Yankees manager Aaron Boone says there's a 'good chance' Nestor Cortes will join the World Series roster, pending a crucial live bullpen session. Cortes, who has been sidelined since mid-September, could replace Tim Mayza and bolster the Yankees' bullpen if he proves his readiness.

Major League Baseball (MLB) is reducing the pitch clock to 18 seconds with runners on base for the 2024 season, aiming to speed up game pace. This follows an increase in average game times during this year’s League Championship Series to 3 hours and 16 minutes.

As MLB teams gear up for the 2024-25 offseason, many are targeting specific roster improvements. Key focuses include bullpen boosts for the Cubs and Phillies, veteran pitching for the Reds and Orioles, and impactful hitters for the Mariners and Rays.

The Oakland Athletics will relocate to Sacramento in 2025 for home games as they await a new Las Vegas ballpark, opting for natural grass at Sutter Health Park amid player safety concerns over synthetic turf. MLB and team officials will enhance the park's facilities, including new clubhouses and dugouts, addressing the hot summer temperatures and ensuring optimal playing conditions.

The New York Mets have returned to the playoffs for the first time in eight years, falling to the Dodgers in the NLCS. With a mix of veterans and emerging talents, they aim for consistent success under owner Steve Cohen and manager Carlos Mendoza, while planning to reduce their payroll to increase financial flexibility.

Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner underwent right flexor tendon surgery on October 11, following his standout 2023 season. Hoerner, who played a career-high 151 games and earned a Gold Glove, is expected to recover under the care of Dr. Keith Meister.

MLB faces mounting criticism over blackout policies as cord-cutting fans demand unrestricted access to local games. Commissioner Rob Manfred advocates converting local broadcast rights to national inventory to address the issue and expand sales opportunities.

Cleveland's bullpen excelled in the regular season with a stellar ERA, securing the AL Central title, but faltered under postseason pressure. Injuries to key starters forced heavy reliance on relievers, leading to fatigue and critical missteps against the Yankees and Padres.

The New York Yankees clinched a World Series berth after defeating the Cleveland Guardians in Game 5 of the ALCS, while the Mets force a Game 6 against the Dodgers. Yankees' Aaron Boone lauded Juan Soto's clutch performance, and Mets' Carlos Mendoza emphasized the importance of starting pitching despite fatigue.

The New York Yankees clinched a World Series berth after defeating the Cleveland Guardians in Game 5 of the ALCS. Guardians players, like ace Tanner Bibee, reflected on a season of strong team bonds, while Yankees manager Aaron Boone focused on maintaining morale and learning from mistakes.

Pete Alonso's three-run homer led the Mets to a 12-6 win over the Dodgers in Game 5 of the NLCS, putting New York on the brink of the World Series. Manager Dave Roberts faced criticism for not pulling struggling starter Jack Flaherty sooner, as the Dodgers now prepare for a bullpen game in Game 6.

Tanner Bibee will start for the Cleveland Guardians in Game 5 of the ALCS against the New York Yankees, who lead the series 2-1. Despite being pulled early in Game 2, Bibee is confident and ready to pitch on three days' rest, aiming to keep the Guardians' championship hopes alive.

Alex Bregman, the Houston Astros' two-time All-Star third baseman, is expected to decline a $21.05 million qualifying offer after a stellar contract year, opening the door for free agency. Despite potential interest from several teams, including the Mariners, Tigers, Dodgers, and Yankees, the Astros remain favorites to retain their franchise icon.

The New York Yankees replaced injured reliever Ian Hamilton with Mark Leiter Jr. ahead of Game 4 in the ALCS, following Hamilton's season-ending calf injury. Despite Hamilton's absence and recent bullpen struggles, the Yankees lead the series 2-1 against the Cleveland Guardians.

Pete Alonso's three-run homer led the New York Mets to a 12-6 win over the Dodgers in Game 5 of the NLCS, keeping their World Series hopes alive despite trailing 3-2. Starling Marte and Francisco Alvarez bolstered the Mets’ offense, while Edwin Díaz's strong relief pitching helped seal the victory.

The Yankees lost 7-5 to the Guardians in Game 3, blowing a ninth-inning lead and losing key reliever Ian Hamilton to injury for the rest of the postseason. Rookie Jhonkensy Noel's homer tied the game, and David Fry's walk-off hit secured the Guardians' victory in the tenth inning.

The New York Mets triumphed over the Los Angeles Dodgers in a crucial NLCS Game 5, driven by standout performances from Pete Alonso and Andy Pages. Analysts and players, including Francisco Lindor and Edwin Diaz, dissected the Mets' strategy and playoff journey, while FOX Sports offered comprehensive coverage and commentary.

As the MLB offseason looms, teams are eyeing potential trades, with each of the 30 clubs spotlighting a likely candidate. Key players like the Mets' Brett Baty and the Orioles' Ryan Mountcastle could be on the move as teams aim to optimize their rosters and finances.

Recent MLB trends show teams increasingly relying on lesser-known players in crucial postseason roles, focusing on immediate effectiveness over regular-season performance. The Cleveland Guardians exemplify this shift, adapting their lineup amid injuries and poor starter performance, leading to key contributions from players like Matthew Boyd.