The Padres decision to designate left-handed pitcher Eric Stults for assignment was based on finances rather than performance, writes Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune. Per MLBTR’s Matt Swartz, Stults was projected to earn about $4.6MM via arbitration after a season in which he posted a 4.30 ERA and 17 losses. Stults, 35 next season, represents a solid depth piece at the back of a rotation due to durability and decent stuff. However, the Padres are in need of offensive help and have plenty of pitching. The rotation is already filled without Stults, and Sanders names another five pitchers who can serve as additional depth. The cash savings will ostensibly be applied to the offense, and it’s possible Stults will return to San Diego on a lesser contract.
- Diamondbacks GM Dave Stewart spoke with MLB Network Radio on a variety of topics. Arizona won’t be in the market for the top three free agent pitchers according to Stewart (tweet), but they may be more involved on Kenta Maeda (also Twitter). As for top prospect Archie Bradley, Stewart would like to see him get more seasoning at the Triple-A level before reaching the majors (via Twitter).
- While Cubs GM Jed Hoyer downplayed the possibility of a “supercharged offseason” yesterday, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times believes they are poised for a spending spree. He figures they have $70MM in available payroll. The Cubs have an “acquisition window…through the 2015-2016 offseason,” so we shouldn’t expect all of that money to be used this winter. Howover, several of the biggest market clubs like the Yankees, Dodgers, Angels, and Phillies are trying to be cost conscious this offseason, which makes now a good time to strike on top players.
- Pirates left-hander Francisco Liriano is still considering his qualifying offer and “several options,” tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. That could hint to a possible multi-year contract offer from the Pirates or other clubs, although that’s just my speculation. MLBTR’s Steve Adams covered Liriano’s free agent profile earlier this week and ultimately estimated a three-year, $40MM deal.
The Angels and Dodgers being more cost conscious is understandable, and most likely the right thing to do this offseason. But I think the Yankees and Phillies should consider diving into the starting pitching market to avoid the risk of getting stuck in limbo for the next few years. I think the Cubs are going to strike hard. The signing of Joe Maddon, coupled with a core of Rizzo, Arrieta, Castro, Soler, and Rondon is putting them in a position to where cashing in on the free agent market this offseason could finally help them make that leap many of us have been waiting for.
Where is the evidence that the Dodgers are going to be more cost conconcious this season?
Ask them. I’m just going by what’s being reported on that one.
And what statements made by anyone in the organization backs up the reporting? My point is this is just an assumption supported by nothing.
Phillies should not get involved in anything but selling. The starting pitching market is pretty bad this winter. If you looking for an elite starter, wait til next winter. This year you fix ss and 3b.
Yes, an aging 73 win team needs to rebuild for 2018 or so. And, I don’t think Amaro will be apart of that. Unless they plan on joining the Yankees in a 35 and over league.
They don’t really have to rebuild. I’m looking at their team page on BR and I see spots in the lineup that just need at least a league average performance or better, and the need for maybe two solid innings eaters and perhaps another effective reliever or two. They’re not that far away from contending again despite their record.
the dodgers will either resign ramirez and sign martin. But yes they will be cost conscious. you signed big contracts to gonzalez, greinke, ryu, kershaw, crawford, either, kemp and puig…
I think Liriano is the biggest steal on the free agent market. Very strong statistical profile. I would expect the stats-oriented teams (Cubs, Red Sox, etc.) to be heavily involved.
Every team is stats-oriented. Except for the Phillies that means RBIs.
He’s always been inconsistent. Is that part of his profile?
Liriano will command 13M per season? he has started 30 games once and has a career era over 4 in 9 years, how pathetic is this game getting.
You do understand that he just needs to be a 2.5 WAR pitcher to generate plus value on that contract, right?
That 70 mil number for the Cubs is way too high because it doeant include $30 mil for their arb eligibles. In reality its more like 40-50 and that will be spread out over 2 seasons.