Baseball has always been a game of nostalgia and the sight of players returning to their old teams brings a sense of joy and completeness. One such sight in recent seasons has been Andrew McCutchen back in a Pittsburgh Pirates uniform. It's as if everything has come full circle and the world is right again. When players return to their old teams, it's a reminder of the bonds and memories shared. And with many free agents still on the market, there are some exciting potential reunions waiting to happen. Here are 10 that we would love to see in 2025. (Players are listed in alphabetical order.)

Rediscovering the Magic of Baseball Reunions

Paul Goldschmidt: The Face of the Diamondbacks Returns

For nearly a decade, Paul Goldschmidt was the face of the Diamondbacks. His six seasons with the team from 2011 to 2018 left an indelible mark. He still ranks as the franchise's all-time leader in several offensive categories. If Christian Walker leaves as a free agent, Goldschmidt could be a perfect one-year fill-in. His numbers may be down from his career highs, but there's a good chance he'd get a boost back in his old stomping grounds. The cheers he'd receive on his first game back would be unforgettable.Goldschmidt's impact on the Diamondbacks was significant. He was a key player during a crucial period for the team. His return would not only bring excitement to the fans but also add a touch of familiarity to the franchise. It would be a moment to cherish for both the player and the team.

Teoscar Hernández: A Perfect Fit with the Blue Jays

There are reports suggesting that the Dodgers are moving towards bringing Teoscar Hernández back, while the Blue Jays are pushing hard for Juan Soto. Hernández always felt like a perfect fit with Toronto. He once finished as high as 11th in AL MVP voting. If the Blue Jays don't get Soto, getting Hernández back in his old jersey could be a great alternative.Hernández's time with the Blue Jays was memorable. He brought energy and talent to the team. His potential return would give the Blue Jays a boost and add depth to their outfield. It's a reunion that could have a positive impact on the team's performance.

Jason Heyward: The Brave Returns

Jason Heyward, a Georgia native, was once considered the next Braves superstar. His five seasons with the team from 2010 to 2014 were filled with promise. Heyward's career didn't turn out exactly as expected, but he remains an accomplished 15-year veteran.The Braves need outfield help, and Heyward could provide it. His rebound season with the Dodgers in 2023 was impressive, and his performance for the Astros down the stretch showed his continued ability. A return to the Braves would be a journey worth taking, as he would be reunited with the team that once saw him as a star.

Kenley Jansen: The Dodgers' Closer Comes Home

Kenley Jansen's cutter was one of the most dominant pitches in baseball for nearly a decade at Chavez Ravine. His 12 seasons with the Dodgers from 2010 to 2021 were filled with success. Although he has had further success with the Braves and Red Sox, his glory years were with the Dodgers.The Dodgers always need bullpen arms, and Jansen is still an outstanding pitcher. His experience and talent would be a valuable addition to the team. A reunion with the Dodgers would be a welcome sight for fans and a chance for Jansen to continue his successful career.

Craig Kimbrel: The Closer Returns to Atlanta

Craig Kimbrel's time with the Braves seemed longer than just five seasons. His five seasons with the team from 2010 to 2014 were marked by his dominance as a closer. Although he has pitched for seven teams since leaving Atlanta, there is an undeniable pull to return to the team where he once nailed down 185 saves in just four years.In recent seasons, Kimbrel's performance has had some downturns, but there's still a chance he could hang on for one more year with the Braves. His return would be a nostalgic moment for fans and a chance for him to regain his form.

Charlie Morton: The Reliable Pitcher Returns to Pittsburgh

Charlie Morton broke through with Atlanta in 2008 before being traded to the Pirates. His seven seasons with the Pirates from 2009 to 2015 were filled with ups and downs. Morton has become a different pitcher since leaving Pittsburgh, but his experience and reliability could be valuable to a team with a lot of young talent.Even at the age of 41, Morton could fill a crucial role in the Pirates' rotation. His ability to eat innings and provide stability would be a welcome addition to the team. A return to Pittsburgh would be a full circle moment for Morton.

Jurickson Profar: The Electrifying Prospect Reunites

Jurickson Profar used to be the most electrifying young prospect in the game. His five seasons with the Rangers from 2012 to 2013 and 2016 to 2018 were filled with promise, but injuries kept him out of the Majors for a significant period.In 2024, Profar had a career year for the Padres and transformed into one of the better hitters in the NL. A return to Texas would be a way for him to come full circle and prove that he still has what it takes to be a star. His versatility as a utilityman would make him a valuable asset to any team.

David Robertson: The Yankee Closer Returns

David Robertson has a long history with the Yankees. He took over as the closer from Mariano Rivera and did a great job. His nine seasons with the Yankees from 2008 to 2014 and 2017 to 2018 were filled with success.Robertson already returned to the Bronx once as a Trade Deadline acquisition. His continued effectiveness as a reliever makes him a valuable option for the Yankees. A second return would provide much-needed bullpen help and add to the team's depth.

Anthony Rizzo: The First Baseman Finds His Way Back

Anthony Rizzo played 10 seasons with the Cubs and had a memorable ending with their first World Series title in over 100 years. Although there was a challenge in finding a match with the Cubs, his one season with the Padres was successful.Putting Rizzo at first base would allow the Padres to use Luis Arraez mainly at DH, which is likely his best position. Rizzo looked good in the Padres uniform and a return to the team where he once showed so much promise could be a great move.

Justin Verlander: The Detroit Ace Comes Home

Justin Verlander won an MVP, Cy Young, and a Rookie of the Year in Detroit. His 13 seasons with the Tigers from 2005 to 2017 were filled with greatness. Now that the Tigers are a playoff team in need of rotation help and with money to spend, a return home would be a wonderful way for him to continue his quest for 300 wins.Verlander's connection to Detroit is strong, and his presence on the team would be a boost. His experience and talent would make him a valuable asset to the Tigers.

McKay High School faced a significant setback when a suspicious fire ravaged its baseball dugout on a Saturday. The incident sent shockwaves through the school community and raised many questions. Firefighters were promptly dispatched to the northeast Salem school's baseball field on the morning of Nov. 30 and were met with the sight of the dugout fully ablaze. According to Brian Carrara, the assistant chief of business operations at the Salem Fire Department, the fire was intense and required quick action from the two engines on the scene. Salem police and a deputy fire marshal launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, but as of now, the exact reason remains undetermined. The cost of repairing the damaged structure is estimated to be around $5,000, and the repair work is expected to take approximately three weeks. However, Salem-Keizer School District spokesman Aaron Harada assured that there would be no impact on school programs. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining school facilities and the need for proper safety measures. In such situations, the community's support becomes crucial. If you found this story useful, consider subscribing to Salem Reporter. Local professionals like Rachel Alexander work hard to bring you such stories, and your subscription helps sustain their efforts. Rachel Alexander is Salem Reporter's managing editor. She joined the team in 2018 and covers a wide range of topics including city news, education, nonprofits, and more. With a decade of journalism experience in Oregon and Washington, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her work. Outside of work, she is an active skater and a board member of Salem's Cherry City Roller Derby. She can often be found with a book in her hand, indulging in her love for literature.

Unraveling the Mystery of McKay High School's Baseball Dugout Fire

Section 1: The Fire's Impact on McKay High School

The fire at McKay High School's baseball dugout had far-reaching consequences. Not only did it result in the destruction of a vital sports facility, but it also disrupted the daily activities of the school. Baseball teams, which rely on the dugout for rest and preparation, were left without a proper space. This setback could potentially affect the team's performance and morale in the upcoming seasons. The school community was left in a state of shock and concern as they witnessed the once-functional dugout reduced to ashes. It served as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of school infrastructure and the need for continuous maintenance and safety checks.

Section 2: The Investigation and Uncertainty

The investigation into the cause of the fire at McKay High School's baseball dugout has been a challenging task. Salem police and the deputy fire marshal have been working tirelessly to determine how the fire started and what led to its rapid spread. Despite their efforts, the exact cause remains a mystery. This uncertainty has left many questions unanswered and has added to the sense of frustration among the school community. However, the investigators are committed to getting to the bottom of the matter and bringing closure to those affected. In the meantime, the school is focused on moving forward and finding ways to restore the baseball dugout as quickly as possible.

Section 3: The Cost and Repair Process

The estimated cost of repairing the damaged baseball dugout at McKay High School is around $5,000. This may seem like a significant amount, but it is necessary to restore the facility to its former state. The repair work is expected to take approximately three weeks, during which time the baseball team will have to make do without a proper dugout. The school district is working closely with contractors to ensure that the repair process is carried out efficiently and with the highest quality. They are also exploring options to minimize the disruption to school programs and ensure that the students' needs are met. This incident has highlighted the importance of having adequate insurance coverage for school facilities and the need for proactive planning in case of emergencies.