Cubs’ Theo Epstein Discusses Offseason Plans
Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein allocated up to $272MM to free agents Jason Heyward, Ben Zobrist and John Lackey last winter. Now, a year later, the architect of the 2016 World Series champions expects a relatively quiet offseason.
[RELATED: Cubs Offseason Outlook]
“We made two offseasons worth of acquisitions last winter, two offseasons worth of spending,” Epstein told Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune. “We were very open about that at the time, knowing this winter there wouldn’t quite be the same type of talent available to us.”
Epstein admitted, though, that a loss to the Indians in Game 7 of the World Series might have led to a “different kind of mindset.”
“Sometimes when you do win it, it can allow you to take a little bit of a deep breath and survey the landscape more objectively,” he said.
The Cubs have two high-profile free agents in center fielder Dexter Fowler, to whom they extended a $17.2MM qualifying offer last week, and closer Aroldis Chapman. If Fowler rejects the QO by Monday’s deadline and signs elsewhere on the open market, the Cubs will still have plenty of in-house outfield options in Heyward, Zobrist, Kyle Schwarber, Jorge Soler, Albert Almora and Matt Szczur. Heyward and Almora jump out as potential successors to Fowler in center, though the former has far more experience in right field and Epstein isn’t yet eager to hand the role to the latter. Instead, he’d add someone to “complement [Almora] and allow him to grow into the job” – likely a lefty-swinging center fielder, per Sullivan. As this year’s free agent list shows, center fielders who should come at modest prices and are either left-handed or switch-hitters include Jon Jay, Coco Crisp and Michael Bourn. Picking up one of them (or anyone else) would further crowd the Cubs’ outfield, perhaps making a Soler trade even more probable than it appears now. Epstein remains bullish on the 24-year-old, but he isn’t ruling out moving him.
“We don’t have any untouchables, but I still think there’s a lot more in there offensively,” stated Epstein. “He hasn’t had the season yet where he has put it all together, hit 30 home runs and been a force in the middle of the lineup. But it’s so obviously in there. We’d like to see him reach his full potential with us, if possible.”
Soler looked like a star in the making late in the 2014 season, his first taste of major league action, when the Cuba native slashed .292/.330/.573 in 97 plate appearances. Soler has tumbled to earth since, having hit .253/.328/.413 in 668 PAs dating back to 2015, though he’s under control through 2020 and could tantalize outfielder-needy teams if Chicago shops him.
It’s possible the Cubs could acquire pitching in a Soler trade, either in the bullpen to help replace Chapman (general manager Jed Hoyer has indicated they’re not looking to spend big money on a reliever) or the rotation. Having declined Jason Hammel‘s option last week, the Cubs might be in the market for starting help to complement an enviable top four of Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta, Kyle Hendricks and Lackey. For now, swingman/Game 7 World Series closer Mike Montgomery is the favorite to take over Hammel’s vacated fifth spot. Montgomery told MLB Network Radio earlier this week that he’ll enter spring training as a starter (Twitter link), but it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Cubs at least land more depth for their rotation – whether in a Soler deal or by other means.
Derek Holland Interested In Signing With Pirates
Free agent starter Derek Holland is interested in signing with the Pirates, although the Bucs have not yet made Holland an offer, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. “I’d say the Pirates are on our short list,” says Holland’s agent, Michael Martini.
“We’d prefer a guaranteed spot, but Derek is not afraid to compete for a job,” says Martini. “We’ll see how the market develops, but we would be open to a one-year deal.”
The Pirates appear likely to hunt for low-cost rotation help, since their starting pitching options beyond Gerrit Cole (including Jameson Taillon, Chad Kuhl, Steven Brault, Drew Hutchison, Trevor Williams and top prospect Tyler Glasnow) are mostly very young. They have a reputation for fixing pitchers, and various hurlers (including J.A. Happ, Edinson Volquez and, later this winter, Ivan Nova) have cashed in, or will cash in, on the free agent market after pitching well in Pittsburgh.
Holland was once an important cog in the Rangers rotation, but missed most of the 2014 and 2015 seasons due to injury and struggled to a 4.95 ERA, 5.6 K/9 and 2.9 BB/9 in 107 1/3 innings in 2016 while also experiencing decreased velocity. The Rangers declined his team option for 2017. Holland would appear to be a candidate for the Pirates to cheaply gamble on this winter if they feel they can help him recapture something resembling his 2011-13 prime, when he pitched nearly 600 innings with an ERA below four.
Mariners Acquire Danny Valencia From Athletics
The Mariners have acquired Danny Valencia from the Athletics, Yahoo! Sports’ Jeff Passan tweets. In exchange, Oakland will receive righty Paul Blackburn, tweets MLB.com’s Greg Johns.
[Related: Updated Seattle Mariners Depth Chart]
The 32-year-old Valencia has hit well in each of the past two seasons, most recently posting a .287/.346/.446 line in 517 plate appearances with Oakland in 2016. He also logged substantial playing time at three positions (third base, first base and right field), giving him a bit of defensive versatility. He graded poorly at third, though, and got in a clubhouse altercation with Billy Butler that resulted in Butler heading to the 7-day concussion DL.
Butler was released soon after, and although the Athletics said Butler’s release was unrelated to the clubhouse fight, it seemed by season’s end that the A’s were looking to move on from Valencia. Youngster Ryon Healy received the bulk of the Athletics’ available playing time down the stretch at third base. It already looked possible the A’s could look outfield help this winter, and now it looks even more likely that they will.
Valencia has one more year of club control remaining before he’s eligible for free agency, and we project he’ll make $5.3MM next season. The Mariners obviously have a good third baseman in Kyle Seager, but Valencia could be a factor at first base and/or in the outfield. At first, his right-handed bat might pair well with that of lefty Dan Vogelbach.
The 22-year-old Blackburn, who arrived with Vogelbach in the Mike Montgomery deal in July, ranked as the Mariners’ 18th-best prospect, according to MLB.com. The Cubs made him the 56th overall pick in the draft in 2012. He throws sinkers in the low 90s and has what MLB.com describes as solid secondary stuff and a good feel for pitching, so perhaps he could profile as a back-of-the-rotation type in the big leagues. He produced a 3.27 ERA, 6.2 K/9 and 2.2 BB/9 in 143 Double-A innings in 2016.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
5 Key Stories: 11/6/16 – 11/12/16
Here are the five biggest stories here at MLBTR from the past week.
Braves reach deals with Bartolo Colon, R.A. Dickey. Several key veterans found new teams this week, and the Braves were perhaps the most active team in acquiring them, grabbing 40-something hurlers Colon and Dickey to eat innings for their 2017 staff. Colon will receive one year and $12.5MM, while Dickey will get $7.5MM for 2017, and $8MM or a $500K buyout for 2018. (The Braves got a veteran arm for their bullpen as well, signing injury-ravaged righty Jordan Walden to a minor league deal for a return engagement.)
Phillies deal for Howie Kendrick. The Dodgers shipped OF/2B/3B Howie Kendrick to the Phillies for the modest price of first baseman Darin Ruf and 2B/OF Darnell Sweeney. (It was the Dodgers’ second trade involving a veteran this week, as they also sent catcher Carlos Ruiz to Seattle for Vidal Nuno.) The rebuilding Phillies cited Kendrick’s versatility as a key to the deal — Kendrick’s ability to play multiple positions gives the team flexibility depending on which young players turn out to warrant regular playing time.
Blue Jays reach deal with Kendrys Morales. The Blue Jays, facing the potential departures of Edwin Encarnacion, Jose Bautista and Michael Saunders, plugged one hole in their lineup Friday by agreeing to terms with veteran DH Kendrys Morales on a three-year, $33MM deal. (The Blue Jays made a second big move this week, signing heralded Cuban infield prospect Lourdes Gurriel Jr. to a seven-year, $22MM deal.)
Cubs decline Jason Hammel‘s option. The Cubs made the somewhat surprising decision to pay Jason Hammel a $2MM buyout rather than exercising his $12MM option. Hammel, who pitched 166 2/3 solid innings in 2016, seemingly would have made a good trade chip at that price, but the Cubs said they preferred to let Hammel pick his next team rather than dealing him.
Rockies hire Bud Black. The Rockies replaced Walt Weiss at manager with Bud Black, entrusting the former pitcher, pitching coach and Padres manager to develop young arms like Jon Gray, Jeff Hoffman and Tyler Anderson.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Blue Jays Interested In Steve Pearce
The Blue Jays have interest in free agent utilityman Steve Pearce, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports tweets. Pearce played DH, first base, second base and both outfield spots in 2016, also briefly appearing at third. Rosenthal notes, though, that the Jays could be interested in the right-handed Pearce (a career .269/.353/.499 hitter against lefties) as a platoon partner for Justin Smoak at first base. Pearce could also give the Jays insurance policies at a number of positions, given the potential departures of Edwin Encarnacion, Michael Saunders and Jose Bautista to free agency.
Pearce underwent forearm surgery in September, and his recovery time then was estimated to be four to six months. Any team signing him would surely have interest in how he’s progressing toward a return, since it appears there’s a possibility the injury could delay the start of his season. Even so, Pearce’s versatility and productive bat (he hit .288/.374/.492 in 2016 for the Rays and Orioles) would make him a solid complementary piece for many teams. MLBTR ranked Pearce the 42nd-best free agent available this winter, projecting he would receive two years and $10MM.
Brandon Phillips Increasingly Open To Waiving No-Trade Clause
Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips has become more willing to waive his no-trade clause than he was last year, Jon Morosi of FOX Sports tweets. Phillips has full no-trade rights as a result of his 10-and-5 status, and he used those rights to seek an extension when the Reds tried to deal him to the Nationals last offseason. Talks between the two teams ended up fizzling.
It appears this offseason might play out differently. Jon Heyman of Today’s Knuckleball wrote last month that the rebuilding Reds intended to let Phillips know about their desire to find more playing time for Jose Peraza, who played a variety of positions in a productive rookie season in 2016. It’s possible the prospect of receiving less playing time himself has caused Phillips to change his tune somewhat.
Phillips is now 35, but he would still make a reasonably attractive target for a team seeking second base help (including, speculatively, teams like the Angels, Dodgers and Mets). He batted .291/.320/.416 in a solid 2016 season (although defensive metrics indicate that his fielding has declined of late), and he only has one year and $14MM remaining on the extension he signed in 2012.
Braves Sign Jordan Walden To Minor League Deal
The Braves have announced that they’ve signed righty Jordan Walden to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training. He will receive $1M if he’s in the Majors, plus a possible $2MM in incentives, SB Nation’s Chris Cotillo tweets.
The 28-year-old Walden had strong seasons in Atlanta in 2013 and 2014 before heading to St. Louis in the Jason Heyward/Shelby Miller deal two years ago. He managed just 10 1/3 big-league innings in two seasons with the Cardinals, however, before being undone by lat, shoulder and biceps issues. He was reportedly healthy coming into Spring Training this season, but he never ended up pitching competitively this year. The Cardinals recently declined his $5.25MM 2017 option, paying him a $250K buyout instead.
When healthy, Walden features a mid-90s fastball and a good slider, and he has a terrific 10.8 K/9 for his career, to go with a 3.00 ERA and 3.9 BB/9. Obviously, though, after two years of injury trouble, it remains to be seen how effective he’ll be once he returns.
Giants Sign Jose Dominguez To Minor League Deal
The Giants have signed righty reliever Jose Dominguez to a minor league deal, Baseball America’s Matt Eddy tweets. Dominguez split his time between the Padres’ bullpen and that of Triple-A El Paso in 2016, posting a 5.05 ERA, 5.0 K/9 and 4.3 BB/9 in 35 2/3 innings in the big leagues. He also struggled with his control at El Paso, with 25 walks in 35 2/3 innings there. He previously pitched for the Dodgers and Rays, heading from Los Angeles to Tampa Bay in the deal two years ago that sent Adam Liberatore and Joel Peralta to the Dodgers.
Despite his underwhelming numbers in 2016, the 26-year-old Dominguez will surely continue to get chances, since he throws extremely hard (reaching into the upper 90s with his fastball) and has a 90-MPH slider. He’ll provide the Giants with what would appear to be significant upside should he solve his control issues, although his chances of doing so are probably limited.
East Notes: Phillies, Nationals, Logan, Mets, Yankees
The Phillies plan to use newly acquired Howie Kendrick as their left fielder, but they value his versatility, writes Ryan Lawrence of PhillyVoice. “[F]or a young roster, especially with us likely to add many young players to our 40-man roster, having a player on the 25-man who has the ability to play left field, first base, second base, third base, really does provide Pete [Mackanin] with a lot of flexibility from a game to game basis,” GM Matt Klentak says. Kendrick’s versatility should help the Phillies avoid blocking young players who would benefit from big-league time. Klentak adds that the Phillies are not looking to trade second baseman Cesar Hernandez. If they do, though, Lawrence notes that Kendrick could see time at second, with Freddy Galvis potentially moving to the position if and when J.P. Crawford is promoted to play shortstop. Here’s more from the East divisions.
- It doesn’t sound like the Nationals will be able to spend as freely this winter as they have in the past, the Washington Post’s Chelsea Janes reports. The issue is the team’s ongoing rights dispute with the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network. “[The MASN money] affects us,” says Nats exec Mike Rizzo. “It’s something we’ve had to manage now for four offseasons. It’s something that needs to get rectified quickly.” Last year, the Nationals attempted to lure Yoenis Cespedes with a deal that included deferred money. This year, Rizzo says the Nats have interest in Cespedes again, although the terms of that interest seem a bit non-specific. “We’re looking to improve the club any way we can,” says Rizzo. “If it makes sense for us, he improves any team he plays on.” Rizzo adds that the Nationals would have to “make some maneuvers” to clear payroll space for Cespedes or another highly expensive free agent.
- The Mets and Yankees both have interest in free agent lefty Boone Logan, Joel Sherman of the New York Post writes. The 32-year-old Logan is coming off a strong year in Colorado, posting a 3.69 ERA, 11.1 K/9 and 3.9 BB/9 over 46 1/3 innings and holding lefties to a .139/.222/.255 line. As Sherman notes, the Mets stand to lose lefty Jerry Blevins to free agency, and the Yankees have traded lefties Aroldis Chapman, Andrew Miller and Justin Wilson over the past year. Logan, of course, left the Yankees via free agency in late 2013 after four solid years in New York.
Blue Jays Sign Lourdes Gurriel Jr. To Seven-Year Deal
SATURDAY: The Jays have officially announced the deal.
FRIDAY: The Blue Jays have agreed to a multi-year contract with Cuban infield prospect Lourdes Gurriel Jr., reports MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez (via Twitter). Gurriel, the younger brother of Astros infielder Yulieski Gurriel, is considered one of the top available international prospects and will receive a seven-year, $22MM contract from the Jays, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post (Twitter link).
That $22MM figure may seem like a relative bargain given Gurriel’s upside, but it’s worth noting that many Major League contracts of this nature allow the player in question to opt into arbitration once he is eligible (e.g. Jose Abreu, Yasiel Puig, Aroldis Chapman, Raisel Iglesias). It’s not clear if Gurriel obtained that right, but if he did, then the $22MM serves as a floor for what he’ll earn over the life of this deal, but he’d ultimately have the potential to earn quite a bit more when all is said and done.
Gurriel, a Wasserman client, was declared a free agent several months ago but waited to sign until after the completion of his 23rd birthday in order to be exempt from international spending limitations. Unlike his older brother, he’ll require some more time in the minor leagues before surfacing at the big league level. Gurriel is a career .277/.362/.426 hitter in Cuba and slashed an outstanding .344/.407/.560 in 245 plate appearances in his final season in Cuba — the 2015-16 campaign.
About 60 to 70 scouts representing more than 20 teams turned out at a showcase for Gurriel last month, during which he worked out at both shortstop and center field (though he’s also capable of playing second base and third base as well). He ran a 6.65 in the 60-yard dash and drew positive reviews on his physique and strong arm, though some scouts felt he needed more work against live pitching. Baseball America’s Ben Badler has penned scouting reports on Gurriel in the past (subscription required and recommended), giving praise to his bat speed, quality approach at the plate and strike zone management skills. Per Badler, Gurriel could eventually emerge as a high-OBP player with enough pop to hit 20-plus homers in a season.
Exactly where Gurriel fits into the Jays’ long-term plans remains to be seen. The Jays have shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, second baseman Devon Travis and center fielder Kevin Pillar all under club control through 2020, though Gurriel could eventually crack into the Majors in the corner outfield or in a super-utility role, spelling all three of the aforementioned players while also serving as an insurance policy for the injury-prone Tulowitzki and Travis.