Mariners Moose Tracks, 1/8/25: Justin Verlander, Drew Rasmussen, and Brian Matusz

The old man finds himself yet another contract.

Good day friends! Let’s dig into the latest baseball news.

In Mariners news...

• Julio Rodríguez was named as the top center fielder in the sport by MLB Network. Admittedly, this is a pretty weak crop of players, but it’s something!

Around the league...

• Justin Verlander found himself a new home, agreeing to a one-year deal with the Giants.
• The Rays have agreed to a two-year contract extension with right-hander Drew Rasmussen.
• Eight-year MLB veteran left-handed pitcher Brian Matusz passed away yesterday at the age of 37. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time.
• Bradford Doolittle at ESPN ranked every organization by how “hot” and “cold” they are — in which he took the Mariners to the cleaners for their inaction. ($)
• Meanwhile, Jeff Passan — also at ESPN — awarded the early winners of the offseason. ($)
• For the Giants, the return of outfielder Jung Hoo Lee really will be like a free agent signing, writes Michael Baumann at Fangraphs.
• Marlins pitcher Ryan Weathers took a trip to Scotland for a family member’s wedding, where he found a way to connect with a Scottish baseball fan (and apparent Mariners aficionado) during his stay.