The Atlanta Braves hosted a celebration of life for Hank Aaron Tuesday afternoon at Truist Park. The event brought back some of the team’s greats to honor perhaps the most important player and person in Major League Baseball history. The event featured speakers Terry McGuirk, Rob Manfred, Brian Snitker, Marquis Grissom and Chipper Jones. Hall of Fame pitchers Tom Glavine and John Smoltz along with Dale Murphy and Dusty Baker were featured in video tributes to Aaron. If you weren’t able to watch live, then the video is well worth your time.
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The BBWAA elected no one for the 2021 Hall of Fame class. Former Braves Billy Wagner, Gary Sheffield and Andruw Jones did see a sizable jump in support during this voting cycle. Tim Hudson received 21 votes to clear the 5% threshold and will remain on the ballot for next year.
The Braves have have reportedly agreed to a minor-league deal with veteran infielder Ehire Adrianza that also includes an invite to Spring Training.
MLB News
As expected, free agent catcher J.T. Realmuto is returning to the Philadelphia Phillies after agreeing to a five-year, $115.5 million contract.
The Toronto Blue Jays have an agreement with free agent shortstop Marcus Semien on a one-year, $18 million deal and plan to shift him to second base.
Former Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons is heading to Minnesota on a one-year, $10.5 million deal.
Free agent shortstop Freddy Galvis is headed to Baltimore after agreeing to a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Orioles.
Infielder Cesar Hernandez is returning to Cleveland on a one-year deal.
The Milwaukee Brewers are reportedly among the teams that are showing interest in free agent Justin Turner. Turner is reportedly looking for a four-year deal and is looking for someone to top a two-year offer by the Dodgers.
Masahiro Tanaka is reportedly advancing negotiations to pitch in Japan for next season.
If you need a reminder of just how bad things are between the league and the players there is this. A report by The Athletic states that a representative for Major League Baseball encouraged members of the Cactus League to write a letter to commissioner Rob Manfred in regards to delaying the start of Spring Training. This was apparently done in hopes of pushing negotiations along with the players.