Headlines

  • Astros Place Jeremy Peña On Injured List With Fractured Rib
  • Tucker Barnhart To Retire
  • Tyler Mahle To Be Sidelined Beyond Trade Deadline
  • Reds Release Jeimer Candelario
  • Dave Parker Passes Away
  • Griffin Canning Diagnosed With Ruptured Achilles
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

Remove Ads
  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2025 Trade Deadline Outlook Series
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Blue Jays To Sign Joe Smith

By Tim Dierkes | February 7, 2017 at 8:31am CDT

FEB. 7: Smith’s deal comes with a $3MM base salary and $500K in performance bonuses, tweets ESPN’s Buster Olney.

FEB. 4: The Blue Jays have reached an agreement with right-handed reliever Joe Smith on a one-year Major League deal, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.  The signing, should it become official, will require a 40-man roster move by Toronto.  Smith is represented by Excel Sports Management.

Smith, 33 in March, posted a 3.46 ERA, 6.9 K/9, 3.1 BB/9, 1.38 HR/9, and 50.3% groundball rate in 52 innings for the Angels and Cubs.  In terms of peripheral stats, it was the veteran sidearmer’s worst campaign since 2010.  The Blue Jays will look for Smith to recapture some of his excellence spanning 2011-14, when he was fourth among all relievers with a 2.25 ERA in 271 2/3 innings.  Blue Jays president and CEO Mark Shapiro has a previous connection to Smith, having acquired him in December 2008 while serving as general manager of the Indians.

Joe Smith

Early in the 2016 season, Smith became the top man in the Angels’ bullpen when Huston Street went down with an oblique injury.  However, Smith hit the DL himself in June with a hamstring injury.  Shortly after his return, he was dealt to the Cubs at the trade deadline.  Smith’s time with the Cubs was particularly brief due to a recurrence of the hamstring injury, and he was left off the team’s playoff roster.

The Jays’ contract with Smith comes on the heels of a one-year pact signed with lefty J.P. Howell on Tuesday.  Howell will fill the role of the departed Brett Cecil, who signed a four-year deal with the Cardinals.  Holdovers in the Blue Jays’ bullpen include Roberto Osuna, Joe Biagini, and Jason Grilli.

With pitchers and catchers reporting in a week for some teams, free agent relievers Joe Blanton, Travis Wood, and David Hernandez are among those still looking for a home.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Share 0 Retweet 15 Send via email0

Newsstand Toronto Blue Jays Joe Smith

90 comments

Check Out HoopsRumors.com For NBA Trade Deadline Coverage

By Tim Dierkes | February 2, 2017 at 1:05pm CDT

The NBA trade deadline is just over three weeks away, and our sister site Hoops Rumors is on top of all the latest news and rumors for each of the league’s 30 teams.

Will the Carmelo Anthony era come to an end in New York, given the trade rumors surrounding the Knicks star? Will the Bulls blow things up after several of their marquee players publicly traded barbs? Will the Cavaliers be able to satisfy LeBron James by adding another playmaker to their roster? Is this the year that Danny Ainge and the Celtics finally cash in some of their assets to make a major trade?

For the latest updates on those stories and many more, visit Hoops Rumors today and follow us on Twitter @HoopsRumors!

Share 0 Retweet 2 Send via email0

Newsstand

1 comment

Seeking Writers For ProHockeyRumors.com

By Tim Dierkes | February 2, 2017 at 10:00am CDT

Last June, we launched Pro Hockey Rumors to cover all of the NHL transaction-related news, joining MLB Trade Rumors, Hoops Rumors, and Pro Football Rumors in our network.  PHR has grown rapidly, and the NHL trade deadline is fast approaching.  We’re looking to bring aboard multiple new writers with strong weekday daytime availability.  The positions pay hourly.  The criteria:

  • Availability to work at least ten hours per week covering NHL news, particularly with availability from 9am-5pm central time Monday through Friday.
  • Exceptional knowledge of all 31 NHL teams, no discernible bias. Knowledge of transaction-related concepts.
  • A high school degree is required, and further education is preferred. Please include your highest completed level of education in your application.
  • Writing experience is necessary, and online writing experience is preferred.
  • Attention to detail and ability to follow the MLBTR/Hoops Rumors/PFR style and tone.
  • Ability to analyze articles and craft intelligent, well-written posts summing up the news quickly and concisely.
  • Ability to use Twitter, Tweetdeck, and an RSS feed reader such as Feedly. In general, you must be able to multi-task.
  • Experience with social media, especially Twitter.
  • If you’re interested, email prohockeyrumorshelp@gmail.com and explain how you stand out and qualify in a couple of short paragraphs.  Please attach your resume to the email.  We often receive several hundred applications, so unfortunately we will not be able to reply to each one.
Share 0 Retweet 1 Send via email0

Newsstand

0 comments

ProHockeyRumors.com Has The NHL Trade Deadline Covered

By Tim Dierkes | January 30, 2017 at 11:00pm CDT

The NHL trade deadline is only a month away, and our sister site Pro Hockey Rumors is all you need to stay on top of the breaking news and rumors.  With Matt Duchene and Gabriel Landeskog available, will the Avalanche shake up their core?  After more than two decades with the Coyotes, will Shane Doan get one last chance at a Stanley Cup with a new team?  Will the Lightning move star goalie Ben Bishop at the deadline? And is this the year the Red Wings finally choose to rebuild?  Visit Pro Hockey Rumors today and follow us on Twitter @prohockeyrumors!

Share 0 Retweet 2 Send via email0

Newsstand

17 comments

2016-17 MLB Free Agent Tracker

By Tim Dierkes | January 26, 2017 at 1:54pm CDT

Though most of the biggest names are off the board, solid MLB free agents such as Jason Hammel, Brandon Moss, Matt Wieters, and Chris Carter remain unsigned.  A slew of quality relievers are looking for homes as well.  To stay on top of all the free agent signings, make sure you have MLBTR’s free agent tracker bookmarked!  Our new and improved tracker allows you to filter by position, team, signing status, handedness, qualifying offers, and contract years, amounts, and options.  We’ll be updating it quickly throughout the offseason.  The tracker is mobile-friendly as well, so give it a try on your phone.  Check out our 2016-17 MLB Free Agent Tracker today!

Share 0 Retweet 4 Send via email0

Newsstand

7 comments

MLBTR Seeking Freelance Writers For Feature Articles

By Tim Dierkes | January 19, 2017 at 1:50pm CDT

In 2016, MLB Trade Rumors featured articles from former MLB players Burke Badenhop, Ryan Spilborghs, and John Baker.  We also had former Cubs executive Chuck Wasserstrom interview GMs and draft prospects, and former White Sox beat writer Brett Ballantini interview Rick Hahn and Dave Stewart.  In 2017, we aim to continue bringing our readers diverse, original articles of this nature.

Are you a former MLB player or executive pondering the next phase of your career?  Writing freelance articles for MLB Trade Rumors is an excellent way to dip your toe into the water while enjoying a large platform.  Rather than analysis of current trades and signings, we’re looking for unique, untold stories from your MLB experience that you’re willing to share with our readers.

Are you an MLB beat writer who is between full-time jobs, or currently making a living as a freelancer for multiple outlets?  We’re seeking baseball writers with experience interviewing players and executives, as well as the connections to land new interviews for MLBTR.  Aside from earning a few extra bucks, we’ll tweet about your articles with your handle included, to help grow your following.

If you fit either of these descriptions, please email us at mlbtrhelp@gmail.com, explaining your background and a few ideas for articles you’d like to write for MLBTR.

Share 0 Retweet 7 Send via email0

Newsstand

58 comments

2017 MLB Arbitration Tracker

By Tim Dierkes | January 12, 2017 at 3:55pm CDT

Our 2017 MLB arbitration tracker is now available! The tracker displays all arbitration eligible players, with fields for team, service time, player and team submissions, the midpoint, and the settlement amount. You can filter by team, signing status, service time, Super Two status, and whether a hearing occurred. For unsigned players, arbitration figures will be exchanged tomorrow.

You can bookmark MLBTR’s 2017 Arbitration Tracker here, or you can find it in the Tools menu at the top of the site.

MLBTR is also the only place for salary projections for every arbitration eligible player, which you can find here.

Share 0 Retweet 4 Send via email0

Newsstand

12 comments

The Ad Experience On MLBTR

By Tim Dierkes | December 29, 2016 at 7:51am CDT

Despite our increased efforts over the last several months, many of you are currently experiencing ads on our mobile site that automatically redirect your browser. Sometimes it goes to the app store, sometimes to other sites, but it’s always incredibly annoying. I’m sorry you’ve had to deal with it. At MLBTR, we loathe these ads. We don’t make money from them; they are the result of shady ad networks violating their terms. You can read more about the issue here; it is something even Google and Apple have been unable to stop.

I don’t say that as an excuse, but just an explanation. We’ve worked to remove these redirect ads for years, but it’s been a game of Whac-A-Mole. This month I am renewing my efforts to fix the problem. If you’re willing to help, please contact us so we can gather details from your case.

In the meantime, please consider downloading our free app, Trade Rumors, and using that instead of the mobile website. The app has fewer ads than our mobile site does, and has rarely had redirect issues. It’s also a well-reviewed app that offers custom notifications and a sleek reading experience on mobile devices.

We’ll continue to do everything we can to root out the bad ad networks.  Thanks for your patience and understanding in this matter.

Share 0 Retweet 2 Send via email0

Newsstand

66 comments

Free Agent Prediction Contest Leaderboard

By Tim Dierkes | December 9, 2016 at 3:55pm CDT

Out of thousands of entrants in our free agent prediction contest, only Parker Holman has 12 correct out of the 20 players who have signed.  Check out our new free agent prediction contest leaderboard to see where you rank!  You can also view how the MLBTR writers are faring, and you can check out anyone’s individual team picks.

Share 0 Retweet 2 Send via email0

2016-17 MLB Free Agents

26 comments

2018-19 MLB Free Agents

By Tim Dierkes | December 7, 2016 at 2:50pm CDT

Here’s our list of current MLB free agents.  Numbers in parentheses are the age at which the player would play the 2019 season.

If you see any notable errors or omissions, please contact us.

Updated 3-21-19

Catchers

None

First Basemen

Logan Morrison (31)
Danny Valencia (34)

Second Basemen

Brandon Phillips (38)
Jose Reyes (36)

Shortstops

Jose Reyes (36)

Third Basemen

Chase Headley (35)
Jose Reyes (36)

Left Fielders

Denard Span (35)

Center Fielders

Austin Jackson (32)
Denard Span (35)
Chris Young (35)

Right Fielders

Jose Bautista (38)
Chris Young (35)

Designated Hitters

Evan Gattis (32)
Matt Holliday (39)

Starting Pitchers

Bartolo Colon (46)
Yovani Gallardo (33)
Miguel Gonzalez (35)
Phil Hughes (33)
Edwin Jackson (35)
Dallas Keuchel (31)
James Shields (37)
Chris Tillman (31)

Right-Handed Relievers

Matt Belisle (39)
Blaine Boyer (37)
Santiago Casilla (38)
Erik Goeddel (30)
Chris Hatcher (34)
Jim Johnson (36)
Craig Kimbrel (31)
Ryan Madson (38)
AJ Ramos (32)
Fernando Salas (34)
Chris Volstad (32)
Blake Wood (33)

Left-Handed Relievers

Jorge De La Rosa (38)
Boone Logan (34)

Share 0 Retweet 37 Send via email0

2018-19 MLB Free Agents

77 comments
« Previous Page
Load More Posts
    Top Stories

    Astros Place Jeremy Peña On Injured List With Fractured Rib

    Tucker Barnhart To Retire

    Tyler Mahle To Be Sidelined Beyond Trade Deadline

    Reds Release Jeimer Candelario

    Dave Parker Passes Away

    Griffin Canning Diagnosed With Ruptured Achilles

    Pirates Reportedly Have Very Few Untouchable Players At Trade Deadline

    Griffin Canning Believed To Have Suffered Achilles Injury

    Mariners Looking For Corner Infield Bats; Ownership Willing To Bump Payroll

    Wander Franco Found Guilty Of Sexual Abuse

    Mariners Place Rowdy Tellez On Release Waivers

    Max Meyer To Undergo Season-Ending Hip Surgery

    Whit Merrifield Announces Retirement

    White Sox Sign Noah Syndergaard To Minor League Deal

    Corbin Carroll Placed On IL With Wrist Fracture

    Hoops Rumors Has The Latest On NBA Draft, Free Agency

    Mets Option Francisco Alvarez

    Reds To Promote Chase Burns For MLB Debut

    A.J. Puk Undergoes Elbow Surgery; Gabriel Moreno Diagnosed With Fractured Finger

    Braves To Select Didier Fuentes

    Recent

    Nicky Lopez Opts Out Of Diamondbacks Deal

    Matt Gage Elects Free Agency

    Tigers To Place Kerry Carpenter On Injured List

    Astros Notes: Peña, Matthews, Smith

    The Opener: Orioles, Milestones, MLBTR Chat

    Astros Place Jeremy Peña On Injured List With Fractured Rib

    Ross Atkins Discusses Deadline Needs, Santander

    Yankees Select Geoff Hartlieb, Place Fernando Cruz On 15-Day IL

    Tucker Barnhart To Retire

    Tyler Mahle To Be Sidelined Beyond Trade Deadline

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Sandy Alcantara Rumors
    • Luis Robert Rumors
    • Alex Bregman Rumors

     

    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android App Store Google Play

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Remove Ads, Support Our Writers
    • Front Office Originals
    • Front Office Fantasy Baseball
    • MLBTR Podcast
    • Trade Deadline Outlook Series
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • RSS/Twitter Feeds By Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information

    hide arrows scroll to top

    Register

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version