Wayne McDonnell

Charlotte

Contributor, Sports Money Business of Baseball at Forbes

Sports Consultant | Media | Teaching Assistant Professor Sport Administration @UNCEXSS | @ForbesSports Contributor | College Baseball Analyst @ACCNetwork

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Articles

2024 World Series Apple TV+ Docuseries Reinvents Archaic Film Formula

3 weeks ago | forbes.com | Wayne McDonnell

The 2024 World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees featured two iconic franchises whose financial privilege is challenging Major League Baseball to answer competitive balance questions and outcries for a salary cap. Amid the uproar regarding the Dodgers’ latest spending spree and dominance in acquiring elite Japanese ball players, Apple TV+ is set to globally release on March 28th a three-part docuseries entitled, Fight For Glory: 2024 World Series.
Rintaro Sasaki Excels As Teenage Trailblazer For Japanese Ball Players

2 months ago | forbes.com | Wayne McDonnell

Major League Baseball’s popularity in Japan is rapidly changing the country’s culture and fandom. Ball players are willing to assume risk and sacrifice tens of millions of dollars to pursue their dreams of playing Major League Baseball years before they are eligible for international free agency.
Pitcher Injuries Crisis Extends Well Beyond Major League Baseball

2 months ago | forbes.com | Wayne McDonnell

As spring training conjures feelings of excitement, a recently published report on pitcher injuries needs to be taken seriously not only in major and minor league clubhouses, but throughout all levels of baseball.
CC Sabathia Awaits Immortality In 2025 Baseball Hall Of Fame Election

Jan 20, 2025 | forbes.com | Wayne McDonnell

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum will announce the results from the 81st election held by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) on Tuesday, January 21st at 6 p.m. ET on the MLB Network.
New York Yankees Achieve First Base Stability Through Paul Goldschmidt

Dec 21, 2024 | forbes.com | Wayne McDonnell

The New York Yankees have been one of the most aggressive ball clubs in Major League Baseball this offseason. Besides investing $218 million over eight years in left-handed starting pitcher Max Fried via free agency, the Yankees have acquired outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger and right-handed relief pitcher Devin Williams through trades with the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers.
New York Yankees Activate Plan B By Prioritizing Pitching Depth

Dec 14, 2024 | forbes.com | Wayne McDonnell

The New York Yankees are not wallowing in misery after missing out on free agent outfielder Juan Soto and what would have been a 16-year, $760 million contract based on the final offer reported by various members of the media. The Yankees have quickly shifted gears and are moving forward with enthusiasm and prudence. A tone has been set where the Yankees will be aggressive, but don’t expect reckless or irrational decisions regardless of what the franchise was willing to offer Soto.
Pete Alonso Seeks Validation Through Free Agency After Risky Decision

Dec 9, 2024 | forbes.com | Wayne McDonnell

The silence has been deafening when it comes to the free agency of first baseman Pete Alonso this offseason. It’s not due to disinterest, but of distraction as everyone has been anxiously waiting for a decision regarding outfielder Juan Soto’s free agency. Now that Soto has agreed to a historic 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets, Alonso emerges as a desirable option for several ball clubs given the frenetic spending spree that is likely to occur prior to the holidays.
New York Yankees Must Act Boldy If Juan Soto Leaves In Free Agency

Dec 7, 2024 | forbes.com | Wayne McDonnell

The pursuit of outfielder Juan Soto in free agency appears to be in its final days as a decision is expected around the same time as Major League Baseball’s annual winter meetings which are being held for four days beginning on December 9th in Dallas, Texas. Five ball clubs have been identified as finalists for Soto’s services: Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays. Rumors originally had the value of a contract for Soto around $600 million.
Alex Bregman Sparks Debate Regarding $30 Million Average Annual Value

Nov 29, 2024 | forbes.com | Wayne McDonnell

The free agent market for third baseman Alex Bregman is starting to take shape as six ball clubs have been mentioned as potential destinations for the 2024 American League Gold Glove Award winner. Besides the young and exciting Detroit Tigers, the Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays appear to have an interest in Bregman.
Corbin Burnes Defines Durability Amid Pursuit Of $200 Million Contract

Nov 22, 2024 | forbes.com | Wayne McDonnell