Mariners Moose Tracks, 11/2/23: The Texas Rangers, Joe Jiménez, and Tommy Pham

The Rangers are World Series champs.

Hello folks! The 2023 season has come to a close and the offseason has officially begun. Let’s get you caught up on the latest.

In the MLB playoffs...

• Well, the Texas Rangers are World Series champs after blanking Arizona 5-0 in Game 5 of the World Series. It’s the first-ever championship for the Rangers, leaving just five teams left who have never won one (Rockies, Brewers, Mariners, Padres, Rays).

In Mariners news...

• Ken Griffey, Jr. was spotted at Game 5 of the World Series taking photos.

Around the league...

• Will Leitch at MLB ranks each of the five title-less teams by how likely they are to capture their first in the near future.
• With this World Series ring, reliever Will Smith has now been on three consecutive title-winning clubs.
• Atlanta has agreed to a three-year contract extension with right-hander Joe Jiménez.
• DBacks outfielder Tommy Pham worked himself quite the turnaround in 2023. Ben Clemens at Fangraphs broke down how he did it.
• The Padres reportedly took out a $50 million loan to cover team payroll this year. It comes as no surprise that the team is looking to trim salary this winter.
• David Schoenfield at ESPN gave his early power rankings for the 2024 season.