DAVID BRANDT Baseball Writer, Author at The Rapid City Post

San Francisco Giants pitcher Logan Webb works out during spring training baseball Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

San Francisco Giants ace Logan Webb will start WBC opener for Team USA against Brazil

March 2, 2026

San Francisco Giants ace Logan Webb will start on the mound for Team USA in its first World Baseball Classic game Friday night against Brazil, manager Mark DeRosa said Monday. DeRosa added that two-time defending AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal is expected to start Saturday against Britain, followed by NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes versus Mexico on Monday. New York Mets right-hander Nolan McLean is tentatively scheduled to start Tuesday in the final pool-play game against Italy, though he’s dealing with an illness and wasn’t with the U.S. team for Monday’s practice.

FILE - Major League Baseball Players Association Senior Director, Collective Bargaining & Legal, Bruce Meyer answers a question at a news conference in their offices in New York, March 11, 2022. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

New MLB union head Meyer dismisses salary cap, defends free agency, arbitration as labor clash looms

February 19, 2026

Bruce Meyer staunchly defended free agency and salary arbitration on his first full day as head of the baseball players’ association, dismissing any possibility of agreement on a salary cap in another sign of a likely labor confrontation next winter. Meyer was thrust into the MLBPA’s top role, one day after the stunning, forced resignation of Tony Clark. The 64-year-old is set to lead the league’s players in what is expected to be a contentious round of negotiations with owners with baseball’s labor agreement set to expire on Dec. 1. Meyer said Thursday that he’s ready for the task, even if the circumstances are less than ideal.

FILE - Major League Baseball Players Association Executive Director Tony Clark answers a question during a news conference in New York on March 11, 2022. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

No. 2 baseball union official Bruce Meyer shaken by events that led to Clark’s resignation

February 18, 2026

The baseball players’ union says it stays on course for tough labor talks after leader Tony Clark resigned. Deputy executive director Bruce Meyer says he feels shaken by the last few days. He says the union asked Clark to step down after an outside lawyer found evidence of an inappropriate relationship with his sister-in-law, who works for the union. Clark did not comment. The union says a decision on on a successor could occur later Wednesday. Meyer says he continues to lead bargaining. He says MLB plans to push for a salary cap, and the union opposes it.

FILE - Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen works against a San Diego Padres batter during the third inning of a baseball game Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull,File)

Pitcher Zac Gallen agrees to 1-year deal to return to the Arizona Diamondbacks, AP source says

February 13, 2026

Right-hander Zac Gallen has agreed to a $22 million, one-year contract to return to the Arizona Diamondbacks, a person with knowledge of the deal confirmed on Friday night. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal is pending a physical. The 2023 All-Star — who is a client of agent Scott Boras — was hunting for a multi-year contract, but after nothing acceptable materialized, he’s coming back to the desert where he’s spent the majority of his big league’s career.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani, of Japan, works out during spring training baseball Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

A healthy Shohei Ohtani eyes the one major award he hasn’t won — a Cy Young Award

February 13, 2026

Shohei Ohtani is a five-time All-Star, a four-time Most Valuable Player, a two-time World Series winner and a World Baseball Classic champion, giving him a sparkling baseball resume that no current player can touch. The only major honor he hasn’t won is a Cy Young Award. Given his track record, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the two-way Japanese star add that trophy to his collection in 2026. Ohtani is expecting to be a full-time, two-way player for the first time since 2023. An elbow injury kept him off the mound for the 2024 season and he returned to pitching midway though last year, going 3-0 with a 4.43 ERA in the postseason to help the Dodgers capture their second straight World Series title.

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo smiles as he takes a selfie with a fan during spring training baseball Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Robots are coming to assist MLB umpires. Even so, the human touch still matters

February 12, 2026

For those worried robots are about to take over Major League Baseball, Colorado Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer has some experience with the Automated Ball/Strike system that’s coming to stadiums this summer. Yes, the machines have a lot of power. But the human touch still matters. The ABS system made a cameo last year in MLB spring training and was greeted with a mix of curiousity, excitement, disdain and uncertainty. Now that it’s here for regular-season games in 2026, the novelty is quickly giving way to strategy.

New Chicago Cubs player Alex Bregman, right, listens to his agent Scott Boras at a news conference in Chicago, on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Ten years after winning World Series, Cubs enter 2026 with similar expectations

February 11, 2026

The Chicago Cubs are coming off a 92-win season, return much of a productive and athletic lineup, have a deep group of talented pitchers and signed three-time All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman during the offseason. It’s safe to say elite expectations will be back at Wrigley Field this summer. Cubs manager Craig Counsell didn’t shy away from that reality before the team’s first spring training workout for pitchers and catchers. Sitting at a table and addressing reporters for the first time in Arizona, he said “everybody works really hard to create a team like this.”

FILE - Tony Vitello speaks as he is introduced as the new manager of the San Francisco Giants baseball team Oct. 30, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Benjamin Fanjoy, File)

Making transition from SEC to MLB, new Giants manager Tony Vitello enters 1st season ready to learn

February 10, 2026

Tony Vitello walked up the dugout stairs to meet with reporters about 15 minutes later than expected because of a team meeting that went longer than planned. The new San Francisco Giants manager had a lot to say on the first day of spring training. He also knows he’s got a lot to learn. The 47-year-old is one of the more fascinating stories in baseball this spring. Vitello is making the rare jump straight from a college dugout to Major League Baseball. Before coming to the Bay Area, he built the Tennessee Volunteers into a national powerhouse. The Giants are trying to make the playoffs for the first time since 2021.

FILE - St. Louis Cardinals' Nolan Arenado celebrates in the dugout after hitting a home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley, File)

Diamondbacks acquire 8-time All-Star 3B Nolan Arenado in a deal with the Cardinals

January 13, 2026

The Arizona Diamondbacks have acquired eight-time All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado from St. Louis for minor league pitcher Jack Martinez in a trade in which the Cardinals also are including $31 million. A 10-time Gold Glove winner, Arenado has played for the Cardinals the past five seasons and was shopped extensively after the 2024 season by a rebuilding team. The 34-year-old isn’t the offensive force he used to be but will still provide a veteran presence at the position after the D-backs traded slugger Eugenio Suárez at last season’s trade deadline. Arenado batted. .237 with 12 homers and 52 RBIs last season.

FILE - Texas Rangers starting pitcher Merrill Kelly throws to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning of a baseball game, Aug. 13, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, File)

Veteran pitcher Merrill Kelly returns to Diamondbacks on a $40 million, 2-year deal, AP source says

December 14, 2025

Veteran starting pitcher Merrill Kelly has agreed to return to the Arizona Diamondbacks on a $40 million, two-year deal, according to a person familiar with the move. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been announced and is pending a physical. The right-hander spent the first 6 1/2 years of his career with the Diamondbacks before the pending free agent was dealt to the Texas Rangers at this year’s trade deadline in July. He was good for both teams, finishing with a combined 12-9 record and 3.52 ERA. Kelly’s return to Arizona isn’t a huge surprise considering he’s a Scottsdale native and played in college at Arizona State.

MLB players union gathers to prepare for potentially contentious labor negotiations in 2026

December 4, 2025

The Major League Baseball Players’ Association has gathered Arizona to discuss the future of the game and look ahead to a possible lockout next December. Japanese stars headed by Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto have sparked record international interest, in-game attendance was up in 2025 for the third straight season, and a set of rule changes that began in 2023 season has produced a faster-paced game that’s been widely lauded. But MLB also has a widening payroll disparity that is a point of contention. The Dodgers have spent roughly $890 million building back-to-back World Series champions while the Athletics have spent less than $150 million over the same period.

Los Angeles Dodgers Shohei Ohtani runs toward first base as he doubles against the Seattle Mariners during a baseball game, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

What to watch during MLB’s best-of-three Wild Card Series this week

September 28, 2025

Major League Baseball’s postseason is about to start with some spicy Wild Card Series matchups. The American League features a classic rivalry between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, with all games at Yankee Stadium. The Detroit Tigers face the Cleveland Guardians, seeking revenge after losing a big lead in September. In the National League, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Cincinnati Reds, and the San Diego Padres take on the Chicago Cubs. The Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies have earned byes to the Division Series.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani fields the ball hit by Arizona Diamondbacks' Alek Thomas in the third inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Shohei Ohtani has 3rd straight dominant outing on mound with 6 scoreless innings

September 23, 2025

Shohei Ohtani is showing his dominance on the mound as October baseball nears. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way star had his third straight scoreless outing on Tuesday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks. His fastball consistently hit the 98-100 mph range, even reaching 101.2 mph. Ohtani gave up five singles and started an athletic double play to end the fifth inning. The 31-year-old is building up his pitch count after elbow surgery kept him off the mound last season. He worked five hitless innings in his previous outing. This was Ohtani’s 100th mound start in the big leagues.

Arizona Diamondbacks' Lourdes Gurriel Jr., third from left, is taken out on a cart after diving for a ball hit by Texas Rangers' Rowdy Tellez in the sixth inning of a baseball game, Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

D-backs OF Lourdes Gurriel Jr. carted off field after knee injury vs. Rangers

September 1, 2025

Arizona Diamondbacks left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was carted off the field during Monday’s game against the Texas Rangers after hurting his right knee. Gurriel was hurt in the sixth inning when he awkwardly jumped to avoid center fielder Blaze Alexander, who made a diving catch. Alexander was playing his first game in center field as a big leaguer. Gurriel stayed on the ground for several minutes while medical staff attended to him. The 31-year-old eventually got up and walked to the cart before being driven off the field.

Texas Rangers' Wyatt Langford, right, celebrates with Joc Pederson (4) after hitting a solo home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the sixth inning of a baseball game, Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Osuna’s 2-run single in 10th inning pushes Rangers past Diamondbacks 7-5 for 6th straight win

September 1, 2025

Alejandro Osuna hit a two-run single in the 10th inning, Jake Burger had a crucial RBI triple in his return from the injured list and the Texas Rangers rallied past the Arizona Diamondbacks 7-5 for their sixth straight victory. The Rangers had runners on second and third with two outs in the 10th when Osuna — hitting .149 in 87 at-bats this season — ripped a line drive that caromed off reliever Juan Burgos into foul territory. Michael Helman crossed the plate easily and then Ezequiel Duran scored all the way from second, sliding under Gabriel Moreno’s tag. Texas is 1 1/2 games behind Seattle for the final American League wild card. The Rangers scored twice in the ninth to tie it at 5.

Cleveland Guardians' Steven Kwan hits a single during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Dermer)

Good wood: MLB hitters cutting down on strikeouts, even in age of increased velocity

August 27, 2025

Major League Baseball’s hitters are starting to win a few more battles against their hard-throwing pitcher counterparts. Hits could outpace strikeouts in big league games for the first time since 2017. MLB teams are averaging exactly 8.28 hits and strikeouts per game through Aug. 26 and league-wide batting average is up slightly to .246. Managers and players said hitters are starting to adjust in the face of increased velocity, coming to the plate with a better two-strike approach. Technology has also played a factor, with new pitching machines better able to mimic the high-speed, high-spin deliveries.

Colorado Rockies' Kyle Karros hits an RBI single on his major league at-bat debut against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the second inning of a baseball game, Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Kyle Karros, son of 1992 NL Rookie of the Year Eric Karros, hits RBI single in first MLB at-bat

August 8, 2025

Colorado Rockies third baseman Kyle Karros is off to a strong start in the National League, following in his dad’s footsteps. The 23-year-old hit an RBI single in his first big-league at-bat Friday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Karros has moved quickly through the Rockies’ minor-league system after being drafted in the fifth round in 2023. He was batting .301 with six homers this season, mostly at Double-A and Triple-A. His dad, Eric Karros, hit 284 homers over a 14-year career, mainly with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Arizona Diamondbacks' Lourdes Gurriel Jr., right, celebrates his two-run home run against the San Diego Padres with Diamondbacks' Geraldo Perdomo (2) during the eighth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. makes history, crushes 103.9 mph pitch from Mason Miller for a 2-run homer

August 6, 2025

San Diego Padres reliever Mason Miller was bringing the heat. Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. returned the favor. Gurriel crushed a 103.9 mph fastball from Miller into the left-field seats for a two-run homer in the eighth inning, tying the game at 5-all. It was the fastest pitch hit for a homer since MLB started pitch tracking in 2008. It was part of a two-homer night for Gurriel. The veteran also hit a two-run shot in the first inning.

Arizona Diamondbacks' Randal Grichuk connects for an inside-the-park home run against the Kansas City Royals during the eighth inning of a baseball game Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Royals acquire veteran outfielder Randal Grichuk in deal with the Diamondbacks

July 26, 2025

The Kansas City Royals acquired veteran outfielder Randal Grichuk in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday. The D-backs got right-hander Andrew Hoffmann, who has made three appearances for the Royals this season out of the bullpen. The 25-year-old was selected in the 12th round of the 2021 draft by the Braves. The 33-year-old Grichuk has played the past 1 1/2 seasons for the D-backs, with the club using his right-handed bat mostly against left-handed pitching. News of Grichuk’s trade came in the middle of Arizona’s 2-0 loss in Pittsburgh. He could be seen hugging teammates in the dugout.

Arizona Diamondbacks' Eugenio Suárez, left, watches the flight of his three-run home run as St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yohel Pozo, right, looks on during the first inning of a baseball game Sunday, July 20, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

MLB trade deadline: Eugenio Suárez, Mitch Keller, Seth Lugo among prized players who could move

July 25, 2025

The market is heating up in the last week before the July 31 trade deadline. Arizona sent Josh Naylor to Seattle on Thursday. The Yankees acquired third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Rockies on Friday while the Mets added left-handed reliever Gregory Soto from the Orioles. More Diamondbacks could be traded, including slugger Eugenio Suárez and starting pitchers Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly. Mitch Keller, Seth Lugo and Sandy Alcantara could also be dealt.

Arizona Diamondbacks' Josh Naylor celebrates in the dugout with his teammates after scoring during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, Calif., Sunday, July 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)

Mariners acquire Josh Naylor from the Diamondbacks for 2 pitchers as trade deadline deals begin

July 24, 2025

The Seattle Mariners have acquired first baseman Josh Naylor from the Arizona Diamondbacks. This move comes as the Mariners aim to strengthen their roster before the July 31 trade deadline. Naylor, 28, is hitting .292 with 11 homers and 59 RBIs this season. The Diamondbacks received left-hander Brandyn Garcia and minor-league lefty Ashton Izzi in return. The Mariners currently hold a 54-48 record, placing them second in the AL West and in the second wild-card spot. The Diamondbacks, with a 50-53 record, are expected to continue trading players before the deadline.

Arizona Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte watches his two run double in the first at the MLB baseball All-Star game between the American League and National League, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte’s home burglarized during All-Star break

July 17, 2025

Police are investigating a burglary at a home reportedly owned by Arizona Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte. The incident occurred Tuesday night while Marte was playing in the MLB All-Star game in Atlanta. Authorities describe it as a “high-dollar residential burglary” involving stolen personal items and jewelry. No one was home during the break-in. Records from the Maricopa County Assessor’s Office confirm Marte owns a property on the block. Marte contributed to the National League’s victory with a two-run double in the first inning. The investigation remains active, and no further details have been released.

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Corbin Burnes, left, leaves a baseball game against the Washington Nationals in the fifth inning Sunday, June 1, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Snake eyes: D-backs’ $425 million investment in starting pitching hasn’t gone as planned

June 9, 2025

The normally budget-conscious Arizona Diamondbacks have been willing to spend big money over the past several years, taking chances on the notoriously volatile market of free agent starting pitching. So far, it’s come up snake eyes. Over the past 5 1/2 years, Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick has committed roughly $425 million to four pitchers — Corbin Burnes, Jordan Montgomery, Eduardo Rodríguez and Madison Bumgarner. The combined return on that investment has been a 30-48 record, 5.25 ERA, minus-0.4 WAR and two Tommy John surgeries.

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo pauses in the dugout prior to a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies Saturday, May 17, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

D-backs manager Torey Lovullo turns to his 92-year-old mom for advice amid team’s slump

May 30, 2025

A season of sky-high expectations is off to a slow start for the Arizona Diamondbacks.. They have lost seven of their past eight games heading into Friday night’s game against the Washington Nationals. The skid has dropped Arizona to 27-29 despite the highest projected payroll in team history. There’s more than one reason the D-backs are struggling but the bullpen has caused the most heartburn. Arizona’s relievers have blown multiple big leads and their combined 5.49 ERA is among the worst in the big leagues. There are reasons to believe that things could turn around. Outfielder Corbin Carroll, second baseman Ketel Marte and shortstop Geraldo Perdomo lead a lineup that’s been one of the most productive in the big leagues.

DAVID BRANDT Baseball Writer.