Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com looks in depth at the still-developing front office market. There’s “no evidence” that the Mariners went after Dave Dombrowski, he says, and it remains entirely unclear what Seattle will look to do over the next several months. Likewise, there are a number of dugout swaps that could go down, per Heyman, who says as many as ten skippers are “on the hot seat.”
The piece is loaded with analysis and notes, but here are some of the most notable bits of hot stove information:
- Cubs infielder Starlin Castro was placed on trade waivers recently, though it’s not yet known whether he’s cleared. Castro has shifted to a utility role for Chicago and is still owed $38MM, but is obviously a significant talent and is just 25 years old. While the Cubs now seem determined to go with Addison Russell at short in the near term and the long term, an August trade of Castro still seems unlikely.
- Braves outfielder Jonny Gomes has cleared waivers and can freely be dealt. He’s playing on a $4MM salary this year and can be controlled in 2016 through a $3MM option. The 34-year-old doesn’t have a terribly impressive overall batting line, and has seen his power output drop, but is still slashing .231/.409/.385 against opposing lefties.
- The Royals are “starting to think about” approaching Eric Hosmer to discuss an extension. He is already signed to a $8.25MM salary next year, and has one more year of arb control thereafter. Buying up additional years will not be easy or cheap for Kansas City: Hosmer is in the midst of a breakout .315/.379/.484 campaign, is just 25 years old, and is a client of Scott Boras.
Gomes has done exactly what the Braves asked him to do this year… Help A.J mentor the young players. He was never expected to be a huge contributor. But I like the guy and hope he can be sent to a contender to finish the season
It makes absolutely no sense at all, but I can’t help but wishing Boston would bring back Gomes.
It would make sense if Boston could make a Ramirez-for-Gomes swap with the Braves taking on Hanley’s salary and unique karma.
Appears like Hosmer is actually turning into a bit of that Votto type I thought he might have in him.
doesn’t have Votto power. Seems more like Keith Hernandez, John Olerud type…good average, medium power/RBI potential.
The frustrating part about Hosmer is he DOES have Votto power. When the guy hits home runs they go 450 ft. He just hasn’t been able to put it together for a full season (to be seen if he ever will). I could easily see a career year in Kauffman something along the lines of .320 and 30-35 home runs.