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Free Agent Notes: Realmuto, Cruz, Kim, Pillar, Avila, Stanek

By Connor Byrne | December 17, 2020 at 2:32pm CDT

The Nationals and the representative for free-agent catcher J.T. Realmuto “have had early discussions,” Brittany Ghiroli of The Athletic writes. Despite that, Ghiroli casts doubt on the Nationals signing Realmuto because of general manager Mike Rizzo’s suggestion earlier this week that the club doesn’t have the catcher position atop its list of priorities. Rizzo indicated first base and the outfield are bigger needs for the Nationals, who have Yan Gomes coming off a bounce-back season (over just 30 games) as their starting backstop. Even if the Nats want to count on Gomes as their starter in 2021, they could at least re-sign Kurt Suzuki or add a backup to replace him. Tres Barrera, who has totaled two plate appearances in the majors, is the only catcher on their 40-man roster after Gomes.

Here’s more from the open market:

  • The Twins have not re-signed designated hitter Nelson Cruz yet, but president of baseball operations Derek Falvey told MLB Network Radio that the two sides are still “in contact.” Falvey went on to call Cruz “a special member of the Twins,” which was certainly true from 2019-20. The ageless Cruz, who will soon turn 41 next July, had arguably the two best seasons of his career in Minnesota. He slashed .308/.394/.626 during that time and ranked second in the majors in wRC+ (163) and fifth in home runs (57).
  • The Blue Jays and free-agent infielder Ha-Seong Kim “have been in touch,” Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports. The 25-year-old Kim hasn’t played in the majors yet, but he starred with the Nexen Heroes of the Korea Baseball Organization from 2014-20 and currently ranks as one of the top free agents on the market. It’s unclear where he would play in Toronto because the club has Bo Bichette occupying short, but Kim may be a fit at either second or third base.
  • The Rockies have “had discussions” about a reunion with outfielder Kevin Pillar, according to manager Bud Black (via Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post). Black isn’t sure how far those talks have gone, though. The 31-year-old Pillar, whom the Rockies acquired from the Red Sox over the summer, posted a career-high .288/.338/.462 line with six home runs and five stolen bases in 223 plate appearances last season.
  • Tigers general manager Al Avila told MLB Network that his son, catcher Alex Avila, is on their list of potential free-agent pickups, Jason Beck of MLB.com tweets. However, Al Avila added that the Tigers aren’t prioritizing the catcher position at the moment. There is room for improvement at the spot, though, as the backstops on their 40-man roster – Grayson Greiner, Eric Haase and Jake Rogers – have all failed to record passable offensive numbers during their careers. That isn’t the case for the 33-year-old Alex Avila, owner of a .235/.348/.394 line in 3,527 plate appearances. He played with the Tigers from 2009-15 before moving on to a few other teams, most recently Minnesota.
  • The Dodgers are the latest team to show interest in reliever Ryne Stanek, who’s on the world champions’ radar, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times relays. Stanek had a woeful 2020 with the Marlins, but he’s a known entity to Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman. As the Rays’ GM in 2013, Friedman used the 29th overall pick on Stanek.
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Alex Avila Colorado Rockies Detroit Tigers Ha-Seong Kim J.T. Realmuto Kevin Pillar Los Angeles Dodgers Minnesota Twins Nelson Cruz Notes Ryne Stanek Toronto Blue Jays Washington Nationals

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100 comments
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Comments

  1. Rhyde1990

    1 month ago

    So no news. Got it.

    Like
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    • clrrogers

      1 month ago

      It’s called MLB TRADE RUMORS. I don’t understand why some of you don’t get the rumor part.

      26 Like
      Reply
      • SalaryCapMyth

        1 month ago

        This particular baseball site may not be for you. =D You also might want to look up the definition of the word “rumor”. Should kind of indicate to you that articles like this are normal.

        5 Like
        Reply
        • Natsman1

          1 month ago

          Funny that some take these articles so seriously. These rumors are often started by agents & teams that want to generate smokescreens & misinformation .

          Like
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      • Jim Carter

        1 month ago

        2 Like
        Reply
    • statman

      1 month ago

      Pillar hit a career high .288 last season? Imagine that! His home avg was a whopping .371 (most of which in Coors) while hitting a measly .228 on the road. All stats influenced by Coors should always carry a BIG ***

      1 Like
      Reply
      • looiebelongsinthehall

        1 month ago

        Don’t know the splits by park but the stat I checked showed four of his homers were while with the Red Sox. Pillar is a quality fourth outfielder.

        3 Like
        Reply
      • VonPurpleHayes

        1 month ago

        You’re not wrong, but I’d argue most players have better home/away splits, regardless of stadium. A player is often more comfortable in his own park. You have to take some of that into account when looking at splits. That being said, these particular splits do seem drastic.

        1 Like
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      • i like al conin

        1 month ago

        In non-tendering Dahl they wanted to give more playing time to their 4 OFs including Hilliard. Picking up Pillar would go against that. Would love to see Hilliard get a chance.

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        • filthyrich

          1 month ago

          They gotta leave room for Kemp still.
          Blackmon, Tapia, Kemp with Hilliard not getting enough AB to get comfortable.
          Not sure Pillar is a fit?
          How’s 1B looking? Reynolds available?

          Like
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        • WereAllJustGuestsHere

          1 month ago

          Rockies are LH heavy in the OF. Pillar serves as a RH bat. Kemp would be the one to move to 1B,

          Like
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      • Roughed Odor

        1 month ago

        60 game season should be the only asterixis. Pillar was always a streaky hitter. I still like him and hope he gets signed. Lots of guys looked better this year due to the shortened season and other guys never got it going.

        Like
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    • Tim_Buck-Two

      1 month ago

      With the way Cruz has been playing it looks like he might play til he’s 55 and still hit 15 home runs in a year. Its amazing, imagine where he’s be on the lists if he cracked the league at 21 instead of 28?

      Like
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      • SwingtheFNbat

        1 month ago

        Cruz is juicing again, or did he ever stop? Only 1 other man had a couple of his best years at ages 40/41, and u know who that is (Bonds). I get how u can still be productive at that age, but at your best? “COME ON MAN”!

        Like
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        • MoRivera 1999

          1 month ago

          Actually, Cruz is mashing much more prolifically than Bonds at 40. Cruz hit 1 HR per 13.4 PA’s. Bonds hit 1 HR per 22.9 PA’s. Ortiz, however, hit 1 HR per 16.5 PA’s at age 40. AND led the league in 2Bs, RBIs, SLG, and OPS. With notoriously bad feet. At 40! Bwahaha!

          Like
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        • filthyrich

          1 month ago

          Not sure where the Bonds numbers come from? I got:
          Bonds at 39: every 13.7 PA (8.3 AB!!)
          At 40: every 10.4 PA (8.4 AB)
          At 41: every 19.0 PA (14.1 AB)
          At 42: every 17.0 PA (12.1 AB)

          Ortiz at 39: every 16.6 PA (14.3 AB)
          At 40: every 16.5 PA (14.1 AB)

          Cruz at 39. HR every 13.4 PA (11.6 AB)

          Not sure what to think. Cruz having an age 40 season similar to Ortiz would help most clubs. How does Cano get caught again but Cruz doesn’t? Tough to be skeptical of Cruz.

          Like
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        • andyg37

          1 month ago

          For some added context, Bonds was the most feared hitter in history of the game at the time. If he ever saw more than 1 pitch tk hit a game his numbers would probably look even better.

          Like
          Reply
  2. Marty McRae

    1 month ago

    Sounds like the Nats really do want JTR, but are also trying to play it cool (and failing).

    2 Like
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    • SaoMagnifico

      1 month ago

      That’s what it sounds like to me as well.

      Like
      Reply
    • Luc 2

      1 month ago

      making me feel sad. Nats fan want him or Ozuna. Ozuna the likeliest

      Like
      Reply
  3. Spare Tire Dixon

    1 month ago

    I think the White Sox would be a fun outlier for JT Realmuto. They already have Grandal, of course, but the ability to rotate two of the best catchers in the game between C and DH would be interesting.

    Like
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    • Bearded Texas Hulk

      1 month ago

      @Dixon It would make an interesting dynamic and would keep both guys fresh. You would still think that JT would get more starts at C than DH. He is better defensively.

      2 Like
      Reply
      • Frahm_

        1 month ago

        Grandal is for sure better defensively

        Like
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    • seamaholic

      1 month ago

      That would so royally piss off Grandal it would backfire instantly.

      Like
      Reply
      • SalaryCapMyth

        1 month ago

        Neither of the catchers would be agreeable to that arrangement. Won’t happen.

        4 Like
        Reply
    • For Love of the Game

      1 month ago

      In a world of unlimited resource, sure.

      2 Like
      Reply
    • blake

      1 month ago

      This is a dumb comment

      2 Like
      Reply
  4. mlb2992

    1 month ago

    Maybe it’s just me, but I definitely don’t see JTR ending up with the Nats

    Like
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    • believeitornot

      1 month ago

      Not a snowball’s chance in Florida. Probably wants 100 for five years. The Nationals could get three players for 20.

      1 Like
      Reply
  5. 13Morgs1313Morgs13

    1 month ago

    JT odds of coming back to philly seems slim.

    Like
    Reply
    • seamaholic

      1 month ago

      His destination possibilities seem slim if he doesn’t lower his price. Mets are out. Blue Jays have other priorities and good young catchers. Those are your two big spenders this off-season. Dodgers are set. Red Sox are set. Angels have other needs. Who the heck has that kind of cash? Maybe the Yankees step in.

      Like
      Reply
      • SaoMagnifico

        1 month ago

        Seems like the Nats’ strategy here is to lay in wait. They’re really one of just two or three plausible landing spots for Realmuto at this point, barring a huge surprise; Mike Rizzo has wanted him forever and was stung when Miami swung that trade with Philly instead of coming off its Robles+Soto asking price a few winters ago; and yet the Nats have other needs this winter too and could find themselves hamstrung if they jump to meet Realmuto’s demands instead of waiting for his price to come down.

        1 Like
        Reply
        • believeitornot

          1 month ago

          I think they have at most 25 to 30 million to spend on new players. It doesn’t make sense to blow 20 on just one.

          Like
          Reply
      • Rocket32

        1 month ago

        seamaholic Yankees would probably rather have LeMahieu back. I don’t see them stepping in on JT unless/until they miss out on DJ. I’d be surprised if Hal was willing to open his wallet for 2 major signings this offseason.

        2 Like
        Reply
    • mcdusty49

      1 month ago

      JT is the clear top free agent get on the market right now but his market is somewhat cloudy. He has a few obvious options but like someone said earlier there are a few big market teams that are set at the catcher position or have other glaring holes they need to address before adding a big contract behind the dish…I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Angels or Yankees sneak in, but my best bet is he ends up back in Philly.

      Like
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      • VonPurpleHayes

        1 month ago

        He wants to stay in Philly and developed a friendship with the Harper family, but he won’t be taking any paycuts. So unless something major happens with Phillies financially, I don’t see a Philly reunion.

        Like
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        • mcdusty49

          1 month ago

          Maybe taking a paycut will be his only option once the music stops, as I’m sure you’re hoping as a phan

          Like
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        • VonPurpleHayes

          1 month ago

          Sure, but someone is going yo pay the guy.

          Like
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        • Joeyg2033

          1 month ago

          There is no way JT comes groveling back to the Phillies, especially in light of the stinging arbitration loss that he endured. He will go to the highest bidder. Period. That’s the game today. Freddy Freeman might be the only player in the league to take less to stay with Atl.

          Like
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        • RemovePitcherWinsFromTheRecordBooks

          1 month ago

          What if the Phillies are the highest bidder?

          1 Like
          Reply
        • VonPurpleHayes

          1 month ago

          I think you’re over estimating the arbitration thing, which JT expected to lose. He still wants to play for Philly in his own words, but of course he won’t be giving them a discount. I’m with you on him going where the money is. Don’t blame him.

          Like
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        • VonPurpleHayes

          1 month ago

          That’s the dilemma the Phillies are in. They’re hoping no one will come close to JT’s asking price. They’ll make an offer if the pricetag comes down,but honestly someone will give JT a big payday. Not as big as his initial asking price, but still likely out of the Phillies’ range.

          Like
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        • Joeyg2033

          1 month ago

          They won’t be. Ask Dombrowski.

          Like
          Reply
    • bot

      1 month ago

      Realmuto stock is way down. Bet same goes for springer. U play C or CF and teams loose interest quickly when you ask for big bucks in years u most likely have to move off a premier position. Their stats are fantastic at their natural position. Above average if realmuto is playing 1st or Springer in Left

      Like
      Reply
  6. G20pork

    1 month ago

    if the Jays land Kim, Bichette would probably move to 2B.

    Like
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    • Jaysfan1981

      1 month ago

      I think it would be opposite for the first year maybe 2, then if Bo doesn’t develop a consistent above average Glove you can justify the move to him and hopefully have an extension worked out prior to the ask

      Thats also if Kim shows he’s a level above Bo with the Glove and on par with his Bat.

      All of that wouldn’t matter if the Jays just trade for Lindor, (while still signing Kim) then its just a matter of pitting BO/Kim against each other into Gaining the SS job by producing more than Lindor or fit into a 3B 2B combo until one runs away with 3B job

      Lots of SP to be had in the trade market with our better prospects plus FA options if you want to win the pre season

      1 Like
      Reply
    • WereAllJustGuestsHere

      1 month ago

      On-paper Kim is the 2B on the Blue Jays.

      2 Like
      Reply
      • filthyrich

        1 month ago

        Not signed yet, but I like your spirit!

        Like
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        • WereAllJustGuestsHere

          1 month ago

          I was answering the person who said Kim would be the SS if signed and Bo would be at 2B. But thanks.

          1 Like
          Reply
    • smuzqwpdmx

      1 month ago

      Bichette’s defensive numbers at SS were middle of the pack last year, and he’s 22, and he’s been making huge defensive strides every year. Give him a chance and he might be very good.

      1 Like
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      • WereAllJustGuestsHere

        1 month ago

        Yep. And Kim’s defensive numbers look underwhelming. Save the prospects, keep Bo at SS.

        Like
        Reply
  7. BlueSkies_LA

    1 month ago

    Oh boy, Stanek could be the next Chris Hatcher!

    1 Like
    Reply
    • Sideline Redwine

      1 month ago

      But what about Mickey Hatcher? That is the second coming we all want…

      Like
      Reply
      • BlueSkies_LA

        1 month ago

        Ha. Stanek doesn’t have the ears for it.

        2 Like
        Reply
  8. SalaryCapMyth

    1 month ago

    I don’t see how JTR gets what he is looking for. The Yankees being out is bad enough but the Mets going in a different direction hurts even more. This is going to be another Harper hold up but without as much success at the end of it.

    Like
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    • Rocket32

      1 month ago

      SalaryCapMyth Maybe he just rolls the dice and takes a one year contract, maybe with a player option attached that would allow him to renter the FA market in another year or so?

      Like
      Reply
      • SaoMagnifico

        1 month ago

        He’s 29 and plays the most physically demanding position in baseball. That would really not be very smart.

        3 Like
        Reply
      • SalaryCapMyth

        1 month ago

        I tossed that thought around in my head as well except that maybe the biggest issue is his age. It’s already a struggle to give a large commitment to a catcher that will be 30 before the season starts. One year older would be even more difficult. He’s already largely regarded as baseball’s best catcher so he can’t increase his value a lot more.

        If he decides what he wants isnt going to happen maybe he would go into damage control and take a one year deal. Next year hope for a better market combined with tempered expectations, maybe he could pull a 3 or even 4 year deal close to the AAV he is looking for.

        But with the talk of a late start to the season already being discussed I don’t think however much the market recovers next offseason will be enough to make up for being a year older.

        Like
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        • RemovePitcherWinsFromTheRecordBooks

          1 month ago

          @SCM and even that assumes he doesn’t get hurt or have a down year statistically in 2021 (which is far from self-evident).

          Like
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      • RemovePitcherWinsFromTheRecordBooks

        1 month ago

        Why would he take a one year contract!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? He isn’t some unproven guy, nor is he coming off a down season. Even if he repeats in 2021 (which isn’t guaranteed) all that will change that helps him is not having the QO attached.

        Like
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        • SalaryCapMyth

          1 month ago

          @RPWFtRB- Yep. Good points. There’s a lot of risk in doing that. A down year could even just be bad fortune and not his fault and that would do it. And a catcher getting injured, especially with all the innings he’s put in makes it sound like way to much risk for not enough reward.

          Like
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        • RemovePitcherWinsFromTheRecordBooks

          1 month ago

          There is no reward. JTR is already unanimously regarded as the current best catcher in baseball. If GM’s don’t already think he’s worth what he and his agent are asking for, they aren’t ever going to.

          Like
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  9. Enrico Pallazzo

    1 month ago

    Kevin Pillar is just hoping to put right what once went wrong and hoping each time that his next leap will be the leap home

    Like
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    • Bearded Texas Hulk

      1 month ago

      The next leap never ends.

      Like
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    • smuzqwpdmx

      1 month ago

      Only Chris Coghlan can leap home.

      2 Like
      Reply
    • DHS79

      1 month ago

      Enrico – so where does his quantum leap home take him …..sam?

      Like
      Reply
  10. Sideline Redwine

    1 month ago

    Why the Twins don’t sit down w Cruz and hammer out a deal, I have no idea. Pay the guy. I wish my team could pay him!

    Plz, Tigers, sign Avila–I don’t want the Rays to be tempted. Egad.

    1 Like
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    • RunDMCRunDMC

      1 month ago

      This is what I don’t get. IF Cruz (like Ozuna) was waiting on clarity for his market to emerge – I could understand – but age is not on Cruz’s side — and MIN is using that to their advantage. I fear their going to try and take too much advantage of that and risk losing him. Can they not afford a nice 1 year with a player, mutual or vesting option (to give Cruz more assurance)?

      I wish my Braves could go after Cruz and make him this year’s AAV golden goose — under different circumstances.

      1 Like
      Reply
  11. Jaysfan12

    1 month ago

    I still say the Jays are the only real option to pay JT what he wants. Additionally the Pirates want Jays catching in return for Joe Musgrove. So if they sign JT, easy to think Joe musgrove would be next addition.

    Like
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    • Jaysfan1981

      1 month ago

      As rich as they are and as much as I fantasize about them spending on DJ JT Springer Kim and Bauer, they probably only spend Large on 1 and try for a 2nd tier in the JBJ (Kim again) Paxton types so JT could fit and use the other 4 C as trade options

      Trade is where I think we’ll find the most value and highest profile move once all is said and done

      1 Like
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      • RunDMCRunDMC

        1 month ago

        TOR is a lot of fun to watch, much like SD with all their young talent. Any idea what position Austin Martin is going to be used – or is still TBD? They’re connected to Kim though Martin, Groshans, Orelvis Martinez, Miguel (Don’t Call Me Geraldo) Hiraldo – not inc. Bichette?

        Like
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        • WereAllJustGuestsHere

          1 month ago

          Jays can mash. They need pitching. They should be the front runner for Bauer.

          Martin is slated to be the CF as of now. I think Martin wants a crack at SS, or at least that’s what it seemed like in an interview after the draft. Martin has a suspect arm. But, if he is supposed to be ready in 2022, signing Springer wouldn’t be a necessity. OF should be the 4th priority behind two SP and an INF.

          1 Like
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        • StormieStormie

          1 month ago

          SP may be a bigger need for the Jays in 2021, but if we’re going down the relying on prospects route for CF circa 2022, then why discount the fact that the Jays are loaded with quality SP prospects that could be ready by then too? Not to mention all the other arms in the system that still have rotation potential like Kay, Hatch, Thornton, Merryweather, Borucki, and Murphy, most of whom should’ve been working as starters last year, but were forced into the Jays bullpen due to no MiLB season.

          Considering two rotation spots are likely already taken until at least 2023 (Pearson & Ryu), it doesn’t make a ton of sense to add another two long-term starters that will block all the other pitchers in the organization, while hoping that your one promising CF prospect that’s close to the Majors pans out.

          I think that’s why the Jays appear to be more interested in bats than starters on the FA market despite the most obvious need appearing to be starting pitching in 2021. Not to mention, if they sign Springer (or Realmuto), it creates a surplus of position players that could then be traded for a better fit on the pitching side than what is out there in FA, like a Joe Musgrove who Jaysfan12 mentioned above, who has 2 arb years left, rather than having to sign someone like Jake Odorizzi to a rich 3-year deal or having to completely break the bank on Bauer.

          Like
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        • WereAllJustGuestsHere

          1 month ago

          Yes, because pitchers NEVER get hurt.

          It makes sense for the Blue Jays to go all out and all in on Bauer. If the Jays get 3 prospects to perform well in the big leagues (Pearson plus two others), that’s fantastic. But you cannot rely on that.

          History proves that; look at all the prospects the Jays had less than 10 years ago. Where is Jeff Hoffman? Kyle Drabek? Justin Nicolino? Asher Wojciechowski? Daniel Norris? Jon Harris? There are more, and aside from Syndergaard and Stroman, others have had very short stints of success.

          You want to give up prospects rather than take the best available pitcher on the market because you might block a starting pitcher that’s two years away? No. Rogers has the money, Blue Jays have the space, go get the guy that wants to beat Gerrit Cole every single time he takes the mound because of the Houston debacle. Go get Bauer.

          Like
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  12. Mr_KLC

    1 month ago

    Still no word on the Astros working on outfielders. Must be waiting on Jose Cruz to come out of retirement.

    Like
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    • Bearded Texas Hulk

      1 month ago

      He is asking for double his social security payments.

      1 Like
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  13. Vizionaire

    1 month ago

    If jtr’s price comes down arte will surely barge in.

    Like
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  14. stymeedone

    1 month ago

    Saying Haase and Rogers failed to provide offense when they have not been given any meaningful abs is rather misleading. Minor league numbers have kept them moving up the ladder. Admittedly, I’m not expecting Fisk numbers, but Tyler Flowers should be possible.

    1 Like
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    • BobSacamano

      1 month ago

      I honestly would not be shocked if DET goes into 2021 with zero change. I think Curt Casali would be the best bargain option. I don’t think trading for a young catcher(Ruiz, younger Contreras, Langeliers) would be a bad idea.

      If not, I think they should give Rogers the full reigns; and let Haase backup. 2020 did nothing for his confidence, or experience. They need to give Jake the opportunity to prove himself. And what better, than right now? IMO, it has been long overdue cutting ties with Greiner.

      1 Like
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      • RemovePitcherWinsFromTheRecordBooks

        1 month ago

        If Detroit were trying to jumpstart their window, I could see them going after Realmuto. More likely, and hopefully, they just roll with Rogers (who isn’t half bad defensively so their pitchers won’t suffer) and Haase for now and hope Dillon Dingler pans out.

        Like
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        • BobSacamano

          1 month ago

          I would rather see them spend that kind of money throughout the diamond; rather than on just a catcher. (Not saying JTR is/isn’t worth it) DET just has way too many holes. And, that Zimmerman contract is still pretty fresh.

          Like
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    • tg0880

      1 month ago

      I’m going to be praying that they don’t sign Avila because I would rather have them go with hasse and Rogers and let them see what they’re actually made of

      1 Like
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  15. not alkaline

    1 month ago

    I think Tigers will sign Alex Avila. 3+ mil/yr. Second and maybe third year option. That should be ok until prospects mature.

    1 Like
    Reply
  16. costergaard2

    1 month ago

    Twins… Nelson Cruz out, Refsnyder in !!!

    Like
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  17. RemovePitcherWinsFromTheRecordBooks

    1 month ago

    JT will be fine. The Phillies, Nats, Blue Jays, Yankees, Angels, Astros and even the Mariners are all teams I could see being interested. That’s at least 20% of all the teams in MLB right there.

    Like
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  18. Yep it is

    1 month ago

    Glad Avila is looking at his son to play for the Tigers. They must be in dire need of a 170 hitter and double play , inning ending bat.

    Like
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    • BobSacamano

      1 month ago

      Atleast he finds a way to get on base. I’ll gladly take him over another season of Grayson Greiner.

      Like
      Reply
  19. jimmertee

    1 month ago

    More yapping from the Jays. The doing part so far is dumpster diving, Ray included.

    I have heard that not a lot of the F/A want to play for Toronto unless there is an overpay. They want to avoid the border and Buffalo.

    1 Like
    Reply
    • WereAllJustGuestsHere

      1 month ago

      Ray signing was nonsensical.

      The bar needs to be raised and it starts with Rogers. For 20 years they’ve somehow snickered Jays fans into a false sense of optimism.

      I said to you before, Jays need their Stieb to compliment Key (Ryu). Bauer is the guy. Jays dropped the ball not wanting Scherzer because of their self-imposed “we don’t sign players beyond 5 years” crap. Jays are in the big leagues. Act like it.

      Like
      Reply
  20. JoeHolland

    1 month ago

    Why are the Tigers looking for a rotation pitcher? They currently have a surplus of young arms. Adding a veteran pitcher who qualifies for an MLB rotation spot means one or more promising prospects will have to be ticketed for Toledo. At this point there’s no assurance that minor league teams will even play in 2021.. Seems to me the last thing the Tigers should do is keep young pitchers away from competitive game action for another year.

    Like
    Reply
    • BobSacamano

      1 month ago

      I agree! After these last 4 seasons of Pelfrey($8m), Lowe ($11m/2yr), Liriano ($4m), Carpenter (500k), Jackson (500k), Ross($5.75m), Moore ($2.5m), and Nova ($1.5m), you would think we would’ve learned. Even if we, get lucky, and sign another $6m Mike Fiers type (& the return is still TBD) Look at how much $ in salaries (roughly $35m) it takes to find that “diamond in the rough”.. why not just make a trade, or let the kids play?! I have zero confidence in these revival projects.. but, hopefully Chris Fetter proves me wrong.

      Like
      Reply
  21. Shannon Wolfe

    1 month ago

    It’s crazy to think Nelson Cruz is still playing. I wonder if he will pass Ricky Henderson or Ichiro Suzuki length of time/age in the game before the doors close. 45 years of age is where Ichirō Suzuki retired at. Only one guy was older and that was Julio Franco. Tough to imagine Nelson Cruz to tie or pass that record for a position player

    1 Like
    Reply
    • filthyrich

      1 month ago

      Julio! What a machine.
      Cruz seems like he could DH for a couple more years still. Then if he wanted to try his hand as a PH in the NL at the end like a Julio Franco or Matt Stairs, then maybe he could.

      Like
      Reply
  22. gino

    1 month ago

    Rizzo should trade S. Stratsburg and T. Turner to the Yankees for D. Garcia, G. Torres, M. Andujar, C. Fraser, and 2-3 more top prospects.
    Then he would sign Scherzer to an extension at less then he’s currently making.

    Like
    Reply
  23. adc6r

    1 month ago

    Sounds like Kicking the tires
    to decide if you want to light the fire

    Like
    Reply
  24. gino

    1 month ago

    Rizzo should trade for W. Contreras. That would solve the catcher position for many years.

    Like
    Reply
    • adc6r

      1 month ago

      Contreras would have made sense a couple years ago but right now the Nats are in the latter half of the world Series window for the current roster. Realmuto makes sense only if they are looking to sign him to a 3-4 year deal, but JT will want longer than that. The question is will JT get better length of contract in the current environment.

      Like
      Reply
  25. gino

    1 month ago

    Rizzo should trade for B. Snell and sign C. Archer.
    Scherzer
    Corbin
    Snell
    Garcia
    Archer
    That would be a nice rotation to start the season with. They would also save a pile of money on the pitching position.

    Like
    Reply
    • adc6r

      1 month ago

      I think you are missing someone on your Christmas list roster. He may have only pitched about 5 innings last year, but he is still the number 2 in the rotation and maybe Number one depending on how an aging Max looks this spring.

      Like
      Reply
  26. gino

    1 month ago

    Rizzo should take a look at Ha S Kim he looks like a dam good player too. He’s a free agent so it’s just money that’s needed.

    Like
    Reply

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