Here are three things for MLBTR readers to keep an eye on today:
1. Marlins looking to spend?
As the Marlins look to avoid a potential grievance, they could be looking to spend more than they usually would in the offseason. It’s a situation not unlike the one that led the A’s to sign Luis Severino and Jose Leclerc, extend Brent Rooker and Lawrence Butler, and trade for Jeffrey Springs last winter. So far, the Marlins have been connected to high-end relievers such as Devin Williams and even a qualified free agent in right-hander Michael King. As far as extension talks go, it’s been reported that the club spoke with outfielder Kyle Stowers about a potential contract, though they faced a gap that appears insurmountable for the time being. While a Stowers extension seems unlikely for the time being, perhaps the club could explore talks with another player on the roster like Eury Perez, Xavier Edwards or Jakob Marsee.
2. Rockies personnel shuffle:
Yesterday, it was announced that Warren Schaeffer would have the “interim” tag removed from his title and officially become the next Rockies manager after signing a multi-year deal under newly-minted president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta. That completes the most significant overhaul Rockies’ leadership has seen in quite some time. GM Bill Schmidt was fired at season’s end, assistant GM Zack Rosenthal left the team shortly thereafter, and manager Bud Black was dismissed back in May. Now that Schaeffer is in place, he’ll have the opportunity to remake his coaching staff as he sees fit in a way he wasn’t able to after taking over for Black midway through the 2025 campaign. The Rockies will now join a host of other teams looking to fill out their coaching staffs this winter after nearly a third of the league shook things up in the dugout this year. DePodesta will also likely bring in some new faces to build out his front office as well; there’ll be plenty of new faces arriving in Denver over the next few weeks.
3. MLBTR chat today:
The offseason is underway, and the hot stove is starting to sizzle. Two of MLBTR’s top 50 free agents have signed so far (in addition to the four who accepted qualifying offers), and the trade market has started buzzing early as Taylor Ward, Grayson Rodriguez, Marcus Semien, and Brandon Nimmo have all changed hands in the first few weeks of the offseason. Whether your team is looking to load up for a playoff run next year or rebuild for the future, MLBTR’s Steve Adams has you covered in a live chat at 1pm CT later today. You can click here to ask a question in advance, join in live once the chat begins, or read the transcript once the chat is complete.
Good for Miami.
Looking to spend and forced to spend are different things.
Dave Veres would be an interesting addition to the Rockies pitching coached staff, having pitched at Coors and also helping Cherry Creek High School pitchers tame the altitude on their way to two recent state championships.
When we see a substantive shift in the Marlin’s approach to spending, then we will know they desire to be more competitive. Spending money on one player so as to keep their Revenue Sharing flowing is just a business investment–spending money from other team’s pockets. Big deal. I suppose the high revenue team’s owners re annoyed, but it wouldn’t surprise me if it’s the mid-market teams that make the effort that might be more irritated.
The Marlins will spend on one reliever and one position player. Then sign a bunch of minor league deals with ST invitations. Then maybe trade for an ugly contract including some prospects.
Call it an offseason (and a splurge).