On the eve of Opening Day, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day today:
1. Last-minute roster maneuvering:
With Opening Day rosters due tomorrow morning, there’s sure to be a handful of last minute transactions and GMs around baseball prepare for the start of the season. Many teams have non-roster invitees who need to be added to the 40-man roster, whether they are veteran minor-league signings such as Raimel Tapia, who the Red Sox are set to select, or rookies such as Corey Julks and Cesar Salazar, who are set to be selected by the Astros. The Athletics are exploring trade scenarios involving out-of-options center fielder Cristian Pache. Minor trades to clear space on 40-man rosters are also possible, similar to Monday’s deal that sent utilityman Zack McKinstry from the Cubs to the Tigers.
2. Will the Guardians get more extensions done?
Yesterday, the Guardians agreed to a seven-year extension that will keep second baseman Andres Gimenez in Cleveland long term. Even after laying out nine figures to lock up Gimenez, reports indicate Cleveland may still not be done. The club already appears to be approaching an extension with reliever Trevor Stephan, who posted a sterling 2.69 ERA (143 ERA+) with an even better 2.19 FIP in 63 2/3 innings last season. The club also reportedly held some talks with outfielder Steven Kwan, right-hander Triston McKenzie, and shortstop Amed Rosario. Rosario is set to hit free agency after the 2023 campaign, while McKenzie is controllable through the end of the 2026 season and Kwan won’t hit free agency until the 2027-28 offseason.
3. MLBTR Chats today:
A pair of live chats with MLBTR readers are scheduled for today: MLBTR’s Darragh McDonald will be hosting a Yankees-centric chat today in conjunction with the Yankees installment of our Offseason in Review series. This link will allow you to submit a question in advance, participate live when the chat begins, or read the transcript after it’s completed. Later, MLBTR’s Anthony Franco will be hosting an evening chat with an MLB-wide focus. You can click here to submit a question in advance, participate live, or read the transcript.
Be interesting what Rosario’s value is on the open market. He put up another season like 22 and have to think someone will sign him to an absurd amount of money; as in substantially higher than ever thought for a player of that caliber
Dominican Dansby
First year of OPS above average in his career. He probably had a career year. Not an impact player. Can’t see him getting the large contracts similar to the big four of this last off season.
His OPS+ was 101 in 2019, 100 in 2021, and 106 in 2022. And has only just turned 27. I think he probably has some modest room to improve, like a consistent 105-110 OPS+. You might be in Swanson territory.
@JoeBrady —
Swanson OPS+ per full season:
2017: 68
18: 87
19: 89
20* (*60 games): 111
21: 99
22: 115
Rosario is a good teammate, yet an average player. Considering the vast quantity of shortstop prospects in the system, an extension wouldn’t be a consideration without his close friendship with Josie.
Since nothing is imminent, it also could be about seeing where the money is at. If he agrees to a deal better than they expected, they can move some of said SS prospects for big league upgrades since they’re definitely going for it.
Cleveland is in such a good position with a top 5 farm and low payroll they can set themselves up to run the ALC for years.
First skipper to be fired should be the guy who puts puts Joey Gallo at the top of the order.
That narrows down the possibilities.
Giants need a new POBO