Free Agent And Trade Market For Third Basemen
The Tigers, Angels, Cubs, Marlins and Rockies will likely pursue starting third basemen this offseason and clubs like the Yankees and Braves could be in the market for bench help at the hot corner. Here's a preview of the offseason third base market.
Starting Third Basemen Available In Free Agency
Aramis Ramirez stands out as the top free agent third baseman available. He won't cost a draft pick and, as it turns out, neither will any of the offseason's other free agent third basemen. Wilson Betemit, who posted a .795 OPS in 2011, is another everyday option.
Quality Backups
Eric Chavez, John McDonald, Craig Counsell, Greg Dobbs, Jerry Hairston Jr., Omar Vizquel and Aaron Miles warrant consideration from teams looking for backups. Casey Blake and Mark DeRosa struggled to stay on the field, but both have succeeded in everyday roles before. Kevin Kouzmanoff and Andy LaRoche, two former A's third basemen, should receive interest, if not Major League deals.
Non-Tender Candidates
Ian Stewart, Mike Aviles and Adam Rosales could be cut loose or traded by the December 12th non-tender deadline.
Thinking Outside The Box
Perhaps former shortstops like Orlando Cabrera, Jamey Carroll could play third regularly. There's also Yonder Alonso, who could be available in trades. If you really want to dream, imagine free agent Albert Pujols at third. He played seven games at the hot corner this offseason, but realistically he's a first baseman.
Other Trade Candidates
David Wright and Kevin Youkilis are the biggest names we might see on the trade market. Casey McGehee, Alberto Callaspo and Ty Wigginton could also conceivably be traded. Padres GM Josh Byrnes may entertain offers for Chase Headley and the Orioles' new GM could move Mark Reynolds or Chris Davis. Blake DeWitt and Jeff Baker of the Cubs may also be available. Chone Figgins could likely be had given the Mariners' internal options at third.
Check out the full free agent list, as well as our articles on the markets at catcher, first base, second base and shortstop.
Outrighted To Triple-A: Mitch Stetter
Here are today's outright assignments…
- The Brewers announced that they outrighted left-hander Mitch Stetter to Triple-A. Stetter, 30, appeared in 16 games for the Brewers in 2011, but spent most of the season on the disabled list with a left hip injury. He has a 4.08 ERA with 9.3 K/9 and 5.4 BB/9 in 86 innings over the course of five seasons with the Brewers. Milwaukee's 40-man roster now stands at 39.
Orioles Front Office Notes: Stockstill, Watson
The Orioles announced nearly three weeks ago that Andy MacPhail will not return as the club’s president of baseball operations in 2012. They haven’t introduced a replacement yet, so here’s the latest on the club’s search for a new general manager:
- The Orioles will interview their own director of player development, John Stockstill, for the GM position Friday, according to Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun (on Twitter).
- The team is "closing in" toward resolution, according to MLB.com's Brittany Ghiroli (on Twitter).
- The Orioles are expected to interview one or two more candidates for their GM job, according to Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun. Jerry Dipoto of the Diamondbacks, Tony LaCava of the Blue Jays and De Jon Watson of the Dodgers all interviewed well, according to Connolly. We heard earlier in the week that Thad Levine of the Rangers may also interview for the position.
- Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com lists two people who could become the Orioles’ next scouting director. Dipoto could hire Indians crosschecker Chuck Ricci and LaCava could hire Blue Jays crosschecker Marc Tramuta, according to Kubatko. Former Orioles scouting director Joe Jordan recently joined the Phillies.
- For more on LaCava, Dipoto and Watson check out MLBTR's GM Candidate pieces.
Quick Hits: Valverde, Wang, Cubs
Links for Thursday afternoon, before what may be the final baseball game of the 2011 season…
- The Tigers are expected to pick up Jose Valverde’s $9MM option for 2012 soon, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com (Twitter link).
- Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post hears from Alan Nero, the agent for Chien-Ming Wang, that a new deal between the right-hander and the Nationals is likely. The Nationals are Wang's first choice and negotiations are "routine," according to Nero. Washington GM Mike Rizzo confirmed yesterday that the sides are working toward a new contract.
- Cubs assistant GM Randy Bush will stay on under president of baseball operations Theo Epstein, according to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times (on Twitter).
- Melissa Segura of SI.com hears that baseball’s upcoming collective bargaining agreement could include a cap in the $2-2.5MM range for international signings (Twitter link). It’s not clear whether the cap would apply to all countries or just the Dominican Republic.
Latest On Dodgers Settlement Talks
Dodgers owner Frank McCourt and MLB have reached a hurdle in their talks about a potential settlement, according to Bill Shaikin of the LA Times. While MLB is willing to work with McCourt on an auction, it is not willing to guarantee him a specific sale price. In other words, MLB is not prepared to make up the difference if the Dodgers sell for less than expected.
The Dodgers’ bankruptcy trial was delayed yesterday. Settlement talks took place earlier this week, so the sides may not have to go to court. McCourt aims to sell the Dodgers' media rights, while the commissioner's office is pushing to sell the Dodgers to a new owner.
McCourt estimates that the Dodgers are worth over $1 billion, including Dodger Stadium and surrounding land. Forbes, however, valued the assets at $800MM earlier in 2011. McCourt may need more than $1 billion to break even after paying off debts, according to Shaikin.
Matt Kemp’s Agent Talks Extension
If the Dodgers attempt to lock Matt Kemp up to an extension this offseason, they shouldn't expect much of a hometown discount. Kemp's agent, Dave Stewart, told Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times that the center fielder cares about more than winning and team chemistry.
"It's also important for him to be seen by his peers as one of the best," Stewart said. "This isn't Matt saying this, this is me saying this … but, unfortunately, the way these things are seen is often based on how you're paid."
Kemp, 27, is a leading candidate for the National League MVP after hitting an NL-best 39 home runs with a .324/.399/.586 line. MLBTR projects a $16.3MM salary for Kemp in 2012, his final season before hitting free agency. He has said he won't discuss an extension once the 2012 season begins.
Last offseason's top outfielders, Carl Crawford and Jayson Werth, signed multiyear deals that valued their free agent seasons in the $18-21MM range. Perhaps the Kemp and the Dodgers would consider a seven-year deal that pays Kemp $15MM in 2012 and $20MM in each of the following six seasons for a seven-year total of $135MM.
MLB is in talks with owner Frank McCourt to try to make him sell the Dodgers. The team has another candidate for a substantial extension, starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw.
Yankees Notes: Beltran, Sabathia, Cashman, Montero
We heard this morning that Robinson Cano is looking to re-work his deal with the Yankees. Here’s more news about the defending American League East champions…
- The Yankees are considering Carlos Beltran as a possible right fielder, according to Wallace Matthews of ESPNNewYork.com. The Yankees have a $10.25MM option for Nick Swisher that they have to make a decision on after the World Series, but they could pick up the option, sign Beltran and trade Swisher.
- The Yankees’ negotiations with C.C. Sabathia could come down to the team's willingness to guarantee the left-hander a seventh year, according to George A. King III of the New York Post. While the Yankees would be comfortable with a five or six-year deal worth roughly $25MM per season, the Yankees would pause if Sabathia wants a seven or eight-year deal. Sabathia is expected to opt out of the four years and $92MM remaining on his contract.
- Anthony McCarron of the New York Daily News hears that Brian Cashman’s extension with the Yankees is “just about” complete. The GM’s deal, which appears to be for three years or more, could be announced as soon as the World Series ends.
- Joel Sherman of the New York Post draws parallels between Mike Napoli of the Rangers and Yankees catching prospect Jesus Montero. Montero can hit despite questions about his defensive ability, so Sherman suggests it might be wise for the Yankees to keep Montero instead of trading him for starting pitching.
Cardinals Exercised Wainwright’s Options
The Cardinals officially exercised Adam Wainwright's options for 2012 and 2013 during this year's playoff run, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Wainwright, who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery, will earn $21MM over the course of the next two seasons.
Wainwright has embraced his role as motivator and cheerleader during his team's extended playoff run and he has offered — apparently in jest — to pitch if necessary. He has resumed throwing and is nearing maximum effort again. The Cardinals expect Wainwright to have a normal offseason and be ready for Spring Training 2012.
Wainwright, 30, posted a 2.42 ERA with 8.3 K/9 and 2.2 BB/9 in 230 1/3 innings in 2010, finishing second in NL Cy Young voting. He placed third the previous year, when he posted a 2.63 ERA with 8.2 K/9 and 2.5 BB/9 in 233 innings. Cardinals GM John Mozeliak said in August that he doesn't expect to explore the possibility of a long-term extension with the right-hander.
Free Agent And Trade Market For Shortstops
The Twins, Phillies, Braves, Mets, Brewers, Cardinals, Pirates, Astros and Giants are likely to express interest in shortstops this offseason and other clubs may become involved as well. Here's a look at an unusually strong market for shortstops.
Starting Shortstops Available In Free Agency
Jose Reyes and Jimmy Rollins are the top shortstops available. Reyes has a case for a nine-figure contract and Rollins wants a five-year deal. The options for Rafael Furcal, Yuniesky Betancourt will likely be declined, making them free agents, but Marco Scutaro probably won't hit the open market and it's too early to call Ronny Cedeno's option. Clint Barmes, Jamey Carroll and Alex Gonzalez are also capable of handling an everyday shortstop job.
Quality Backups
Willie Bloomquist, Jerry Hairston Jr., Ramon Santiago, John McDonald, Orlando Cabrera, Craig Counsell, Cesar Izturis, Edgar Renteria and Jack Wilson are utility and backup types to consider. Some could draw interest as second basemen.
Non-Tender Candidates
Ryan Theriot, Mike Fontenot, Emmanuel Burriss, Chris Getz, Adam Rosales, Luis Rodriguez, Donnie Murphy, Alberto Gonzalez, Wilson Valdez, Brandon Wood, Mike Aviles and Paul Janish could all be non-tendered this offseason. They're also trade canidates leading up to the December deadline for teams to tender contracts to their arbitration eligible players.
Thinking Outside The Box
Players are converted from shortstop, not to shortstop, so don't expect that slugging left fielder to solve your team's middle infield woes. The vast majority of realistic shortstop options already play the position, which means there's not much mystery here.
Patient teams could wait until the big names have been signed and inquire on players or prospects who have been pushed down on the depth chart. For example, slick-fielding prospect Brandon Crawford could be available if the Giants sign a shortstop or Ian Desmond could be available if the Nationals obtain a more established player.
Other Trade Candidates
Jed Lowrie will likely be a bench player for the Red Sox and could be moved. Teams could inquire on Sean Rodriguez or Reid Brignac of the Rays. Yet another AL East shortstop, Eduardo Nunez, could also be available. The same goes for Jason Bartlett of the Padres.
Check out the full free agent list, as well as our articles on the markets at catcher, first base and second base.
Quick Hits: Wright, Hanley, Aramis, Mariners
There’s no World Series game to watch tonight, but you can always count on MLBTR for the latest links. Can the updates below make up for the postponement of the big game? We'll let you be the judge…
- Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com wonders if it's time for the Mets to trade David Wright.
- Andy Mota, a representative for Hanley Ramirez, says no one from the Marlins has asked the shortstop about switching positions, according to Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post. Earlier in October, manager Ozzie Guillen didn't rule out a position change for Ramirez.
- Free agent third baseman Aramis Ramirez told Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com that he's glad the Cubs brought in Theo Epstein. Ramirez says he's willing to discuss a new deal and agent Paul Kinzer also expressed optimism about a contract that would keep Ramirez in Chicago.
- Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times suggests the Mariners should bid on Grady Sizemore this offseason.