Here’s the latest from around the NL East…
- The Braves have Cubs outfielder Matt Szczur on their list of possible trade candidates, FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reports (via Twitter). Szczur is out of options and the Cubs intend to keep him, though a 25-man roster spot could be hard to manage given Chicago’s multitude of depth options. Szczur has a career .245/.297/.376 slash line over 346 PA since debuting with the Cubs in 2014, and he is a right-handed hitter who can play all three outfield positions, which fits Atlanta’s known need. MLB.com’s Mark Bowman recently opined that since the Braves have several out-of-options players, they could deal one such player for another on a rival team.
- Though Kelly Johnson remains unsigned, MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo doesn’t feel there’s any chance of another reunion between he and the Mets, especially not as long as Johnson is still looking for an MLB contract. The Mets are satisfied with their current backup infield mix, and likely wouldn’t check in on Johnson (either via signing or a midseason trade if he signs elsewhere) unless he’s willing to take a minor league deal or if New York develops a need later in the year.
- Sunday is the deadline for the Phillies to either release Chris Coghlan upon request, or place him on their 25-man roster within 48 hours, MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki reports. In other Phils opt-out news, Daniel Nava can request his release if he isn’t on the Phillies’ Major League roster by June 15. Coghlan and Nava both signed minor league deals with Philadelphia this winter, though as Zolecki explains, the two veterans are in a tight battle for the Phillies’ two remaining bench spots.
- Koda Glover is a contender to win the Nationals’ closer job, though as Fangraphs’ Dave Cameron notes, the Nats’ decision to use Glover in the ninth inning of spring games is making it difficult to properly evaluate the hard-throwing righty. Spring Training performances should be taken with a grain of salt anyway, and in Glover’s case, he has faced very few hitters who actually project to be on MLB rosters this season.
I wonder what the Cubs would ask for
Largely, they want cost-controlled starting pitching. In some instances, they take SPs a distance from MLB-readiness. In this case, that would be a bit unlikely.
The Cubs don’t have a ton of leverage here. If they don’t trade him they will have to place him on waivers. Unless the Braves are competing with another team for Szczur’s services, they could probably get him for cash or a non-prospect.
I can promise you there’d be plenty of competition. He’d be a starter for at least 6/7 teams
The Cubs would be really dumb to trade Matt. Right now he is the best all a round of they have. Eat Heywards contract and put the best 9 out there.
Wut?
Great trolling, bro.
Almora is a better all around outfielder than Sczcur
Not even close yet but Almora will be Szrur could start for 70% of NL teams
Sczur wouldn’t even start for the Braves lmao Kakes and Kemp are above him as is Ender obviously
Szczur is a much better all-around hitter than Almora and is still an above average fielder.
Detroit might be a good place for Szczur. Mahtook still has an option. Jones needs more seasoning and has options. He could platoon in CF with either Romine or Collins. Being RH, no one is exposed to waivers, as both Collins and Moya are lefties. There will be room for both if JD starts on the DL.
What would be your offer? Likely in SP options, somewhat near MLB-ready.
Pelfrey or Anibal Sanchez
completely unrelated, but how does angel pagan and doug fister not have jobs yet?
I think pagan wants something like 5 million and no one wants to give him that. Fister is probably waiting for a serious injury to someone’s rotation so he has a clearer chance to win a spot
‘ 1
man, it’s just getting late you would think pagan would start accepting what he can get. I see your point on foster though
Don’t release Couhglan! The A’s will give up a top prospect to reacquire him.
Do you mean the Philadelphia Phillies’ Chris Coghlan?
Szczur is a very good 4th-5th OF. Or platoon. He’s look really good in a platoon.
I’m good with Szczur being traded. He’s earned more playing time.
Best return offer likely gets him. Think starting pitching, with at least two options left.
I would very much like to see Caesar stay, but you are correct that he has earned more pt. He has been more than capable in his time. If he gets traded, I really hope nothing but the best for him.
How’s this? Not really a Braves guy, so I’m not trying to troll. I hope it doesn’t come across that way.
Szczur for Wisler plus a piece.
If so, which pitching piece?
Szczur for Wisler isn’t gonna happen and shouldn’t. My own opinion, Wisler is just a mental click away from figuring it all out. Cause his stuff is there, it’s all control at this point.
Regardless, braves are likely to trade another guy who’s out of options and maybe a low key minor league for Szczur.. You shouldn’t see big names in a trade like this from either system.
Wouldn’t even do Wisler. Bad starting point
Matt Szczur for Justin Wilson
Oddly intriguing.
Szczur is out of options. No one is going to offer a ton, because he’ll likely be an extra OF on the acquiring team as well. They may end up having to put him thru waivers. J. Wilson admittedly has not had a great spring, but he was the 8th inning guy last year. If you want a quality lefty reliever, talk to me about a starting OF, not an out of options back up. Szczur will likely get a minor leaguer, low level prospect in return. Or maybe, another out of options player, like Ian Kroll.
Szczur will go for the best acceptable offer.
Or the Cubs will find another way to go.
They added Manuel Rondon for Rafael Lopez. They added Erick Leal and Jesus Castillo (who fetched Joe Smith) for Tony Campana. Szczur is a better piece than either.
The quality added with the Cubs pre-OD roster moves will be keyed on how many teams are interested in making an offer.
Or they will send him thru waivers and get nothing. I agree, they will take the best offer. But because he’s out of options, those offers will be for lesser players with control, or another out of options piece they have more of a need for. BTW, All the players you mentioned were lower level prospects (as I said) when they were acquired.
KJ was so important to the Mets. I’d love to have him back on a minor league deal.
I agree, he was so clutch
Szczer and bring to me, ( phillies).
Some traditions just shouldn’t be broken, and Mets acquiring Kelly Johnson from the Braves mid-season is one of them.