10:20pm: The Mets and White Sox appear to be the two finalists for Fedde’s services, Feinsand reports (on X). It is expected that the righty will agree to terms by tomorrow.
4:42pm: Free agent right-hander Erick Fedde is nearing agreement on a two-year deal with an unspecified team, reports Mark Feinsand of MLB.com (X link). The 2023 KBO MVP is expected to surpass $5MM annually on his upcoming contract.
If the deal is completed, Fedde will return to the majors after one season in South Korea. The 30-year-old turned in an excellent year for the NC Dinos, allowing 2.00 earned runs per nine across 180 1/3 innings. He struck out an excellent 29.5% of batters faced while walking under 5% of opposing hitters.
The 18th overall pick in the 2014 draft, Fedde had spent his entire MLB career with the Nationals. The UNLV product appeared on the back end of Top 100 prospect lists prior to his big league debut midway through the 2017 campaign. He missed time the following season with shoulder inflammation and bounced between Washington and Triple-A in 2019.
Fedde carved out a spot in the Nats rotation during the shortened 2020 campaign. He’d hold that role for the next three seasons, combining to log 310 2/3 innings over 67 appearances between 2020-22. The results weren’t great, as he posted a 5.42 ERA with a middling 18.1% strikeout rate. The Nationals declined to tender him an arbitration contract last offseason, setting the stage for his move to the KBO.
The dominant showing in a generally hitter-friendly foreign league set the stage for a quick return to the majors. In addition to the improved performance, it seems he overhauled his pitch mix. Fedde told Jesse Dougherty of the Washington Post in August that he’d developed more horizontal action on his slider and tweaked the grip on his changeup. That altered arsenal has clearly intrigued a few teams, as reports indicated Fedde was receiving interest from multiple MLB clubs this winter.
The first of many mystery teams this week!
The Padres, just wait and see
I’m calling Padres too. Just smells of Preller. Hopefully, he can be a solid and cheap 5.
Prell Smell.
Prell Smells Snell.
Just tell the the Padres ownership if they do sign this player and need some $$$ to cover the salaries , tell them to call Tío Rico loans up to $100million jajajaja
Actually they’re the first team that came to mind for me too. Pretty reasonable upside for not a lot of dollars comparatively speaking. And boy do the Friars need pitching. Makes sense.
I concur. 2 years, 15m with a second year option screams Preller.
From a business standpoint, he fits what we need. Taking a shot on an inexpensive arm. If he’s the first, he won’t be the only one.
Fedde just got off a flight in Cleveland and he told my friend that it has been a lifelong dream of his to play for Steven Vogt and the Guardians
That’s funny because I also had a conversation with him and he says he’s been waiting his entire career to have his stock drop even further by signing with the White Sox, adding further he can’t wait be be a new member of the most dysfunctional organization in baseball. Stating even more is he’d love to be on a team team nobody bothers to cover seriously.
Yep, that was my first thought too
according to BVM Sports, it’s the Pirates who offered him a contract
I followed that trail.. didn’t see where it was anything more than a recommendation that he would be a good signing. Maybe I missed the reporting of any contact or offer.
Let’s hope not.
I have this team winning it all this year. They have an awesome lineup and now with Fedde, they’re going all the way.
Fedde doesn’t even know. He told his agent to just surprise him.
Washington didn’t trade him because they thought dealing Fedde was illegal
“wow…”
Owen Wilson, that you?
thanks friend (the accountant says that’s another $1000.00…)
Sounds like an AA kind of thing.
Gotta be the Brewers.
No it’s my Men’s League. The Buffalo Hill Swamp Donkeys.
Padres braves twins mets angels?
Well, its going to be a tough call. The NYM or the Powerhouse White Sox!
Anyone got a coin?
As long as its one w two heads
How do we know it’s 2 years but somehow don’t have the team lol
Over his MLB career, he’s given up too many hits, too many homers and too many walks, and hasn’t struck out enough. Other than that, he’s been great.
2.00 era in 180 innings in Korea means he tweaked something and it worked.
He did, just watch some highlight videos from Korea. Looks like a completley different pitcher from a few years ago.
Cardinals love bargains
He’s Mo’s kinda guy!
Definitely gotta be my favorite team. This is just how we do business
Somebody’s gonna hand Erick Fedde more than ten million bucks? I know pitching is expensive but stop the insanity. This guy has been nothing but replacement level in the majors.
One good year in Korea has blinded some team’s front office.
Lance Lynn just landed a 1 year $10M deal and he was atrocious last season
At least Lynn has been good at times in his career. Fedde has never pitched well in the majors. But you’re right, the money for pitching this year is bizarre.
Lance Lynn is toast. He’ll be 37 next year and unless he works on losing weight this off-season, he’s probably released by July.
Only to be added to White Sox roster again & their unknowledgable fans will hold a ticker-tape parade for his return
Teams get burnt on better-known entities just as easily.
Chris Flexen was successful in the KBO.
Lance Lynn got $12mm. For pitching poorly. On a one year contract. Fedde looks like a bargain at $10mm over 2 years.
I will guess Twins.
My guess would be Nationals or Pirates.
This has Craig Breslow all over it!
Mathletics
Orioles.
@baseballpun
Can’t be the O’s, aren’t they still banned from scouting KBA games after they tried to sign that 17 yr old and the KBA got pi$$ed? lol
this had dbacks written all over it!
Wouldn’t be suprised there
“Unknown Team” ?
Have they recently been discovered?
Hello! Do you know us? We’re a major league baseball team.
last seen in the vespertine woods of northern Wyoming
Sounds Like A Typical Diamondback Move
Reds all day
Any doubt that Castellini is “South Korea dumpster diving”? Axctually with Pagan, Martinez, and 1 more arm- Fedde could work.
Anyone else think the Reds are trying to accumulate ten #5 starters. They can all pitch 4 innings and have 3 closers. Revolutionaries!
NO. It’s the A’s. He’s from Vegas, originally. He’ll be the first superstar for the Las Vegas A’s or whatever.
A two year deal in the $10-15M range could be just about anybody, but I wouldn’t be opposed to the Giants being the destination. They’re losing a lot of innings with Manaea, Wood, Junis, and Brebbia gone (plus the injury history of DeSclafani and Cobb clouding the number of innings the current staff can handle).
Rockies move for sure
It’s the twins
Lots of guesses. Whoever it is has a low risk, mediocre reward pitcher who has a lot to prove coming back to the MLB. He was groomed as a solid prospect and didn’t pan out.
I’d be happy w this being Breslow’s maiden signing.
Colorado just called and offered 5 million Rocky Mountain oysters for Fedde’s services.
It’s the New Market Mallers
The Red Sox “big move” of the offseason
My top 5 guesses in order:
1. Reds
2. Pirates
3. Athletics
4. Nationals
5. Red Sox
Doubt its the Red Sox, they already have 10 4th or 5th starters. I doubt their first move will be an eleventh.
Pirates
Nationals
Brewers
Devil Rays
Guardians
1. Twins
2. Padres
3. Giants
4. Pirates
5. Diamondbacks
These are my guesses
Brewers have had some success with KBO signings and the price is right.
I doubt it’s Milwaukee after Wade Miley just signed back there
Could be a spot after Burnes is traded?
A 20 game winner for $5m AAV? Tempting…
Hi, I’m the new pitcher for the Unknown City Unknowns.
Pirates need 3 starting pitchers, wouldn’t mind Fedde being 1 of them.
Same feeling for my Pads!
Freddie would probably have a better season than Jack Flaherty that the Bucs are linked with. Eew.
Where do I buy Unknown Team merch?
That information is currently Undisclosed.
I think it’s a generic Velcro – white for home; black for road. All you do is attach the latest logo.
I’m unsure
I have a number of polyester white trash shirts made in nowhere for sale. I’ll even throw in some iron-on patches of your favorite team at no extra charge!
Nashville Stars, 4 years/16mil per year
This smells like a very Mariners thing to do… I fear this is a very Mariners thing to do…
Yes and then misspell a few words and insert ‘Fedde’ 15 more times in the article…
Sub, to give lugs like us comedic material…
What do you mean reposting? Ive seen MLBTR’s upcoming schedule. 6 unique takes. It goes like this:
‘Will Yankees trade for Soto’
‘5 Trade possibities for Cease’
‘Do Pads have to Trade Soto’
‘More Cease News’
‘More Soto News’
‘A Little more About Cease’
‘One more thing about Soto’
They’re trying to be like MLB.com and ESPN, who do the same thing.
I shouldnt throw stones. . . Im clicking on them.
I’m right there with you. At least in the past when they updated a post, they added a time stamp reflecting new information. Now very rarely do they take that step. And sadly the “update” is just a rehashing of what came before. Frustrating.
I tried to schedule a light work week knowing I’d need winter meetings lug time
“2 Mystery Teams not interested in Ohtani”
Don’t forget “Teams showing interest in Soto”
Sub…I didn’t see that one coming…WOW!
You need a Cease and deSoto order – couldn’t help it
I’m gonna say the Angels because Robert Murray mentioned he had Angels news today but was waiting for his sources to give the go ahead to post.
I agree this sounds like an Angels grab but I don’t see them doing anything until Ohtani is inked somewhere. If it is them, I assume they know they lost Ohtani already. Just my speculation.
Fedde has nothing to do with Ohtani, prov. The team has to make moves with or without updates from Shohei’s camp. I still think the Angels will retain him, though!
Gwynning – I know one has nothing to do with the other, but Moreno hasn’t worked that way in the past. He usually doesn’t make any moves while trying to land a big FA. When he loses out, the only thing left is scraps!
BTW – I had the pleasure of living in San Diego when Gwynn was playing. Such a great hitter and a big loss.
I’m wgonna say the Angels because Robert Murray mentioned he had Angels news today but was waiting for his sources to give the go ahead to post.
Your newest Pirates Starting Pitcher.!!
Yes! And they’ll flip him at the deadline for prospects that will never amount to anything. I, for one, am psyched!
It will be for more than just a year and if he did in fact figure it out as he claims he did, he will be around Pgh for a while because they pitchers. He will not be flipped in 2024.
Stros?
We’ve gone from receiving 100% info of a deal to 33%. A disturbing trend.
In the past they probably waited on more information for a minor story like that. But every sportwriter wants to shout “First!” now.
Let’s make this the new thing. Report the player, the contract length and the $$. Give everyone 60 minutes to make predictions.
This headline is true for all Free Agents.
Angels…. Feels like a Pear Minasian move.
2-12mil w/club option at 10mil
I hear Unknown team is expected to exceed expectations and lead their league this year. It’s either them or Secret team.
Cards. Right up their alley.
might be time to break out the party hats and con-fedde‼️
Erick “the Red” Fedde. Done deal. Where (else) you gonna go?
Phil, that you?
He had a great season in KBO, he could be Merrill Kelly 2.0 or it can go wrong, I was expecting this move either a small market team or he going to NPB
Thought Oakland until I saw his salary will pass $5M. Probably CIN.
The Brewers welcome Erick Fredde.
KC Royals
I’d be quite ok and happy if the Mets took a flier on him
If it is a two year deal, with a player op out every other month, then the mystery team is The Reds
Smells like a Po Boy move to me too, Cat.
I’m thinking Rays, they like reclamation projects. Especially if Glasnow is traded
Pirates or Reds seem to fit the bill, Pirates are my guess. As a fan of them, won’t be too upset with this but will need at least 1-2 more starters signed, and a reliable one at that.
Possibly Flaherty too.
Good for Fedde. In what I’ve seen of him, he’s been beyond awful. But I’m happy for him that he got himself together in Korea and is getting another big-league shot.
I don’t know of any pitcher who stunk in MLB, played overseas somewhere and did well, then came back to a successful career in MLB.
Mikolas
like Nick Martinez?
Brasier has done okay with a 3.95 in the 5 years since returning from Japan.
Merrill Kelly?
Erick the Red
1. Padres
2 royals
3 tigers
4 pirates
5 angels
Cardinals. Padres. Mets. Those are my guesses.
Sounds like a Mariners signing.
A lot of crying over nothing here
1. Pirates
2. Guardians
3. Mets
“Unknown team” Oooo mysterious
If he was injured, I’d guess the Dodgers.
My top 5 guesses as to the team
1. Twins
2. Padres
3. Giants
4. Pirates
5. Diamondbacks
Angels GM must think he can fix him.
This has St. Louis written all over it.
Or have a paper bag over his head like that comic on The Gong Show.
Feels like a Mozeilak redemption signing to me.
Glad it wasn’t the Padres…
This is worse than the LeBron televised decision because the guy isn’t even a superstar pitcher. What a joke.
“Mets are a finalist for Erick Fedde” — Glad to see they’re not trying to win the off-season anymore.
Sevy + Fedde would be close to $20m. That’s a real pitcher. Doesn’t make sense that they’d do this—of course, Severino didn’t make sense for them either.
They’ll make sure to make headlines though with this move.
Strange if it’s the Mets, for the Mets to be adding the uncertainties of Severino and Fedde when they have only 2/6ths of a rotation in hand.
They’re not planning on competing next season anyways. Probably seen as an innings eater.
If they’re not aiming to contend in 2024 they should have made the Cardinals’ moves. At least Gibson and Lynn would give them 350 innings. Sevy and Fedde might be totally ineffective, or worse.
Hasn’t anyone thought that the Mets might be trying to tank without trying to look like they’re tanking?
I’ve had that thought, but their current players and fans are too aware not to notice anything other than a reload. Maybe Lindor is fine with a healthy payday, but with the draft lottery being almost a crap shoot now, tanking is less sexy than when you had a Bryce Harper, Strasburg making headlines as college athletes.
If the Mets aren’t tanking, then all these questionable moves makes Stearns look bad…and to a lesser degree, Cohen look bad.
White Sox can have him. Mets fans already running him out of Queens, he’d be wise to not sign here
Yeah, why wait to see what he can do before making him a scapegoat? My guess is that Getz will guarantee a rotation spot, and Sterns won’t.
White Sox? Not … sure I understand this one.
“Finalists” lol
Curious that the Mets are a finalist for his services. Scouts must have observed something they liked.
We’re talking about the Mets scouts, right?
Talk about scouts seeing something when it’s the Rays or Braves scouts seeing something they like.
Yo Mets, please no.
The most impressive of Erick Fedde’s excellent Korean stats might be allowing only 9 HR’s in 30 starts and 180.1 IP’s in a notorious hitters league. This would be a prime plus if Fedde should choose the White Sox considering they play in a hitter and HR friendly home park.
Not to mention going 20 and 6 in 180 innings, out of nowhere.
I’d be a little concerned about a dead arm in 2024.
Honestly I’m taking the gamble for $5MM. If back of the rotation crap is going for about 12-13MM I like the risk/reward profile.
And on a two year deal, even if you give him the first year off, you’re still getting respectable value.
@ASapsFables
A “notorious hitters league” WITH NO MLB HITTERS!
He’s not cheap enough for Billy Bean.
Pretty slow start to the winter meetings if this is a story people are tracking…
This site tries to track ALL the rumors. Not just your favorite team. Not just superstars. No one is forcing you to read it. If you don’t like the programming, turn the channel.
Does one good year in Korea suddenly make you a good player? Fedde was a nearly 6 era pitcher prior to leaving for Korea.
Hence the $5m AAV. US GMs look at film, have full time scouts at Korean and Japanese games, and would have scrutinized a US pitcher winning 20 games in the KBO.
This is a very WSox bargain hunt move. Fedde would have no pressure to try having success in a rotation that is emptied out. If he does, the low salary would enable contenders to trade for him even if it’s just as an innings eater. Good fit for both.
Man, when I see a move like this and the salary involved, I think a lot of us should start throwing a ball again. If a guy with a horrible career can get this type of money, a guy like me has got to be worth more than a box of popcorn.