A Beltre extension with the Rangers is challenging because there just aren’t many comparables, reports Ken Rosenthal in his latest video for FOX Sports. The Rangers consider Red Sox designated hitter to be similar, but Ortiz obviously doesn’t have Beltre’s elite third base defense. Ortiz has made around $13MM to $16MM in each of the last five seasons. His contracts have typically included complicated club options with a variety of vesting scenarios and amounts. If both sides agree to use Ortiz as a yard stick, they’ll still have to figure out how to balance offensive and defensive considerations along with what portions of the deal should be guaranteed.
Here’s more from Rosenthal:
- Kyle Schwarber’s future at catcher is in question. The Cubs will react to how his rehab progresses, but he already had a short window to establish himself behind the plate. Catching prospect Willson Contreras will probably be major league ready sometime during this season, and he’s always rated as the better defender. Schwarber’s already a questionable outfielder. With Anthony Rizzo locked in at first base, Rosenthal wonders if Schwarber might not be destined to join an AL club.
- The Rays had to make difficult choices when they exposed Tyler Goeddel and Joey Rickard to the Rule 5 draft. The team had a number of right-handed outfielders and pitchers to protect. They weren’t confident Rickard had a high enough ceiling to warrant an eventual everyday role. Outfielders are also hard to stash for a full season than pitchers, making it more likely the club could reacquire Rickard later in the year.
- Former Indians star Grady Sizemore remains a free agent despite posting over an .800 OPS in the second half last year. Sizemore has received minor league offers, but he’s waiting for an opportunity to be a regular contributor. Sizemore doesn’t want to sign with a team just to provide depth. In my opinion, Sizemore may have to pick the best offer soon – perhaps with an opt-out if another club offers a major league contract. James Loney was the most recent player to sign a contract of that type.
I’m surprised that Grady Sizemore hasn’t signed with a team yet. Hope he finds a team with a mlb deal
Please unless rickard seriously blows up and does horrible then maybe the Rays will get him back but I don’t see it happening
Typical babble from Rosenthal. Rickard is not likely to play at this level throughout the season but does Rosenthal honestly believe that the O’s would give up on him later in the season when the franchise has kept three rule 5 picks in the last four years prior to Rickard? Even if Kim started to hit to potential and Rickard faded at the same time, the O’s would still stash Rickard throughout the season so they could continue to build depth. Foolish speculation on Rosenthal’s part.
This new Rays front office has done a lot of screwy things since they took over.
Working hand-in-hand with Preller! to acquire Steven Souza Jr. and left-handed pitcher Travis Ott to Tampa in which Mike Rizzo acquired two former Padres first-round picks – Joe Ross and Trea Turner for he Nationals is going to prove to be one of the top 5 one-sided trades of the 2010’s.
Scwhaber is a Cub we don’t give are players away .Kinda like the Dodgers with there prospect .Where is the wisdom trading him we got 13 great pitchers wth more coming maybe next year in the minors what a great plan 5 years ago the pain is the thing. It hurt now we do the hurt:Go Cubs every level next year 40 man roster will be the best ever unless Theo decide to lose his mine and trade the boat.