It's done...
Mets acquired 2B Robinson Cano, RP Edwin Diaz, and cash considerations from the Mariners for OF/1B Jay Bruce, RHPs Anthony Swarzak, Justin Dunn and Gerson Bautista, and OF Jarred Kelenic.
A press conference is scheduled for Tuesday at 11 a.m. ET to introduce Cano and Diaz to the New York media. The Mets will reportedly receive $20 million from the Mariners to help pay down a portion of the five years and $120 million remaining on Cano’s contract. Cano, 36, had to waive his no-trade clause but he gladly welcomed a return to New York. It’s certainly possible he’ll become a burden toward the end of the deal, but the Mets are hopeful he still has at least a couple of productive seasons left in him. Cano served an 80-game PED suspension last season, but was still productive when on the field, slashing .303/.374/.471 with 10 homers and 50 RBI over 80 games. With the acquisition of Cano, Jeff McNeil projects to serve in a super utility role in 2019.
Robinson Cano has received most of the attention in the deal, but Edwin Diaz is the real prize for New York. Arguably the best closer in the game today, the 24-year-old posted a dominant 1.96 ERA with 57 saves and a 124/17 K/BB ratio over 73 1/3 innings this past season. The bullpen has been a major issue for the Mets in recent seasons and Diaz is a big first step toward turning that around. He won’t be arbitration-eligible for the first time until after the 2019 season
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Jay Bruce was included to provide some salary relief for New York with Robinson Cano in the deal. He's owed $26 million over the next two seasons. Seattle will surely try to move him, but he batted just .223/.310/.370 with nine home runs and 37 RBI over 94 games this past season while missing time due to injury.
Anthony Swarzak, another salary dump for New York, struggled with a 6.15 ERA in 29 appearances while battling injuries this past season. He's owed $8 million in 2019. There was a report that he could be included in the Jean Segura trade to Philadelphia, but apparently he's staying put for now.
Justin Dunn, a first-round pick from 2016, made some nice strides this past season with a 3.59 ERA and 156/52 K/BB ratio in 135 1/3 innings between High-A and Double-A. While it's still not a sure thing that the 23-year-old will end up a starter in the long-term, he'll immediately become one of the team's top pitching prospects.
Gerson Bautista was hit hard in five appearances with the Mets this season and posted a 5.14 ERA with 69 strikeouts and 18 walks in 49 innings between Double- and Triple-A. The 23-year-old has a big arm and the Mariners will try to unlock his potential.
The centerpiece of the deal for Cano and Diaz is Justin Kelenic, a 19-year-old outfielder, was selected sixth overall this past June and batted .286/.371/.468 with six home runs, 42 RBI, 15 stolen bases, and 42 runs scored over his first 56 pro games. He's still a few years away, but most prospect evaluators are very high on his long-term potential. The Mariners set their sights high in parting with Edwin Diaz and they would appear to have done a fine job netting Kelenic.
The Philadelphia Phillies have acquired All-Star infielder Jean Segura from the Seattle Mariners.
The deal, which was announced Monday, involves multiple players and required Segura to waive his no-trade clause to join Philadelphia.
First baseman Carlos Santana and shortstop J.P. Crawford were among the players headed to Seattle.
Segura batted .304 with 10 home runs, 91 runs and 63 RBIs in 144 games last season and was named an American League All-Star.
In June 2017, Segura agreed to a five-year, $70 million contract with the Mariners spanning 2018 to 2022. The deal has a $17 million option for 2023, with a $1 million buyout.
Segura was the centerpiece of one of Seattle's biggest moves after the 2016 season, when he was acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks as part of a five-player trade.
He will become the latest high-profile player traded away by the Mariners, who are tearing down their roster in an effort to rebuild the team.
Santana, 32, signed a three-year, $60 million contract with the Phillies last offseason and has a base salary of $17 million in 2019 and $17.5 million in 2020. His contract has a club option for the 2021 season worth $17.5 million with a $500,000 buyout.
He hit .229 with 24 home runs and 86 RBIs in 2018.
The 23-year-old Crawford, drafted by the Phillies in the first round of the 2013 draft, hit .214 with three home runs and 12 RBIs in 49 games last season.
http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/25439519/philadelphia-phillies-deal-seattle-mariners-jean-segura
Tigers signed LHP Matt Moore to a one-year, $2.5 million contract.
Moore has posted a 5.99 ERA over the last two seasons for the Giants and Rangers. The former top prospect is still just 29 but looks like a long shot to be a quality pitcher again. He should crack the Tigers' rotation.
Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post reports that free agent starter Patrick Corbin has agreed to terms with the Nationals.
Jon Heyman of Fancred says it'll be six-year deal worth $140 million, with a small amount of that money to be deferred. Corbin was also courted by the Phillies and Yankees, among other teams, but New York would not go beyond five years and it seems that Philly was ultimately out-bid by Washington. The dominoes are beginning to fall on the free agent market ahead of next week's Winter Meetings in Las Vegas.
Royals signed INF/OF Chris Owings to a one-year, $3 million contract.BOMBA
The deal also includes $500,000 in performance-based bonuses. Owings struggled to a putrid .206/.272/.302 batting line with the Diamondbacks in 2018, but he's been a productive player in the past and he is only 27 years old. There are decent odds of him holding meaningful fantasy value next year in Kansas City, where he stands to get regular playing time on a rebuilding team.
Cardinals acquired 1B Paul Goldschmidt from the Diamondbacks for RHP Luke Weaver, C Carson Kelly, INF Andrew Young, and a 2019 Competitive Balance Round B draft pick.
Goldschmidt is just 11 months away from free agency, but this still looks like a massive get for the Cardinals, who have been lacking a big middle-of-the-order presence since Albert Pujols departed and then eroded in Anaheim. The 31-year-old Goldschmidt has averaged a .301/.406/.541 batting line with 30 home runs and 100 RBI per season since the beginning of 2013. He'll be officially introduced at a press conference Friday in St. Louis.
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Luke Weaver was a big disappointment for St. Louis in 2018, but he is only 25 years old and carries five years of cost control. The former first-round pick had the look of a future front-line starter not too long ago. He'll try to turn things around in Arizona, where he should at least be assured of an Opening Day rotation spot. His career major league numbers so far: 4.79 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, and 9.2 K/9 in 233 innings.
Carson Kelly was a second-round draft pick in 2012 and at one point ranked among the top catching prospects in the game, but the 24-year-old has batted just .154/.227/.188 in limited action at the major league level over the last three seasons and he was blocked in St. Louis by Yadier Molina. He'll probably share time behind the plate with Alex Avila in Arizona, at least initially. The hope will be that Kelly is the Diamondbacks' long-term answer behind the plate.
Andy Young was a 37th-round pick in 2016 out of Indiana State University and won't be found on any top prospect listings, but the 24-year-old batted .289/.379/.479 with 21 home runs in 119 games this past summer between High-A and Double-A, and he ripped up the 2018 Arizona Fall League. He's obviously not the headliner of this deal for the Diamondbacks, but he could turn out to be more than just a minor league throw-in.
Fuck.. that is such a good under the radar signing.
Red Sox re-signed RHP Nathan Eovaldi to a four-year, $68 million contract.
The deal will pay Eovaldi an even $17 million over the four years. The 28-year-old saw his stock rise after a strong season with the Rays and Boston, and he was sensational in the post season with a 1.61 ERA over 22 1/3 innings for the world champions. There's risk because of Eovaldi's injury history – and even when healthy he's seen struggles with command – but if he pitches like he did down the stretch with the Red Sox, he's going to help considerably.
As we get to the MLB Winter Meetings, prepare for HUGE walls of signing text...
Hisashi Iwakuma has agreed to a contract with the Yomiuri Giants in Japan.
Iwakuma, a native of Tokyo, told reporters in September that he was planning to head home for the 2019 season. He signed a minor league deal with the Mariners last November but missed all of 2018 while recovering from a shoulder injury. The 37-year-old right-hander wraps up his MLB career with a 63-39 record, 3.42 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and 714/185 K/BB ratio in 883 2/3 innings with Seattle. He finished third in the American League Cy Young Award voting in 2013.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that the Indians have signed Carlos Carrasco to a three-year contract extension with a vesting option for 2023.
This new deal will trigger his $10.25 million option for 2020 and lock him in for $12 million salaries in both 2021 and 2022. The option for 2023 is worth $14 million and comes with a $3 million buyout. Cleveland has been shopping some of its top starting pitchers this winter, including Carrasco, but the 31-year-old right-hander clearly had a desire to stay put given the relatively low cost here to the Indians. Carrasco posted a strong 3.38 ERA, 1.125 WHIP, and 231/43 K/BB ratio over 192 regular-season innings with the AL Central champs in 2018. Corey Kluber and Trevor Bauer remain on the trade block.
Kyler Murray's agent Scott Boras confirmed Thursday that his client will play baseball next season.
Murray was selected by the Athletics with the ninth overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, but there has been growing speculation that he might try out the NFL after a brilliant junior season as the quarterback of the Oklahoma Sooners. "Kyler has every intention of fulfilling his agreement with the A’s and he’s grateful he has had the chance to pursue his college goals," Boras told the San Francisco Chronicle. "He will be in spring training with the A’s." The Heisman Trophy finalist got a $4.66 million signing bonus from Oakland in June and it would have to be paid back in full if he opted to pursue a professional career in football. Murray will be under center for Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff semifinal on December 29 against Alabama. It could be his very last football game.
Twins sign INF Ronald Torreyes to a one-year contract.
Jon Heyman says the deal is for $800,000 if he's on the MLB roster. Torreyes was non-tendered by the Cubs two days after he was acquired by the Yankees for a player to be named or cash considerations. There are reports that Minnesota also is finalizing a deal with Jonathan Schoop on Thursday, so this is a busy bit of activity for the Twins. Torreyes will almost assuredly serve as the utility infielder for Minnesota in the 2019 campaign.
Astros signed C Robinson Chirinos to a one-year, $5.75 million deal.
This deal was reported on Tuesday, and now that Chirinos has passed his physical, he's officially a member of the Astros. He's a strong defender behind the plate, but he also hit 18 homers and drove in 65 runs for the Rangers in 2018. He should have a chance to drive in more runs while a member of a (much) better Houston lineup, and a 20-plus homer season seems within grasp with his home games coming in Houston.
Twins signed 2B Jonathan Schoop to a one-year, $7.5 million contract.
The deal could end up being worth over $8 million if he reaches various bonuses. Schoop was non-tendered by the Brewers at the end of November, as he was projected to earn close to $10 million in arbitration after struggling for both Milwaukee and Baltimore in 2018. He was much better in 2017, hitting 32 homers with an .843 OPS for the Orioles. He turned 27 in October, and the Twins will hope he can find the form that made him one of the best offensive second baseman in baseball not long ago. If he can't, it's just one year of sunk cost.
Phillies acquired LHP Jose Alvarez from the Angels for RHP Luis Garcia.
Alvarez was one of the better and more consistent relievers for the Angels last year, posting a 2.71 ERA and 59/22 K/BB ratio over 63 innings in 76 games. He was effective against left-handed and right-handed hitters in 2018, with both groups posting an OPS below .624. He should operate in the middle-innings for the Phillies, but the southpaw could move into a high-leverage role if he pitches well this spring and to start the season.
Garcia, 31, has alternated quality years with awful ones, and unfortunately for him and the Phillies, last year was the latter. He posted a 6.07 ERA in 46 innings, but he did strike out 51 hitters in that time frame, and his 3.51 FIP suggests there was some bad luck for the right-hander. He should be a member of the Los Angeles bullpen in 2018, and if he pitches like he did in 2017 (2.65 ERA), he could help.
Former major leaguers Luis Valbuena and Jose Castillo were killed in a car accident in Venezuela. Apparently, tried to dodge a falling rock.
http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/25474553/luis-valbuena-jose-castillo-killed-car-crash-venezuela
http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/25474553/luis-valbuena-jose-castillo-killed-car-crash-venezuela
Valbuena played 11 seasons in the majors, including his final two with the Los Angeles Angels, who released him in August. He also played with the Seattle Mariners, Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros.
Castillo played in the majors from 2004 to 2008, with the Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants and Astros.
Jesus Christ... why does stuff like this happen every offseason? It's either a crash or a kidnapping; I hope the families can get through this.
A girl I went to school with apparently was married to valbuena, and I had no idea. Pregnancy pictures, them doing activities, all that. She's having a breakdown on Facebook :/ Sad to see, and even worse now that it looks like it was murder.
By Smokey Go To PostA girl I went to school with apparently was married to valbuena, and I had no idea. Pregnancy pictures, them doing activities, all that. She's having a breakdown on Facebook :/ Sad to see, and even worse now that it looks like it was murder.
Fuuuuuck
According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, the Yankees "have agreed to the structure on a contract" with J.A. Happ that would be for two years with an option for 2021.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that the deal will be worth $34 million guaranteed, with the option carrying a $17 million value if Happ reaches certain innings-pitched thresholds. Happ drew interest from several other teams over the last month-plus, including the Phillies and Astros, but it sounds like none of them were willing to offer a third year (even on an option) to the 36-year-old left-hander. He posted a sharp 3.65 ERA and 193/51 K/BB ratio in 177 2/3 innings this past season between the Blue Jays and Yanks.
Charlie Morton will get a two-year, $30 million deal from the Rays, according to Yahoo's Jeff Passan.
That's pretty much what he expected to get going into the winter. He'll join a rotation that should include Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow. Ryan Yarbrough, Yonny Chirinos and Jalen Beeks could serve as bulk guys behind openers. Morton, 35, posted a stellar 3.13 ERA and 201/64 K/BB ratio over 167 innings (30 starts) with the Astros in 2018.
Charlie Morton will get a two-year, $30 million deal from the Rays, according to Yahoo's Jeff Passan.
That's pretty much what he expected to get going into the winter. He'll join a rotation that should include Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow. Ryan Yarbrough, Yonny Chirinos and Jalen Beeks could serve as bulk guys behind openers. Morton, 35, posted a stellar 3.13 ERA and 201/64 K/BB ratio over 167 innings (30 starts) with the Astros in 2018.
Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports reports that free agent Justin Bour has agreed to a deal with the Angels.
It'll be a one-year, $2.5 million deal, per Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Bour was non-tendered by the Phillies last month after batting .227/.341/.404 with 20 home runs and 59 RBI over 141 games between Miami and Philadelphia in 2018. The 30-year-old slugger will presumably get regular playing time between first base and DH next season in Anaheim, but Albert Pujols and Shohei Ohtani are also part of that equation. Granted, Pujols and Ohtani are both coming off major surgeries.
Reds acquired RHP Tanner Roark from the Nationals for RHP Tanner Rainey.
A classic Tanner-for-Tanner swap. Roark registered an uninspiring 4.50 ERA over 361 2/3 innings in his last two seasons with the Nats, but he's been an effective starter in the past and should be an upgrade to the Cincinnati rotation in 2019. He's due to become a free agent next winter. The Reds are probably still on the hunt for at least one more starting pitcher. They've been connected to several.
Rainey was lit up for 19 earned runs over his first seven major league innings in 2018, but he has posted good numbers in the upper minors, especially in the strikeouts department. The hard-throwing 25-year-old right-hander should be in the running for a spot in the Opening Day bullpen next spring in Nationals camp.
Phillies signed OF Andrew McCutchen to a three-year, $50 million contract with a $15 million club option for 2022.
That option comes with a $3 million buyout. McCutchen did quite well for himself here, and the Phillies added a steady veteran presence who is capable of hitting near the top of their lineup – at least in the first couple years of the deal. The power and speed have both been in decline for a while, but Cutch should be good for 20-plus homers and something close to an .800 OPS in Philly next season. He posted a .421 on-base percentage and .892 OPS in 114 plate appearances with the Yankees to finish out the 2018 regular season.
Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports reports that the Dodgers and Joe Kelly are in agreement on a three-year, $25 million deal.
Ken Rosenthal and Robert Murray of The Athletic were first to report that a deal was close. Kelly gets a nice payday here despite posting an underwhelming 4.39 ERA and 1.36 WHIP over 65 2/3 regular-season innings with the Red Sox in 2018. He came up huge in the playoffs as Boston marched to the World Series title, yielding just one earned run and striking out 13 batters against zero walks in 11 1/3 frames. The 30-year-old right-hander will work in a setup role in Los Angeles.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Mets have signed Jeurys Familia to a three-year, $30 million deal.
The free agent relief market is finally rolling. Familia had interest from several teams, but he'll head back to a familiar spot and operate as a setup man under new Mets closer Edwin Diaz. Familia, 29, put up a 3.13 ERA with 83 strikeouts over 72 innings this past year between Queens and Oakland.
Mariners acquired DH Edwin Encarnacion and a compensatory Round B draft pick from the Indians as part of a three-team trade.
Cleveland is getting Carlos Santana from Seattle and Jake Bauers from Tampa Bay. Yandy Diaz will go to the Rays along with minor league right-hander Cole Sulser. Seattle will receive the No. 77 overall selection in the 2019 MLB Draft, a competitive-balance pick, from the Tribe. It sounds like the Mariners are already working to flip Encarnacion, possibly to Tampa Bay.
Santana is said to be thrilled about heading back to Cleveland after spending one year with the Phillies, who dealt him to the Mariners earlier this month as part of the Jean Segura trade. The 32-year-old played the first eight years of his career with the Tribe.
Bauers made his major league debut this past year at age 22 and batted .201/.316/.384 with 11 home runs, 48 RBI, and six stolen bases over his first 96 big-league games. He'll presumably play left field for the Indians, pending their other offseason moves, and could be of value in AL-only fantasy leagues. Bauers was ranked a top-70 prospect by multiple services leading into the 2018 campaign.
Sulser registered a 3.86 ERA and 95/17 K/BB ratio in 60 2/3 innings of relief this past season between Double-A and Triple-A. The ability to miss bats could put him in the conversation for a spot in the Rays' bullpen at some point in 2019. The 28-year-old right-hander was a 25th-round pick of the Indians back in 2013.
Diaz is the centerpiece for Tampa Bay in this somewhat convoluted swap. The 27-year-old posted an impressive .312/.375/.422 batting line over 120 plate appearances with the Indians in 2018, though his defense at third base has been iffy at times and it's a little unclear at the moment how he fits into the Rays' plans for 2018. They probably have other moves in the works.
Brewers acquired LHP Alex Claudio from the Rangers for a competitive-balance Round A draft pick.
That competitive-balance draft pick is expected to come in at No. 40 or No. 41 overall next June. Claudio had a rough season with the Rangers in 2018, but he put up a 2.66 ERA over his first 162 1/3 major league innings between 2014-2017 and he's held left-handed batters to a .194/.220/.278 slash line since breaking into the bigs. It's another big weapon for the already-stout Milwaukee bullpen.
Tigers signed SS Jordy Mercer to a one-year, $5.25 million contract.
The deal was reported earlier this week and has now been made official. Mercer batted only .251/.315/.381 last season for the Pirates and missed some time due to injury, but he should be a bit of an upgrade offensively over Jose Iglesias and is a solid defender, as well.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that Ian Kinsler has agreed to terms with the Padres on a two-year, $8 million contract, pending a physical.
It's a bit of a surprise that the 36-year-old got a multi-year deal, but the Padres aren't risking much money here. Kinsler batted just .240/.301/.380 with 14 home runs and 16 stolen bases last season for the Angels and Red Sox in a second straight down year at the plate. Per Rosenthal, the Padres plan to keep Luis Urias at second base and use Kinsler at third base and in a leadership role for Urias and Fernando Tatis, Jr.
The Indians officially announced they have traded first baseman Yonder Alonso to the White Sox in exchange for minor league outfielder Alex Call.
The deal was initially reported on Friday and is now official. Alonso batted .250/.317/.421 with 23 home runs and 83 RBI in his first and only season with the Indians. The White Sox already have a good first baseman in Jose Abreu, so one of them will presumably shift to the designated hitter slot. Both of them are 31 years old but Alonso has the better defensive metrics and will likely play the field on most days. The hot gossip on the Internet is that Alonso is Manny Machado's brother-in-law and that this move could be a maneuver by the White Sox to entice the superstar shortstop to choose Chicago over the other teams vying for his services.
Alex Call batted .248/.345/.415 with 12 home runs and 58 RBI in 123 games combined across the Single-A and Double-A levels in 2018. He stole six bases in 13 attempts. He was a third-round draft pick in 2016 by the White Sox. He is not a highly-rated prospect. The two primary goals for the Indians in making this trade were shedding Alonso's $8 million salary for 2019 and clearing the first base position for the newly re-acquired Carlos Santana to take over.
Angels signed Justin Bour to a one-year, $2.5 million contract.
The deal was leaked on Wednesday and it is now official. Bour will see action at both first base and designated hitter, sharing time with Albert Pujols and Shohei Ohtani. He was non-tendered by the Phillies in late November after batting .227/.341/.404 with 20 home runs and 59 RBI in 423 at-bats with the Marlins and Phillies this past season. Those numbers were a disappointment considering he had slashed .289/.366/.536 with a whopping 25 homers and 83 RBI in just 377 at-bats the year before. The 30-year-old could provide a lot of value on a bargain contract for the Angels next year if he has a bounce-back campaign.
The Mets have agreed to a two-year, $19 million contract with Wilson Ramos.Love this deal. Mets don't waste a pick landing Grandal now.
Piecing this together, Daniel Alvarez Montes was the first to report that the Mets had reached an agreement with the catcher, Ken Rosenthal added that it was a two-year deal and Heyman closed it out by adding the financial details. The Mets have been aggressively searching for an upgrade behind the plate this offseason, talking to the Marlins about J.T. Realmuto and looking into Yasmani Grandal on the free agent market. Ultimately, they land Ramos, which allows them to hang on to their prospects while still adding another very formidable bat to the lineup. Ramos slashed a mighty impressive .306/.358/.487 with 15 homers and 70 RBI in 111 games between the Rays and Phillies in 2018.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that Wilson Ramos' contract with the Mets includes a $10 million club option for a third season.
Ramos will receive a $2 million signing bonus and will earn $6.25 million in 2019 and $9.25 million in 2020, with $500,000 more available in incentives. The buyout for the option is $1.5 million, so Ramos is guaranteed at least $19 million over two years and the deal could be worth as much as $28 million over three years. Ramos will officially sign with the Mets and be introduced at a press conference on Tuesday.
According to Andy Martino of SNY, the Mets plan to head into the 2019 season with Wilson Ramos and Travis d'Arnaud as their catching tandem.not sure if want...
That means the Mets don't plan on carrying three catchers, so after agreeing to a deal with Ramos on Sunday, Kevin Plawecki looks to be expendable. The Mets could now look to deal the 27-year-old, who is under team control through the 2022 season, as part of a package to fill other outstanding needs such as a left-handed bullpen arm.
So far we're just treading water. Which ... if you're not actively trying to get better, you're getting worse IMO.
Pirates signed RHP Jordan Lyles, who had been with the Brewers, to a one-year contract.
Lyles is guaranteed $2 million. As things stand now, the fifth spot in the Pirates rotation figures to come down to he and Nick Kingham, though it's possible the team will have room for both depending on whether Chris Archer and Joe Musgrove are ready to start the season on time. Lyles had a 4.79 ERA and a 40/11 K/BB ratio in 47 innings over eight starts last season. He had a 3.32 ERA in 40 2/3 innings out of the pen.
Jon Heyman of Fancred reports that the Cubs have a deal with free agent Daniel Descalso.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic adds that deal is for two years at $5 million, with an option for a third year. Descalso mostly played second base and third base with the Diamondbacks last season, but he could also be used at first base or even in left field in a pinch. He'll presumably see most of his time with the Cubs at second base.
Nationals signed 1B Matt Adams to a one-year, $4 million contract with a mutual option for 2020.
The Nationals traded Adams to the Cardinals in August, but he's officially back in the fold in Washington. Per Jon Heyman of Fancred, Adams will make $3 million in 2019 while the club option in 2020 is worth $4 million and carries a $1 million buyout. Adams batted .239 with 21 homers and a .786 OPS in 121 games this past season and makes for valuable insurance behind Ryan Zimmerman at first base.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that Lance Lynn's contract with the Rangers includes a $4 million signing bonus.
The two sides have reportedly agreed to a three-year, $30 million contract, which is expected to be officially announced on Tuesday. Per Rosenthal, Lynn will receive an $8 million salary in 2019, $10 million in 2020, and $8 million in 2021. The deal also includes a $100,000 assignment bonus if he's traded to one of the eight West Coast teams. Lynn had an uneven 2018 between the Twins and Yankees while posting a 4.77 ERA over 29 starts and two relief appearances, but the Rangers are hoping that he can lead their rotation.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that the Astros are "closing in" on a two-year deal with Michael Brantley in the $32 million range.
Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports says the Astros plan to rotate Brantley between left field, first base and designated hitter. Brantley, 31, has never played first base before but it was reported earlier this month that he was willing to give the position a try in order to add to his versatility. The path to playing time is more difficult for top prospect Kyle Tucker (and also Tony Kemp) with the addition of Brantley, assuming the Astros are unable to trade Josh Reddick. It could free Houston up to include Tucker in a deal for J.T. Realmuto if that's the route they choose to take.
Cubs signed INF Daniel Descalso to a two-year, $5 million contract.
According to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com, Descalso will make $1.5 million in 2019 and $2.5 million in 2020, with a $3.5 million club option or $1M buyout for 2021. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic writes that the deal could max out at $8.25 million with incentives. Descalso didn't show much with the bat in the early part of his career, but he's made some real progress over the past three years. He's capable of playing all over the infield, so he should be a handy piece for Cubs manager Joe Maddon.
MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reports that free agent starter Matt Harvey has agreed to a contract with the Angels.I just shake my head at this... the man that started the pitching revolution for the Mets and made Harvey Night a phenomenon is now a middling pitcher.
It'll be a one-year, $11 million deal with another $3 million available through performance-based incentives, per Fancred's Jon Heyman. Harvey drew interest from multiple teams this winter – the Reds wanted him back, and the A's reportedly checked in – but he'll head to Anaheim looking to further revitalize his career. The former All-Star posted a 4.94 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 131/37 K/BB ratio in 155 innings between New York and Cincinnati in 2018. He is a lock for the Angels' Opening Day rotation, assuming his health cooperates.
By Adam Go To PostWhy doeIt was a number of factors... Tommy John surgery during his borderline Cy Young year, then he came back stronger. Went through a pitching limit controversy with his agent and the Mets sniping at each other. Then the famous incident during the World Series after 8 innings of brilliant ball Terry Collins wanted to take him out. Harvey demanded he go out for the 9th and convinced Collins to keep him out there. He promptly gave up 2 hits with no one out and the Mets would lose. Then he stunningly lost command and velocity for no reason (partying? Weight gain? Inefficient mechanics due to laziness?) until his diagnosis of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Then his partying habits became worse... it's too much to detail, check some of these out.
https://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2018/5/4/17320812/matt-harvey-mets-career-highs-lows-injuries-models-threesomes-oh-my
https://www.theringer.com/mlb/2018/5/4/17321336/matt-harvey-new-york-mets-pitcher-designated-for-assignment
People who don't live in NY don't get how powerful an entity Matt Harvey (formerly known as the Dark Knight) was. He was neo-Dwight Gooden. The Golden Boy with charisma eclipsing even Derek Jeter. Like... every start of his was an event. and now 3 years removed from the magical season he's a #4 starter on his 3rd team.
By Adam Go To PostEr, thanks for the explanation, but I don't see how he helps the Anglols....
WELL MAYBE NEXT TIME YOU SHOULD EXPLAIN THE "WHY", YOU BIG BOOB!
Astros signed outfielder Michael Brantley, who had been with the Indians, to a two-year contract.
Brantley will make $32 million over the two seasons. He's set to serve as the Astros' left fielder, and he'll probably hit in the middle of the order, though he'd also be just fine at the top. Going from Progressive Field to Minute Maid is a downgrade for him, so it'll be tough for him to match his fine .309/.364/.468 line from last season.
The Mariners announced Wednesday that Safeco Field will henceforth be known as T-Mobile Park.Blackace explain.
This will take some getting used to, so expect us to mess up and write Safeco from time to time this year. T-Mobile Park. T-Mobile Park. T-Mobile Park. T-Mobile Park.
Can't believe they're dishonoring Bernard Aloysius Safeco like that, and I don't even know who this "T" Mobile fellow is.
By The Frankman Go To Post…
WELL MAYBE NEXT TIME YOU SHOULD EXPLAIN THE "WHY", YOU BIG BOOB!
😂😂😂
By The Frankman Go To PostBlackace explain.well... John Stanton
Angels signed RHP Trevor Cahill to a one-year, $9 million contract.Upside
The deal also includes $1.5 million in performance bonuses that will be based on innings pitched. Cahill worked just 110 innings for the Athletics in 2018, but he was effective when healthy and should at worst be a useful fantasy streaming option in Anaheim. Matt Harvey has also reportedly agreed to a one-year contract with the Angels, but that hasn't been made official quite yet.
Padres signed 2B Ian Kinsler to a two-year, $8 million contract with a $3.5 million club option for 2021.Why are the Pods trying to compete?
The deal was agreed to last Friday and has now been made official after Kinsler passed the necessary pre-signing physical. The veteran second baseman remains an elite defender at age 36, but he batted just .240/.301/.380 across 534 plate appearances last year between the Angels and Red Sox. There's not going to be much fantasy upside for him in San Diego.
A lot of trades gogin down, trying to get FanGraphs reaction because the Puig one is ... wow. Will jjust post regular reactions for now.
Mariners signed LHP Zac Rosscup to a one-year contract.Only reason I posted this whodafuck is it was a major-league deal.
No word yet on the financial terms. Rosscup was cut loose by the Dodgers in November after posting a 4.76 ERA over 11 1/3 innings last season in the majors while battling multiple injuries. The 30-year-old southpaw owns a career 5.21 ERA, but he has held left-handed batters to a stingy .138/.266/.275 slash line.
Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press reports that the Nationals have agreed to a contract with free agent right-hander Anibal Sanchez.
It'll be a two-year, $19 million deal with a $12 million club option for 2021, and Sanchez can earn up to $4 million through performance-based bonuses. The Nationals were tied to Sanchez within minutes of trading Tanner Roark to the Reds last Wednesday and seemingly out-bid a number of other teams to land the 13-year major league veteran. There was reported interest from the Braves, Brewers, and Reds. Sanchez, 34, delivered a sharp 2.83 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in 24 starts and one relief appearance with Atlanta last season.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the Rockies are in agreement on a deal with Daniel Murphy.
Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports reports that it's a two-year pact worth $24 million. Robert Murphy of The Athletic also reports that there is a mutual option and a buyout. Murphy is a mess defensively, but the Rockies will apparently try to mitigate that by playing him primarily at first base, where they've gotten wretched offensive production over the last few seasons. The 34-year-old batted .299/.336/.454 with 12 home runs and 42 RBI over 91 games between the Nationals and Cubs in 2018 after missing the first nine weeks of the season while recovering from knee surgery. His fantasy outlook for 2019 gets a nice boost from the Coors Field effect.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that the Brewers have agreed to a one-year, deal with Cory Spangenberg.
It's a split contract, says Rosenthal, which will pay Spangenberg $1.2 million if he's on the MLB roster, and $250,000 if he is in Triple-A. He was released by the Padres in November after being designated for assignment, and hit .258/.318/.391 in his five seasons with San Diego. The 27-year-old is capable of playing all over the field, and it's possible he could compete for playing time at second base with Milwaukee. More than likely, he'll be a super-utility player for the NL Central champions. It's also worth pointing out that Spangenberg has one option left.
Cardinals signed LHP Andrew Miller to a two-year, $25 million contract with a $12 million vesting option for 2021.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic has the specifics on the deal, which guarantees Miller at least $27.5 million when you include a $2.5 million buyout. The option will vest if he makes 110 appearances from 2019-20. President of baseball operations John Mozeliak said he envisions using Miller "in high leverage situations… when you talk about role, there will be some flexibility in that." He'll provide a big boost to the Cardinals if healthy, but there's some risk since he'll turn 34 in May and is coming off an injury-plagued season.
Red Sox and RHP Heath Hembree avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $1.3125 million contract.
Hembree was arbitration-eligible for the first time. He posted a 4.20 ERA but struck out 76 over 60 relief innings last season.
Athletics signed RHP Joakim Soria to a two-year, $15 million contract.
The deal was reported Thursday and has now been made official. Soria posted a 3.12 ERA and 75/16 K/BB ratio over 60 2/3 innings with the White Sox and Brewers this past season. The veteran reliever will fill a setup role in Oakland.
Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports reports that the Athletics have acquired Jurickson Profar from the Rangers in a three-team trade that also involves the Rays. To recap, Rangers will receive prospects Brock Burke, Eli White, Kyle Bird, Yoel Espinal and international bonus pool money, while the Rays will get reliever Emilio Pagan, prospect Rollie Lacy and a competitive balance pick.
Profar finally stayed healthy and had a breakout season in 2018 in Texas, sporting a .253/.335/.458 batting line with 20 homers and 10 steals. He had been slated to serve as the Rangers' third baseman; now he will slide over to second base for the A's, with Jed Lowrie now likely to depart in free agency and Franklin Barreto moving to the bench or back to the minors. The former top prospect had a breakout 2018 campaign, batting .253/.335/.458 with 20 homers and 10 steals.
Brock Burke, 22, posted a 3.08 ERA and 158/44 K/BB ratio across 137 1/3 frames between High- and Double-A this past season. He is now on the Rangers' 40-man roster and immediately becomes one of their better pitching prospects.
Eli White, 24, batted .306/.388/.450 with nine homers and 18 steals at the Double-A level in 2018. He was ranked by MLB.com as the A's No. 17 prospect.
Kyle Bird, 25, held a 2.39 ERA and 88/35 K/BB ratio over 75 1/3 innings between Double- and Triple-A in 2018. He's on the 40-man roster and could debut at some point in 2019.
Yoel Espinal, 26, held a 2.25 ERA and 79/32 K/BB ratio across 64 relief innings between High- and Double-A in 2018. He should have a shot to debut at some point in 2019.
Emilio Pagan boasts a 3.85 ERA and 119/27 K/BB ratio over 112 1/3 relief innings the last two seasons. He's held righties to a .193/.237/.336 batting line.
Rollie Lacy, 23, posted a 2.97 ERA and 121/37 K/BB ratio over 109 frames between Low- and High-A in 2018. He had been acquired by the Rangers from the Cubs in the Cole Hamels trade.
Giants signed SHP Pat Venditte to a one-year contract.
The switch-pitcher was given a major league deal. Financial terms of the contract aren't known at this time. Venditte, 33, holds a career 4.45 ERA and 51/26 K/BB ratio over 64 2/3 relief innings across parts of three big league seasons.
Dodgers signed RHP Joe Kelly to a three-year, $21 million contract with a $12 million club option for 2022.
The buyout for the option is $4 million, so Kelly is guaranteed at least $25 million, per Joel Sherman of the New York Post. The right-hander posted a 4.39 ERA this past season, but he struck out over a batter per inning and was very effective in the playoffs during the Red Sox' World Series run. Kelly will help set up for Kenley Jansen.
Brewers trade Domingo Santana to Mariners for Ben Gamel
SEATTLE – The Seattle Mariners acquired outfielder Domingo Santana from the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday in exchange for outfielder Ben Gamel and minor-league pitcher Noah Zavalos.
The swap of young outfielders adds a right-handed power bat to the Mariners' lineup and provides the Brewers with a versatile corner outfielder.
The 26-year-old Santana is two years removed from hitting 30 home runs and having 85 RBIs, but he struggled to find a consistent spot in the Brewers' outfield last season after the additions of Lorenzo Cain and National League MVP Christian Yelich. Santana appeared in just 85 games and hit .265 with five homers and 20 RBIs. He played even less in the field, appearing in only 55 games defensively a year after starting 138 games in right field for the Brewers.
"Santana was one of the most productive outfielders in baseball in 2017," Seattle general manager Jerry Dipoto said in a statement. "He did not have the same opportunities last year, but his age and power bat from the right side make him a very good fit for our club moving forward."
With a close eye on impact free agents Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, Caesars Entertainment's sportsbook started taking bets this week on win totals for the upcoming MLB season.
The Houston Astros top the board with 97.5 wins and are among four American League teams projected to win more than 91 games by Caesars, which operates sportsbooks in Mississippi, Nevada and New Jersey. The New York Yankees are right behind the Astros with 96.5 wins, followed by the defending champion Boston Red Sox at 95.5 and Cleveland Indians at 91.5.
Vegas knows.
Yankees have added DJ LaMahieu and Troy Tulowitzki to their infield rotation. Not sure how this impacts their pursuit of Manny Machado, but my one desire is that they not trade Andujar. Move him to first if you need to, but he was the one dude hitting consistently last year (that didn't miss major time, as in the case of Aaron Judge).
I know Voit batted well in the second half, not sure if he can keep that up. Bird has been either injured or shit virtually his entire career. If it comes down to it, though, I'd rather keep Andujar and figure out what to do with the others (should the Yankees get Machado).
I know Voit batted well in the second half, not sure if he can keep that up. Bird has been either injured or shit virtually his entire career. If it comes down to it, though, I'd rather keep Andujar and figure out what to do with the others (should the Yankees get Machado).
You know, it's stupid how long it took for the baseball writers to unanimously elect someone to the hall of fame. Mariano got that honor today, and he deserved it, but it should have happened decades ago.
The Bryce Harper contract is going to be the tipping point for the recession, but Manny Machado????
If there is a guy who isn't worth half his contract, it's Machado.
If there is a guy who isn't worth half his contract, it's Machado.
Anytime you can lock up a career .236 hitter for 7 years, you have to do it
http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/26075238/aaron-hicks-signs-7-year-extension-yankees
I like Aaron Hicks, but 7 years seems a bit much for a guy whose career year was batting .248.
http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/26075238/aaron-hicks-signs-7-year-extension-yankees
I like Aaron Hicks, but 7 years seems a bit much for a guy whose career year was batting .248.
Hicks, who was scheduled to become a free agent after this season, is coming off his best career year in 2018, when he batted .248 with career highs of 27 home runs and 79 RBIs.
The switch-hitting center fielder has emerged as a valuable player for the Yankees, with manager Aaron Boone recently referring to Hicks as "maybe the most underrated player in the game."
Hicks, 29, is a career .236 hitter in parts of six seasons with the Yankees and Minnesota Twins.
By The Frankman Go To PostThe Bryce Harper contract is going to be the tipping point for the recession, but Manny Machado????Bryce wasn't super amazing last year... I understand that things go up and down and what not in baseball but the year before your contract is your strongest negotiation point...
If there is a guy who isn't worth half his contract, it's Machado.
Manny beasted and plays a premium position. Harper most likely going to get the money per year at a shorter deal, also being a Boras client might have something to do with it
By Pac-12 Go To PostAnytime you can lock up a career .236 hitter for 7 years, you have to do itToo many Aarons
http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/26075238/aaron-hicks-signs-7-year-extension-yankees
I like Aaron Hicks, but 7 years seems a bit much for a guy whose career year was batting .248.
Offer people 70 million a year. I really DGAF, but any contract over 4 years is a stupid contract with massive bust potential in the later years.
By Perfect Blue Go To PostMachado is a better bet than Harper. Harper prob the most overrated player in baseball.Glad somebody said it
