.

Houston struck first when Yordan Alvarez launched a two-run homer in the opening inning, and then added two more in the fourth on Yainer Diaz’s two-run shot to build a 4–1 cushion. Red Sox starter Tanner Houck battled through traffic, allowing five runs over 6 2/3 innings, keeping the team within striking distance despite surrendering two home runs; Game Score 45. The game flipped in the sixth when Jarren Duran ignited the rally with his own solo homer, and moments later Tyler O’Neill unloaded a three-run blast to right, giving Boston its first lead. Rafael Devers added breathing room with a solo homer in the seventh, his second long ball of the postseason, before Houston clawed back with runs in the seventh and eighth to force extra innings.

Starter turned bullpen help, Brayan Bello (BS 1) was roughed up for a run in the 8th inning, and the team was forced to turn to closer Liam Hendriks (1-0) who slammed the door when it mattered most; tossing two scoreless innings with four strikeouts to earn the win. In the top of the 10th, Masataka Yoshida delivered the decisive blow, lining a run-scoring single off Josh Hader (0-1) to put Boston ahead for good. Duran finished 2-for-3 with a homer, two walks and two runs scored, earning Player of the Game honors, while Devers chipped in two hits and a homer.

The Red Sox totaled 10 hits and drew nine walks, repeatedly pressuring Houston’s pitching staff. The Astros, limited to six hits, were led by Alvarez’s early power and Diaz’s three-RBI night, but stranded key runners late. Boston’s defense was clean, committing no errors, and turned two double plays to halt Houston threats. Game 2 is scheduled for Monday night in Houston, with Boston looking to extend its advantage before the series shifts venues

Player of the Game: Jarren Duran (Season: #5)

American League Championship Series Round: Leads 1-0