Trades,Free agents,Signings.....Anything and everything.
Cubs signed OF Jon Jay to a one-year, $8 million contract.
Rick Porcello was named as the winner of the American League Comeback Player of the Year Award on Tuesday.
Anthony Rendon was announced as the winner of the National League Comeback Player of the Year Award on Tuesday.
According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Cardinals have interest in free agent third baseman Justin Turner.
The Dodgers would surely like to keep Turner, but they are going to face plenty of competition. The 31-year-old has put up an .856 OPS (136 OPS+) in 386 games over the past three seasons. The Cardinals have already announced that Matt Carpenter will make the move to first base in 2017, but they'd still have a surplus in the way of infielders if they end up signing Turner. Because Turner rejected a qualifying offer from the Dodgers, teams will have to surrender a draft pick in order to sign him.
The Dodgers would surely like to keep Turner, but they are going to face plenty of competition. The 31-year-old has put up an .856 OPS (136 OPS+) in 386 games over the past three seasons. The Cardinals have already announced that Matt Carpenter will make the move to first base in 2017, but they'd still have a surplus in the way of infielders if they end up signing Turner. Because Turner rejected a qualifying offer from the Dodgers, teams will have to surrender a draft pick in order to sign him.
Buster Olney of ESPN reports that the Reds are open to trading outfielder Billy Hamilton.
Olney notes that the Reds are listening to offers on all of their players, which shouldn't really be all that surprising for a rebuilding team. Hamilton would no doubt make sense for a few contenders. The 26-year-old took a step forward offensively in 2016 before going down with an oblique injury and offers game-changing speed and defense. He'll be arbitration-eligible for the first time this winter.
Olney notes that the Reds are listening to offers on all of their players, which shouldn't really be all that surprising for a rebuilding team. Hamilton would no doubt make sense for a few contenders. The 26-year-old took a step forward offensively in 2016 before going down with an oblique injury and offers game-changing speed and defense. He'll be arbitration-eligible for the first time this winter.
ESPN's Jerry Crasnick confirms the Blue Jays are "making a push" for Jay Bruce.
Bruce became somewhat expendable for the Mets on Tuesday with the re-signing of Yoenis Cespedes, though there's also talk of Curtis Granderson being shopped. Crasnick notes the Blue Jays tried to acquire Bruce last spring, but a three-team swap with the Reds and Angels ultimately fell through. Jim Bowden of ESPN also tied Toronto to Bruce earlier this month. There's long been interest, and Bruce's bat probably would play very well in the American League East.
Bruce became somewhat expendable for the Mets on Tuesday with the re-signing of Yoenis Cespedes, though there's also talk of Curtis Granderson being shopped. Crasnick notes the Blue Jays tried to acquire Bruce last spring, but a three-team swap with the Reds and Angels ultimately fell through. Jim Bowden of ESPN also tied Toronto to Bruce earlier this month. There's long been interest, and Bruce's bat probably would play very well in the American League East.
[h=1]Marlins, Volquez agree to 2-year deal.[/h]
[h=1]Joyce reportedly headed to A's on 2-year pact.[/h]The Oakland Athletics and outfielder Matt Joyce have agreed on a contract, FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reported Wednesday morning. The club has not yet confirmed the report. The deal is worth $11 million over two years, according to Rosenthal, and is pending a physical.
Joyce, 32, hit .242 with 13 home runs and 42 RBIs for the Pirates in 2016.
Joyce, 32, hit .242 with 13 home runs and 42 RBIs for the Pirates in 2016.
Brewers sign Eric Thames to 3-year deal.
The Milwaukee Brewers have found a replacement for slugger Chris Carter, signing free agent Eric Thames to a three-year deal with a club option for 2020, the team announced Tuesday.
The three-year contract is worth more than $15 million guaranteed, a source told ESPN's Jerry Crasnick.
"I'm so honored to be here," Thames told reporters Tuesday. "Last year, two years, three years ago, I had no idea what the future had in store for me and I'm very fortunate that David and the Brewers' organization looked at me with hope and believe in me and believe in my talent set."
Carter tied for the National League lead in home runs with 41 in 2016, his one season with the Brewers after signing for $2.5 million. He is eligible for arbitration, and the Brewers have until 10 days to attempt to trade the 29-year-old slugger.
"A trade is a distinct possibility," general manager David Stearns said.
Thames, 30, had a .348 average over the past three seasons for the NC Dinos in the Korean Baseball Organization, winning MVP honors in 2015 after becoming the first KBO player to hit 40 homers and steal 40 bases in a season. He again hit 40 home runs and had 118 RBIs in 2016.
"Eric brings to the organization a left-handed power bat that is a good fit for our lineup," Stearns said in a statement. "His ability to play first base along with both corner outfield positions adds versatility to the roster. Eric has been extremely impressive over his last three seasons in Korea, and we look forward to his return to the Major Leagues in 2017."
Thames previously played with the Toronto Blue Jays (2011-12) and the Seattle Mariners (2012), hitting .250 in 181 games with 21 home runs and 82 RBIs before signing to play in Korea in December 2013. He was selected by the Blue Jays in the seventh round of the 2008 MLB first-year player draft out of Pepperdine University.
Carter tied for the National League lead last season with 41 home runs and is expected to receive a big raise via arbitration. He also led the NL with a team-record 206 strikeouts, and he hit .222 with a team-high 94 RBIs last season.
Thames' contract includes a provision that prohibits the Brewers from sending him to the minors without his permission, a source said, even though he has a minor-league option remaining from his previous MLB tenure.
"I'm excited to add someone like Eric," Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. "His journey thus far is inspiring. You always respect and admire someone who has gone through a journey like this and ended up in a place like this and a day like this. You also respect and understand that someone like him is going to feel like he has more to do, and that his journey is not finished. That sets him up to have success here, and I'm excited he has chosen this as the place to continue his journey."
<article class="ad-300"></article>His deal also includes a provision that prevents the Brewers from offering him salary arbitration and allows him to become a free agent at the conclusion of his contract, the source said. Thames currently has one year-plus of MLB service time and will be short of the six-year free agency threshold at the end of his deal with the Brewers. He'll have less than six years of service time regardless of whether the Brewers exercise their 2020 option.
The Tampa Bay Rays and Oakland Athletics were among the big-league clubs that expressed interest in Thames before he signed with Milwaukee.
The Milwaukee Brewers have found a replacement for slugger Chris Carter, signing free agent Eric Thames to a three-year deal with a club option for 2020, the team announced Tuesday.
The three-year contract is worth more than $15 million guaranteed, a source told ESPN's Jerry Crasnick.
"I'm so honored to be here," Thames told reporters Tuesday. "Last year, two years, three years ago, I had no idea what the future had in store for me and I'm very fortunate that David and the Brewers' organization looked at me with hope and believe in me and believe in my talent set."
Carter tied for the National League lead in home runs with 41 in 2016, his one season with the Brewers after signing for $2.5 million. He is eligible for arbitration, and the Brewers have until 10 days to attempt to trade the 29-year-old slugger.
"A trade is a distinct possibility," general manager David Stearns said.
Thames, 30, had a .348 average over the past three seasons for the NC Dinos in the Korean Baseball Organization, winning MVP honors in 2015 after becoming the first KBO player to hit 40 homers and steal 40 bases in a season. He again hit 40 home runs and had 118 RBIs in 2016.
"Eric brings to the organization a left-handed power bat that is a good fit for our lineup," Stearns said in a statement. "His ability to play first base along with both corner outfield positions adds versatility to the roster. Eric has been extremely impressive over his last three seasons in Korea, and we look forward to his return to the Major Leagues in 2017."
Thames previously played with the Toronto Blue Jays (2011-12) and the Seattle Mariners (2012), hitting .250 in 181 games with 21 home runs and 82 RBIs before signing to play in Korea in December 2013. He was selected by the Blue Jays in the seventh round of the 2008 MLB first-year player draft out of Pepperdine University.
Carter tied for the National League lead last season with 41 home runs and is expected to receive a big raise via arbitration. He also led the NL with a team-record 206 strikeouts, and he hit .222 with a team-high 94 RBIs last season.
Thames' contract includes a provision that prohibits the Brewers from sending him to the minors without his permission, a source said, even though he has a minor-league option remaining from his previous MLB tenure.
"I'm excited to add someone like Eric," Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. "His journey thus far is inspiring. You always respect and admire someone who has gone through a journey like this and ended up in a place like this and a day like this. You also respect and understand that someone like him is going to feel like he has more to do, and that his journey is not finished. That sets him up to have success here, and I'm excited he has chosen this as the place to continue his journey."
<article class="ad-300"></article>His deal also includes a provision that prevents the Brewers from offering him salary arbitration and allows him to become a free agent at the conclusion of his contract, the source said. Thames currently has one year-plus of MLB service time and will be short of the six-year free agency threshold at the end of his deal with the Brewers. He'll have less than six years of service time regardless of whether the Brewers exercise their 2020 option.
The Tampa Bay Rays and Oakland Athletics were among the big-league clubs that expressed interest in Thames before he signed with Milwaukee.
Twins signed C Jason Castro to a three-year, $24.5 million contract.
The deal was reported last week and it's now official. There appears to be little in the way of upside with this contract, but the Twins are banking on his pitch-framing ability to make him worth the investment. Castro owns a .215/.291/.369 batting line (84 OPS+) since his All-Star season in 2013, so he's not really a fantasy option at this point.
The deal was reported last week and it's now official. There appears to be little in the way of upside with this contract, but the Twins are banking on his pitch-framing ability to make him worth the investment. Castro owns a .215/.291/.369 batting line (84 OPS+) since his All-Star season in 2013, so he's not really a fantasy option at this point.
A source told WEEI's Rob Bradford that the Red Sox are "probably not" going to be a finalist for free agent slugger Edwin Encarnacion.
Bear in mind that this could be a case of posturing with Encarnacion's decision reportedly set to come shortly after the announcement of a new collective bargaining agreement. The other teams linked to him this month: the Yankees, Astros, Rangers, and Blue Jays. Encarnacion, 33, batted .263/.357/.529 with 42 home runs and 127 RBI in 160 games this past season for Toronto. He holds a sensational .912 OPS (146 OPS+) over the last five years.
Bear in mind that this could be a case of posturing with Encarnacion's decision reportedly set to come shortly after the announcement of a new collective bargaining agreement. The other teams linked to him this month: the Yankees, Astros, Rangers, and Blue Jays. Encarnacion, 33, batted .263/.357/.529 with 42 home runs and 127 RBI in 160 games this past season for Toronto. He holds a sensational .912 OPS (146 OPS+) over the last five years.
ESPN's Jayson Stark reports that there is mutual interest between the Phillies and free agent catcher A.J. Ellis.
Stark says it would be a "catcher, leader, unofficial coach" type of role for the 35-year-old backstop, who was dealt from the Dodgers to the Phillies this past August for Carlos Ruiz. Ellis batted just .216/.301/.298 overall in 2016, though he did finish strong in his 35 plate appearances down the stretch with Philadelphia.
Stark says it would be a "catcher, leader, unofficial coach" type of role for the 35-year-old backstop, who was dealt from the Dodgers to the Phillies this past August for Carlos Ruiz. Ellis batted just .216/.301/.298 overall in 2016, though he did finish strong in his 35 plate appearances down the stretch with Philadelphia.
Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports confirms the Blue Jays are showing "strong interest" in Dexter Fowler.
MLB Network's Jon Morosi linked the two parties 10 days ago, and it sounds like talks may be heating up. Fowler represents the kind of high-OBP switch-hitting outfielder the Blue Jays covet, but a host of other high-budget teams like him too. He slashed .276/.393/.447 with 13 home runs, 48 RBI, 13 stolen bases, and 84 runs scored in 125 regular-season games this past season for the World Series champs.
MLB Network's Jon Morosi linked the two parties 10 days ago, and it sounds like talks may be heating up. Fowler represents the kind of high-OBP switch-hitting outfielder the Blue Jays covet, but a host of other high-budget teams like him too. He slashed .276/.393/.447 with 13 home runs, 48 RBI, 13 stolen bases, and 84 runs scored in 125 regular-season games this past season for the World Series champs.
John Perrotto of FanRag Sports hears that there is an "80% chance" that the Pirates trade Andrew McCutchen by the end of the winter meetings.
The smoke surrounding a potential McCutchen trade thickened considerably on Wednesday, with FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reporting that the outfielder is potentially the "most likely to go" among all rumored trade candidates in the early going. The Pirates aren't just fielding calls, either, as Yahoo Sports' Jeff Passan relayed (also on Wednesday) that the team is aggressively courting potential trade and reaching out themselves. The Nationals, Rangers and Mariners have been linked to McCutchen this month.
The smoke surrounding a potential McCutchen trade thickened considerably on Wednesday, with FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reporting that the outfielder is potentially the "most likely to go" among all rumored trade candidates in the early going. The Pirates aren't just fielding calls, either, as Yahoo Sports' Jeff Passan relayed (also on Wednesday) that the team is aggressively courting potential trade and reaching out themselves. The Nationals, Rangers and Mariners have been linked to McCutchen this month.
Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reports that "indications" point toward the Indians, Red Sox and Rangers showing the most interest in free agent Mike Napoli.
Napoli has played for all three squads in the last two seasons, as the Red Sox traded him to the Rangers during the 2015 campaign -- his second go-round with Texas. He spent 2016 helping the Indians win their first AL pennant since the mid-1940's. Heyman hears that the Yankees and Astros are also contenders to sign the free agent slugger, though those two squads are viewed more as outside possibilities. Should the Red Sox sign him, Heyman speculates that they could shift Hanley Ramirez from first base to the now-vacated designated hitter spot long held by David Ortiz.
Napoli has played for all three squads in the last two seasons, as the Red Sox traded him to the Rangers during the 2015 campaign -- his second go-round with Texas. He spent 2016 helping the Indians win their first AL pennant since the mid-1940's. Heyman hears that the Yankees and Astros are also contenders to sign the free agent slugger, though those two squads are viewed more as outside possibilities. Should the Red Sox sign him, Heyman speculates that they could shift Hanley Ramirez from first base to the now-vacated designated hitter spot long held by David Ortiz.
Braves signed INF/OF Sean Rodriguez to a two-year, $11.5 million contract.
FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reported news of the signing while Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reported the financial details. Rodriguez broke out with 18 homers and an .859 OPS as a member of the Pirates in 2016 and could be in line for the starting second base gig in Atlanta, at least until Ozzie Albies is deemed ready for the majors. The 31-year-old is capable of providing plenty of value in a utility role.
FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reported news of the signing while Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reported the financial details. Rodriguez broke out with 18 homers and an .859 OPS as a member of the Pirates in 2016 and could be in line for the starting second base gig in Atlanta, at least until Ozzie Albies is deemed ready for the majors. The 31-year-old is capable of providing plenty of value in a utility role.
Phillies hired former Twins general manager Terry Ryan to serve as a special assignment scout.
Ryan turned in over 17 years (in two different stints) as Twins general manager prior to receiving the boot in 2015. The man who initially brought him into the fold in Minnesota back in the 1980's was Andy McPhail, who now serves as Phillies team president. In a statement, Phillies GM Matt Klentak said, "While we have made significant investments in our analytical endeavors over the past year. It is important to remember that quality talent evaluation is essential to making quality baseball decisions."
Ryan turned in over 17 years (in two different stints) as Twins general manager prior to receiving the boot in 2015. The man who initially brought him into the fold in Minnesota back in the 1980's was Andy McPhail, who now serves as Phillies team president. In a statement, Phillies GM Matt Klentak said, "While we have made significant investments in our analytical endeavors over the past year. It is important to remember that quality talent evaluation is essential to making quality baseball decisions."
