D’Backs, Montero Shelve Extension Talks Until After Season
Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers and catcher Miguel Montero announced today they'll shelve contract extension talks until after the season, with no hard feelings. The two sides were unable to find common ground, explained the GM. Montero said the D'Backs will be his offseason priority.
Montero, 28, will be eligible for free agency after the season. Last month, Montero and the D'Backs narrowly avoided an arbitration hearing, settling below the midpoint at $5.9MM. Given the difficulty in hammering out a 2012 contract, it's no surprise a long-term agreement could not be reached. Even with another strong offensive year it's unlikely Montero can approach Yadier Molina's new five-year, $75MM deal, but it may at least become a point of reference despite claims to the contrary. Montero will still have decent competition if he reaches free agency, with Mike Napoli, Russell Martin, and Chris Iannetta expected to be eligible. Montero is the youngest of the four.
2014 MLB Free Agents
MLBTR’s up-to-date list of 2014 MLB free agents is below. These are players who are currently available to be signed as free agents during the 2014 season (and accumulated at least 50 plate appearances or 20 innings pitched either this season or in 2013).
If you have any corrections or omissions, please contact us. To see who represents these players, check out our agency database.
Updated 07-17-14
Catchers
Miguel Olivo (35)
Kelly Shoppach (34)
First Basemen
Casey Kotchman (31)
Xavier Nady (35)
Second Basemen
Alberto Gonzalez (31)
Brendan Harris (33)
Jeff Keppinger (34)
Donnie Murphy (31)
Shortstops
Alberto Gonzalez (31)
Alex Gonzalez (37)
Nick Green (35)
Brendan Harris (33)
Third Basemen
Brandon Inge (37)
Alberto Gonzalez (31)
Brendan Harris (33)
Jeff Keppinger (34)
Donnie Murphy (31)
Placido Polanco (38)
Left Fielders
Jason Kubel (32)
Xavier Nady (35)
Laynce Nix (33)
Juan Pierre (36)
Derrick Robinson (26)
Alfonso Soriano (38)
Center Fielders
Casper Wells (29)
Dewayne Wise (36)
Right Fielders
Jason Kubel (32)
Vernon Wells (35)
Designated Hitters
Jason Kubel (32)
Xavier Nady (35)
Alfonso Soriano (38)
Vernon Wells (35)
Starting Pitchers
Joe Blanton (33)
Jon Garland (34)
Jeff Karstens (31)
Jeff Niemann (31)
Wandy Rodriguez (35)
Randy Wolf (37)
Barry Zito (36)
Closers
Heath Bell (36)
Ryan Madson (33)
J.J. Putz (37)
Jose Valverde (36)
Right-Handed Relievers
Luis Ayala (36)
Manny Corpas (31)
Octavio Dotel (40)
Kyle Farnsworth (38)
Frank Francisco (34)
Brandon Lyon (34)
Cristhian Martinez (32)
Zach Miner (32)
Brett Myers (33)
J.J. Putz (37)
Left-Handed Relievers
Mike Gonzalez (36)
David Purcey (32)
Ryan Rowland-Smith (31)
Cot’s Baseball Contracts was used in the creation of this list.
Miguel Tejada Hopes To Return To Athletics
"Tell Billy to give me a call," free agent infielder Miguel Tejada implored Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, campaigning for a job with his old team. Aware of third baseman's Scott Sizemore's season-ending injury, Tejada said he'd love to return to the A's and he doesn't want big money. Tejada began his career with the A's, winning an MVP award with them in 2002.
Tejada told Slusser he wasn't happy in San Francisco last year, where he posted a .239/.270/.326 line in 343 plate appearances before being cut loose. The infielder feels he can still play, and friend Yoenis Cespedes would benefit from his presence. Cespedes is likely to arrive in to A's camp in Phoenix this weekend, reports Slusser.
Slusser considers a even a minor league deal with the A's a longshot for Tejada. The A's are giving Josh Donaldson a chance to replace Sizemore this year.
Rangers Notes: Oswalt, Gonzalez, Hamilton, Nathan
The latest on the Rangers via GM Jon Daniels and assistant GM Thad Levine:
- Levine joined Mike Ferrin and Jim Bowden on MLB Network Radio and said Texas will be present at any workouts Roy Oswalt holds. The Rangers hope to limit Neftali Feliz to 140-160 innings in 2012.
- Levine said the Rangers and Mike Gonzalez maintain mutual interest, Bowden tweets.
- Regarding Josh Hamilton's next contract, the outfielder's recent comments "don't play into it much," Daniels said in an online chat with Dallas Morning News readers. The GM added, "Maybe I'm an optimist but I'd like to think that at the appropriate time, we'll sit down and be able to work something out." Daniels noted that they'll "revisit contract talks privately at some point."
- Asked about the limits on draft and international player spending in the new collective bargaining agreement, Daniels said, "It seems to limit teams in those areas, and if it plays out that way, I won't be a huge fan. Just think clubs should have the freedom/flexibility to make individual decisions in the best interests of their franchise – and we're all in different situations."
- Daniels confirmed Joe Nathan is his closer. The 37-year-old righty signed a two-year, $14.75MM deal in November, with extra benefits for games finished.
- Highly regarded pitching prospect Martin Perez has a shot to make the team, but "Ideally, he'll get more minor league innings as a starter, which is where we see him long term."
Offseason In Review: Atlanta Braves
The Braves took their offseason inactivity to a new level this winter.
Major League Signings
- Eric Hinske, OF/1B: one year, $1.5MM. Club option exercised.
- Jack Wilson, SS: one year, $1MM.
- Total spend: $2.5MM.
Notable Minor League Signings
- Peter Moylan, Adam Russell, Drew Sutton, Josh Wilson, Jordan Parraz, Luis Durango, J.C. Boscan, Yohan Flande, Dusty Hughes, Jason Rice
Trades and Claims
- Acquired RP Chris Jones from Indians for SP Derek Lowe and $10MM
- Claimed RP Robert Fish in Rule 5 draft from Angels
Notable Losses
- Derek Lowe, Alex Gonzalez, Nate McLouth, Brooks Conrad, Joe Mather, Scott Linebrink, George Sherrill
The Braves made the first trade of the offseason, shipping Lowe to the Indians in the name of saving $5MM. Facing a relatively large arbitration tab, GM Frank Wren had limited flexibility even after that salary dump and a payroll increase. He entertained trade offers for veterans Jair Jurrjens and Martin Prado, but ultimately held onto both players.
There was a case for offering Gonzalez arbitration, but perhaps the Braves didn't feel a possible supplemental draft pick was worth risking a potential $4MM salary for a player they no longer wanted as their everyday shortstop. Gonzalez signed with the Brewers, and Wren chose Wilson (pictured) as his "traditional backup shortstop" behind rookie Tyler Pastornicky. As Bill Ballew of Baseball America points out, Wren has had success aggressively using rookies as regulars before with Freddie Freeman and Jason Heyward. Pastornicky is not that level of prospect, though, and I wonder if a bid for Marco Scutaro or Jamey Carroll would have offered more security than Wilson (who, incidentally, will start the season on the DL).
The league's best bullpen included 316 innings from Jonny Venters, Craig Kimbrel, Eric O'Flaherty, and Cristhian Martinez in 2011, and in October Wren cited Martinez, Anthony Varvaro, and Kris Medlen as reasons bullpen depth was not a concern. The Braves lost veterans Linebrink and Sherrill to free agency, after the duo provided 90 1/3 innings of 3.39 ball. A lot of teams would have spent a few million dollars to replace them, but I agree that the Braves still have plenty of bullpen depth.
The majority of the Braves' offseason MLBTR archives involved Prado and Jurrjens trade rumors. Reportedly, the asking price was huge: highly-regarded Rockies third base prospect Nolan Arenado in a deal involving Prado, and a Zack Greinke-like deal for Jurrjens. If good health allows Prado to return to his 2008-10 offensive levels, keeping him rather than signing Josh Willingham, Michael Cuddyer, or Cody Ross was the right move. The Braves poked around on trade targets Seth Smith and Adam Jones but couldn't find common ground. I think the Jones discussions solidified that Jurrjens' stock is down as well, as last year's misleading 2.96 ERA can't disguise the fact that he started only 43 games over 2010-11.
The Braves were obviously down on Lowe after his late-season struggles. They felt they needed the $5MM more than Lowe's innings, even though Tim Hudson is the lone remaining starter who exceeded 152 MLB innings in 2011. Now we know Hudson will miss the first month of the season. Somehow, the Braves' rotation still looks above-average, with Tommy Hanson, Brandon Beachy, Jurrjens, and some combination of Mike Minor, Randall Delgado, and Julio Teheran. However, I don't see a workhorse in that group, so the bullpen may be taxed again as the season wears on.
Wren has said this team deserves another chance, despite last year's collapse down the stretch. They've still got several of the game's best young pitchers and some All-Star caliber bats, so the team should be in contention even if they're not the preseason NL East favorite.
Photo courtesy of Icon SMI.
Latest At RotoAuthority
It's time to start preparing for fantasy baseball drafts, at the expense of your friends and loved ones. Instead of throwing down $8 on a magazine that was written in December, why not check out the latest at our sister site RotoAuthority?
- Fantasy baseball's most disappointing players from 2011 offer all kinds of bargains this year. Check out my list of unpopular names you should consider.
- Ryan Braun is a first-round pick again, writes Alex Steers McCrum.
- I explain that if you're thinking about drafting Elvis Andrus, consider Derek Jeter instead.
- Matt Kemp, Justin Upton, and Jose Bautista top Mike Axisa's outfielder rankings.
- My wife will tell you that the only thing nerdier than a fantasy draft is a practice fantasy draft. Nonetheless, much of the RotoAuthority crew participated in a mock draft last week, and here is Dan Mennella's analysis.
Orioles Sign Josh Banks
The Orioles signed righty Josh Banks to a minor league deal, tweets Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com. He notes that the Yankees and Dodgers were also interested in the 29-year-old, who will start at minor league camp.
Former slugger Gary Sheffield has apparently become an agent, because it was revealed this morning that he represents Banks. Banks hails from Severna Park, Maryland, and Sheffield reached out to arrange a tryout with the Orioles, according to MLB.com's Brittany Ghiroli. Sheffield also represents Pirates reliever Jason Grilli, reported Ghiroli.
Banks tossed 17 innings for the Long Island Ducks last year, and also tallied 78 unimpressive frames for the Giants' Triple-A affiliate.
Third Base Options For The Athletics
Unfortunately, Athletics third baseman Scott Sizemore is out for the 2012 season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Assistant GM David Forst addressed reporters today, explaining that Josh Donaldson will get the first look as his potential replacement. The team will look both internally and externally for other options, though Forst noted that spring training is generally not a time for trading.
Donaldson, 26, is a catcher by trade, but he's played the infield corners and a touch of outfield in the minors. According to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, "The A's liked the work Donaldson did at third base the final month of last season at Triple-A Sacramento and at winter ball in the Dominican Republic, and they believe he's improved enough defensively to handle the position at the big-league level. In addition, some think Donaldson will hit better when he's not catching." The A's have a few other internal candidates, but a little outside help is worth considering.
Slusser wrote Sunday the A's would be likely to have interest in Alberto Callaspo of the division-rival Angels, if they could get him without parting with a significant prospect. Our free agent tracker shows a few minor league deal options, such as Miguel Tejada and Wes Helms. Where could the A's look if they are to get more aggressive on the trade market this summer?
Baltimore's Mark Reynolds could become available, though he's not known for his defense and has limited no-trade protection. Chone Figgins is another midseason name to consider, but only if he gets off to a strong start and the Mariners assume most of the money remaining on his contract. Same goes for Brandon Inge of the Tigers. I could see the Rockies moving Casey Blake, should Nolan Arenado force the issue in a few months. Projected as a short-side platoon partner at the infield corners for the Pirates, Casey McGehee might prefer a chance to play regularly again.
The A's are in a weird spot, as Sizemore seemed something of a stopgap himself. Most likely if they bring in anyone this spring, it'll be a free agent on a minor league deal, or a trade for someone who signed one, such as Blake, Brooks Conrad, Jose Lopez, Mark Teahen, or Brandon Wood. In that case, guys like Donaldson and Stephen Parker might as well get looks.
Astros Name Myers Closer; Rework Vesting Option
The Astros named Brett Myers their closer, manager Brad Mills told reporters this morning. According to Alyson Footer, GM Jeff Luhnow brought the idea to Mills, who liked it and approached Myers. Myers' $10MM vesting option for 2013 was reworked to reflect the role change, tweets Zachary Levine of the Houston Chronicle.
Luhnow traded incumbent closer Mark Melancon to the Red Sox in December, and Myers makes for a viable replacement. Myers spent time in the role with the '07 Phillies, but he told MLB.com's Brian McTaggart, "I wouldn't accept it if I didn't think I could do it, but it's going to be a challenge for me because it's something different. It's like a position change for me. It's like taking a first baseman and moving him to third. I'm going to have to work a little harder to get my arm in shape to throw 20 or 25 pitches a night. Hopefully, it will be good for the team and good for the organization."
Luhnow explained the move, saying, "We feel like we’re in pretty good shape [in the rotation] and have some choices. We felt like were a little exposed in the bullpen, and having a guy who’s been successful in that role and who’s got the mentality and stuff to do well takes pressure of Brandon Lyon coming off an injury and doesn’t put pressure on young kids like David Carpenter and Wilton Lopez." I feel that while the Astros have a number of options for their last two rotation spots, this move still weakens the team overall.
The decision probably isn't all that great for Myers' trade value, as he'd been able to toss 439 2/3 innings over the past two seasons. He's owed $11MM this year, and if the '13 option doesn't vest it will come with a $3MM buyout.
As we gear up for fantasy baseball season, be sure to follow our @closernews account on Twitter. Over 9,200 followers are already on board, getting instant news on the 30 closer situations to ensure dominance in the saves category. You can also check out our closer depth chart at RotoAuthority.
Would-Be Contract Years
A slew of interesting players are entering their contract years for the first time, as they'll reach six years of Major League service at some point during the season. Josh Hamilton, Miguel Montero, Mike Napoli, Erick Aybar, B.J. Upton, Andre Ethier, Shaun Marcum, Brandon McCarthy, and Anibal Sanchez are examples of such players. However, if arbitration-year extensions were not so common, the following players would also be headed for free agency after 2012 by virtue of accruing six years of service.
Starting Pitchers
- Scott Baker's extension three years ago with the Twins included a $9.25MM club option on the 2013 season, which has a good chance of being exercised if he can maintain decent health.
- Chad Billingsley inked an extension with the Dodgers one year ago, paying $26MM for his first two free agent years or $37MM for his first three.
- Jon Lester signed a deal with the Red Sox three years ago that became a standard for his service class. That contract bought out Lester's first free agent year with a club option on another, although the option is voided if he is traded and has finished first or second in the Cy Young voting in 2012 or '13.
- The Marlins' Ricky Nolasco is notorious for having an ERA unworthy of his peripheral stats, and the team owes him $20.5MM over his first two free agent years.
- The Rays bet on James Shields four years ago, getting three club options on a pitcher with less than two years of service. They've got a potential ace at reasonable option prices for '13 and '14.
- As a Scott Boras client, Jered Weaver seemed unlikely to sign an extension, especially after taking a tough stance in arbitration. However, Weaver took a hometown discount last summer and is signed through 2016.
Position Players
- Imagine the added drama for the Red Sox if Lester and Dustin Pedroia were both heading into walk years. That could've been the case, but Pedroia signed four years ago, giving the team control for up to three free agent seasons.
- If you think Troy Tulowitzki's November extension was massive, picture what he'd be looking at as a 28-year-old free agent after 2012.
- Angels second baseman Howie Kendrick was pretty close to free agency, signing a deal last month buying out three free agent years.
- The D'Backs' Chris Young signed four years ago, giving up one free agent year and an option on a second.
Relievers
- The Reds made Sean Marshall an offer he couldn't refuse this month, as he didn't expect much more than three years and $16.5MM in free agency.
- Royals closer Joakim Soria signed four years ago, and still has a pair of club options on his first two free agent years.
- The Blue Jays' Casey Janssen and the Cubs' Carlos Marmol would also be entering contract years had they not signed extensions.