So far, it has been an entertaining offseason in baseball littered with surprising trades and free agents landing lucrative deals thanks to the influx of new TV money across MLB. However, there tends to be less deals consummated during the holidays and (never say never, but) we're not likely to see a major transaction go down on Christmas. That doesn't mean that the business of baseball magically comes to a screeching halt, however. Agents and executives are still sending texts and making calls as they enjoy Christmas and New Year's Eve with their families.
"When I've had a free agent negotiation in progress, I can recall times that I have been talking to a GM in the back of my in-laws house while he was at the back of his in-laws house," said agent Joe Longo of Paragon Sports International, a firm that represents Mike Napoli, Sergio Santos, and other notable big leaguers.
"We all have families and we're all trying to celebrate the holidays but sometimes you just have to get an update on a free agent when there are four or five teams you're talking to. Luckily, my family is really understanding. My wife gets it."
For Giants Vice President Bobby Evans, there's "never a complete shutdown" on business and he told MLBTR last week that his front office will continue to be active through the holiday season.
"There are still quite a few guys out there so I wouldn't be surprised if there was some activity. Some of it can be put to the side and kept quieter until after the day of Christmas or the New Year but there's still goint to be activity, there are just too many options out there," Evans said, while noting that, in his case, the Giants have already taken care of most of their Christmas shopping list and will instead focus on minor league pickups from this point forward.
While everyone acknowledges that the holidays are a slower time, agent Burton Rocks says that he finds that the stretch between Christmas and New Year's Eve can be a springboard for future activity. Deals that have stalled, he notes, can be rekindled by reaching out to an executive and wishing them happy holidays.
Meanwhile, one prominent agent says he'll be focusing on negotiations for his arbitration-eligible clients during the holidays. Of course, he acknowledges that it's still possible for something to come out of left field for one of his free agents before the ball drops. Things may be a bit quieter during the holidays, but every agent and GM will be keeping their phones handy during their downtime.
Mariners, Cubs, and Nationals should pull off the multi trade to help out each of the three teams on some position needs/depth.
Phillies acquire Jeff Samardzja, Nick Franklin to replace aging Utley, and a player to be named from Cubs.
Mariners acquire Cliff Lee or Cole Hamels & Dominic Brown.
Cubs acquire Tyler Pike, James Paxton or Carson Smith, Justin Smoak, and Julio Morban.
What do you think about this three team trade, and who do you think ought to be traded from those teams?
How much salary are the Mariners taking on and I think it would have to be Paxton and the Phillies probably wouldn’t want Franklin because he is still good and getting payed. I could see Hultzen instead of him.
They can take on 40 more million I think. Hultzen is injured as he may not be pitching again. Franklin will not get lots of playing time in Seattle thanks to Cano signing big contract playing second base. He could be dealt in a three way trade w/ the a Reds if Brandon Phillips gets traded or released for some players like Homer Bailey.
Also you replaced the cubs with Phillies and the Cubs are not getting anything.
Just re-edited the post.
ok, now re-edit again
Utley was just resigned. He’s not going anywhere unless the rebuilding actually happens. Is he supposed to become a bench player in this scenario? Also what good is mentioning a ptbnl in a scenario?
The M’s don’t want DB, they already have Saunders.
DB is better then Saunders, we’d save money on Lee, I think the trade is fair
How do you figure db is better? Db just had a hot streak of homers last year