MLBTR Originals
This week’s original content from MLBTR:
- In the wake of a Wednesday trade between the Diamondbacks and Mariners that saw middle infielder Jean Segura and right-hander Taijuan Walker, among others, switch teams, Charlie Wilmoth asked readers which club got the better end of the deal.
- Six starters who were free agents have already found homes for 2017, leading Jeff Todd to poll readers on which one ended up with the most team-friendly contract.
- This offseason’s Free Agent Profile series continued with looks at first baseman/designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion (link), outfielder/DH Jose Bautista (link) and outfielder Carlos Gomez (link).
- Jeff wrapped up this year’s Offseason Outlook series with a piece on what the coming months could bring for the Rockies. Links to all 30 entries can be found here.
Pat Dean Signs With Korea’s Kia Tigers
The Kia Tigers of the Korea Baseball Organization have announced the signing of left-hander Pat Dean to a one-year contract, as Dan Kurtz of MyKBO.net tweets. The 27-year-old Dean will earn $900K in 2017.
Dean, whom the Twins chose in the third round of the 2010 draft, stayed with the organization until it outrighted him Oct. 17. That came on the heels of a year in which Dean made his major league debut and saw somewhat extensive action, tossing 67 1/3 innings in 19 appearances (nine starts) and registering a 6.28 ERA, 6.68 K/9, 3.07 BB/9 and 44.4 percent ground-ball rate. Dean wasn’t much more successful in 87 1/3 Triple-A frames in 2016 – 5.56 ERA, 5.05 K/9, 1.96 BB/9 – though he was solid overall in 306 1/3 innings with Rochester. Dating back to 2013, his first year at the Triple-A level, Dean recorded a 3.50 ERA, 5.0 K/9 and 1.8 BB/9.
Dean will now try his luck in the KBO, a hitter-friendly league. He’s the second former major leaguer to agree to terms with the Tigers this week, joining outfielder Roger Bernadina.
Cafardo’s Latest: CBA, V-Mart, Encarnacion, Cespedes, Chapman, Nats, Marlins
Major League Baseball’s owners and players might not agree to a new collective bargaining agreement before the Dec. 1 expiration of the current CBA, but a lockout isn’t guaranteed if they don’t, reports Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. Instead, business could continue under the soon-to-be old CBA as the two sides keep negotiating toward a new deal, even if doing so takes them through spring training.
Here’s more from Cafardo:
- Although there are some appealing designated hitter types on the free agent market, teams are showing interest in Tigers DH Victor Martinez, according to Cafardo. Given that the Tigers are aiming to get younger and cut payroll, trading Martinez would seem to make sense, as he’ll turn 38 in December and is owed $36MM over the next two years. However, in addition to his lofty salary, Martinez’s 10-and-5 rights could put the kibosh on a potential deal. The switch-hitter recovered from a miserable 2015 to slash .289/.351/.476 with 27 home runs in 610 plate appearances this past season.
- There’s a “healthy amount” of interest in free agent first baseman/DH Edwin Encarnacion, a general manager told Cafardo, who notes that a signing is unlikely until there’s clarification on the 2017 luxury-tax threshold. “Normally, teams would be very aggressive in getting both of these hitters signed, but right now you have to stay back a little,” an AL GM said in regards to Encarnacion and outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. FanRag’s Jon Heyman reported Saturday that the league has agreed to increase the figure from $189MM to $200MM in CBA negotiations. That could make big spenders like the Yankees and Red Sox more inclined to chase Encarnacion (and maybe Cespedes in New York’s case).
- The Yankees, Dodgers and Giants are known to be eyeing free agent closer Aroldis Chapman, and the Nationals have also emerged as a possible destination, per Cafardo. Executives around the majors expect aggressiveness from the Nats this winter, and signing Chapman to what should be a record deal for a reliever would certainly qualify as a bold move. Notably, Washington attempted to acquire Chapman from the Yankees over the summer, but he ended up with the Cubs. The Nationals then picked up Mark Melancon from the Pirates. He’s also a free agent now, leaving the Nats in need of late-game help.
- Along with the previously reported Twins, the Marlins are among the teams with interest in free agent right-hander Justin Masterson. The low-payroll, starter-needy Fish “are looking to hit the jackpot with a surprise pitcher,” writes Cafardo. The 31-year-old Masterson hasn’t pitched in the majors since an unsuccessful 59 1/3-inning run with Boston in 2015. He threw 54 1/3 frames with the Pirates’ Triple-A affiliate last season and recorded a 4.97 ERA, 5.3 K/9 and 4.31 BB/9. Shoulder and knee injuries have beset Masterson in the past, but he indicated earlier this week that he’s now healthy.
Baseball Blogs Weigh In: D-backs, Mariners, Braves, Tigers, Trout, Giants
This week in baseball blogs:
- Inside the ‘Zona reviews this week’s big trade between the Diamondbacks and Mariners.
- Outfield Fly Rule is bullish on the Braves’ signing of utilityman Sean Rodriguez.
- Baseball Docs names three teams that could trade for Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez.
- Now On Deck (click for links) predicts a slew of free agents’ fates.
- BP Toronto argues for and against keeping Blue Jays closer Roberto Osuna in the bullpen.
- Outside Pitch MLB wouldn’t mind seeing Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen patrolling left as a member of the Giants.
- Chin Music Baseball shows that the best might still be ahead for the majors’ top player, Angels center fielder Mike Trout.
- Pinstriped Prospects interviews Yankees left-hander Stephen Tarpley.
- NYRDCAST talks with Cardinals minor league right-hander Robby Rowland.
- The 3rd Man In chats with MLB.com prospect guru Jim Callis about Tim Tebow, the 2017 draft class, the Brewers farm system and the proposed international draft.
- The Point of Pittsburgh explains that the Pirates can take valuable lessons from the Royals.
- Climbing Tal’s Hill examines what signing first baseman/designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion would mean for the Astros.
- Jays From the Couch doesn’t see first baseman/DH Mike Napoli as a fit for Toronto.
- Off The Bench Baseball regards the Giants and Phillies as the most logical landing spots for free agent outfielder Michael Saunders.
- AngelsWin offers the second half of its offseason primer for the Halos.
- MLB Reports opines that the Mariners should attempt to acquire Brewers first baseman Chris Carter.
- MLB451 lists teams that might have interest in trading for Rangers infielder/outfielder Jurickson Profar.
- Pirates Breakdown makes a case for Pittsburgh to bring back right-hander Edinson Volquez.
- Jays Journal breaks down several free agent first basemen/DHs who could interest Toronto.
- Call To The Pen (links here) studies what the Phillies might do with the fifth spot in both their lineup and rotation.
- Yanks Go Yard wants the Yankees to keep left fielder Brett Gardner.
- The Runner Sports profiles Athletics shortstop prospect Franklin Barreto.
- Everything Bluebirds views shortstop Troy Tulowitzki as one of the Blue Jays’ most important players entering 2017.
- That Ball’s Outta Here examines potential Rule 5 offensive targets for the Phillies.
- Think Blue Planning Committee asks where Dodgers utilityman Rob Segedin fits on next year’s roster.
- The Runner Sports suggests the Astros trade outfielder Nori Aoki in the wake of the Josh Reddick signing.
- Bronx Bomber Blogger looks into whether the Yankees should have protected left-hander Ryan Webb from the Rule 5 draft.
- Sports Talk Philly wonders why Charlie Manuel didn’t get another chance to manage after his tenure with the Phillies ended in 2013.
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CBA Notes: Season Length, Roster Size, Luxury Tax, Int’l Draft
Both Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred and players’ union executive director Tony Clark expressed optimism last month about reaching a new collective bargaining agreement prior to the Dec. 1 expiration of the current CBA. No deal between the league and the union has come since, but the industry isn’t worried about a shutdown, reports Tyler Kepner of the New York Times. The lack of concern is largely because the next CBA is unlikely to include radical departures from the current one. Instead, the expectation is that the two sides are mostly looking to tweak what’s already in place.
Here’s more from Kepner:
- Shortening the regular season has garnered consideration during negotiations, but the schedule will remain at 162 games in the next agreement. In order to ease the players’ workload, the league and the union could agree to lengthen the season from 183 days to 187, per Kepner.
- Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reported earlier this month that expanding rosters from 25 to 26 players was a possibility, and that’s likely to come to fruition, according to Kepner. Moreover, 40-man rosters in September will unsurprisingly go by the wayside in favor of a 28- or 29-man limit.
- The $189MM luxury-tax threshold is set to increase, though it’s unknown how much it’ll rise. That change will have a positive effect on big-spending teams that have been reluctant to exceed the $189MM figure. Bumping the number up from $189MM isn’t ideal for teams that have lesser budgets, of course, but Kepner argues that it’s not necessarily cause for despair. Since the current CBA took effect after the 2011 season, 21 of the majors’ 30 teams have made the playoffs, Kepner points out.
- Owners continue pushing for the implementation of an international draft, but the MLBPA is “deeply skeptical,” Kepner writes. ESPN’s Buster Olney reported in October that a 10-round proposal was on the table for March 2018.
AL East Notes: Britton, Encarnacion, Cespedes, Yankees, Red Sox
Based on comments he made in October, it seems a trade out of Baltimore wouldn’t surprise Orioles closer Zach Britton, who has two years of arbitration eligibility remaining. However, Orioles general manager Dan Duquette isn’t inclined to shop Britton on the heels of an incredible season in which he converted all 47 save chances and posted a 0.54 ERA and 80 percent ground-ball rate across 67 innings. “I’d rather see Britton on our team than trade him now,” Duquette told 105.7 The Fan on Thursday (via Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com). If Britton doesn’t receive an extension this winter and instead plays next season on his arbitration salary, he’ll rake in roughly $11.4MM, per MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz.
More from the American League East:
- Duquette might not want to trade Britton, but he should at least listen to offers, opines Steve Melewski of MASNsports.com. Placing Britton on the block would enable the Orioles to market him at a much lower price than the top free agent relievers – Aroldis Chapman, Kenley Jansen and Mark Melancon – will command, though Melewski cautions that trading the soon-to-be 29-year-old could cripple the O’s playoff chances in 2017. Baltimore earned a wild-card berth by 2.5 games this past season, and it may have been on the outside looking in without Britton’s brilliance.
- At least one of the top two hitters available in free agency, Yoenis Cespedes or Edwin Encarnacion, will sign with the Yankees, predicts Jim Bowden of MLB Network Radio (Twitter link). FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal suggested Saturday that the Yankees are in position to make a bold strike, and signing either slugger would certainly qualify. The team could use help at first base and designated hitter, where Encarnacion plays, as well as in the corner outfield (Cespedes’ domain). New York has already shown some interest both.
- While the Yankees boast a deeper prospect pool than that of the Red Sox, FanRag Sports’ John Perrotto argues that Boston has a clear advantage because of its young talent base already in the majors. When comparing the two teams’ youth, it’s hard to disagree. The Red Sox have AL MVP runner-up Mookie Betts, AL Cy Young winner Rick Porcello, Jackie Bradley Jr., Xander Bogaerts, Andrew Benintendi and Yoan Moncada among a group of 20-somethings controllable through at least 2019. The Yankees’ best 20-somethings under control for three or more more seasons include Masahiro Tanaka, Dellin Betances, Gary Sanchez and Didi Gregorius. That’s an impressive quartet, but it’ll take a hit if Tanaka opts out of his contract after next season and departs in free agency.
Dodgers Interested In Logan Forsythe
Having already checked in on Ian Kinsler and Brian Dozier, the second-base needy Dodgers are now interested in the Rays’ Logan Forsythe, reports Jon Morosi of MLB Network. Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman previously traded for Forsythe when he was the Rays’ general manager in 2014, notes Morosi (Twitter links). It’s unclear whether Tampa Bay is currently open to dealing him, though.
Forsythe, who will turn 30 in January, has quietly established himself as a high-end second baseman dating back to 2015. In 1,182 plate appearances since then, Forsythe has batted .273/.347/.444 with 37 home runs and 15 stolen bases, and his 6.8 fWAR during that span places him ninth among the league’s second basemen. Most of the damage the right-handed Forsythe has done the past two years has come against lefties (.287/.350/.543 in 317 PAs), which surely appeals to a Dodgers team that posted a league-worst .213/.290/.332 line versus southpaws in 2016.
Like Kinsler and Dozier, Forsythe is controllable through the 2018 campaign, though he’s set to rake in less money than those two and shouldn’t cost as much to acquire in a trade. Forsythe – who’s due $14.25MM (including an $8.5MM club option for 2018) – has also seen action at third base, where the Dodgers have an opening as Justin Turner sits without a contract. The lion’s share of Forsythe’s playing time has come at second, though, and the Dodgers could clearly use a solution there with Chase Utley on the open market and Howie Kendrick now in Philadelphia.
Chris Gimenez To Elect Free Agency
Indians catcher Chris Gimenez will reject an outright assignment to Triple-A Columbus and become a free agent, reports Jordan Bastian of MLB.com (Twitter link). Cleveland outrighted Gimenez off its 40-man roster Friday, but the club is interested in bringing him back on a minor league deal, according to Bastian.
The soon-to-be 34-year-old Gimenez has had three separate major league stints with the Indians (2009-10, 2014, 2016), who selected him in the 19th round of the 2004 draft. He rejoined the Tribe in a May trade with the Rangers and ended up hitting .216/.272/.331 in 155 plate appearances, contributing to a lifetime line of .218/.297/.335 in 776 PAs with four different teams. Defensively, Gimenez earned mixed reviews as a pitch framer in 2016, but he did win the favor of right-hander Trevor Bauer.
If he re-signs with Cleveland, Gimenez will once again provide organizational depth behind fellow backstops Yan Gomes and Roberto Perez. Injuries helped limit Gomes to just 74 games this past season, thus leading to a career high in major league playing time for Gimenez.
Padres, Rays, Athletics Interested In Eric Thames
Free agent outielder Eric Thames has drawn interest from the Padres, Rays and Athletics (as Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle previously reported), according to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com. Thames, who has starred in Korea since 2014, previously saw major league action with the Blue Jays and Mariners from 2011-12.
Thames, 30, was so-so in his two-year major league stint, hitting .250/.296/.431 with 21 home runs in 684 plate appearances, but he could cash in this winter thanks to his phenomenal showing with the NC Dinos of the hitter-friendly KBO. Thames swatted at least 37 homers in each of the previous three seasons, including 47 in an MVP-winning 2015, giving him a combined 124 since he immigrated to Korea. All told, he has slashed a videogamelike .348/.450/.720 in 1,634 plate appearances and also added 64 stolen bases on 78 attempts since leaving America.
Assuming he returns to the States, MLBTR projects a two-year, $10MM deal for Thames (from the Rays, in fact), but one National League executive told Crasnick he could fare even better than that.
“Look at some of the money that Cuban players have gotten,” said the exec. “What’s the difference here? I think somebody is going to bite, and he’ll get a contract for two years and $12 million, or three years and $15-18 million.”
Thames, a California native, acknowledged that he has contemplated another major league go-around.
“Yes, the thought has crossed my mind a few times,” Thames told Crasnick via email. “I’m wondering about how my new mindset could transfer over. Next year feels like light years away! Who knows where I will end up.”
Re-signing in Korea or heading to Japan are also possibilities for Thames, who might not exclusively play the outfield in a second major league stint. Thames moved to first in Korea, notes Crasnick, and the lefty-swinger would likely spend time there, in the outfield and, if he signs with an American League team, at designated hitter. With Wil Myers at first and no DH, the Padres would have to to utilize Thames in the outfield, while the hitter-needy Rays and A’s would have more flexibility in deploying him.
Baseball Blogs Weigh In: McCann, Astros, Yanks, Braves, Jays, Brewers
This week in baseball blogs:
- Wayniac Nation regards the Yankees-Astros trade involving catcher/designated hitter Brian McCann as a win-win.
- Outside Pitch MLB opines that the Braves are not yet in position to trade a haul for an ace.
- BP Toronto thanks free agent Jose Bautista for his Blue Jays tenure, while Baseball Docs ponders where he’ll sign this offseason.
- Clubhouse Corner’s Bernie Pleskoff scouts the Arizona Fall League’s best prospects.
- The Point of Pittsburgh debates Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen‘s future.
- The Runner Sports wonders if Astros second baseman Jose Altuve is the new face of Major League Baseball.
- Clutchlings focuses on the newest Blue Jays prospect, Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
- The 3rd Man In interviews highly regarded Brewers outfield prospect Corey Ray.
- NatsGM (links here) has an in-depth offseason plan for the Nationals.
- AngelsWin presents the first part of its offseason outlook for the Halos.
- Dan Grant of Same Page Team offers a Blue Jays offseason primer.
- The First Out At Third polls readers on a couple offseason questions facing the Brewers.
- Astros County addresses Houston’s acquisitions of McCann and outfielder Josh Reddick.
- Off The Bench Baseball argues that Mets second baseman Neil Walker should not have accepted the $17.2MM qualifying offer.
- Inside the ‘Zona revisits the Diamondbacks’ projections for 2016 and looks ahead to 2017.
- Jays From the Couch highlights a few non-Edwin Encarnacion free agent first basemen the Blue Jays could sign.
- Chin Music Baseball examines flaws the Twins’ Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano must fix.
- Call to the Pen (links here) analyzes a pair of new Phillies, Howie Kendrick and Pat Neshek.
- Everything Bluebirds and Jays Journal have pieces on the Blue Jays’ Kendrys Morales.
- CTTP also weighs in on potential landing spots for free agent reliever Greg Holland.
- Yanks Go Yard touches on some risky free agent starters who might be worth the trouble for the Yankees.
- Baseball Hot Corner asks if the Blue Jays should consider trading a starting pitcher.
- Pirates Breakdown sees Nationals right-hander Tanner Roark as a possible trade target for the Bucs.
- Camden Depot defends the 2016 Orioles’ starting pitching.
- Baseball MTJAG honors the late Jose Fernandez by putting together an all-star team consisting of the majors’ most fun-to-watch players.
- Baseball Ranks is bullish on the Blue Jays’ 2016 draft class.
- Bronx Bomber Blogger and Pinstriped Prospects profile a few Yankees farmhands.
- MLB451 is thankful for Joe Maddon and Bartolo Colon, among others, as the holidays approach.
Please send submissions to ZachBBWI @gmail.com.