Choo Deal Addresses Last Of Rangers’ Major Needs
Now that the Rangers have agreed to terms with Shin-Soo Choo, most of their offseason maneuvering is complete, as Richard Durrett of ESPNDallas.com notes. Or, at least, it could be complete. Whether or not the Rangers are actually done remains to be seen. At this point, though, the Rangers appear to have addressed all their major needs.
Heading into the offseason, we noted that the Rangers would likely look to try to upgrade the first base and designated hitter positions, and that a trade of Ian Kinsler might make sense, given their infield logjam. The Rangers addressed both issues with one deal, sending Kinsler to the Tigers for Prince Fielder and $30MM. Despite receiving cash from the Tigers, the deal added to the Rangers' payroll burden, but it also gave them a star-caliber first baseman (Steamer projects Fielder will be worth 3.6 WAR in 2014), allowing them to bump Mitch Moreland to DH and open second base for top prospect Jurickson Profar, who will join Fielder, Elvis Andrus and Adrian Beltre in the Rangers' infield.
2013 Rangers catchers A.J. Pierzynski and Geovany Soto were both eligible for free agency after the season, leaving the Rangers in need of two big-league catchers. Rather than signing Brian McCann or making another big-ticket move, the Rangers went cheap at catcher, re-signing Soto with the idea that he would be their primary backstop in 2014. Soto served as Pierzynski's backup in 2013, but at age 31 and coming off a .245/.328/.466 season, he could be a bargain at one year and $3.05MM. With Soto in the fold, the Rangers signed J.P. Arencibia to be his backup. Arencibia hit just .194/.227/.365 in 2013, but his above-average power could play well in Texas.
At the beginning of December, the Rangers sent sabermetric favorite Craig Gentry (who produced a whopping 3.4 WAR in a part-time role in 2013, thanks largely to his defense) and pitcher Josh Lindblom to Oakland for outfielder Michael Choice and infield prospect Chris Bostick. Texas exchanged one excellent role player for an outfielder in Choice with more long-term upside and years of control. The deal also allowed Leonys Martin to move into a full-time role in center field, with Engel Beltre, who is out of options, becoming his backup.
And then came another blockbuster, as the Rangers agreed to terms with Choo on a seven-year, $130MM deal. With Nelson Cruz departing via free agency, the Rangers had a spot open in their outfield (more on Choice's role in a second), and a need for a big bat.
Choo isn't an archetypal slugger, but he's posted on-base percentages north of .390 in four of the last six seasons. As some analysts, such as ESPN's Keith Law (Insider-only), noted, the Rangers are taking a big long-term risk with a contract of this size. Choo is already 31 and is a poor hitter against lefties, meaning there's a good chance he'll need to be shoehorned into a part-time role well before the contract ends. Choo's high HBP totals — he had a career-high 26 in 2013 — make him an injury concern going forward. And as ESPN's Dan Szymborski notes (via Twitter), high-OBP corner outfielders who don't have great power tend to decline quickly. Choo also will cost the Rangers their first-round draft pick next year. In the short term, though, Choo is a huge upgrade at the Rangers' last remaining key position of need.
The Rangers will likely head into 2014 with Alex Rios and Choo as their main options at the corner outfield positions. With Martin in center, that means the only starting offensive position that's even a little bit unsettled is designated hitter. While it still isn't impossible that the Rangers could re-sign Cruz, they now have enough decent options at the position that they could just go into 2014 with what they have. Moreland, a lefty, would likely take most of the at bats against righties, and Choice might be an option at the position as well. What the Rangers plan to do with Choice is unclear. The Rangers could option him to Triple-A to play every day. But as a righty, he would also have value as a bench outfielder and occasional DH, filling in for Moreland or Choo when lefties take the mound.
The Rangers have no obvious needs in their rotation, with Yu Darvish, Derek Holland, Martin Perez and Alexi Ogando occupying four spots, Matt Harrison returning from injury to take the fifth one, and Nick Tepesch available as depth. With a variety of options at the closer position, including Neftali Feliz, Tanner Scheppers and Joakim Soria, they don't have to worry about replacing the departing Joe Nathan, either.
The Rangers might not be done making news. If they were to re-sign Cruz, for example, they might then trade Moreland to a team like the Pirates or Brewers. But they don't need to make any more big moves. They've acquired two catchers, cleared the way for Profar and added two big bats in Fielder and Choo. They already appear to be mostly set for 2014.
MLBTR Originals
A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week, as we check our list to see who's been naughty or nice in the waning hours before St. Nick's arrival:
- Charlie Wilmoth updated the status of the top ten remaining free agents on MLBTR's 2014 Top 50 Free Agents list (posted prior to Grant Balfour's deal-no deal with the Orioles).
- Tim Dierkes examined the pool of unsigned free agents and noted the limited number of available players who could be considered regulars.
- The agent for Kevin Youkilis confirmed to MLBTR his client's decision to play for the Rakuten Golden Eagles in 2014. Joe Bick of Pro Star Management, Inc. also explained the opportunity to spend a year in Japan was a "life experience that was too good to pass up" for Youkilis and his family.
- Zach Links spoke with Giants Vice President and Assistant General Manager Bobby Evans about the team's offseason.
- Damon Lapa, the agent for Jeff Karstens, told Zach he expects at least a dozen teams to attend the right-hander's workout in mid-to-late January.
- Tim was the first to report Jordany Valdespin switched agencies leaving ACES to join Metis Sports Management.
- MLBTR broke the news of catcher Kyle Skipworth being designated for assignment by the Marlins.
- Agent Burton Rocks told MLBTR he has spoken with four or five teams about an unique proposition involving right-hander Juan Rincon: a minor league contract, ideally with an invitation to Spring Training, with an eye towards mentoring young pitchers and continuing in that role as a scout upon his retirement.
- Steve Adams hosted this week's live chat.
- Zach assembled the best of the baseball blogosphere for you in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
- There are many ways to enjoy MLB Trade Rumors. Here's a refresher on how to use the apps, features, and functions on MLBTR.
Week In Review: 12/15/13 – 12/21/13
Here's a look back at this week at MLBTR:
- The Rangers agreed to sign outfielder Shin-Soo Choo to a seven-year deal.
- The Diamondbacks acquired reliever Addison Reed from the White Sox for infielder Matt Davidson.
- The Orioles acquired outfielder David Lough from the Royals for infielder Danny Valencia.
- The Braves acquired catcher Ryan Doumit from the Twins for pitcher Sean Gilmartin.
- The Rockies acquired pitcher Franklin Morales from the Red Sox for infielder Jonathan Herrera.They also acquired outfielder Drew Stubbs from the Indians for pitcher Josh Outman.
- The Astros acquired OF/1B Jesus Guzman from the Padres for infielder Ryan Jackson.
- The Dodgers agreed to re-sign reliever J.P. Howell to a two-year deal with a mutual option for 2016.
- The Diamondbacks signed pitcher Brad Ziegler to a two-year extension with a club option for a third year. The Diamondbacks also re-signed infielder Eric Chavez to a one-year deal.
- The Padres agreed to sign reliever Joaquin Benoit to a two-year deal.
- The Yankees agreed to sign reliever Matt Thornton to a two-year deal.
- The White Sox agreed to sign reliever Scott Downs to a one-year deal with a vesting option.
- The Cubs agreed to sign reliever Jose Veras to a one-year deal with an option.
- The Astros signed pitcher Matt Albers to a one-year deal with an option.
- The Indians agreed to sign pitcher John Axford to a one-year deal.
- The Angels agreed to sign outfielder Raul Ibanez to a one-year deal.
- The Twins agreed to sign catcher Kurt Suzuki to a one-year deal.
- The Yankees agreed to sign infielder Brian Roberts to a one-year deal.
- The Braves signed pitcher Gavin Floyd to a one-year deal.
- The Phillies signed pitcher Roberto Hernandez to a one-year deal.
- The Mariners signed outfielder Franklin Gutierrez to a one-year deal.
- The Marlins signed infielder Casey McGehee to a one-year deal.
- The Braves signed pitcher Brandon Beachy to a one-year deal, avoiding arbitration.
- The Athletics signed infielder Daric Barton to a one-year deal, avoiding arbitration.
- The Mariners signed pitcher Charlie Furbush to a one-year deal, potentially avoiding arbitration.
- The Athletics claimed catcher Chris Gimenez from the Rays, releasing pitcher Pedro Figueroa in the process.
- The Astros claimed pitcher Collin McHugh from the Rockies.
- The Giants designated pitcher Eric Surkamp for assignment.
- The Indians designated pitcher Trey Haley for assignment.
- The Yankees designated pitcher Brett Marshall for assignment.
- The Mariners designated pitcher Chance Ruffin for assignment. They also outrighted outfielder Travis Witherspoon.
- The Marlins outrighted catcher Kyle Skipworth.
- The Phillies outrighted catcher Sebastian Valle.
- The Tigers outrighted pitcher Luis Marte and infielder Danny Worth.
- The Athletics acquired outfielder Corey Brown from the Nationals for cash considerations.
- The Marlins agreed to terms with utilityman Jordany Valdespin on a minor-league deal.
- The Orioles signed outfielder Xavier Paul to a minor-league deal.
- The Cubs signed pitchers Tsuyoshi Wada and Jonathan Sanchez to minor-league deals.
- The Reds signed pitcher Chien-Ming Wang to a minor-league deal.
- The Indians signed pitcher Shaun Marcum to a minor-league deal.
- Infielder Kevin Youkilis agreed to terms with the Rakuten Golden Eagles in Japan.
- Outfielder Luke Scott signed with SK Wyverns in Korea.
- Infielder Brett Pill agreed to terms with the KIA Tigers in Korea.
AL East Notes: Orioles, Yankees, Beltran
The St. Louis Browns were officially re-christened the Baltimore Orioles on this date in 1953. Jack Dunn III, whose family had operated the International League's Baltimore Orioles for decades, turned over rights to the Orioles name and became the first traveling secretary of the MLB franchise. Here's the news and notes from today's AL East:
- In the wake of what happened with Grant Balfour, one agent's solution to dealing with the Orioles is to never discuss money until the player's medicals have been examined, tweets Peter Gammons of GammonsDaily.com.
- Despite the retirements of Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte, the Yankees have managed to become an older team this offseason, reports the New York Post's Joel Sherman. The eight projected position starters will be at least 30-years-old come Opening Day and Sherman notes the chances six or seven of them performing at a high level are not good and there's a lack of talent in the pipeline ready to step up and provide quality and energy, if needed.
- Carlos Beltran, one of the Yankees' 30-something acquisitions, is listed as the best free agent signing this winter by Rich Dubroff of CSNBaltimore.com. The Yankees' signing of 30-year-old Jacoby Ellsbury, however, is ranked as the second worst by Dubroff because speed doesn't age well. The worst? Robinson Cano's 10-year, $240MM pact with the Mariners.
- Beltran told reporters, including Newsday's David Lennon, he insisted on a third year to improve his chances of making the Hall of Fame. "I felt that having the third year, it allowed me to play longer, and it allowed me to put up better numbers. In my consideration, it would be more realistic." Beltran also hinted this may not be his final contract.
Masahiro Tanaka Rumors: Sunday
With the Shin-Soo Choo signing expected to take the Rangers out of the Masahiro Tanaka sweepstakes, the Yankees, Cubs, and Diamondbacks are the teams most prominently linked to the 25-year-old right-hander. Here's the latest on Tanaka:
- It could be a very, merry Christmas for teams interested in Tanaka. Ben Badler of Baseball America cites Japanese media reports suggesting, because of Tanaka's schedule, if a decision to post him is announced before the end of the year it could come Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. The deadline to post any Japanese player is February 1.
- Japanese newspaper Nikkan Gendai reports the Rakuten Golden Eagles may be delaying their decision so as to maximize the $20MM posting fee by taking advantage of the dollar-to-yen exchange rate (h/t Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times).
Cafardo On Papelbon, Youkilis, Overbay, Drew
In today's Boston Globe, Nick Cafardo makes the case for Braves pitcher Tom Glavine to earn induction into the Hall of Fame. For his part, Glavine said he would be thrilled to go in with Greg Maddux and Bobby Cox. “Bobby Cox had the biggest influence in my career and probably the second- or third-biggest influence in my life,” Glavine said. “Greg was a dear friend, and just being around him made me better. I learned so much. We talked so much about pitching and situations, and hitters. I couldn’t have asked for a better teammate and influence on my career. To have three of us together like that would be incredible, and Smoltzy next year.” More from today's column..
- One of the reasons the Phillies haven’t been able to find a buyer for Jonathan Papelbon is his drop in velocity. Papelbon, who was regularly 95-96 in his Red Sox days, fell to 91-92 and sometimes less last season. “That was a red flag for me,” said an AL scout. “He didn’t look like the same guy. Whether that was physical or he just didn’t have the adrenaline flowing with a bad team, I don’t know.”
- Kevin Youkilis' one-year deal could be worth up to $5MM and is apparently more than he could have received anywhere in MLB. The Yankees had some interest, but at a lower price. The Indians, Giants, and Rays also had interest at one time. Back problems limited Youkilis to 28 games last season with the Yankees, and he simply couldn’t convince the masses he was healthy.
- Lyle Overbay's market is lukewarm right now and he'll likely be a January tack-on for someone. Cafardo predicts he'll wind up as a backup or a low-cost option for a team such as the Orioles or Indians.
- The Mets and agent Scott Boras have discussed parameters but no firm numbers for Stephen Drew and right now, it looks like GM Sandy Alderson is sticking with Ruben Tejada. There’s always the Yankees, but Drew has never played anywhere but shortstop and Derek Jeter doesn’t appear to be moving to another position. The road, for now, is still leading back to the Red Sox.
- Agent Scott Boras scoffs at the notion that the market for Kendrys Morales has dried up due to the draft pick compensation issue. Cafardo says that at some point a team such as the Orioles may give it up to have a superb hitter in the middle of their order and cautions to never underestimate Boras.
- Mark Mulder is looking for a minor league deal with incentives if he makes the major league club. He's worked out for the Giants, Padres, Diamondbacks, Angels, and Phillies over two sessions and the second session he improved his velocity from 88 to 92 mph. The Red Sox have inquired on Mulder, who hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2008, but probably won’t pursue him. Back in late November, Giants GM Brian Sabean indicated that he wouldn't be in on Mulder since he's seeking a big league deal.
- Even with the Yankees' declaration that Brett Gardner won’t be traded, they would listen to the right deal.
- It's a big surprise that agent Scott Boras couldn’t get Tigers owner Mike Ilitch to outbid the Rangers for Shin-Soo Choo since they have a need for a leadoff hitter. The Tigers are apparently continuing to commit to Austin Jackson at the top of the order and hope his game smooths out.
- The Rays and Cubs want at least three very good players for David Price and Jeff Samardzija, respectively, whether they're major league-ready or top prospects.
Four Teams Interested In Grant Balfour
Grant Balfour tells Jim Duquette (Twitter link) and Jim Bowden of SiriusXM that he has four teams interested in his services and has "at least" one offer on the table. Balfour had agreed on a two-year, $15MM deal with the O's before concerns over his shoulder led the club to nix the deal.
Recently, Duquette suggested that the Mariners, White Sox, Yankees and Rays could all make sense for the closer with ESPN.com's Jim Bowden confirming that Tampa Bay has interest. Meanwhile, Balfour could file a grievance against the Orioles for breaking the pact.
Balfour, who celebrates his 36th birthday on December 30th, turned in a 2.59 ERA with 10.3 K/9 and 3.9 BB/9 on his way to a first career All-Star selection. Balfour doesn't have the near-95-mph fastball average that he boasted in his best season with the Rays in 2008, but his 2013 average of 93.4 mph was still solid. The right-hander hasn't had an ERA higher than 2.59 in his last four seasons.
MLBTR Apps, Features, Functions
An explanation of the many ways to enjoy MLB Trade Rumors:
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- Our DFA Tracker helps you monitor the many players who are designated for assignment throughout the year.
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- MLBTR's Agency Database lets you know which agencies represent which players. It's searchable by team, agency or player, so be sure to check it out.
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Boras Trying To Engage Mets On Morales, Drew
Agent Scott Boras is working to sell the Mets on two notable free agent clients, Kendrys Morales and Stephen Drew, tweets Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com. Both players are facing uncertain markets at this stage of the offseason with many left scratching their heads over where Morales could land.
For their part, the Mets appear to have little or no interest in Morales and plan to go with Lucas Duda at first base if they move Ike Davis (link). Duda has also seen his name pop up in trade rumors, but not with the same frequency of Davis and their recent preference has been leaning towards rolling with Duda and dealing Davis. It seems unlikely that the cost-conscious Mets would scrap that plan to relegate Duda to the bench so that they can pay significant money for Morales.
Drew would be a strong fit for the Mets, but money is once again an issue after the signings of Curtis Granderson, Bartolo Colon, and Chris Young set the Mets back $87.5MM. Drew, ranked No. 14 on Tim Dierkes' top 50 list at the outset of the offseason, seems destined for a return to the Red Sox, but Boras has a long, impressive track record of finding lucrative deals from improbable suitors for his clients.
West Notes: Choo, Astros, Kotsay
The Rangers' seven-year, $130MM agreement with Shin-Soo Choo brings total spending this offseason to around $1.543 billion, according to Yahoo Sports' Jeff Passan. With players such as Ervin Santana, Matt Garza and Ubaldo Jimenez still available, the 2006 record of approximately $1.75 billion appears likely to be broken, and spending is certain to eclipse $2 billion if Masahiro Tanaka is posted. There simply isn't anywhere else to put the game's booming revenues now that spending has been capped in the draft and international free agency, Passan writes. Let's look at more late-night links from the AL and NL West:
- The Choo signing shows why Jon Daniels is one of the game's best general managers, Jean-Jacques Taylor of ESPNDallas.com opines. While the Rangers only narrowly missed the playoffs in 2013, swapping Ian Kinsler for Prince Fielder and bringing Choo into the fold indicate the front office understood that a major revamp of the Texas offense was required.
- Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle notes that the Astros have acquired a trio of ground ball-heavy pitchers this winter in Scott Feldman and relievers Matt Albers and Chad Qualls. The focus on grounders is an "organizational preference detectable even in the amateur draft," Drellich writes.
- Mark Kotsay will remain in the Padres organization as a special assistant to GM Josh Byrnes after retiring at the end of the 2013 season, Bill Center of U-T San Diego reports.