Locations ofNL teams for the 2017–present MLB seasons WestCentralEast
The2018 Major League Baseball season began on March 29. The regular season ended on October 1, extended a day fortiebreaker games to decide the winners of theNational League Central andNational League West. The postseason began on October 2. TheWorld Series began on October 23, and ended on October 28 with theBoston Red Sox defeating theLos Angeles Dodgers in five games to win their ninth World Series championship.
As has been the case since 2013, all teams played their four division opponents 19 times each for a total of 76 games. They played six or seven games against each of the other ten same-league opponents for a total of 66 games, and 20interleague games. The primary interleague match-ups wereAL East vsNL East,AL Central vsNL Central, andAL West vsNL West. Since "natural rivalry" matchups were part of the three-year divisional rotation, the schedule format for interleague games was different from previous years. The 20 interleague games each team played two three-game series (one home, one away) against its natural rival (total of six games), two two-game series (one home, one away) against each team for two other opponents (total of eight games), and a single three-game series against each team for the last two (one home, one away; total of six games).
Under the new collective bargaining agreement reached in December 2016, the regular season was extended to 187 days in order to add four additional off-days for all teams. All teams were scheduled to play Opening Day, March 29—the earliest domestic start of a regular season in league history until the2019 season. The Sunday night game before the All-Star Game was replaced by a single, nationally televised game on the Thursday after the All-Star Game (which for 2018, was played between theSt. Louis Cardinals andChicago Cubs), before all other teams returned from break the next day.[1][2][3]
Beginning in the 2018 season, MLB implemented newpace of play rules, which include limiting the number of mound visits for each team to six per nine innings. Teams will receive an additional visit for every extra inning played.[7]
John Coppolella resigned from the Braves on October 2, 2017, because of a Major League Baseball investigation regarding signing bonuses of international prospects.[8] On November 12, 2017, Alex Anthopoulos was hired as the new general manager of the team.[9] On November 21, 2017, Coppolella was banned for life from baseball as a result of the investigation. The Braves were penalized with a loss of 13 prospects and a 2018 Rule 4 draft (third round) pick, and the league levied other penalties against the team for the next two international signing periods.
On June 26, 2018, Alderson took a permanent leave of absence due to recurrence of cancer. He was hired as general manager in 2010 and saw the team win the National League Pennant in 2015.[10] On October 28, 2018, after having three interims finish the rest of the season, the Mets agreed to have former agent Brodie Van Wagenen be their 13th general manager in franchise history.[11]
The Giants fired Bobby Evans after almost four seasons as general manager. The Giants made the playoffs in 2016, but are 166–224 (.426) since taking a major league-best 57–33 (.633) record into the All-Star break that year.[12]
The Tigers announced on September 22, 2017, that Ausmus' contract would not be renewed. Ausmus compiled a 314–332 (.486) record in four years as manager with one playoff appearance.[13] The Tigers hired formerMinnesota Twins manager Ron Gardenhire on October 19, 2017. As the Twins' manager from 2002 to 2014 he compiled a record of 1068–1039 (.507), and 6–21 (.222) in six post-season appearances. He also wonAL Manager of the Year in2010.[14]
It was announced on October 1, 2017, that Mackanin would be removed as manager; however, he managed the final three games of the 2017 season. Mackanin had a record of 174–238 (.422) in his two and a half seasons as manager with no playoff appearances. It also was announced that he would remain with the organization as a special assistant to the general manager.[15] On October 29, 2017, the Phillies announced the hire of former Dodgers' Director of Development Gabe Kapler. He had no previous major league managerial or coaching experience.[16]
Collins announced on October 1, 2017, that he would retire after the last game of the season and move to the Mets' front office. Collins finished with a 551–583 (.486) record in seven years with club, with two playoff appearances in 2015 and 2016, in which they lost to theKansas City Royals in theWorld Series and lost theWild Card to theSan Francisco Giants in the following season.[17] The Mets namedCleveland Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway as their new manager on October 22, 2017. Callaway had no previous managerial experience.[18]
Farrell was fired on October 11, 2017. Farrell during his five years as manager compiled a 432–378 (.533) record and earned three division titles in 2013, 2016 and 2017. He led the Red Sox to the2013 World Series title.[19]Houston Astros bench coachAlex Cora was named manager on October 22, 2017, and formally assumed the role after the Astros' win in the2017 World Series.[20] He had no previous managerial experience.
The Nationals announced on October 20, 2017, that Baker would not be returning for the 2018 season. Baker led the Nationals to the postseason in each of his two seasons with the club but couldn't get past the NLDS. The Nationals were 192–132 (.593) under Baker.[21] The Nationals hiredDave Martinez to be their new manager on October 29, 2017. Martinez was previously the bench coach for theChicago Cubs and had no managerial experience.[22]
The Yankees announced on October 26, 2017, that Girardi would not return for the 2018 season. Girardi led the Yankees to three division titles and one World Series championship during his ten years of managing the club. The Yankees were 910–710 (.562) under Girardi.[23] On December 1, 2017, former professional baseball player Aaron Boone was hired as the team's new manager.[24] He had no previous coaching or managerial experience.
Price was fired on April 19 after starting the season with a 3–15 (.167) record. In four seasons, Price finished with a 279–387 (.419) record with no playoff appearances.Bench coach Jim Riggleman was selected as the interim manager. His previous managerial experience included stints with the Padres, Cubs, Mariners, and Nationals. He had been a manager in the Reds' minor league system since 2012.[25] On October 21, 2018, the Reds named David Bell as their new manager, signing him to a three-year contract with a club option for 2022.[26]
Matheny was fired on July 14 after starting the season with a 47–46 (.505) record. In seven seasons, Matheny finished with a 591–473 (.555) record with four playoff appearances, winning the National League pennant in 2013. Hitting coach John Mabry and assistant hitting coach Bill Mueller were also dismissed, and bench coach Mike Shildt was named interim manager. Shildt had no major league managing experience but had managed in the Cardinals minor league system.[27] On August 28, Shildt's "interim" title was dropped as he was named the new Cardinals manager.[28]
Banister was fired on September 21 after four seasons with a record of 325–313 (.509) record. Banister finished in first place in his first two seasons as manager and amassed a 2–6 (.250) in the playoffs.Bench coach Don Wakamatsu was selected as the interim manager.[29] On November 2, it was announced that Los Angeles Dodgers third-base coach Chris Woodward would be named the Rangers manager.[30]
Became the fourth player in the live-ball era (since 1920) to hit three home runs on opening day joiningDmitri Young (2005),Tuffy Rhodes (1994), andGeorge Bell (1988). Davidson accomplished this feat on March 29 against theKansas City Royals.[31]
With his Opening Day lead-off home run on March 29 against theTexas Rangers, Springer became the first player in Major League history to lead off back-to-back seasons with a home run.[32]
Became the first player in Major League history to hit a home run in consecutive 1–0 victories by his team on March 30.[33]
Became the first player in Major League history to score his team's first three runs in a season off solo home runs. This was during the team's home opener on April 3.[34]
With a second-inning double on April 5 against theOakland Athletics, Beltré became the all-time leader in hits by a player from Latin America. Beltré, from the Dominican Republic, passedRod Carew of Panama with the 3,054th hit in his career.[35]
With a fourth-inning double on June 13 against theLos Angeles Dodgers, Beltré became the all-time leader in hits by a non-U.S. native, passingIchiro Suzuki.[36]
Recorded his 1,500th run scored in the sixth inning on July 30 against theArizona Diamondbacks. He became the 73rd player to reach this mark.
Recorded his 2,000th career hit with a single in the seventh inning against theChicago White Sox on April 12. He became the 287th player to reach this mark.[37]
Recorded his 1,000th career RBI with a pinch-hit home run in the sixth inning against theMiami Marlins on April 19. He became the 285th player to reach this mark.[38]
Recorded his 400th career stolen base by stealing second base in the third inning against theToronto Blue Jays on May 3. He became the 75th player to reach this mark.[39]
Recorded his3,000th career hit with a single in the fifth inning against theSeattle Mariners on May 4. He became the 32nd player to reach this mark.[40] Pujols also becomes the fourth player in Major League history to collect 3,000 hits and hit 600 home runs in his career, joiningHank Aaron,Willie Mays andAlex Rodriguez.
On May 25 Torres became the youngest player in American League history with home runs in four consecutive games. He homered against theTexas Rangers in back-to-back games as well as theLos Angeles Angels.[41]
Became the all-time leader in Major League history for most home runs hit by a player from Asia by hitting his 176th career home run in the 10th inning against theKansas City Royals on May 26. He passedHideki Matsui for the record.[42]
Became the first player in Major League history to hit three home runs in a game that was lost by double-digits. The team lost 20–5 against theArizona Diamondbacks on July 7.[43]
Became the first rookie of thelive-ball era to have 11 consecutive multi-hit games, by collecting three hits against theChicago White Sox on July 29. The last Major League rookie to accomplish such a feat wasShoeless Joe Jackson in 1911.[44][45]
With his 30th home run of the season on July 31 against theTampa Bay Rays, Trout became the second player in Major League history (the other beingWillie Mays) to hit 30 home runs and steal 20 bases in three seasons before their age-26 campaigns.[46]
Became the second player in Major League history to give up multiple home runs as a pitcher in one game (on July 31) and hit multiple home runs the following game (on August 1). Both games were against theWashington Nationals. The only other player to accomplish this wasCap Anson from the Chicago White Stockings who gave up two home runs on August 5, 1884, and hit three home runs the following game on August 6. Both games were against the Cleveland Blues.[47]
With his 20th home run on the season by Acuna on August 22 against thePittsburgh Pirates, Acuna and Albies became the first teammates under the age of 22 in Major League history to hit 20+ home runs in the same season.[48]
With a 6-for-6 day andhitting for the cycle on August 29 against theCincinnati Reds, Yelich became the fourth player in Major League history to record six hits while also hitting for the cycle. He is the first to accomplish the feat sinceIan Kinsler in 2009.[49]
With his cycle on September 17, Yelich became the first player in Major League history to have multiple cycles against the same team in the same season.[50]
Became the first player in Major League history (in the live-ball era) to record extra-base hits in each of his first three plate appearances. Tellez recorded pinch-hit double during his debut against theTampa Bay Rays on September 5. On September 6, Tellez doubled in the second and fourth innings against theCleveland Indians. Tellez flied out in his next at bat.[51]
With his multi-homer game against thePhiladelphia Phillies on September 11, Soto became the first teenager in Major League history to have three multi-homer games in a season.[52]
With his first-inning double on September 11 against theArizona Diamondbacks, Story became the first shortstop in National League history to amass 30+ home runs, 40+ doubles and drive in more than 100 runs in a season.[53]
Threw his first career no-hitter by defeating theBoston Red Sox 3–0 on April 21, at theOakland Coliseum. Manaea struck out ten batters, walked two and threw one wild pitch, throwing 75 of his 108 pitches for strikes. The game included two controversial out calls: in the fifth inning, a batter reached base on an error that Manaea reportedly assumed was ruled a hit; in the sixth inning,Andrew Benintendi was initially ruled safe on an infield single, but after some discussion by the umpiring crew, he was called out for having left the baseline on the play. Benintendi later called this a "missed call" and insinuated that the umpires were biased in favor of Manaea.[55]
Threw the first combined no-hitter in franchise history by defeating theSan Diego Padres 4–0 on May 4, during a series played at theEstadio de Béisbol inMonterrey,Mexico. Buehler struck out eight and walked three over six innings, throwing 59 of his 93 pitches for strikes. Cingrani struck out one and walked two over one inning, throwing 13 of 24 pitches for strikes. García struck out two and walked none over one inning, throwing 11 of 14 pitches for strikes. Liberatore also did not walk a batter, striking out two and throwing 10 of 15 pitches for strikes. This was the 12th combined no-hitter in Major League history and the 23rd no-hitter in franchise history.[56]
Threw his first career no-hitter, and the sixth in franchise history, by defeating theToronto Blue Jays 5–0 on May 8, atRogers Centre. Paxton struck out seven and walked three, throwing 64 of his 99 pitches for strikes. Paxton became the second Canadian-born player to throw a no-hitter, joiningDick Fowler of the 1945Philadelphia Athletics. As the game was played in Toronto, this made Canada the third country in which an MLB no-hitter was thrown in 2018, the other two being the US andMexico.[57]
Became the second pitcher in the live-ball era (since 1920) to pitch a shutout, strike out at least 10 batters and steal a base in the same game by accomplishing this feat on April 9 against theAtlanta Braves. He joinsNolan Ryan who did this against thePittsburgh Pirates on May 16, 1984.[58]
Became the first pitcher in Major League history to finish with no more than 61⁄3 innings and strike out 15 batters in a 5–4 win against thePhiladelphia Phillies on May 6. He did not factor into the decision.[59]
Recorded his 150th career win with a victory against theBaltimore Orioles on May 30. He became the 259th player to reach this mark.[60]
With his first-inning strikeout ofMatt Carpenter of theSt. Louis Cardinals on September 3, Scherzer recorded his fifth consecutive season of at least 250 strikeouts. He becomes the second pitcher in Major League history to accomplish this feat. He joinsRandy Johnson who accomplished this in six consecutive seasons from 1997 to 2002.[61]
With his seventh-inning strikeout ofAustin Dean of theMiami Marlins on September 25, Scherzer reached his 300th strikeout of the season. He becomes the 17th pitcher since 1900 to record 300 strikeouts in a season.[62]
On April 10, at the age of 23 years and 62 days, Osuna became the youngest pitcher in Major League history to record his 100th career save. Osuna was over a year younger than the previous record holderFrancisco Rodríguez, who had accomplished the feat at the age of 24 years and 246 days.[63]
Became the first pitcher in Major League history to strike out eight batters in an outing of less than three innings. Hader struck out eightCincinnati Reds on April 30 in 22⁄3 innings.[64]
Recorded his 300th career save by closing out a 6–5 win over theTexas Rangers on May 5. He is the 29th player, and the fastest, to reach this mark.[65]
Recorded his 2,500th career strikeout by gettingMax Muncy of theLos Angeles Dodgers on June 12. He became the 34th player to reach this mark.[69]
With his victory on June 18 against theKansas City Royals, Colón became the winningest pitcher in Major League history from the Dominican Republic. His 244th career win passed Hall of FamerJuan Marichal.[70]
With his victory on August 7 against theSeattle Mariners, Colón also became the winningest Latin American-born pitcher in Major League history, passing Nicaragua'sDennis Martínez.[71]
Recorded his 50th save of the season by closing out a win against theArizona Diamondbacks on August 25. With this save, he became the 16th player in Major League history, and the youngest to do so, to record 50 saves.[73]
Against theMiami Marlins on September 11, deGrom allowed two runs in seven innings of work. This was his 26th consecutive start of allowing three or fewer runs, setting a new Major League record. The old record was set byLeslie "King" Cole in 1910.[74]
With hisquality start—at least six innings pitched and three earned runs or fewer allowed—on September 21 against theWashington Nationals, deGrom set the Major League record for most consecutive quality starts in history with his 23rd straight. This broke the record set byBob Gibson (1968) andChris Carpenter (2005).[75]
TheArizona Diamondbacks became the first National League team since the1907 Cubs to start the season with nine consecutive series wins.[77]
For the first time in Major League history, there were more strikeouts than hits in a month. At the end of April, there were 7,335 strikeouts and 6,992 hits.[78] This happened again two other times. In June, there were 6,776 strikeouts and 6,641 hits.[79] In September, there were 7,074 strikeouts and 6,641 hits.[80]
broke the record for the fewest runs allowed since 1920 (live-ball era) in a 50-game span with 126 runs. The previous record was 128 set by theCleveland Indians in 1968.[81]
Set an American League record for fewest runs allowed by a pitching staff in the Designated Hitter era with 534 runs allowed. The previous record was 551 runs allowed by theOakland Athletics in 1974. The Astros also set a Major League record for strikeouts by a pitching staff with 1,687 total strikeouts on the 2018 season. The previous record was 1,614 strikeouts by theCleveland Indians in 2017.[83]
On August 16, theTexas Rangers pulled off a 5–4triple play in their 8–6 win over theLos Angeles Angels. It was only the third 5–4 triple play in the expansion era (since 1961), with the most recent one having occurred in2007. In addition, it was the first triple play since1912 in which the batter was not retired.[84]
On September 20 against theOakland Athletics, Arcia became the first player in Major League history to catch, pitch, and hit a home run in the same game.[85]
For the first time in Major League history, there were more strikeouts than hits for the season. Hitters struck out 41,207 times and recorded 41,019 hits.[86]
The Yankees eclipsed the 1997 Mariners for the most home runs in a single season. They would finish the season with 267. The Yankees are also the first team in major league history to score at least 20 home runs in each of the nine batting order positions.[87]
On October 26 theBoston Red Sox andLos Angeles Dodgers squared off in what would become the longestWorld Series game in history, both by innings and time.Game 3 ran 18 innings over 7 hours and 20 minutes. The Dodgers would emerge victorious 3–2, off an opposite field walk-off home run hit byMax Muncy. This would cut Boston's lead in the series to 2–1.[88]
When the Red Sox won the World Series on October 28, manager Alex Cora, Boston’s first nonwhite manager, became the first Puerto Rican manager in MLB history to win a World Series.[89][90]
Shohei Ohtani, the BBWAA Rookie of the Year winner, became the fourth player from Japan to win the award.[91]
For the first time in Major League history, there were no pitchers that achieve multiple complete-game shutouts in a single season. A total of 18 pitchers have a complete-game shutout this season, with each of them doing it only once throughout the season.
The Detroit Tigers modified theOlde English 'D' on the home jersey to match the 'D' on the cap.[122] Other than a one-season hiatus of 'D' usage in 1960,[123] this is the first major change to the Tigers' home jersey since 1934.[124]
The Cleveland Indians have confirmed this will be the final season using theChief Wahoo logo on its uniforms. It will be replaced at the start of the 2019 season.[125] The team wore a Wahoo-less uniform through their September 6–9 series with the Blue Jays, as the team had been sued unsuccessfully by a group inOntario in October 2016 to prevent the team from donning the logo during Toronto home games through the 2016 ALCS.[126]
The Oakland Athletics added a kelly green alternate jersey to commemorate the franchise's 50th anniversary in Oakland. The uniforms are used during every Friday home game.[127]
The Washington Nationals added a second navy blue jersey to commemorate the team's hosting of the 2018 All-Star Game. The uniform features the script "Nationals" in white with red trim and numerals in red with white trim.[128]
Both the Cincinnati Reds and the Pittsburgh Pirates replaced their camouflage uniforms with new white alternate jerseys featuring olive and military green logos, letters and numbers.[129][130]
As is the custom for the reigning World Series champions, the Astros wore gold-lettered uniforms at their home opener April 2 and 3.[132]
Players, managers and coaches wore No. 42 on April 15, the 71st anniversary ofJackie Robinson's debut in the majors.[133]
The Orioles wore special caps and green uniforms on April 22,Earth Day.[134]
The Reds and Diamondbacks woreSpanish language "Los Rojos" and "Los D-backs" uniforms May 5,Cinco de Mayo.[135] The Diamondbacks wore them again September 8. The Reds wore them again September 28.
The Royals wore an alternate uniform with a crown atop the R, and a cap with a crown instead of the "KC", on June 30 in Seattle.[136]
The Blue Jays wore red uniforms on July 1,Canada Day. They wore a cap with a gold maple leaf, as well.[137]
All US-based teams wore Stars and Stripes caps and uniforms from July 2–4, ending withIndependence Day. Teams wore caps denoting what league they play for (there were nine interleague series during the time period).
For the second straight year, MLB sponsoredPlayers Weekend, an event for which all teams wore special uniforms with design cues reminiscent of typicalLittle League uniforms. The event was held August 24 to 26, again coinciding with the final weekend of theLittle League World Series.[138]
The Royals wore Spanish-language "Los Reales" uniforms September 1.
The Orioles woreBraille uniforms September 18 to mark the 40th anniversary of theNational Federation of the Blind's headquarters moving to Baltimore. They became the first pro sports team ever to wear such uniforms. The uniforms had the name "Orioles" in Braille, and the players' last names were in Braille.[139]
The Padres wore1998 throwbacks May 12 to mark the 20th anniversary of their 1998 NL title.[143] They will wear them again at select Wednesday games.
The Royals wore1969 throwbacks May 19 to mark the franchise's 50th season. The uniforms also had the MLB 100th anniversary patch, which all teams wore that season.[144]
The White Sox and Brewers wore 1980s throwbacks June 2 and 3.[145]
The Marlins wore1993 throwbacks June 8 to 10 to mark their 25th anniversary.[146]
The Braves wore1974 throwbacks June 22 and 23 to celebrateHank Aaron Heritage Weekend.[147]
The Mariners marked the 20th anniversary of their 1998 "Turn Ahead the Clock" promotion by wearing the uniforms from that game June 30 against Kansas City.[148]
The Brewers and Pirates wore Negro league throwbacks July 13. The Brewers wore the uniforms of theMilwaukee Bears, and the Pirates wore the uniforms of thePittsburgh Crawfords.[149]
The Brewers wore Milwaukee Bears uniforms August 2. Their opponents, the Rockies, wore their regular uniforms.
The Mariners and Astros wore throwbacks on August 10; the Mariners wore their1979 throwbacks, and the Astros wore their "Tequila Sunrise" uniforms.[150]
The Angels wore California Angels throwbacks from 1976 to 1985 on August 27.[151]
The Rays wore their 1998 inaugural throwbacks on March 31 against the Boston Red Sox, on June 9 against the Seattle Mariners, and on June 23 against the New York Yankees, along with September 8 against the Baltimore Orioles.
The Tigers wore their1968 road uniforms September 8 at home to mark the 50th anniversary of their winning the1968 World Series title.[152]
This was the fifth year of the current eight-year deals withFox Sports,ESPN andTBS.Fox aired eight weeks of baseball on Saturday Nights leading up to the2018 Major League Baseball All-Star Game which also aired on Fox. Fox also televised Saturday afternoon games for the last four weeks of the regular season.FS1 televised games on Tuesday and on Saturdays both during the afternoon and night. ESPN televised games on its flagship telecastSunday Night Baseball as well as Monday and Wednesday Nights. TBS televised Sunday afternoon games for the last 13 weeks of the regular season. Fox and ESPN Sunday Night Baseball telecasts were exclusive; all other national telecasts were subject to local blackout.
On September 6,Fox Sports Detroit suspendedDetroit Tigers play-by-play announcerMario Impemba and color commentatorRod Allen for the remainder of the season after an alleged physical altercation that occurred on September 4, in which Allen reportedly placed Impemba in a choke hold at Chicago'sGuaranteed Rate Field after a game they called between the Tigers and theChicago White Sox, a claim Allen's agent has denied. Backup announcersMatt Shepard andKirk Gibson replaced them for the rest of the season. It was later announced that Impemba and Allen's contracts were not renewed for future seasons, ending their 17 years together as broadcast partners.[154][155]
TheMinnesota Twins returned toEntercom'sWCCO/Minneapolis after twelve years onKSTP, followed by the Twins-owned FM stationKQGO;[156] WCCO has been theflagship for the Twins' network for 46 of the team's 58 years of existence. Entercom also took over all existing play-by-play contracts from their newly acquired stations fromCBS Radio after the two companies merged their radio assets on November 17, 2017.
TheChicago White Sox took on a new flagship station inTribune Broadcasting'sWGN/Chicago, afterCumulus Media asked to void their agreement to carry the team's games onWLS as part of itsChapter 11 bankruptcy filing, and Cumulus ending several high-profile talent and sports rights agreements due to their cost. The deal allows WGN to return to MLB play-by-play after a three-year hiatus after the end of their long association with theChicago Cubs, who moved toWBBM in the 2015 season, thenWSCR in 2016. WGN had previously carried White Sox broadcasts from 1927 until 1943.[157][158][159]
TheSan Diego Padres obtained a new flagship station after Entercom moved the team's broadcasts fromKBZT toKEGY (both FM stations), which had flipped from acontemporary hit radio format to a short-livedhot talk format at the beginning of the season. After the team and fans reacted negatively to the schedule and personalities surrounding Padres games following a controversial social media post involving a never-launched morning show (to the point of consideration by the Padres to void the broadcast contract only three games into the season), Entercom switched KEGY within two weeks to a straightsports radio format and new calls in KWFN.[160][161][162][163][164][165][166]
Nine regular season games were broadcast exclusively in the United States onFacebook Watch, beginning with the April 4 game between the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies.[167]
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