A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR the last seven days:
- On the most recent edition of the MLB Trade Rumors Podcast, host Jeff Todd welcomed Peter King of CBS Radio News. King, a respected journalist with a fascinating career, is a hot stove junkie who once followed transactions by way of newspaper and now regularly visits MLBTR. A new episode of the MLB Trade Rumors Podcast is released every Thursday and can be accessed on iTunes, SoundCloud, and Stitcher.
- Recently, MLB Trade Rumors launched a brand new official Instagram account:@TradeRumorsMLB. Each day, we’re sharing conversation-inspiring images about the hottest topics in baseball. From there, we invite you to give us a like, weigh in with your thoughts in the comments section, and even share the link with a friend. So, what are you waiting for? If you don’t have an Instagram account, this is the perfect excuse to sign up and get one. Follow us on Instagram today!
- There’s a lot of work ahead for the Mariners’ new front office and Mark Polishuk ran down some of their different options this offseason. In a way, GM Jerry Dipoto finds himself in something of the same position that he was in as the Angels general manager — a few superstars on huge contracts, a few regulars best suited to platoon duty, little minor league depth, and some payroll limitations.
- Meanwhile, Dipoto’s old club will be looking to get back to the postseason in 2016. Steve Adams discussed the Andrelton Simmons acquisition and forthcoming moves that could be in store for the Halos. The Angels seem like logical players for free agent help on the pitching market and they’ll have to address holes at catcher, second base, third base, in left field and possibly at DH.
- The Marlins have a lot of ground to make up in the NL East, but enter the offseason with a talented core, a bit of free cash, and a desire to compete, Jeff writes.
- The Astros were thought to be a few years away from contention but they advanced their timetable in 2015. Now, it remains to be seen how much further owner Jim Crane is willing to boost the payroll, Mark writes. The payroll has gradually risen from a measly $26MM in 2013 to roughly $50.5MM in 2014 to last year’s total, so it seems like a boost into the $95-$100MM range could be coming this winter.
- The AL East champion Blue Jays will have to rebuild their pitching staff this winter, though their first priority will be sorting out an unexpected front office shuffle, Mark writes. The next step for the Jays will be to explore extending Bautista and Encarnacion, which will be very interesting negotiations. Beyond that, everything is on the table for Toronto, including a possible reunion between new president Mark Shapiro and one of the pitchers he was fond of in Cleveland.
