MLB Weekly Digest: Rookie Signs Extension, First Woman Umpire in MLB

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This week in MLB featured a rookie signing a massive contract extension, the first woman umpire in MLB history, and a pitcher reaching 3,500 career strikeouts.

Roman Anthony signs extension –

The Red Sox locked up their young star outfielder Wednesday to an eight-year $130 million contract extension. The contract includes a team option for 2034, and can be maximized to be worth up to $230 million.

BREAKING: Outfielder Roman Anthony and the Boston Red Sox are finalizing an eight-year, $130 million contract extension, sources tell ESPN. The deal, which is pending a physical, includes a club option and will keep Anthony under team control through 2034.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 6, 2025

Anthony’s contract is incentivized based on MVP, All-Star selections, and his placement in this year’s Rookie of the Year award. The more accolades Anthony receives, the more money that comes with them.

The rookie outfielder has had an impressive start to his career, slashing .279/.392/.419 with an OPS+ of 127 in his age-21 season. The outfielder will now be under club control through the 2034 season.

First female umpire in MLB –

This past weekend, umpire Jen Pawol made history by becoming the first woman to umpire an MLB game.

Pawol started her weekend series in Atlanta with a first base assignment, then worked third base Saturday night, and capped off the historic weekend Sunday behind the plate.

“The dream actually came true today. I’m still living in it. I’m so grateful to my family and Major League Baseball for creating such an incredible work environment… I’m just so thankful,” Pawol said.

Her cap worn in her first game will be donated to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the organization announced on social media.

BREAKING: Outfielder Roman Anthony and the Boston Red Sox are finalizing an eight-year, $130 million contract extension, sources tell ESPN. The deal, which is pending a physical, includes a club option and will keep Anthony under team control through 2034.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 6, 2025

Verlander reaches 3,500 strikeouts –

San Francisco Giants veteran right-hander Justin Verlander reached another milestone of 3,500 strikeouts during his outing vs the Washington Nationals on Sunday.

Verlander struck out the side in the first inning of the game, becoming just the 10th pitcher ever to reach this feat. However, Verlander’s achievement was rained on as the Nationals collected 5 runs off 11 hits off the hurler en route to an 8-0 victory in San Francisco.

The future Hall-of-Famer has had a rough go in his age-42 season, posting an ERA of 4.53 in 99 1/3 innings pitched. Verlander now sits 10th all-time in strikeouts for a pitcher and trails Walter Johnson by 11 for ninth place all-time.

About Post Author

Michael Bodzenta

Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, I fell in love with sports from a young age. Whether I was playing them throughout high school or in the yard with my friends, I knew I had found something I loved. Watching them was also a main part of my childhood, as I could name almost every player on all three Cleveland sports teams. Talking about sports is something I can do for hours, so as I got older, I quickly realized that I knew what I wanted to do. I started writing about sports and talking about sports in high school. It was fun and easy for me. My dream goal would be to become baseball analyst, covering breaking news and other stories in the sport. I've written numerous articles about sports including the Browns and the Guardians. I currently write for Kent Wired, where I expanded my knowledge to cover Health and Fitness. I have experience with Adobe Photoshop, Premier, and Audition. I work as the social media manager/representative for the Kent State Club Baseball team creating graphics mostly on Instagram and some on Twitter (X) . The goal of this is to get more engagement for the team, create awareness, and raise money. I also currently coach for a 17u travel baseball organization (Midwest Stars) out of Hudson, Ohio. Through this I have been able to continue my love for the game, give back to the community, and strengthen my leadership qualities. My passion for sports especially baseball remains unquestioned and I strive to continue to report on something I love.

mbodzent@kent.edu

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