Reports yesterday indicated that both the Diamondbacks and Tigers are likely out of the Shin-Soo Choo sweepstakes (though I personally question whether or not the signing of Rajai Davis truly removes Detroit from the equation). The Rangers are still said to be in the mix, however. ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick provided a rundown of potential Choo suitors yesterday, cautioning never to bet against Scott Boras. Here are Wednesday’s Choo rumors…
- A Rangers source says the club isn’t optimistic about their chances of signing Choo, writes T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com. Texas doesn’t have a seven-year offer out to the outfielder, tweets Jeff Wilson of the Star-Telegram.
- The Rangers have a seven-year offer on the table to Choo and he is giving it serious consideration, a source tells T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com. The deal is worth less than the $153MM deal that Jacoby Ellsbury inked with the Yankees but it’s strong enough for Choo to mull over.
- The general sense among teams involved in the Choo sweepstakes is whichever team goes to eight years will land him, tweets Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports. He’s believed to have a seven-year offer in hand already.
- The Mariners are likely out of the picture on Choo after adding Corey Hart and Logan Morrison today, tweets Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports.
Earlier Updates
- Scott Boras spoke with more than 100 reporters today and said that he’s received multiple offers for Choo, who wants to his time and discuss all of his options with his wife. Boras said he’s received offers from teams that are rebuilding and also for teams that are looking to win in 2014. “He really is a player I think is revered,” said Boras (ESPN Dallas’ Richard Durrett reporting).
- “I think we have to move on,” Reds GM Walt Jocketty told C. Trent Rosecrans of the Cincinnati Enquirer when asked about Choo (Twitter link).
- The Rangers like Choo but not at his asking price, which Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram hears is $22MM annually (Twitter link). Nelson Cruz is a more viable option for Texas, Wilson adds.
- Bob Nightengale of USA Today has heard that Choo is looking for $140MM over seven years (Twitter link). Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News tweets that he’s heard the same.
- One executive told Joel Sherman of the New York Post that the Mariners and Rangers “are the lead dogs” in the Choo market (Twitter link).
- The Reds met to discuss Choo last night, tweets Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. However, their inability to clear some payroll by dealing Brandon Phillips first has dimmed their chances, he adds.
If Jocketty has one priority this offseason it should be to re-sign Choo by any means possible. I just don’t see how the Reds can replace his offense without him.
But it was all Dusty’s fault remember SMH back to 75 win seasons
Uh what?
Uh what?
Dusty was not a bad manager. He did do some things that left me shaking my head. Ultimately, it was time for him to move on. That said, last year’s squad, as constructed, was not championship-caliber. That was on Jocketty. One thing I thought the team lacked was the fire you saw it in the Cards and the Pirates. And those teams got that fire from their respective managers. Dusty could not provide that, maybe Price can. We can always hope.
2013 Reds had enough talent to win Central and make a deep playoff run. They had injuries and regression. That happens. IMO Dusty got fired for lack of performance in big games in playoffs.
Surprised Dusty didn’t rub holy water on their injuries. I mean, not saying we’re the favorite, but he did rub holy water on Cub’s players injuries.
It would be foolish for Reds to break the bank for Choo. WJ needs to be creative to fill his needs. Not just spend money he doesnt have.
Scott Boras is his own worst enemy. Not every team is the Yankees and not every team is looking to spend 22 million a year for an outfield. Sucks for Choo because I don’t think he’ll get the contract his agent tried driving up the price for with the signing of Ellsbury. It’s clear to me what Boras wanted to accomplish with the Ellsbury deal, but I think his other clients are going to be signing for a smaller price tag than what Boras was trying to sell them.
Oh there is a large chance that they sign for a smaller price tag than what he was trying to sell them as. That doesn’t constitute a failure though.
I hear what you’re saying. Failure was probably the wrong word. Signing a multi-million dollar deal is far from a failure. Boras is seeking a 20 million a year deal for 7 years for Choo. I feel he’ll probably end up signing for 17-18 million a year. 14-21 million dollars less over the life time of the contract. That’s a huge gap. Maybe I should have said wrong expectations.
Asking price is different than reality.
Cano was asking for $300M, did his agents do that bad to get a $240M contract, I think they did really good.
Oh there is a large chance that they sign for a smaller price tag than what he was trying to sell them as. That doesn’t constitute a failure though.
Weren’t we all saying the same kind of things about Matt Holliday, Jayson Werth and Prince Fielder?
Boras did quite well for those guys.
To this day, I still often get sucked into the “Boras is insane” line of thinking, but then I constantly try to remind myself that he has proven, time and again, to be a downright magician with the contracts he lands for his clients…
…at least, those clients not named Kyle Lohse.
Maybe, but that gets said every year about a lot of Boras clients, and somehow, the vast majority of them get what they’re asking for, or close. That’s why he’s Boras.
Reds need to lower their demands on Phillips. They’re not getting a dream return and they need to decide whether they want him or Choo.
I agree. Reds’ priority with moving Phillips should be to free up payroll in order to sign Choo.
What happens if they move Phillips to free up the cash…then Choo signs elsewhere? Do they have a 2B and/or OF ready?
I think Billy Hamilton might move back to 2B.
The longer this holds out the more I like Cincy’s chance of re-signing him.
I agree. I think it will happen.
The longer it holds out, the more chances the price comes down to Texas’ price range. All reports say Choo is the #1 target and Cruz is #2.
I think Choo would be a very nice fit in Seattle next to Cano. Some big time lefty bats and excitement will finally be in Seattle. I think they could contend if they get one more pitcher and someone who can catch.
They do have a great catcher in Zunino. He was a defensively minded catcher which is what made him a great, high draft pick. He just needs to step up his offense in the majors (which he has the potential to do).
If the Mariners could sign Choo along with Cano as well as a possible trade for Price, they could take a significant step up the MLB ladder!
How do the Mariners have all this money all of a sudden? Where did it come from? Why haven’t they spent it sooner?
Old contracts finally coming off the books, New TV Deal, League share on MLB TV deal (if I recall correctly)
The Mariners have had money to spend, they made a play for Hamilton last year, Ellsbury this year and Cano. Ellsbury and Hamilton both left money on the table to not play in Seattle. Cano was just the first to accept their money.
I thought the Angels contract bid for Hamilton was higher than the Ms were willing to go anyways? Maybe I’m wrong?
The M’s offered a 4-year, $100MM contract with 2 easily attained vesting options at $25MM a piece. The Angels gave him more guaranteed years, but the M’s gave him the bigger contract overall. He either didn’t want to play here or he had no confidence in getting the options to vest.
The Mariners have had money to spend, they made a play for Hamilton last year, Ellsbury this year and Cano. Ellsbury and Hamilton both left money on the table to not play in Seattle. Cano was just the first to accept their money.
Mario’s been collecting all those coins from stomping on the goombas.
That’s racist. 😛
Other than Felix and Cano, they have no players under contract after 2014.
Willie!!
They’ve always had it. Tried to spend it last year but couldn’t. The M’s at one time had a top 5 payroll in MLB and have the revenue to do it again.
I don’t think a deal for Price gets done. They would have to trade significant pieces like Walker and or Zunino. They are better off just keeping them
After the recent report that Price will not sign an extension with Seattle, that should take them out of the running for Price…should
Choo’s asking price really needs to come down. He’s a good player but not a 100+ million dollar player. He hits for a sub .300 AVG but has a very good OBP, has 20 HR power but has never posted a SLG over .489, he has some speed but he’s not a very good base stealer (career 72% success rate and 64% success rate last year). All in all that adds up to about a 75 Million dollar player not 100+ in my book.
What Choo talkin’ bout?
I see his contract turning bad just like Kinsler’s did. No way he warrants the contract and I really hope the Rangers stay far, far away.
Kinsler’s contract wasn’t bad then, and it isn’t bad now. He would probably get a bigger deal if he was a free agent right now.
I predict Brandon Phillips will hit 18 HRs again for the Reds in 2014.
I don’t really see the Mariners getting Choo since they are a lefty heavy line up
I think that if the price is right, they can’t turn him away. Too much talent (if he’s cheaper than $20mil)
Phillips for Gardner. Sign Choo. Move Hamilton to 2B. Reds would be an incredible smallball team, in my dreamworld.
Assuming Hamilton’s D held up ok, I’d be fine with this.
If the Reds trade Phillips for Gardner it would not surprise me to see the Yankees go after Choo, especially with his price falling.
Yankees already have about 25 outfielders
If the Reds trade Phillips for Gardner it would not surprise me to see the Yankees go after Choo, especially with his price falling.
I don’t know if I’d want a smallball team playing half of their games in that bandbox, though.
I think it’d be a nice change of pace.. Reds have had too many streaky guys over the years that swing for the fences and leave them with a lot of poor at-bats.
Mariners, Rangers & possibly Reds? $140MM for seven years? I’m sure Boras has some tricks up his sleeve & the “mystery” team will get involved soon.
Reds won’t be in for that price tag. I really can’t see the Reds going over $100M.
Yeah…no thanks as a Ranger fan.Just go sign Cruz or Morse to play LF. Cruz is ideal but Morse would platoon with Choice, Beltre, Adduci, Moreland and those guys if we can’t get a full time guy. I doubt Cruz would even be full time but he would play their the majority.
If the Rangers sign Cruz, it’s to be the primary DH. You either stick with Choice, or you sign a front line outfielder. Remember, Alex Rios only has an option for 2015, and then he’s a free agent and you’re looking for ANOTHER outfielder.
Okay can we stop beating a dead horse here. the rangers want him at 6/100 not at 7/140 but no one else is dishing out over 120million for Choo right now. Sell him off to a mystery team already jeez.
If Texas brings back Cruz, Cincy would be in much better shape. Can never count out the Tigers though. Also, while Arizona likely seems out, one thing to consider is Goldschmidt, Ross and Trumbo are all right handed. They may wind up back in this to try to balance out the lineup.
Remember when asking for $20mm per year was reserved for elite players?
Me neither.
I would love to see teams drive some of these prices down. simply dont sign em until the price falls, but the top owners are willing to dip into their pockets.
Pepperidge Farm remembers
The deal that Wright got looks like an absolute bargain now. I wonder if Wright regrets leaving possibly $100 Million on the table to stay with the Mets.
Just look at the 3B market. The next best 3B would have been Juan Uribe. You can also make the argument that Wright is a better player than Cano, who just got $240 Million.
I love Scott Boras. Who else would call a player “revered”?
I wouldn’t be so sure the mariners are out of Choo sweepstakes. LoMo and Hart aren’t really OF material. I feel like Z is planning on trading Smoak somewhere and have LoMo play 1B.
Exactly. The team could dump Smoak and install Morrison at first base the way Smoak has played. There is no reason to hand Morrison a starting job in left field.
unless they fail to find another OF
which will end badly all around
They might just trade for a cheaper option like Gardner and use the remaining $ on a pitcher like Jimenez or Tanaka.
This, however even Gardner wouldn’t come cheap.
M’s would have to probably give up Franklin + another top 10 prospect.
You do realize Gardner is a FA next year?
Why would the Mariners be out on Choo just because they signed a risky slugger to a one-year deal and traded for a guy who should still be pretty cheap after arbitration? Especially when neither of them are good outfielders – Hart should probably never play in the outfield again.
I can understand how they would be out due to the Cano signing… bringing in two guys on giant contracts in the same season is rare. So I guess it’s fare to say the M’s are out, but I disagree with the reasoning in the update.
No one, except maybe the M’s, will give Choo 22 mil AAV. At 15 mil AAV I think TEX and the Red Sox would get seriously involved.
The M’s acquired two DH/1B types. So yeah, they’re probably done looking for outfielders.
And they still don’t have a leadoff hitter….
Choo? Revered? This is why Boras will always be a more interesting agent than Jay-Z. The man could get Joba Chamberlain a 2/$10MM deal if he wanted to.
Some chatter about Tigers and Choo that includes trading Austin Jackson (Davis to center).
Could maybe see this but still puts their payroll in uncharted territory. And while Choo was better than Jackson in 2013, Jackson was better than Choo in 2012…is it really an upgrade to swap one out for the other?
I would offer Choo 5/ 75 M if I were the Reds.
Keep Bailey
Keep Phillips
Resign Arroyo
Trade Leake for offense
Choo
Phillips
Votto
? (trade target)
Bruce
In order to get that deal you’d have to 2 years and $60-$70MM more to that offer.
Not sure how the Reds fit another $15M into that payroll….without dealing Phillips…
I’m sure the Reds would gladly pay him that, but he’s looking for double that.
Received offer from “rebuilding team”. As doubtful as it is, I’d be okay if that was a 3 or 4 year offer from the Cubs. Choo would make their offense drastically better until the kids are ready. However his 7 year demands are far too long for a rebuilding team like CHC.
On the one hand, just because they have Hart and LoMo does not remove them from continuing to go after Choo. On the other hand, glancing at how much OF time in 2013 was given to Morse, Bay and Ibanez, I absolutely believe that the M’s think they’re done shopping for outfielders. sigh.
Some team will give him 7/140 and regret it by next offseason.
they will regret it by April 30th…
8 years for Choo!? Who does he think he is?
Some team is fantasizing about the idea of having a 38-year-old Choo under contract for $20M.
10 years…Choo-hundred million dollars.
“Tigers are likely out of theShin-Soo Choo sweepstakes (though I personally question whether or not the signing of Rajai Davis truly removes Detroit from the equation)”
Well let’s see…their payroll is currently at about $160M. Their 2013 payroll was at only $148M….they still need another reliever. I’d say the Tigers are definitely out on Choo. If he gets $20M a year…the Tigers payroll would be around $180M. That’s almost $50M more than their second highest payroll in team history!!
The M’s shouldn’t be out on Choo. They basically have three players who are fourth outfielders on a good club. All three positions are open for an upgrade and Choo is better than anyone on the roster, including Hart when it comes to playing outfield.
After Saunders recovered from his shoulder injury he had a .790 OPS and plays good corner defense. He’s at least average. Some scouts are surprisingly high on Almonte and think he can be a solid everyday player. And for all the flak Hart gets as an outfielder, he’s basically average and the biggest knock against him is his throwing arm. I know he had knee surgery, but the video of his workouts show his knees are 100% — or close enough to play some outfield. I’d be satisfied with a good defensive CF like Gardner, and a right-handed backup like Guti. I’m not sure giving Choo $20MM/year is the best way to spend the rest of the team’s funds.
After Saunders recovered from his shoulder injury he had a .790 OPS and plays good corner defense. He’s at least average. Some scouts are surprisingly high on Almonte and think he can be a solid everyday player. And for all the flak Hart gets as an outfielder, he’s basically average and the biggest knock against him is his throwing arm. I know he had knee surgery, but the video of his workouts show his knees are 100% — or close enough to play some outfield. I’d be satisfied with a good defensive CF like Gardner, and a right-handed backup like Guti. I’m not sure giving Choo $20MM/year is the best way to spend the rest of the team’s funds.
Mariners wont sign Choo after Hart and LOMO deals. They got both of them too to gain leverage over Rays to eventually trade for price. Rays need 1b options, mariners took them. Smoak, Franklin, Zunino, for Price and Hannigan.
I don’t think so. Price doesn’t want to be a Mariner. He said he’d sign extensions with some teams, but he specifically said he wouldn’t sign an extension with Seattle.
Don’t think it’s happening.
and if i’m the rays i hang up the phone…..price will command at least a top 10-15 prospect in baseball, and none of those names are overly great…..they got one of the top 2 prospects in baseball (myers) for Shields!!! What do u think they’re going to trade Price for?!?!?!? He’s worth a whole lot more than Sheilds.
Yeah, and I bet the Royals regret that trade now.
Zunino is untouchable. That rumor only started because the M’s said they weren’t giving up Walker or Paxton, and would prefer to use position players. So naturally people figured that meant their best position prospect, Zunino, was going in the package. The Mariners think the world of Zunino’s abilities as a leader and catcher and have no interest in trading him.
I still feel like JD is just waiting everything out. Getting the cheapest deal he can get.
I think we will resign cruz
Choo is quickly running out of destinations. I’m sure he’ll land a deal, but I’m not sure he has the leverage to pull a 7/140 deal anymore
No, it just means his price will drop and suddenly he’s popular again.
woo hoo! Choo is going to be overpaid more ellsbury!! Ellsbury’s better and if he only got 7, and if Choo gets 7, i feel better as a yankee fan lol
All this talk of moving phillips to free up cap make no sense. B-phil took a pay cut to stay plus makes what 12 mil for the best 2b glove and solid production from anywhere in the lineup. Crazy, ludwick makes like 12 mil, trade him and cueto with prospects to sign bailey and get brown or gardner.
well he must have been a lot better in the NL, because he was Shoo WHO? with the Indians. Mediocre power.
He was a very good player with the Tribe, one of the few I feared (at the time along with Sizemore)
It’s not really the power teams are after, it’s the ridiculous OBP. The power and average are just bonuses.
The Rangers story about seven years is false.
8 years?!?!?! For Shin Soo-Choo? He is already a terrible defensive outfielder. I thought he would get 6-100 or something similar, but these prices are getting ridiculous.
Don’t get me wrong, Choo had a great year in 2013, but for him to be worth that type of contract he will have to have similar offensive production for the rest of his career to make up for his atrocious defense. Glad the Mets signed Granderson instead.
I need to copyright “Mystery Team” and spend all off season profiting.
Is 20 million per year the new minimum wage in MLB?
Well, looks like Shin Soo Choo might be still a FA after the Winter Meetings end tomorrow.
C’mon M’s, get in there. It’s just money.
Based on last year’s walk-rate, Choo had the 2nd best plate discipline in all of baseball only behind Votto. In today’s market, that is worth at least 10M. Add in the 20HRs and 20SBs, that is another 6-8M. Add the arm, another 2M. There’s your 18-20M. -Scott Boras