It’s confirmed that free-agent right-hander Corey Kluber will hold a showcase for interested teams on Jan. 13 in Florida, per Jon Morosi of MLB.com. Kluber, a former Cleveland and Texas hurler who missed most of the previous two seasons because of a forearm fracture and shoulder problems, has gone through “a normal winter workout program and has begun to throw off a mound,” tweets the New York Post’s Joel Sherman, who reports that the two-time AL Cy Young winner has generated interest from approximately 12 teams this offseason. Kluber hasn’t pitched a full season since 2018, but the now-34-year-old did log a 2.89 ERA in 215 innings then.
- Third baseman Justin Turner is looking for a four-year contract, but the Dodgers don’t want to go above two years, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times writes. Turner spent the previous seven seasons as a member of the Dodgers, with whom he went from afterthought to star. The problem is that he’s now 36 years old, so the Dodgers (and other teams) may not be all that eager to commit to Turner on a long-term basis. MLBTR predicted at the beginning of the offseason that Turner would ink a two-year, $24MM deal.
- The Marlins are interested in outfielder Adam Duvall, Craig Mish of Sportsnet tweets. The 32-year-old ex-Red spent the previous two-plus seasons in Atlanta, where he batted .231/.290/488 with 26 home runs in 396 plate appearances. As a Brave, Duvall was a powerful league-average hitter (100 wRC+), but that wasn’t enough for the team to tender him a contract earlier this winter, when it non-tendered him in lieu of paying him $4MM-plus in arbitration.
- Speaking of the Marlins, they offered Yasiel Puig a $2MM base salary with “tons of incentives” during free agency a winter ago, per Jon Heyman of MLB Network. Puig didn’t end up signing with them or any other team in 2020. He did agree to a deal with the Braves in July, but that deal fell apart thanks to a positive COVID-19 test. Now that he’s healthy, though, Puig is back on MLB teams’ radars – including Miami’s.
Puig would be an exciting addition.
That said Donny baseball needs to agree!
Braves lineup without Duvall and ozuna is Meh again..that alone takes freddie’s threat a couple notches down and can pitch around him again. I understand ozuna not coming back but Duvall!? Come on guys..
it’s January 5th, relax a bit.
The season is practically over
Did you really wanna sign a 33 year corner outfielder who had massively outperformed his career production over his last 300ABs and is in line for a pretty stark regression? Schwarber, Pederson, and Puig are all younger and would provide as much if not more production than Duvall. Wouldn’t be shocked if one of them winds up a Brave.
If Turner wants 4yrs then if I’m the Dodgers I’d be ok with 4/36 maybe 4/40.
I think an AL team will give him that and turn him into a DH in a couple of years
Turner has been really involved in the Los Angeles community. I doubt that he will want to leave that place right now, especially at the end of his career.
Everyone is involved in their community. I doubt the community would entice him to stay over $$
He might be an interesting investment if the Angels made him a 1b/Dh at that number
Ah yes, the Angles picking up yet another fantastic bat without addressing pitching yet. While I don’t disagree with you as I would love to see Turner on the Angels, he isn’t necessarily a need.
Turner is more entrenched than many players who are active in their communities. If not for Rendon it would be cool to bring the Fullerton guy back to OC.
bkbkbkbk:
Are you saying 1B/DH a year or two down the road. Clearly, with Pujols and Ohtani, they don’t need him there in 2021. He isn’t going to play 3rd either. I don’t know that much about the Angels, or what they have at 2B, but it seems like reuniting with Tommy LaStella, or someone similar, would be a less expensive, and a shorter commitment, than Turner for 4 years.
Why would the angels who already have pujols and his huge deal, Thaiss and Walsh on their roster that play first and DH (and also have ohtani to Dh) see Turner as a fit? That makes no sense
David Fletcher will play second now that Iglesias was brought in to play short.
Pujols, Ohtani, and probably Upton all vying for DH AB’s in Anaheim and Pujols and Walsh likely sharing 1B. Turner would be redundant on that roster for those positions
Correction Turner is more involved in marketing his community activities than many players. He is a tireless self-promoter. Never trust someone who feels the need to boast and send out press releases about their charitable endeavors.
He and his wife also just completed building their dream ground-up home in Studio City. When I say dream home, I mean not an expense spared at every detail. They’re about to have their first child. His parents live 30 minutes south… He’ll be back in Dodger Blue.
NL will have a DH in minimum two years, so… I’m sure the Dodgers will take that into consideration.
Can you bet that much money on hope
I don’t see too many AL teams wanting to turn a 38 year old who’s not really known for “Power” into their DH.
I expect him to re-sign with the Dodgers for 2 years/24-30 million.
JT is prob thinking more like 4/64 again lol
NO team will be giving Turner a 4 year deal. That’s ridiculous.
Well said BB. Two years max for Turner.
I feel like going through all four points right now, so let’s go:
1. Kluber needed the break he got in 2020. He’s aging, but I think we should all still know that Kluber has what it takes to be great again. I wouldn’t be surprised if he bet on himself in 2021 with a team like the Mets and then tried another free agency run in 22′.
2. Turner is not getting a 4 year deal. He’s been on a slow decline since 2018, but that’s not to say he’s bad. He still rocks a mid 130 ops+ to the day, and he walks like his life depends on it. To go along with walking a ton, he also strikes out at minuscule rates, and he chases very few pitches out of the zone. In fact, his chase% was the lowest in 2020 as it was in his entire career at 19%. Despite the still above average numbers, he is aging, and he has lost a step at 3rd base, so he’s better suited for the 1b/DH role now. I expect a 2 year deal, and then a multitude of 1 year deals after that because once you hit the late 30’s, those safe deals are what keep you alive in the MLB.
3. Duvall is a great fit for the Marlins. He’s been a budget beast for the few games he’s played with ATL the past 2 years, and he won’t cost much for Miami either. In a lineup starved for some pop, the Marlins’ highest slugging player on the team last season was Garrett Cooper at a flat .500. Duvall would’ve been the highest slugging player on the Marlins last season with the .532 he put up in ATL. Duvall might not hit for the highest average, and unlike Turner, he refuses to walk and constantly strikes out, but you get him in that Miami lineup where there’s always somebody on base and I think he could do some damage. He’s also not a brick on the base-paths, so when he does get on it’s not an immediate call to a pinch-runner. The only thing I wouldn’t like about this move is the fact that Duvall is right-handed and the only lefties on the Marlins in 2020 were Matt Joyce and Corey Dickerson (Joyce is a free agent now too). In light of that, I still think this would be a really good move by the bottom feeders.
4. Puig is going to be an interesting case this off-season because even though he’s putting in a ton of work, he has that domestic assault allegation looming over him. I think he would be a nice pickup for the bounce-back loving Braves (since Duvall and Ozuna’s absence is leaving their outfield in a state of pending.
Yeah I agree on turner. I think it’s unreasonable to ask for 4 years at 36 years of age, he could fall off the cliff tomorrow and your stuck for 4 years. 2 years with an option for a 3rd at 9-12 million per season, if he says no move on to dj
Thats inherent of all long term contracts. Chris Davis being the prime example. I agreed though 4 years is too much.
Re Puig, are you talking about the 2015 incident where he allegedly pushed his sister while out at a bar, which was investigated by MLB and resulted in no punishment? Or has there been something since then? I can’t imagine that one alleged sibling push from more than 5 years ago is really affecting Puig’s market.
Sexual assault, my bad. He has recent sexual assault allegations, not domestic assault.
Oh yeah, I forgot about that allegation. Haven’t heard much about it since the civil case first made the news.
Yes. At Staples Center. Having been to Staples several times I find the initial report puzzling. But we shall see.
He’s aging, but I think we should all still know that Kluber has what it takes to be great again.
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Actually, I am not one of those people that know that. He hasn’t pitched well since September, 2018. Since 2010, there have been only 41 pitchers that have thrown 100 innings at age 36. Only 23 have a WAR of 2.0 or better. And given his injuries, and lack of pitching, I’m not sure what to expect.
It’s not like it is unusual to have a pitching career end at age 36.
Kluber is 34, but I can still see your skepticism towards it.
That’s a great stat. Thank you.
So you’re saying that if he can throw 100 innings, he is more likely than not (23/41) to have a WAR of 2.0 or better?
Selection bias
Its not that Kluber will be betting on himself by taking a one year deal, its that he won’t find a team willing to bet 2 years on him.
I actually forgot the Braves signed Puig. Man did the Braves have some bad luck last year.
He might get a two year deal plus a vesting or option for a third year.
mlb1225…That does seem to be a likelier option for any teams that are interested in JT
Duvall would be a fantastic add for the Marlins but I’d rather they try their hand on a younger OF with more upside, such as Schwarber, Mazara or Rosario.
Also, what noone has mentioned is Duvall’s defense. He’s a power bat, that can catch fire at times, run into some bombs on a hot streak, runs the bases well, and he plays a solid OF. Hes the ideal platoon partner/4th Of’er, and one of the best values you can get for how much he will cost.
Duvall also got sent down, spent basically an entire season in AAA, worked out his swing kinks, came back, and helped the Braves reach the NLCS. However, at NO POINT did you ever hear of him asking for a trade, complaining, nothing!! The dude is a class act, a hard worker, and a great team first player. Whichever team that signs him will be getting a good player and a great man.
I honestly hope the Braves resign him for 3mil or so, but realistically, I know another team will offer him more, and he’s earned it.
That’s just a great comment.
I love Duvall. He’s really a class act and an above average hitter and a good fielder
I honestly don’t think Puig will be signed by a team. He’s crazy, and I don’t think he has done anything in the past year to make teams any more interested in him.
I could see Turner getting a four year deal with a team that needs a DH, but I don’t see the Dodgers giving him that many years. More likely, they would just target one of the top infielders on the trade market – Bryant, Lindor, or Arenado.
Articles about Puig are like a car crash. He’s a wreck but you have to read it. Any team would have to give him 2 lockers: one for his stuff and one for his ego. He’s not good enough to deal with his baggage.
Give me a break you have no clue. You must be a Giants fan.
StreakingBlue:
And you have no clue about his allegiance. Tamp down that mock outrage a bit. You just took the cheap opportunity to slam a particular fanbase.
As they say, if you’re not slamming the Giants, you’re not even trying
Why do I have the feeling the Cubs will sign Kluber ?
Actually a better gamble for the White Sox.
Turner 4 yrs IN YOUR DREAMS Pal.
LAD should offer him a 3 year deal with a mutual option. Too bad the DH isn’t going to be in the NL otherwise I’d sign him to 4 years.
Universal DH will very likely be baked in to the new CBA 2022 and beyond. So should Turner stay with the Dodgers utilizing him that way isn’t out of the question
You don’t have a clue.
Was that directed at me or jajacobs? Haha obviously I don’t know for sure but keep up enough to know there very well may be a univ. DH 2022 and so on
Re Turner, despite his strong performance in 2020, there is such a high risk of rapid age-related decline (or injury) for any player in their late-30s that I would doubt that any team will give him a 4-year deal, unless the AAV is low and basically justs spreads out a similar overall contract value over a longer term — e.g. 3/$27M or 4/$30 guaranteed with incentives instead of just 2/$24 — or involves team options — e.g., 2/$22M plus $10M options w/$2M buyouts for each of years 3 and 4.
That knee is easily the biggest concern. He’s talked openly about getting regular injections to keep it moving. Otherwise no reason not to return to LA at a fair price
I question the reporting of Turner wanting a 4 yr deal. That seems really unreasonable of his supposed position of a length of 4 years. I would say two year max with mutual option for 3rd year with a payoff of something like 8 or so million if team doesn’t keep him or isnt healthy enough for that third year. The guy is a great clubhouse guy, and solid hitter. However, he is not a power hitter so can’t see him fitting as a DH if it’s only in the AL.
Could be a negotiation tactic. Dodgers want 2 so he asks for 4 and then he can settle for 3, maybe 2 with an option.
I also don’t think it’s that unreasonable. I feel like the upper middle, but not elite part of the position player market, (Turner, Didi, Brantley) is going to do better than expected. Teams are still looking for potential impact players so there’s going to be interest in those types. The market is probably going to drop off hard once you get into fringe starter and platoon types though since it seems like there are less deals than ever and there’s going to be a ton of supply and no demand.
I’m guessing Turner is asking for 4 years, but willing to take 3.
I’m sure he’ll take 2 years rather than not play.
The problem for the Dodgers or any NL team signing Turner for that means counting on the DH in the NL sooner rather than later, but what if it doesn’t happen? We all believe it to be a forgone conclusion that its coming by ’22 but we cannot definitively sayvfor sure that it is. So it’s a gamble. You either have a full time DH or a very expensive part time player
I hate when stories like these come out..Everyone makes a big deal about it, when really Turner and his agent are just negotiating.
No baseball team is stupid, and neither is Turner nor his agent. He knows he isn’t getting a 4 year deal, but you don’t start out negotiating with what you want or realistically expect to get. It is a give and take.
It is just like the Dodgers first offer will likely be the cheapest and for the least amount of years. Basically, the best contract for them that they know he wont accept, but by some miracle maybe he might, knowing it gives them room to negotiate…
Everyone always overreacts to these kinds of articles..
That’s why the article is wrote – to sow discord between the fans and players. 100% the leak of what he’s asking for came straight from dodgers
A Four year deal in the market is going to be hard to get for Turner.
Rangers should go ahead and offer Turner 4 years. he would give Gallo the protection he needs in the line up and they could severely front load it to make it to where he could be a tradable asset in the future. something like 2020 25 mil 2021 4mil 2022 4Mil 2023 3 mil. If he does well go ahead and eat 2020’s contract and get as much as possible. also if he helps Gallo he becomes a much better trade asset
Not a terrible idea. Now that Choo and Prince Fielder are off the payroll, there’s some room to work with this year. If Turner stays healthy, and continues to hit, slide him over to 1st when Josh Jung gets the call. Or trade him.
Like Turner, but not enough to throw a 4-year contract his way. Two plus team option seems reasonable for a productive 3B that’s 36 years old. Turner’s a year older than Donaldson who landed a 4-year deal a year ago. Turner’s production is very good, but trending in the wrong direction since 2017.
So puig coulda played and played for a contender last year ?? All u knuckleheads out there pay attention to this guy ! U might learn something
I said it last year and I’ll say it again this year. Puig makes a lot of sense for the Marlins. Now, if they got him and/or duvall.. id be a little nervous
Rachel Luba (Puig’s agent) tweeted a reply to Jon Heyman stating that his tweet about Puig’s 2M (+ incentives) from MIA was incorrect, actually from ATL (post COVID results).
As far as Kluber goes, I’m really curious to see what he has in the tank. He could potentially be a worthwhile option for many teams. Or he could be a total bust
Donny and Puig reunited? I don’t see any pigs in the air…