It’s “believed” that free-agent reliever Adam Ottavino is near the top of Boston’s bullpen wish list, Jon Heyman of Fancred tweets. The same is true of the previously reported David Robertson, per Heyman. With closer Craig Kimbrel and setup man Joe Kelly as their best remaining free agents, it’s no surprise that the world champion Red Sox are exploring the top of the market for bullpen help. Those two led full-time Red Sox relievers in innings pitched last season, and Kimbrel was particularly effective. The 33-year-old Ottavino may have been even better, though, as the former Rockie was among the game’s elite relievers in 2018 despite having to pitch his home games at the hitter-friendly Coors Field. Ottavino placed fourth among relievers in average exit velocity against (84.9 mph), sixth in fWAR (2.0), 11th in K/9 (12.98, against 4.17 BB/9), 13th in innings (77 2/3) and 17th in ERA (2.43), putting himself in position to score a lucrative contract in free agency.
More on the pitching market…
- Free-agent left-hander Yusei Kikuchi “really likes” San Francisco and “might” have the Giants atop his list of preferred teams, Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle hears. The Giants, for their part, seem interested in landing the 27-year-old Kikuchi, who’s poised to immigrate to the majors after starring in his native Japan. Kikuchi’s soon-to-be former employer, the Seibu Lions of Nippon Professional Baseball, posted him for MLB clubs Dec. 2, giving him until Jan. 2 to sign. The Giants look like as logical a fit for Kikuchi as any team, given the short- and long-term uncertainty throughout their rotation.
- As the Giants wait to see what happens with Kikuchi, they’ve “checked in on” free-agent righty Tyson Ross, Schulman tweets, though he suggests a signing is hardly imminent. The Bay Area is familiar to Ross, a Berkeley, Calif., native who pitched for the Athletics earlier in his career. The 31-year-old divided last season between San Diego and St. Louis and posted a 4.15 ERA/4.39 FIP with 7.34 K/9, 3.73 BB/9 and a 45.9 percent groundball rate in 149 2/3 innings (31 appearances, 23 starts). It was Ross’ first fairly healthy season since he underwent the dreaded thoracic outlet syndrome surgery in 2016.
- The pitching-needy Rangers have interest in re-signing lefty Martin Perez and righty Adrian Sampson, according to TR Sullivan of MLB.com. Texas moved on from both hurlers last month, at least temporarily, as it declined Perez’s $7.5MM option in favor of a $1MM buyout and non-tendered Sampson. Perez, 27, has been a passable back-end starter at times, but he endured a horrid 2018. Sampson, also 27, hasn’t experienced much big league success over a limited sample of work (27 2/3 innings). He spent most of last season at the Triple-A level.
Kikuchi will sign with the Angels. Heard it here first.
The Angels need to rebuild. They aren’t going anywhere with their rotation, even if they add Kikuchi. Trading Trout right now will get as many top prospects as Africa’s population. Trading Simmons would bring a top prospect or two. They could potentially put together a trade with Upton and Calhoun.
Signing Ohtani puts you in the perfect longterm position for a team. No matter what route you take with him, he is going to provide great production for your team. If they capitalize on Trout and Simmons’ market right now, they are going to put themselves in great position to compete with the Rangers, Mariners, and A’s headed into the 2020s. Kikuchi’s age makes signing him more of a “win now” move with longterm benefits.
Trout being traded isn’t likely to happen. See Harper, Bryce for why he wasn’t traded last year. The Angels don’t have much choice but to do their best the next two years. If Trout leaves then the next generation starts with Ohtani, Adell and the Pujols contract gone.
My friend, Pujols is signed for 3 seasons with each one more expensive than the last
Trout will be resigned using Pujols’ money. There’s only one year of overlap.
None of the prospects that you get back for trout will never be nearly as good as he is now. Players like trout only come around so often
Trout will be traded to Yankees. You heard it first here
can’t WAIT to hear ey trash him too.
Kikuchi signs with Angels and immediately has TJ surgery
What contract does Kikuchi get? Perhaps greater mystery than team… Go Yankees!
I know, I’m guessing Corbin will sign for 6/130. But no need to guess the team, he already said he loves the yanks.
In all seriousness, can we try looking at things from the perspective of teams otger than our own?
Says the guy with a Pic of a Giants hat..glass houses
I’ve guessed all along that it would be something along the lines of Kenta Maeda’s deal. A lot of very modest incentives that basically pay him if he’s healthy and contributes.
I’m still going with 8/25, because that’s what Maeda got.
And, Maeda got that in a much better starters market. That winter had Price, Greinke, Cueto, Zimmermann, Leake, Chen, Kennedy, and several other options, and Meada was still given that contract.
Ottavino and Robertson would be perfect. Make it happen DD.
I would like to see Ottavino too. Robinson on the other hand saw a spike in his metrics last season and going to be 34 on a new contract. Kelly had his ups and downs last season but if sox can swing Kelly at the right price and another like bullpen arm at the same price it will equal to what Robinson is looking for.
makes better sense that way but then again DD isnt known for strong bullpens.
Would not surprise me they sign 1 big rp and try to figure out thier rotation. Meaning if wright or Eduardo do good job then Evo can be a bullpen arm going forward without spending more money.
It seems like big difference since Ottavino’s 32 now, but Ottavino is entering his age-33 season.
Give me Robertson who’s entering age-34 season than Ottavino entering his age-33 season.
DRob has been money his entire career. Yankee fans don’t call him “Houdini” for nothing. curve is mouth watering… Ottavino, on the other hand, had this good yr out nowhere from a “re-invention” This makes me more cautious. DRob all day everyday
But as a Yankee fan I’m biased…
nope…don’t need robinson
I tried. You’re one of the few cool posters I’m not afraid of engaging, Thanks for help before. Appreciate it 🙂
I am hurt xabial
why ??? cause I am cool…I. am by far cool…personally I’m an idiot
Resigning Kelly shouldn’t be an issue if they want him back since he was being paid to be a starter.
I AGGRE!!
Think Britton and Kelly are the best combination considering age and cost. A healthy Britton (which I believe he’ll be) is the lefty they need and Kelly, still a risk finally proved he could pitch on a big stage. I love Robertson on a short deal but I worry about his total innings pitched finally catching up to that until now rubber arm.
Yes Dave please make it happen
Kikuchi was at the Anaheim Ducks game this weekend. Hope the Angels sign him.
Ive been hoping the Sox go after Robertson. Hes been fantastic.
People seem to forget how much negative value Robertson had before being traded back to the Yankees. Taking on his full salary got the Yankees Kahnle.
personally a big joe kelly fan. hope we resign him
About $16 to $18M for 3yrs. sounds about right for for Kelly.