Chicago a pipeline for new talent

Brooklyn makes second trade with Windy City

Steve Krasinski

In a follow up to yesterday's trade with the Cubs, the AFO has made another deal with Chi-town. With the acquisition of Abreu, management felt that SS Mariano Martinez was expendable. In exchange, the Americans received young righty Steven Krasinski and veteran third bagger Nicky Defurio.

Martinez, 22, was expected to be a backup to Dylan Ross in the short term. However, with Abreu expected to pair with Ross, Martinez became the third option. He experienced significant playing time in 2027, but after a brief stint in 2028, was sent down to work on his swing. Martinez has the right combination of pop and speed to be a contributor, but does not have the upside of Abreu.

Krasinski, 21, is a young talent with some upside. He is projected to be a future #3 or #4 guy in the rotation by 2033. He is the younger brother of actor John Krasinski of "The Office" fame. He is somewhat of a project, but this team needs to focus on building a strong foundation. Defurio, 32, is a veteran third baseman that spent most of his time in Toronto. He played 2 solid years in Chicago before giving way to youth in the organization. He will start for the Americans for the remainder of 2029.

Americans plan for a brighter future

Brooklyn adds SS, RP

Carlos Abreu

The Americans have made a move to help solidify the future of the organization. The team traded outfielder Jacob Ladder to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for shortstop Carlos Abreu, and relief pitcher Drake Britton this morning.

Jacob Ladder, 27, had been with the Americans since 2026, playing mostly right field. He is a solid defensive player, and has some pop in his bat. There were several teams interested in his services, however the AFO felt that Abreu and Britton were the best fit.

Carlos Abreu, 22, has only had a cup of coffee in the majors. However, he is expected to help solidify the shortstop position, along with Dylan Ross, for years to come. "We had an eye on this kid from the get go," explained Beansnap, "we are very happy to have him in Brooklyn." Also included in the deal was 25 year old lefty relief pitcher Drake Britton. Britton is mostly known for presenting his debit card as ID during a traffic stop on March 5, 2028. He was pulled over driving 113 miles per hour (182 km/h) in a 45 miles per hour (72 km/h) zone at 4:14am. He was charged with DUI. This was hours before a scheduled spring training start with the Cubs. He is expected to compete for a spot in the backend of the bullpen.

Player Spotlight - Karsten Whitson

SP Karsten Whitson #14                                                                

Whitson is the ace of the 2029 staff. He signed with the then Brooklyn Cyclones in 2023, and has been relatively solid in his 7 years here. A product of the University of Florida, Whitson believes that he can provide leadership and work ethic to the new generation of Brooklyn Americans. At 29, his best years are behind him, but he looks forward to being part of a winning organization. He is currently having his best season, with a 3.79 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP in 19 starts.

Exclusive Access!!

BSR has gained exclusive access to the Brooklyn Americans organization. In an attempt to increase loyalty in the fan base, the owner has agreed to be more open about the organization than he was during the Cyclone days. This blog will contain interviews, statistical analysis, and unbiased opinions on the state of baseball in Brooklyn!!

Americans have been sold !! 


Yet again, the Brooklyn Americans have been sold. The new owner, is the old owner. Yes, that is correct. The former Brooklyn Cyclones owner known as "beansnap" has repurchased the fledgling franchise for a smidgeon of what he sold it for in 2024. Brooklyn has never been a factor in Visionary baseball. However, in the shadow of the powerhouse Yankees, the hope is to turn that history around.

Americans join the Fight!

With very little talent to work with, The Americans ventured out into free agency for the first time under new management. The goal this offseason was simple. The Americans are not going to compete in the short term. The target in free agency was to acquire some decent players to round out a roster, and target some players that can be flipped for picks or youth at the trade deadline. At close, the Americans accomplished both goals as well as could be expected. Let's meet the new Americans!


C - Sheldon Williams


Sheldon was a star on the Duke basketball team, but opted to play baseball in the pro's. He is a 3 time All-Star, who had some exceptional years in the league, but at 37 is most valuable for his prowess behind the plate. He has thrown out 43% of runners in his career, and holds a .995 career fielding percentage. He was acquired to provide some defensive stability behind the plate in the short term. Juan Carmen has shown very little promise behind the plate, or standing next to it. Joshua Barson is still a work in progress. This was a great signing with the goals in mind.


1B - Pat Norman


Pat is coming off of an All-Star season with the Loggers. He spent most of his career in Portland, but played his first pro ball here in Brooklyn in '23. He was expected to be a serviceable starter at first back then, and that is the intent with this signing. At 29, the contract is a little long, but the need for a bat, and the lack of talent on the roster, finds him a home.


2B - Jose Calderon Jr


With the loss of Chavi Rosales, second base was a huge hole going into the offseason. Jose Calderon Jr more than fills that hole. Easily the most impactful signing of the offseason for the Americans, Jose will keep the position strong for a while, then provide ample support in the latter years of the deal.


2B - Paulino Estevez


This was strictly a need signing. Depth was a concern, and Estevez was overpaid to come in and solidify the depth. While the contract is a bit large for the talent level, it is also short enough to not have much long term effect. Estevez will provide adequate backup at second for this season and next. He brings 3 All-Star selections with him.


OF - John Robertson


Robertson was primarily acquired for his bat. His defense does not fit the expectations of this organization. He is a short term investment that has yet to hit his prime. He will most likely fill the DH slot, and be a 4th OF.


RP - Manny Banuelos


Manny is a starting pitcher on the twilight of his career. However he has earned 2 All-Star selections since converting to the pen, as well as 1 as a starter. He was acquired to bring some short term stability to an otherwise chaotic mess.