Here are the five biggest stories here at MLBTR this week.
Indians to sign Edwin Encarnacion. The Indians agreed with the slugger on what’s reportedly a three-year, $60MM deal that also includes a club option, edging out the Athletics and Rangers. The move ended what’s been a frustrating free agent period for Encarnacion and his agent and potentially cleared the way for the signings of other power bats like Mark Trumbo, Chris Carter and Jose Bautista (who is reportedly willing to consider a one-year deal). Earlier this week, 30% of you thought the Indians would land Encarnacion.
Pirates to re-sign Ivan Nova. Ivan Nova seemingly benefited from being traded to Pittsburgh at last year’s deadline, and this week, he agreed to re-sign with the Bucs for the surprisingly low price of three years and $26MM. Nova’s market was surprisingly quiet this offseason, even though he looked like one of the best free agent starters. The Pirates also added a hard-throwing reliever this week, inking Daniel Hudson to a two-year deal. And they’re reportedly still trying to acquire star White Sox lefty Jose Quintana to further bolster what suddenly looks like a much-improved pitching staff.
Phillies acquire Clay Buchholz. The Phillies bolstered their young rotation, acquiring veteran righty Clay Buchholz from the Red Sox for minor league second baseman Josh Tobias. Phillies GM Matt Klentak says he had begun talking to the Red Sox about Buchholz months before the deal actually occurred.
Braves extend Ender Inciarte. The Braves agreed to a five-year deal, plus a club option, to potentially keep outfielder Ender Inciarte for two extra seasons. Inciarte, meanwhile, will receive a guaranteed payout of $30.525MM. “We are thrilled to announce an extension for Ender,” said Braves GM John Coppolella. “We feel that he’s the best defensive center fielder in baseball and one of the best leadoff hitters in the game.”
Angels sign Ben Revere. The Angels have signed outfielder Ben Revere to a one-year, $4MM deal, and it appears he’ll platoon with Cameron Maybin in left field.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
They may not be the sexiest signings, but this was a good week for baseball – lot of good moves for teams, and I loved each move. Happy Holidays to the MLBTR team, thank you for being my go-to source for everything baseball! Stay awesome.
Ender Inciarte….seriously ? …. I guess $6.0m per year is pretty cheap.
But ‘one of the best leadoff hitters’ ????
Doesnt even make the top 60 ! (400 minimum AB’s)
No pop – no RBI – only 16 SB’s……
(gets waaaaay to much press for a ‘meh’ player taking up an outfield slot.)
Must be a real leader in the clubhouse.
No rbi huh….he plays on the braves, not as much opportunity. Ender had about a league average bat last year with 97 wRC BUT with his speed and defense still managed to put up a 3.7 fWAR. Now if he’s only a third of that at 1 win a year for 6 million that’s a solid steal. Free agency for example costs about 8-10 million to get one win. Advantage Braves.
And he torched the Mets…
Ya stupid
I guess that gold glove in CF is just totally worthless huh?
Is your name Bob Knob or is that what you do?
Why would you expect a leadoff hitter to have a lot of RBI?
Braves fan here and very pleased with Ender’s signing. He was great in 2nd half.