Headlines

  • Braves Designate Craig Kimbrel For Assignment
  • Corbin Burnes To Undergo Tommy John Surgery
  • Braves Select Craig Kimbrel
  • Jerry Reinsdorf, Justin Ishbia Reach Agreement For Ishbia To Obtain Future Majority Stake In White Sox
  • White Sox To Promote Kyle Teel
  • Sign Up For Trade Rumors Front Office Now And Lock In Savings!
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

Remove Ads
  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2024-25 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2024-25 Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2025
    • Free Agent Contest Leaderboard
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

AL East Notes: Lester, Norris, Blue Jays, Cashman

By Steve Adams | August 15, 2014 at 10:34am CDT

In an appearance on WAAF’s Hill-Man Morning Show, Jon Lester explained recent comments that he wouldn’t necessarily go to the highest bidder this offseason (via WEEI’s Rob Bradford). “…I don’€™t need to go to the highest bidder if that isn’€™t going to make me happy,” said Lester. “I’€™m not going to just take the highest bid, the money, the most years just because it’€™s in front of you. … I make decisions based on me and my family and is this place — “whether it’€™s Boston or one of the other 29 teams –€“ is this place going to be good for me and my family?” Lester did note that he could still end up signing the highest bidder, of course, but the happiness of his family will be the top priority. Lester also repeated that he doesn’t have any hard feelings toward the Red Sox, and he discussed his farewell to owner John Henry as well.

Here’s more from the AL East…

  • Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos appeared on Sportsnet 590 The Fan with Mike Wilner and Ben Ennis today, and Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith provides some of the highlights. Of particular note was the fact that Anthopoulos said top prospect Daniel Norris could be a factor out of the team’s bullpen in September if he continues to pitch well. The 21-year-old Norris has skyrocketed up prospect rankings this year on the heels of a 2.25 ERA with 11.2 K/9 and 3.0 BB/9 in 108 innings across Class-A Advanced, Double-A and Triple-A.
  • Nicholson-Smith also writes that the Blue Jays have made several waiver claims this month, but none have resulted in the acquisition of a new player. The team isn’t expected to make a trade today, but it will need to clear a roster spot for the returning Edwin Encarnacion. Nicholson-Smith notes that the Jays are willing to cut ties with out-of-options players, and Anthopoulos has expressed some frustration with Juan Francisco’s strikeout tendencies. However, he adds that the Blue Jays do value Francisco’s left-handed power.
  • Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner isn’t committing to bringing back longtime general manager Brian Cashman in 2015, but the Yankee GM tells George A. King III of the New York Post that he’s not bothered by the situation. “That’s the process,” said Cashman, whose contract expires after the 2014 season. “There isn’t much to say at this point. That’s for another day.” Steinbrenner’s comments to King were of a similar nature, as he chose to focus on the season at hand rather than the future of his GM.
  • Steinbrenner also says he’s had no recent conversations with Alex Rodriguez, writes MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch, but the Yankees are expecting A-Rod to return in 2015 following his 162-game suspension. The 39-year-old former MVP has three years and $61MM remaining on his contract.
Share 5 Retweet 24 Send via email0

Boston Red Sox New York Yankees Toronto Blue Jays Alex Rodriguez Daniel Norris Jon Lester Juan Francisco

Rob Manfred Elected Next MLB Commissioner
Main
Poll: Was Manfred The Right Choice?
View Comments (53)
Post a Comment

53 Comments

  1. nickgarciataria

    11 years ago

    With each at bat I find myself getting more and more skeptical about Francisco. I honestly see him the one being replaced.

    Reply
    • Bertin Lefkovic

      11 years ago

      What would it take for the Yankees to be able to get Juan Francisco from the Blue Jays? Maybe a package including Mark Buerhle and Ricky Romero as well?

      Reply
      • Jaysfan724

        11 years ago

        A $12 draft of Stella

        Reply
        • Bertin Lefkovic

          11 years ago

          Deal!

          Reply
    • Jaysfan1994 2

      11 years ago

      I swear if Kawasaki and his horrible defense and outfield singles “pop” isn’t sent down and Goins isn’t recalled before Fransisco’s potential outright assignment, I will stop watching the Jays all together.

      The entire Seattle series was a testament to how bad the Jays defense is right now, they still haven’t figured out that in big ballparks where the ball doesn’t carry, defense usually keeps you in a close game. Like it hasn’t been impossible for them to score runs in Anaheim, Oakland and Seattle this year.

      Reply
      • thefridge99

        11 years ago

        I highly doubt that you’ll stop watching the Jays altogether.

        Reply
        • Jaysfan1994 2

          11 years ago

          I’m so disappointed with this team, it’s been 20 years since a Canadian team has won anything in any major sports in local sports. This country has become a joke in local sports with no major athletes wanting to compete here because of the built in pressure’s of desperate fans thinking the roof is always going to collapse.

          In baseball specifically, the media is crazy for a sport they don’t understand.

          Reply
          • thefridge99

            11 years ago

            You just threatened to abandon the team because you want a .197 hitter called up and then you complain about desperate fans? You’re part of the problem.

            Reply
  2. DarthMurph

    11 years ago

    In a weird way, the progress of the Jays’ young talent might end up costing them their shot at the WS. Players like Norris, Stroman, and Hutchinson quickly became too valuable to trade. TB clearly wanted a starter capable of pitching in the big leagues right now.

    Reply
    • Ziggy13

      11 years ago

      With the payroll restrictions Toronto’s been facing it’d be idiotic to trade some of the best prospects we’ve had in years for less than 2 years of Price with virtually no chance of re-signing him

      Reply
      • Bleed_Orange

        11 years ago

        I don’t agree at all. The Jays are set up to be very competitive the next two years, the addition of Price could have put them in the position to be in the playoffs, and with the extra year of control they can offer him arb and get draft pick compensation. Obviously the Price’s ‘price’ wasn’t as high as many thought it would be… the Jays really should have gone all in.

        Reply
        • Jaysfan724

          11 years ago

          That was the price for an out of division team. Sanchez, Stroman and Lawrie was not worth Price.

          Reply
          • Bleed_Orange

            11 years ago

            I saw that posted on MLBTR boards quite often but I never saw that as the Rays asking price anywhere. It probably could have been done for less.

            Reply
        • Howie

          11 years ago

          1 player isn’t going to take you to the WS. The offense hasn’t been there since the injuries, or as of late anyhow…so doubtful Price gets them over the hump.

          Reply
          • Bleed_Orange

            11 years ago

            But he probably could have gotten them to the wild card this year and made them the favorite in the AL East next year. Again only have so many chances in a life time as the WS, I think the Jays got cold feet on this one.

            Reply
    • joe smith 3

      11 years ago

      Agreed. Even though I’m dying for this team to get into the playoffs, I’m ok with AA’s decision not to deal young MLB ready pitching for a rental. A rotation of Stroman, Norris, Sanchez, Hutch and potentially Nolin sounds pretty damn exciting. Osuna could be pitching in the MLB before the end of the 2015 season as well. I’d like to see the Jays try to deal one of Dickey or Buehrle before the start of the 2015 season.

      Reply
      • Spicol

        11 years ago

        With his age and performance, I’m not sure Dickey has a ton of trade value. Maybe just enough to get his deal off the books without having to eat salary. I guess that’s good enough for me.

        Reply
      • Bertin Lefkovic

        11 years ago

        Who do you want for Buerhle? I would love to see him pitching in Yankee Stadium next year. What do the Blue Jays need?

        Reply
        • Jaysfan1994 2

          11 years ago

          Is this a joke? Yankee Stadium might be Mark Buehrle’s one Kryptonite.

          Reply
          • Bertin Lefkovic

            11 years ago

            Yes, but the X factor here is that if he is wearing a Yankees uniform, he will not be pitching against the Yankees. I will take my chances with him. What do you need to get back for him?

            Reply
      • SouthsideChicagoFan

        11 years ago

        The White Sox would GLADLY take Buehrle back. He needs to come back where he belongs. Toronto gets Andre Rienzo and Keenyn Walker while Sox eat all Buehrle’s contract?

        Reply
      • George Bell 4

        11 years ago

        If Rogers won’t increase the payroll next year Buehrle and his $19m salary need to go

        Reply
        • Jaysfan1994 2

          11 years ago

          Well, they said they will. Although, I’m skeptical they field a team half as competitive as this one this year.

          Reply
    • Jaysfan724

      11 years ago

      According to Mike Wilner, Tampa asked for Sanchez, Stroman and Lawrie for Price.

      Reply
      • Jaysfan1994 2

        11 years ago

        I’d give up Lawrie in a heartbeat, Wilner was using a hypothetical to
        what Tampa would want from the Jays since Tampa ended up getting Nick Franklin/Drew Smiley. He’s not privileged to know what they actually wanted because it’s more likely the franchise didn’t ever come close to making a trade with them this year. If The Jays traded Lawrie I’d be celebrating, the guy can’t hit LHP anymore, his splits have indicated that over the last two years and he’s beyond injury prone.

        Reply
        • DarthMurph

          11 years ago

          If the deal was for Sanchez and Lawrie, I’d probably do it. I see why the Rays would want Stroman, but that would be too counterproductive for the Jays to do it. Detroit could stomach losing Smyly because of the rotation depth, but Stroman is needed.

          Reply
          • Jaysfan1994 2

            11 years ago

            Stroman has way more upside than Smiley. Stroman in reality since Tampa had to get rid of Price this year, after the way Marcus’s pitched this year, should’ve been able to get Price in a 1 for 1.

            He’s also not going to be a Free Agent until 2020 and is pre arbitration eligible. Tampa needs guys like Stroman playing for them in the majors.

            Reply
          • Bleed_Orange

            11 years ago

            It probably could have been Sanchez, Norris and Lawrie (Lawire to Seattle)

            Reply
            • Jaysfan1994 2

              11 years ago

              Makes zero sense, Where would Lawrie play with Cano and Seager enriched in stone?

              Reply
            • DarthMurph

              11 years ago

              I think Norris is basically untouchable at this point.

              Reply
  3. Sufferfortribe

    11 years ago

    ARod is still owed $61MM over the next 3 years? Contracts like this make me glad I’m a small market fan. Just wish we didn’t have the Swisher and Bourn contracts weighing us down. It’s hard enough for us to compete in today’s climate.

    Reply
    • East Coast Bias

      11 years ago

      On the flip side… only 3 more years left, yay. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

      Reply
      • Sufferfortribe

        11 years ago

        Seeing the positive in a negative. 🙂

        Reply
  4. Mikenmn

    11 years ago

    Perhaps this is going to sound ungracious, but how many interviews is Jon Lester going to give to the Boston media? As for Cashman, he’s done a good job considering the circumstances, but it wouldn’t surprise me if this was his last year with the Yankees. They might benefit from a clear new voice. And as for A-Rod, the Yankees are stuck with his contract and Steinbrenner isn’t going to say otherwise.

    Reply
    • Bertin Lefkovic

      11 years ago

      The Yankees could trade his bad contract for another bad contract, but the only contract out there that is as bad as his is Ryan Howard’s. I would do that deal in a nanosecond.

      Would the Angels trade Josh Hamilton for A-Rod, Carlos Beltran, and Michael Pineda?

      Reply
      • Rusty_Arcadia

        11 years ago

        While Hamilton hasn’t lived up to expectation, there is no indication that the Angels would trade any of their core players and if they did, it would be for starting pitching.

        Reply
        • Bertin Lefkovic

          11 years ago

          Hamilton is owed $89MM over the next three years. I am not sure that there is another team in the league that would even consider trading for him, much less give up quality pitching.

          A-Rod and Beltran will cost $91MM plus whatever HR bonuses A-Rod earns over roughly the same period of time. I threw Pineda in as a sweetener being a young and controllable, albeit injury prone pitcher. Seems like a fair deal to me.

          Reply
      • Trock

        11 years ago

        How would this benefit the Angels? Although I have a little more faith in Beltran over Hamo, A-Rod is a liability (and has been for a while) and Pineda hasn’t been healthy in a while.

        Reply
        • Bertin Lefkovic

          11 years ago

          Three questionable players for the price of one questionable player should benefit the Angels sufficiently. The only reason that I would even consider doing this deal is because I want A-Rod to go away and Beltran is clearly jinxed by NYC.

          As much of a liability as A-Rod might be, he is probably an upgrade over David Freese, who the Angels might be able to trade to a team like the Blue Jays for a starting pitcher like R.A. Dickey.

          Reply
          • Metfan9876

            11 years ago

            I doubt the Angels would want to put on some more salary in 2 injury-prone, washed up players in A-rod and Beltran. Also, Pineda is a question mark and they need proven starters. That deal makes no sense for the Angels and gives them 2 pieces that they don’t need. Freese, who is relatively cheap and has played well since his awful start to the season and Hamilton is a smarter route for them to go, especially when they are gearing up for a playoff run this year and likely next year.

            Reply
          • Trock

            11 years ago

            I still do not see the logic. Beltran, A-Rod are not change of scenery candidates. Why would the Angels want to be liable at an OF position with an aging Beltran AND have A-Rod on the field at all? No team wants A-Rod. This would never happen in a million years.

            Reply
  5. Bertin Lefkovic

    11 years ago

    If the Phillies were interested in swapping bad contracts, I would take Ryan Howard’s $60MM over two years to A-Rod’s $61MM+HR bonuses over three years. With Tex becoming so brittle, it would be better if their primary DH can also play 1B. If necessary, I would also swap Shawn Kelley for Jonathan Papelbon and not resign David Robertson this offseason, letting Dellin Betances know that the closer job is his once Papelbon’s contract runs out.

    Reply
    • Bleed_Orange

      11 years ago

      Don’t hate the thought process of a Howard for Arod swap, biggest issue I see there is that Arod can’t DH in the national league.

      Reply
      • Bertin Lefkovic

        11 years ago

        No, but he could learn to play 1B and the OF, which probably takes somewhat less of a toll on the body than 3B, but even if not, that is no less or more problematic for the Phillies than the fact that Howard cannot DH in the NL. If anything, Howard could probably benefit more from the DH than A-Rod.

        Reply
        • Jaysfan1994 2

          11 years ago

          I can’t see A-Rod at 40 years old running in the outfield and not pulling something. The outfield is a much harder position to play then a lot of people think. A-Rod at 1B sounds something more realistic seeing as it’s less physically demanding.

          Reply
  6. Rusty_Arcadia

    11 years ago

    I think what Lester is trying to say is, if the RedSox want to outbid everyone and pay him a lot of money to return, that would be awesome. But, if the Red Sox aren’t the highest bidders, he’d still like to return.

    Reply
    • daveineg

      11 years ago

      No, I think he’s seeing the Cubs and Theo as his spot. Winning in Boston? Been there, done that. Winning on the north side of Chicago? Priceless.
      Nice sentiments but we’ve heard that from guys before but until the union pulled them to the side and reminded players of the dossier they had on each one of them.

      Reply
  7. Vandals Took The Handles

    11 years ago

    I’ve lost all respect for Lester.

    He’s supposed to be a professional. He’s being paid an astronomical salary to help the A’s win the pennant. His A’s teammates are trying to win a pennant. Why doe he have to keep talking about his free agency and he Red Sox? Can;t he just tell the media that the stretch run is on and his focus is on helping his team win? That he’ll discuss his free agency after the season?

    I have not seen any other potential 2014 free agents doing what he’s doing.

    Reply
    • Jaysfan1994 2

      11 years ago

      Astronomical? He’s being paid way below market value this year. I do however agree with everything you’ve just said besides that. It’s kinda like he’s hinting there’s no chance he stays in Oakland for next season.

      Reply
  8. Bertin Lefkovic

    11 years ago

    I predict that the Yankees offer Lester 6/$150MM, the Cubs offer 6/$135MM, the Red Sox offer 4/$90MM with a vestable team option for a 5th year worth $20MM with a $10MM buyout, and Lester signs with the Cubs. The only way that the Yankees get Lester is with a 7th year and vestable option for an 8th year. I don’t think that Lester relishes the idea of going back to Fenway in a Yankees uniform. If the Red Sox offer 5/$100 with a vestable option for a 6th year at $20MM, I think that they would get him. I hope that I am wrong.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.

Log in Register

ad: 300x250_1_MLB

    Top Stories

    Braves Designate Craig Kimbrel For Assignment

    Corbin Burnes To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

    Braves Select Craig Kimbrel

    Jerry Reinsdorf, Justin Ishbia Reach Agreement For Ishbia To Obtain Future Majority Stake In White Sox

    White Sox To Promote Kyle Teel

    Sign Up For Trade Rumors Front Office Now And Lock In Savings!

    Pablo Lopez To Miss Multiple Months With Teres Major Strain

    MLB To Propose Automatic Ball-Strike Challenge System For 2026

    Giants Designate LaMonte Wade Jr., Sign Dominic Smith

    Reds Sign Wade Miley, Place Hunter Greene On Injured List

    Padres Interested In Jarren Duran

    Royals Promote Jac Caglianone

    Mariners Promote Cole Young, Activate Bryce Miller

    2025-26 MLB Free Agent Power Rankings: May Edition

    Evan Phillips To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

    AJ Smith-Shawver Diagnosed With Torn UCL

    Reds Trade Alexis Díaz To Dodgers

    Rockies Sign Orlando Arcia

    Ronel Blanco To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

    Joc Pederson Suffers Right Hand Fracture

    Recent

    Tigers Notes: Vierling, Olson, Urquidy, Boyd

    Twins Place Zebby Matthews On 15-Day IL, Reinstate Danny Coulombe

    Yankees Claim CJ Alexander

    Phillies Claim Ryan Cusick, Designate Kyle Tyler

    Brewers Claim Drew Avans

    White Sox Sign Tyler Alexander, Place Jared Shuster On 15-Day IL

    Orioles Designate Matt Bowman For Assignment

    Diamondbacks Select Kyle Backhus, Designate Aramis Garcia

    Athletics Acquire Austin Wynns

    Julio Rodriguez Helped Off Field Following Apparent Injury

    ad: 300x250_5_side_mlb

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • 2024-25 Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions
    • Nolan Arenado Rumors
    • Dylan Cease Rumors
    • Luis Robert Rumors
    • Marcus Stroman Rumors

     

    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Remove Ads, Support Our Writers
    • Front Office Originals
    • Front Office Fantasy Baseball
    • MLBTR Podcast
    • 2024-25 Offseason Outlook Series
    • 2025 Arbitration Projections
    • 2024-25 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    ad: 160x600_MLB

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • RSS/Twitter Feeds By Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    hide arrows scroll to top

    Register

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version