The Marlins claimed Scott Maine off of waivers from the Blue Jays, MLBTR's Tim Dierkes has learned. The Blue Jays had designated Maine for assignment six days ago.
Maine, 27, has bounced around quite a bit this year. The left-hander started the season with the Cubs, then was claimed by the Indians in August before the Blue Jays claimed him in October. The 27-year-old made 30 relief appearances this year, posting a 6.08 ERA with 10.8 K/9 and 5.1 BB/9 in 26 2/3 innings.
The Marlins aren’t done yet. One day after agreeing to a blockbuster trade with the Blue Jays, they’re shopping outfielder/first baseman Logan Morrison, according to Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post (on Twitter). Furthermore, several general managers expect Ricky Nolasco to be traded as well.
The Yankees are among the teams with an interest in Nolasco, Erik Boland of Newsday reports (on Twitter). The right-hander has one year and $11.5MM remaining on his contract with Miami. The Rockies had interest in Nolasco last winter and could inquire about him, Troy Renck of the Denver Post suggested this morning (on Twitter).
The Marlins do not intend to trade Giancarlo Stanton, MLB.com's Joe Frisaro reports. The sides are not currently discussing a long-term deal, but the slugger "pretty much remains untouchable" for 2013, according to Frisaro.
Free agent outfielder Shane Victorino is drawing heavy interest, Scott Lauber of the Boston Herald reports (Twitter links). Eight teams have “realistic” interest in Victorino and 11 teams have expressed some interest. Victorino, who recently agreed to be represented by agent John Boggs, seeks a contract of more than two years and will consider playing any of the three outfield positions.
The Reds and Indians appear to have Victorino on their radar. He wasn’t eligible to obtain a qualifying offer from the Dodgers, since he was traded midseason. This means MLBTR’s number 12 free agent won’t be linked to draft pick compensation.
The Tigers had some interest in Victorino before agreeing to sign Torii Hunter, Lauber writes.
The Nationals will pursue at least one position player while seeking rotation help.
Guaranteed Contracts
Arbitration Eligible Players (estimated salaries)
Free Agents
Much has changed for the Nationals in the last 12 months. A year ago the team had yet to finish better than .500 since moving to Washington, Bryce Harper was playing in the Arizona Fall League, and Gio Gonzalez was still a member of the Athletics. Now, as the Nationals prepare to defend their NL East title, their offseason plans are closely tied to a player — Adam LaRoche — who seemed all but forgotten a year ago this time.
If the Nationals sign LaRoche, they could rely on Michael Morse, Bryce Harper and Jayson Werth in the outfield and bypass a deep class of free agent outfielders to focus on other needs. If the Nationals don't re-sign LaRoche then Michael Morse and Tyler Moore would become the team's primary first base options, and the search for outside outfield help would intensify.
It's also possible that the Nationals could re-sign LaRoche and pursue a free agent center fielder. GM Mike Rizzo could elect to create roster space by trading Morse at a time that many teams are seeking offense. The Rays, Indians and Red Sox are among the many teams that could have interest in trading for the first baseman.
A robust center field market includes B.J. Upton, Shane Victorino, Michael Bourn and others, so the Nationals figure to stay informed in case the right deal emerges. Though Harper handled center field nicely this past season, moving him to right field might make more sense long-term. However, they have some interest in Nick Swisher, an indication that they'd be comfortable spending at a corner position and relying on Harper in center field. The Nationals are also interested in Bourn, who has seemed like a fit in D.C. for a while.
LaRoche, the lone Nationals free agent to obtain a qualifying offer, has had talks with the team about returning for 2013 and beyond. Because of the weak class of free agent first basemen LaRoche has considerable leverage, even though he's tied to draft pick compensation. Still, there's no reason for Washington to spend desperately to retain him given their in-house alternatives.
The Nationals also need help in the rotation, so I found it somewhat surprising when they decided not to make Edwin Jackson a qualifying offer. He pitched well this past season, earning $11MM on a one-year contract. The Nationals could have created the possibility of draft pick compensation by offering a modest raise to $13.3MM on a low-risk one-year deal. Instead Jackson hits free agency and the Nationals' search for starting pitching continues.
The Nationals had a tremendous rotation this past season and with the exception of Jackson it'll stay together in 2013. Still, the Nationals need another starting pitcher this offseason. Ryan Dempster seems like a fit for the Nationals if he doesn't require a long-term commitment. Even though he's 35, the right-hander continues pitching effectively. Dan Haren and Hiroki Kuroda are among the veteran starters who could be available on short-term contracts this winter. Let's not forget about Zack Greinke, who would give Washington a formidable rotation if they could overcome the odds and find a way to sign him. Though there's always the possibility of a trade, the asking price for quality starting pitching figures to be high this offseason.
Washington's bullpen remains relatively young and affordable for now. Most of the relievers will return, yet left-handers Sean Burnett and Mike Gonzalez are free agents. While Rizzo could rely on southpaws such as Tom Gorzelanny, it makes sense for the Nationals to add a lefty specialist if possible. That would add depth and allow Gorzelanny to continue as a multiple inning reliever.
Rizzo addressed one of the team's biggest needs earlier this month when he brought Davey Johnson back for another season. It's possible owner Ted Lerner could look to extend Rizzo, who has just one guaranteed deal remaining on his contract with Washington (the deal includes options for 2014-15).
The Nationals have a large class of arbitration eligible players that includes two non-tender candidates. John Lannan figures to be cut loose after earning $5MM to play at Triple-A in 2012 and Jesus Flores could also lose his roster spot.
After extending three players last offseason the Nationals could pursue more long term deals with their top players. Tim Dierkes has suggested a five-year deal in the $45MM range could work for Jordan Zimmermann. Such a deal would resemble Gonzalez's recent extension and preserve the Nationals' rotation depth long-term. Ian Desmond also has a case for a multiyear deal following a breakout season at shortstop. Some will wonder about the possibility of an extension for Harper, but to me the timing doesn't seem right given the contract he signed after Washington drafted him.
The Nationals project as a scary team in 2013, assuming Rizzo adds a position player and obtains depth for his pitching staff. After years of building, this franchise's time to contend has arrived.
Photo courtesy of US Presswire.
As you’ve surely heard by now, a blockbuster trade took place last night. The Blue Jays and Marlins agreed to a franchise-altering deal that will send Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson, Mark Buehrle, John Buck, Emilio Bonifacio and $4MM to Toronto for Yunel Escobar, Adeiny Hechavarria, Henderson Alvarez, Jeff Mathis and prospects Anthony DeSclafani, Justin Nicolino and Jake Marisnick. The trade might not be official for a couple of days, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports (on Twitter).
Not only does the deal re-shape the teams’ rosters, it affects the way the Marlins and Blue Jays are viewed around baseball. To summarize, the Blue Jays are seen as legitimate contenders while top Marlins executives are seen as selfish people compromising the game's integrity. Here are some of the many reactions to the mega-deal. The initial post about the trade now has well over 1,000 comments so chime in here with more of your thoughts. Here are the reactions and updates, with the most recent items up top:
Afternoon Updates
Reaction To Marlins Ownership
Reaction To The New-Look Blue Jays
What The Trade Means For Toronto’s Manager Search
The White Sox are next in our 2013 Arbitration Eligibles series. Matt Swartz's salary projections are below.
Chicago’s class of arbitration eligible players consists of four first timers, two of whom project as non-tender candidates.
Humber’s season began with a perfect game, but it could end with a non-tender. He projects to earn more than $1MM and could be released given his 2012 production. Not only did he miss time with a strained elbow, he struggled for much of the season and finished the year with a 6.44 ERA and 23 home runs allowed in 102 innings.
Johnson appeared in 14 games with the White Sox once rosters expanded in September, but he doesn't appear to have a significant role on next year's White Sox team. He, too, could lose his roster spot on or before the November 30th deadline for teams to tender contracts to arbitration eligible players.
Beckham has been a fixture in Chicago's lineup since 2009, and he has some power, so he projects to earn north of $3MM as a first time eligible player. While his 2012 numbers are nothing extraordinary, he has a long track record at the MLB level that will help his case.
De Aza, on the other hand, picked up 60% of his career plate appearances this past season. He doesn't have the career bulk to match Beckham's projected salary, but he'll still earn a substantial raise — expect a salary in the $1.7MM range for the center fielder.
If the White Sox tender contracts to only Beckham and De Aza, they'll be looking at an estimated total just shy of $5MM for the two players. That total could rise if the White Sox choose to retain Johnson and Humber, but even then it won’t climb by much.
Matt Swartz's arbitration projections are available exclusively at MLB Trade Rumors. To read more about his projection model, check out this series of posts.
Mariners president Chuck Armstrong told Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com that Seattle has interest in Josh Hamilton. The Mariners are “looking at” the free agent outfielder according to Armstrong.
"We are going to have more money to spend,” he said. “And we do need offense."
The Mariners are still considering many options at this stage in the offseason, Armstrong added. Meanwhile, Phillies president and CEO David Montgomery acknowledged the Phillies are considering Hamilton (Twitter link). "I don't think there's a whole lot we're not considering," Montgomery told Heyman. The Phillies, Orioles, Braves and Red Sox are among the teams that appear to have interest in Hamilton.
The Tigers will look for corner outfield help and consider signing a starter.
Guaranteed Contracts
Arbitration Eligible Players (estimated salaries)
Free Agents
The Tigers, American League champions in 2012, don't need to change the complexion of their roster this offseason. They’ll pursue pitching and consider corner outfielders in the coming months.
The team began its offseason by re-signing manager Jim Leyland, a decision that makes sense after consecutive division titles and a World Series appearance. However, it didn't take long for the Tigers to announce that there won't be room for Jose Valverde and Delmon Young on next year's team.
Tigers president and GM Dave Dombrowski will focus on starting pitching and corner outfielders this offseason in an attempt to capture a championship for the first time since 1984. Torii Hunter has emerged as a strong possibility for the Tigers, and he'd be an excellent fit as long as they're not paying him to replicate his 2012 numbers. That won't happen, since his .389 BABIP isn't sustainable, but he can still add value on offense and defense. A two-year deal in the $16-20MM range might work for both sides.
If Hunter doesn't sign with the Tigers, free agents such as Melky Cabrera, Cody Ross and even Nick Swisher could appeal to Detroit's top executives. Swisher has more leverage than the others and might be prohibitively expensive for the Tigers given their other long-term commitments and offseason needs.
Like Swisher, Josh Hamilton appears to be too expensive for the Tigers. Hamilton would make the Tigers' lineup look scary, but he'll cost $100MM-plus. Owner Mike Ilitch has spent on elite free agents as recently as January, so the possibility of a deal with Hamilton lurks. Still, it'd require another aggressive move from ownership at a time that the free agent market offers many capable alternatives.
Andy Dirks emerged as a capable hitter this past season, and Quintin Berry played quite well at times, so the Tigers do have enough internal options to fill one corner outfield spot. However, Brennan Boesch must be considered a non-tender candidate following a disappointing campaign.
Other than outfield depth, starting pitching appears to be the Tigers' most prominent offseason need. Anibal Sanchez hits free agency as MLBTR's number four free agent following a strong season with the Marlins and Tigers. Ideally the Tigers would be able to retain him and keep their deep rotation together. Though he'll require a multiyear commitment, he's just 28 years old. Alternatively, the Tigers could pursue veteran free agent starters such as Dan Haren and Ryan Dempster.
Assuming the Tigers add a starting pitcher, they'll have the flexibility to consider starting Drew Smyly in the minor leagues or trading Rick Porcello — the Rockies and Blue Jays might have interest in the 23-year-old ground baller. This kind of depth wouldn't be a problem, since injuries inevitably surface and starting pitching will be in demand on the trade market.
The Tigers have suggested they'll let Jose Valverde go without spending big on a replacement closer. This line of thinking makes sense, as a long-term deal for someone like Rafael Soriano would expose the team to lots of risk. Perhaps the Tigers will express interest in an injured reliever such as Ryan Madson or Joakim Soria. It'd be one way of bolstering a bullpen that seemed vulnerable at times this past season. They could also use a second reliable left-handed reliever to go along with Phil Coke.
Exercising Octavio Dotel's option made sense since the reliever continues to dominate right-handed batters. The Tigers also elected to bring Jhonny Peralta back for another season. While Peralta has his shortcomings, he's an affordable option for one year and the free agent market doesn't offer much at shortstop. It's possible the Tigers will acquire another shortstop and flip Peralta, not that such a scenario seems likely for now.
It'd also make sense for the Tigers to find a right-handed hitting backup catcher. It sounds as though Gerald Laird will sign elsewhere and the Tigers will consider options such as Kelly Shoppach and Miguel Olivo. Both Shoppach and Olivo have long histories of hitting left-handers and could be available on short-term contracts for $1-2MM.
The Tigers' class of arbitration eligible players includes three fifths of the team's rotation, two up the middle position players and one of the team's top relievers. It's possible the Tigers will talk to players such as Scherzer, Fister, Jackson and Avila about extensions. Even Justin Verlander could be viewed as an extension candidate. Two years remain on his contract, so free agency isn't so far away anymore. Any extension would have to be commensurate with Verlander's status as the game's top pitcher, so the TIgers could be inclined to wait if Ilitch prefers not to commit to another nine-figure contract. It's hard to imagine Verlander's leverage could get any higher.
Detroit's arbitration class also includes two non-tender candidates in Ryan Raburn and Brennan Boesch. Both showed promise on offense early in their careers but could be cut loose since their projected salaries surpass $2MM.
If the Tigers add a starting pitcher and obtain a corner outfield depth, they’ll project as a playoff team again. Maybe this time it'll result in a World Series title.
Photo courtesy of US Presswire.
The MLB Players Association believes some comments made by MLB team executives and other baseball employees violate the sport's collective bargaining agreement, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports. Anti-collusion language designed to prevent clubs from limiting a free agent’s value forbids clubs and their employees from publicly discussing the details of contract offers or disclosing whether an offer will be made.
The MLBPA objects to a number of recent comments, Rosenthal reports. For example, a Rangers official told USA Today the Rangers won't go beyond three years for Josh Hamilton; MLB executive Tony La Russa said on ESPN that contracts longer than six years are "scary" for teams; Yankees president Randy Levine told CBSSports.com that Rafael Soriano seeks a four-year, $60MM contract. The players' union doesn't plan to file a grievance, but MLBPA executives continue monitoring the situation, according to Rosenthal.
The Yankees are next in our 2013 Arbitration Eligibles series. Matt Swartz's salary projections are below.
The Yankees’ class of arbitration eligible players doesn’t feature any prohibitively expensive players, but it’ll still be a relatively expensive group to retain for 2013.
Hughes leads the way with a projected salary of $5.7MM. He won 16 games and completed more than 200 innings (counting postseason play), which helps his case as he goes to arbitration for the third and final time. Two more key members of the pitching staff, Logan and Robertson, project to get raises of approximately $1MM following strong seasons. Logan projects to earn $2.8MM after appearing in 80 games and striking out more than a batter per inning. Robertson won't be far behind after striking out ever more hitters, posting an ERA under 3.00, and collecting a pair of saves.
On the other hand, Gardner and Chamberlain missed too much of the 2012 season to obtain significant raises in 2013. Baseball's collective bargaining agreement prevents the Yankees from drastically cutting the players' salaries through the arbitration process, which means both Gardner and Chamberlain are expected to return on similar salaries in 2013.
Nix appears to be a non-tender candidate, as do recent waiver claims Whiteside and Herndon. Though Nix's versatility adds value, he could be cut loose if the Yankees are hesitant to commit nearly $1MM to a player who adds so little on offense. Whiteside provides depth, but he could also be non-tendered after spending most of the 2012 season in the minor leagues. And Herndon will miss the beginning of the 2013 season to recover from Tommy John surgery, which means his roster spot isn't completely secure.
Assuming the Yankees retain Gardner, Robertson, Hughes, Chamberlain and Logan, they’ll have committed $15.8MM to five eligible players in 2013.
Matt Swartz's arbitration projections are available exclusively at MLB Trade Rumors. To read more about his projection model, check out this series of posts.
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