![IMG_6212](https://meetthematts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_6212-640x381.jpeg)
PORT JEFF, NY- As we approach the worst time of the baseball season, let’s jump into our topics: John Cena To Retire, MLB Hot Stove, Home Run Derby Predictions
John Cena To Retire.
It was announced this past Saturday that John Cena was going to retire from in-ring action in 2025 as someone who grew up in the era of Cena being featured as the top guy for over a decade. This is sad news. Cena has given us countless iconic moments, like beating our own JBL for his first WWE championship to headlining countless pay-per-views and even the first one I attended back in 2009. Cena has always been a polarizing figure in the world of entertainment and will be greatly missed.
MLB Hot Stove (the deadline is within reach).
Here are some things I’ve heard.
The Pirates are interested in Angles OF Taylor Ward. As I mentioned in my last column, I thought it was wise for the Yankees to try and get Ward. He will have many suitors as an above-average hitter who can play all over the diamond. The Pirates are a fascinating team to watch at this deadline. With the emergence of young pitchers Jared Jones and Paul Skenes to go along with Mitch Keller, the Bucs have an outstanding rotation and could make some noise in October if they get the reinforcements needed.
The Toronto Blue Jays have completely fallen apart this season and are expected to listen on some expiring contracts, such as RP Yimi Garica, SP Yusei Kikuchi and Catcher Danny Jansen. Since The Jays lost in the Wild Card round last season, there is a lot of speculation on what they should do going forward. With stars like Vladdy and Kevin Gausman under contract for a few more seasons, it wouldn’t make sense to completely blow things up. However, with how the team is performing, it makes sense to try and shake some things up. Every team who has a chance to make the postseason needs pitching. The Brewers would be a perfect fit for Kikuchi and Garica could find his way to either New York team this season.
![](https://meetthematts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Jackson-Sternberg-IMG_4927-e1694789987383-253x300.jpg)
Home Run Derby Predictions.
The only thing worth watching over the break is the Home Run Derby, headlined by Mets’ slugger Pete Alonso. The derby is always a fun watch. As a Mets fan, I would love to see Pete win it once again. However, if you’re into this type of thing, Gunnar Henderson of the Orioles is +550 to win the derby and would be my pick to win the whole thing. Other names include Jose Ramriez of the Guardians and Adolis Garica of the Texas Rangers who are hosting the event.