Nick Swisher has lost 15 pounds during the off-season

By Bill BaerJan 23, 2015, 7:20 PM EST
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The words “best shape of his life” weren’t used, but MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian reports that Indians 1B/DH Nick Swisher has lost 15 pounds during the off-season. Apparently, Swisher is feeling “stoked” about the 2015 season.

Per Bastian, Swisher also mentioned that he let some of the negative things written about him last year affect him, so he’s going to be a happy-go-lucky guy from now on.

Swisher, 34, has been relegated to DH duties after the Indians brought in Brandon Moss in a trade with the Athletics early in the off-season. Swisher batted a paltry .208/.278/.331 with eight home runs and 42 RBI in 401 plate appearances last season. The Indians have appeared interested in trading Swisher but finding a taker will be difficult given his age, declining production, and the fact that he’s owed $15 million in each of the next two seasons. He also has an option for 2017 worth $14 million which vests with 550 plate appearances in ’16 and a clean physical.

Blake Snell becomes client of Boras Corporation

Blake Snell
Bob Levey/Getty Images
By Bill BaerMay 26, 2020, 6:55 PM EDT
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Ken Rosenthal and Josh Tolentino of The Athletic report that Rays starter Blake Snell has switched agencies, going from Apex Baseball to Boras Corporation. Snell is currently signed to a five-year, $50 million contract and will be under contract through 2023.

Snell found himself in hot water two weeks ago when he said on his Twitch stream that he wouldn’t risk his life to play baseball during a pandemic while receiving significantly reduced pay. Some described Snell as tone deaf for saying, “I gotta get my money. I’m not playing unless I get mine, okay?”

Boras represents many of baseball’s highest-paid players, including Gerrit Cole and Bryce Harper. Snell is not likely to win over any of the people he recently irritated by appearing to go after more money by hiring the highest-profile agent. What often goes unsaid is that players have a very limited window in which to use their elite athletic skills to make money.

Snell won the 2018 AL Cy Young Award, going 21-5 with a 1.89 ERA and a 221/64 K/BB ratio over 180 2/3 innings. He did not have nearly the same success last year, going 6-8 with a 4.29 ERA and a 147/40 K/BB ratio in 107 innings.