MLB Off-Season: The Hot Stove

Need Zach to re-up and hopefully fill out the bullpen.

I am liking the moves the Ms are making... It feels good to actually have a direct and philosophy. Even if we aren't good again next season it feels much better...

Mets Off-Season is going to be very interesting. It's looking more and more that Cespedes is gone also, Mets OF should be Conforto/Lagares/Grandy. I anticipate Cuddyer splitting time in LF and 1B.

As expected Murphy turned down the QO. Kinda best case scenario because Mets will get a pick for him. Mets right now have Wright/Tejada/Flores/Duda in the infield, which will not start the year. Mets have to decide on Uribe and Kelly Johnson, and might bring both back. Mets looking at Ben Zobrist at 2B and possibly in the market to trade for Erick Aybar for SS.

Mets starting pitching isn't as set as people think. I still think they trade one of their top starters for offense help, but for now it's Harvey/DeGrom/Syndegaard/Matz/Wheeler (Niese if he isn't ready to start the year). Dunno what Niese or Colon's future is... in the bullpen Mets will get a TON of help back (Blevins, Edgin, etc.) that they could've used in playoffs. Also they are looking for more RHP relief as Tyler Clippard will probably walk. Mets plan to make Addison Reed their 8th inning guy.

Blackace, you're a mariners' fan, right? What do you think of the rumor of Brett Gardner for Paxton and Chris Taylor? As a Yankees fan, I like Paxton's arm, but he's only pItched like 150 innings the last two seasons combined. I don't really know much about Taylor thought.

My hope is that the Yankees are able to trade Gardner or Ellsbury (very unlikely due to contact, NTC, and sucking last season) and sign Heyward.

By SuperMalo Go To PostBlackace, you're a mariners' fan, right? What do you think of the rumor of Brett Gardner for Paxton and Chris Taylor? As a Yankees fan, I like Paxton's arm, but he's only pItched like 150 innings the last two seasons combined. I don't really know much about Taylor thought.

My hope is that the Yankees are able to trade Gardner or Ellsbury (very unlikely due to contact, NTC, and sucking last season) and sign Heyward.

I think the Gardner trade sounds better than it would be for us. His numbers were about the same as Miller and he has a wet noodle for an arm.

I don't mind giving up Paxton but would like more value than Gardner.

If the Yanks going to pay a good chunk of his contract the deal becomes a bit more interesting

Well, that's all moot. The mariners acquired Leonys Martin.

I like that trade... much less risk to it

Tigers got K-Rod from the Brewers and the Brewers will receive minor league infielder Javier Betancourt and a player to be named.

Have fun with Leonys. He's a whiny brat.

By Enron Go To PostHave fun with Leonys. He's a whiny brat.

Not an issue

Tigers acquired OF Cameron Maybin and cash considerations from the Braves for LHPs Ian Krol and Gabe Speier.

The deal saves the Braves approximately $6 million. Maybin's coming off one of the best seasons of his career. In 2015, he slashed .267/.327/.370 with 10 homers, 59 RBI and 23 steals over 505 at-bats. With the trade, the 28-year-old outfielder has come full circle. The Tigers drafted him with the 10th overall pick in the 2005 amateur draft before moving him to the Marlins in 2008.

Nice deal.

Braves fire sale!

I'm waiting for the first major signing of the Hot Stove... I have a feeling first week of December we will find out who's overpaying for Daniel Murphy.

it's funny nobody has signed yet like nobody

Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times reports that the Dodgers will announce Dave Roberts as their next manager on Monday.

Roberts beat out Gabe Kapler and a host of others for the highly coveted gig. The first-time skipper has been the bench coach for the Padres the previous two seasons. He becomes the 32nd manager in franchise history, and the first African American. Roberts played for the club from 2002-2004 during his 10-year playing career.

So they go from Mattingly who had little managing experience to... someone with little managing experience.

Congrats to Dave Roberts. Stealing jobs, bases. Guy can do it all.

By The Frankman Go To PostSo they go from Mattingly who had little managing experience to… someone with little managing experience.

I mean, the rumors were they wanted a younger less proven name, so I'm not really surprised by this. The most impactful moves regarding our team probably won't be the managers job this summer either. I have my doubts we resign Zach.

Trumbo about to be moved... Dipset is doing work

Dipset Dipset Dipset!

The White Sox moved to strengthen their catching situation Wednesday, agreeing on a one-year, $2.5 million contract with veteran free agent Alex Avila.

The Athletics acquired Lowrie from the Astros on Wednesday for minor league right-hander Brendan McCurry less than a year after Lowrie left Oakland to sign a three-year deal with Houston.

the Seattle Mariners were working on a deal to acquire Ozuna with the Marlins seeking young controllable pitching in return.

A straight deal could hinge on whether the Marlins would be interested in Roenis Elias or Nathan Karns, since Taijuan Walker is likely off the table. MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro, however, says the Marlins may covet Walker, so the teams could look to complete a blockbuster deal that involve more than just Ozuna for a starting pitcher.

some moves plus Dipset rumors

Braves signed RHP Bud Norris to a one-year, $2.5 million contract.

Norris was designated for assignment by the Orioles in early August and finished out the 2015 campaign in a Padres uniform. Between the two clubs, the 30-year-old right-hander held a bloated 6.72 ERA and 1.57 WHIP across 83 innings. He appeared in 38 games overall, with 11 starts in that mix. Norris has had serviceable seasons in the past, but there's no real upside here for Atlanta.

Renato Bermudez of ESPN Deportes reports that Yasiel Puig was recently involved in a fight with a security guard at a Miami nightclub.

Details on the altercation are limited at this point, but Puig reportedly came away from the fight with a bruise on his face. We'll surely find out more about the incident before long, but it's certainly not a good look for Puig, who has his detractors in and out of the organization due to attitude issues. He was limited to just 79 games this season because of injury.

Blue Jays signed LHP J.A. Happ to a three-year, $36 million contract.

The 33-year-old southpaw, helped by the tutelage of pitching coach Ray Searage, posted a 1.85 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 69/13 K/BB ratio over 63 1/3 innings down the stretch after a mid-season trade to the Pirates. Happ returns to Toronto where he previously pitched from 2012-2014 and his fantasy outlook takes a hit as a result, even with the prospect of generous run support. Still, Happ adds another quality arm to the back of what is becoming a deep and talented starting rotation.

first big signing

The Detroit Tigers have reached agreement on a five-year, $110 million contract with free-agent starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann. Completion of the deal is pending a physical.

Stunning, but the Nats rotation was crowded so you kinda saw this coming. That won't be the only defection as Ian Desmond won't be a National either.

Rumors with substance:

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that Ben Zobrist is the Mets' "No. 1 target" this offseason.

It's not surprising, as they've been connected to him since early on in the offseason. Rosenthal notes that the Nationals, Braves and Giants, among other clubs, are also in on Zobrist. The reports adds that the market for Zobrist is "likely to become more defined in next few days" and "willingness to guarantee a fourth year likely will be a deciding factor." Zobrist turns 35 next May, so giving him a four-year deal would be awfully risky.

Diamondbacks general manager Dave Stewart said Sunday that he continues to monitor the potential availability of Japanese hurler Kenta Maeda.

It's anticipated that the 27-year-old right-hander will be posted by the Hiroshima Carp this winter. The Diamondbacks appear to be exploring all possible options as they look to add a front-line starter to their rotation before the 2016 season begins.

Not a player move..but interesting...

The Miami Marlins are working to finalize a deal to hire Barry Bonds to the team's coaching staff, a source told ESPN.

Bonds, who most recently played in the majors in 2007, has worked as a special instructor for the San Francisco Giants during spring training the past two seasons.

CBSSports.com reported earlier Monday that the Marlins were having internal discussions about hiring Bonds as a hitting coach. Frank Menechino, who has been Miami's hitting coach since 2014, is expected to return to the Marlins, who could have two hitting coaches if they hire Bonds.

Seems odd...

The Boston Red Sox have reached an agreement on a multiyear contract with free-agent outfielder Chris Young pending a physical exam, a source confirmed to ESPN.

No terms were available for the deal, which was first reported by FoxSports.com.

Bo Sox shaking up their OF it seems.

Also Johnny Cueto turned down a 120m 6 year off from Az....

whoa... Surprised Young left to be a 4th outfielder. Teams would've started him. And the Bonds news is Marlins trying to add vet starpower by any means necessary.

MLB.com's Anthony DiComo reports that the Mets will "likely" tender Jenrry Mejia a contract for next season.

It wasn't a given, as Mejia will get a raise this winter after making $2.595 million during a suspension-shortened 2015. He'll miss much of 2016 to his second PED suspension, but the Mets have decided it's worth it if they can have his big arm in the bullpen in the second half.

Guy was a superb closer/setup guy and his absence was sorely missed in the World Series.

Braves signed RHP Jim Johnson to a one-year contract.

MLB.com's Mark Bowman says the reliever will receive $2.5 million. Johnson had a nice bounce-back showing with the Braves in 2015, posting a 2.25 ERA over 49 appearances. He was dealt to the Dodgers at the trade deadline and flopped with a 10.13 mark across 23 games. Johnson was closing for Atlanta when they traded him, but he figures to be used in a setup role in 2016.

What is it with pitchers who go to Atlanta and revive their careers, then leave and turn to crap?

Price and Young? Not bad.

Pryce deal could either go really well or ver bad. Just like the team next season.

Man ... Zach bout' to get paid after that price contract. I honestly hope it's not us now. 7 years at 30+ is way too much for a pitcher that's already 32.

Insane money

Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe reports that the Red Sox and David Price have agreed to a seven-year, $217 million contract.

New general manager Dave Dombrowski was dead-set on getting an ace this winter, and he's locked up the best one on the market to a record-setting contract. The deal just barely edges out Clayton Kershaw's contract for the highest ever for a pitcher and is the seventh-richest contract for any player in history. FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal says the deal also contains an opt-out clause after the third year. Guaranteeing any 30-year-old pitcher this much money is a big risk, but Price at the very least should give Boston a frontline stud for a few years.

Twins signed 1B/DH Byung-ho Park to a four-year, $12 million contract with a $6.5 million club option for 2020.

CBS Sports' Jon Heyman first reported the deal and FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal had the contract figures. Including the $12.85 million posting fee, the Twins are investing $24.85 million in the 29-year-old slugger. There's some question about how his big power numbers will translate in the United States, especially with his penchant for the strikeout, but it's a very reasonable gamble at these terms. Park likely profiles as a DH, so the Twins could move Miguel Sano to the outfield or pursue a trade involving Trevor Plouffe.

Nice move. I think they then move Plouffe while his value is high.

got damn!!! 217 million?

By blackace Go To Postgot damn!!! 217 million?

... it's almost like they think the postseason doesn't matter. But hey they desperately needed an ace money be damned.

CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reports that trade talks between the Mariners and Orioles involving Mark Trumbo are "heating up."

The Mariners apparently aren't keen on giving Trumbo a raise in his final year of arbitration and have been shopping him. He's definitely a fit in Baltimore, as he could play first base or serve as the designated hitter and wouldn't prevent the club from trying to re-sign Chris Davis. Trumbo batted .262/.310/.449 with 22 home runs and 64 RBI for the D'Backs and M's in 2015.

I always felt that Trumbo is that guy who is one leap away from being a perennial All-Star but will never make that leap. But be can be a nice complimentary guy.

Speaking of stupid money:

Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports reports that Ben Zobrist's price tag "stands at four years, $60 million and may go higher."

There might be more teams interested in Zobrist than those that aren't interested, and that's driven his price pretty high for a guy who turns 35 next May. The Mets are one team that has great interest in Zobrist, with FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal he's the club's "No. 1 target." SB Nation's Chris Cotillo has reported that Zobrist will meet with interested teams over the next week, with at least one West Coast and one East Coast club on his itinerary.

I like Zobrist, dude killed the Mets in the WS but fuck giving him 4 years. Hell fuck paying him $15 per too.

By blackace Go To Postgot damn!!! 217 million?

SHUT YOUR HOT DOGGIN FACE

It's a value.

By Sanjuro Go To PostSHUT YOUR HOT DOGGIN FACE

It's a value.

I like Price and all but them BoSox out there making the old Yankees look reasonable

By The Frankman Go To Post… it's almost like they think the postseason doesn't matter. But hey they desperately needed an ace money be damned.
I always felt that Trumbo is that guy who is one leap away from being a perennial All-Star but will never make that leap. But be can be a nice complimentary guy..

Trumbo is the Billy Owens of baseball

By blackace Go To PostTrumbo is the Billy Owens of baseball

aw man you had to use a former Syracuse guy.

By The Frankman Go To Postaw man you had to use a former Syracuse guy.

I have never seen the word potential attached to a 10 year vet before or since Billy Owens

By blackace Go To PostI have never seen the word potential attached to a 10 year vet before or since Billy Owens

Calbert Cheaney?

Cheaney was done when the Bullets gave up on him...

By blackace Go To PostI like Price and all but them BoSox out there making the old Yankees look reasonable

This offseason not so much, but paired with last year's atrocities then yup.

The Seattle Mariners have agreed to trade slugger Mark Trumbo to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for catcher Steve Clevenger, a source confirmed to ESPN's Jim Bowden.

it's done

By Sanjuro Go To PostThis offseason not so much, but paired with last year's atrocities then yup.

Maybe you can convince us to take on all those crap contracts again.

By Fenderputty Go To PostMaybe you can convince us to take on all those crap contracts again.

I hope this happens, then scuttlebutt comes out afterward that the Dodgers forgot Hanley played for them before.

By blackace Go To Postit's done

seems like a bit on the light side... is Clevenger that good and I missed it?

CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reports that the Mariners and Nori Aoki have agreed to a one-year deal with an option for 2017.

No word yet on the exact terms involved. Aoki was shut down early this past season due to lingering concussion symptoms, but he played well for the Giants when he was healthy, batting .287/.353/.380 with 14 stolen bases over 93 games. He's a solid top-of-the-order hitter and should play one of the corner outfield spots in Seattle. This signing should officially take the Mariners out of the mix for Marlins outfielder Marcell Ozuna

Athletics acquired 1B Yonder Alonso and LHP Marc Rzepczynski from the Padres for LHPs Drew Pomeranz and Jose Torres and a player to be named later or cash considerations.

The move seemingly means that Ike Davis will be non-tendered on Wednesday. It's basically a lateral move for the Athletics. Alonso has never hit more than seven home runs in a season before, but he owns a .273 career average and a .340 on-base percentage. He earned $1.65 million in 2015 and will be arbitration-eligible for the second time this winter. The Padres were considering non-tendering him.

CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reports that the Mariners have signed reliever Justin De Fratus.

He's expected to receive $750,000, with the chance to earn more with incentives. Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune first reported the team's interest in De Fratus. The 27-year-old is coming off a disappointing 5.51 ERA and 68/32 K/BB ratio over 80 innings with the Phillies, but he has enjoyed some success in the past.

By The Frankman Go To Postseems like a bit on the light side… is Clevenger that good and I missed it?

it was to avoid tender... they didn't want him to become 9 million so they going to get to rid of him no matter what.

interested what we do for 1st now tho

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports that the Diamondbacks have agreed to a deal with free agent right-hander Zack Greinke.

The deal is pending a physical and financial details are not yet known. When it was announced that the D'Backs were pursuing Greinke, many thought it may have been an effort on Greinke's part to drive up the bidding between the Giants and Dodgers, but it appears to be a huge get for the Diamondbacks. Not only do they get one of the top pitchers in the game to anchor their staff, but they also prevent him from going to one of their division rivals.

Holy fuck Heyman is saying 6 years...

At least it's not the Giants lol.

Hindsight might be a Bitch but I'm happy we're not paying a 32 year old a 6 year contract currently

By Fenderputty Go To PostAt least it's not the Giants lol.

Hindsight might be a Bitch but I'm happy we're not paying a 32 year old a 6 year contract currently

His stuff projects for him to still pitch well in years 5 and 6 though. Even if hes loses his fastball he has more than enough pitches to win. Wonder if he'll be like Randy Johnson and want the roof closed when he pitches.

By The Frankman Go To PostHis stuff projects for him to still pitch well in years 5 and 6 though. Even if hes loses his fastball he has more than enough pitches to win. Wonder if he'll be like Randy Johnson and want the roof closed when he pitches.

We will see. He consistently only pitched 6-7 innings for us. I realize it hurts us short term.

Again ... It's not the hated ones at least lol

34.4 a year lol