Trade/Free Agent Rumors: Quintana, Jays, Trumbo, Breslow
The Yankees have yet to add a starting pitcher to their rotation this winter, but MLB Network’s Jon Morosi tweets that they’re still interested White Sox ace Jose Quintana. As he points out, the Yankees certainly have a deep enough farm system to entice the Sox to part with their second front-of-the-rotation lefty of the offseason. However, Morosi doesn’t contextualize their interest, and it’s worth noting that Yankees GM Brian Cashman has said earlier this winter that he’s reached out to virtually every team at some point and is casting a wide net in attempting to improve his team. Along those lines, ESPN New York’s Andrew Marchand writes that the Yankees have been extremely disinclined to part with young talent this winter, and he ultimately characterizes the chances of Quintana landing in New York as unlikely.
A few more notes on the trade and free-agent markets…
- Morosi also tweets that in addition to Boone Logan and Jerry Blevins, the Blue Jays have interest in free-agent southpaw Travis Wood. Toronto has already been connected to both Logan and Blevins, but there hasn’t been much of a link between the Jays and Wood to this point. The Blue Jays have already lost Brett Cecil to the Cardinals this winter and have yet to replace him. Left-handed relief was arguably a need for the Jays even before Cecil departed, so they figure to be linked to a number of prominent southpaws as the offseason wears on. In Wood’s case, though, it’s worth wondering if he’d prefer to sign somewhere that gives him a chance to start. Wood spent the past couple of seasons in the Cubs’ bullpen, but he averaged 30 starts per year from 2012-14 and reached 200 innings in 2013. In a market that is thin on starters, giving Wood a chance to redefine himself as a rotation member holds plenty of merit for pitching-needy clubs.
- Orioles GM Dan Duquette said on MLB Network’s High Heat today that he’s still interested in Mark Trumbo and there’s still a “window open” for the slugger to return to Baltimore (Twitter link via FanRag’s Jon Heyman). Baltimore reportedly pulled its four-year offer to Trumbo over the weekend, but it doesn’t seem that Duquette and his staff have completely abandoned the idea of Trumbo returning in 2017 (and beyond). Trumbo drilled an MLB-best 47 homers last season but also comes with some question marks surrounding his defense, and the fact that he rejected a qualifying offer means any team will have to forfeit a draft pick to sign him.
- Left-hander Craig Breslow will throw for teams on Jan. 23 in Boston, reports Evan Drellich of the Boston Herald (Twitter links). The 36-year-old Breslow has been working out with Rich Hill this offseason and changed his arm angle, Drellich notes. Back in September, Breslow spoke to Drellich about how he planned to take an analytical look at his pitch selection this winter, exploring horizontal/vertical movement, spin rate and other factors and pair that knowledge with a lower arm slot in order to revive his career. Breslow has spent parts of 11 seasons in the Majors, but his last truly successful year came back in 2013 with the Red Sox (1.81 ERA in 59 2/3 innings).
Orioles Notes: Machado, Wieters, Rasmus, Free Agents
In his latest column, ESPN’s Buster Olney argues that the Orioles need to begin preparing for the possibility of trading superstar third baseman Manny Machado (Insider subscription required and highly recommended). Olney is careful to report that sources in the organization tell him no such talks have taken place, but he also lays out a compelling argument for dealing Machado this coming summer if the O’s aren’t in contention. Machado’s $11.2MM arbitration projection will take his career earnings north of $20MM, so he can afford to wait for free agency two years from now, financially speaking. And the Orioles have what is generally regarded as one of the game’s weaker farm systems, so moving Machado and other top-tier MLB assets (i.e. Zach Britton, Adam Jones) could net GM Dan Duquette the type of prospect bounty that would make for an accelerated rebuilding process.
O’s fans undoubtedly would prefer to see Machado extended, but I agree with Olney’s assessment that the window for that has likely closed. At this juncture, it’s hard to envision Machado signing anything less than a record-setting contract. He’s a better all-around player than Giancarlo Stanton, whose 13-year, $325MM contract is the current benchmark. Hitting the open market at age 26, Machado should shatter Stanton’s record contract barring some form of devastating injury. Of course, if Baltimore is in contention in 2017, then it’s all a moot point for a bit longer, as there’s no way the Orioles would (nor should they) consider dealing Machado and others if a potential postseason berth is in the cards.
A few more notes on the Orioles…
- Agent Scott Boras reached out to Orioles owner Peter Angelos one last time to try to get the O’s back into the Matt Wieters bidding before Baltimore signed Welington Castillo, reports MASNsports.com’s Roch Kubatko. The Orioles were simply far more comfortable committing a modest $6MM salary in 2017 (and possibly $7MM in 2018) to Castillo than they were with considering the price levels that Boras is seeking for Wieters. Kubatko notes that Wieters’ situation may not be resolved before the calendar flips to 2017.
- Within that same piece, Kubatko reports that Colby Rasmus‘ agents have reached out to the Orioles, but the team considers his current asking price to be too high. If the O’s do end up with Rasmus, a deal would have to be reached closer to Spring Training once his asking price drops a bit further. Rasmus struggled to a .206/.286/.355 batting line last year but played through myriad physical issues over the course of the season. Rasmus had a cyst surgically removed from his ear this past summer — an issue that very likely could’ve impacted his balance and all-around skill set — and underwent surgeries to repair his hip and a sports hernia following the 2016 season. A healthier Rasmus could be a nice rebound candidate, though the O’s likely aren’t alone in expressing some trepidation about committing a significant guarantee to a player coming off Rasmus’ recent injuries.
- Eduardo A. Encina of the Baltimore Sun writes that the O’s are still looking for a defensive upgrade in the corner outfield and depth in the bullpen, but he casts some doubt on the team’s ability to squeeze in another acquisition prior to the holidays. The team’s talks with Mark Trumbo have been lagging a bit, and while the O’s haven’t pivoted to similar players like Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion and Chris Carter yet, Encina adds that they’ll eventually go that route if talks with Trumbo’s camp don’t intensify.
Poll: Which Team Will Sign Mark Trumbo?
Free agent first baseman/outfielder Mark Trumbo‘s market may have taken a notable hit Saturday when the Orioles, with whom he spent last season, rescinded their offer to the slugger after negotiations stalled. Baltimore’s proposal was reportedly worth in the neighborhood of $52MM over four years and didn’t include a no-trade clause. The soon-to-be 31-year-old Trumbo is seeking upward of $70MM and full no-trade rights after launching a major league-leading 47 home runs in 2016. While no team has been willing to approach Trumbo’s demands – not to the media’s knowledge, anyway – there hasn’t been a shortage of clubs that have shown interest in him this offseason.
Wherever Trumbo plays next season, it seems unlikely he’ll spend most of his time in the outfield again. Trumbo served as primarily a right fielder last season, but the results were uninspiring (minus-9 Defensive Runs Saved, minus-5.9 Ultimate Zone Rating) and subtracted value from the .256/.316/.533 batting line he put together in 667 plate appearances. For his part, Trumbo realizes he’s better suited as a first baseman, where the former Angel, Diamondback and Mariner has played the plurality of his career. The Orioles already have an entrenched solution at first in Chris Davis and, if they are able to work out a deal with Trumbo, would want him back as mainly a designated hitter, according to Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com.
If Trumbo does add the Orioles to his list of ex-employers, it seems the Rockies could end up as his next team. As they’re currently built, the Rockies don’t have room for a first baseman. Nevertheless, they’re still in on Trumbo even after signing Ian Desmond to a five-year, $70MM contract, per Kubatko. Inking Trumbo would enable the Rockies to send Desmond to the outfield, where he played in Texas last season and where he’d be more valuable, and perhaps pave the way for the team to trade an excess outfielder (Charlie Blackmon or Carlos Gonzalez) for a starting pitcher. Having already given up their first-round pick in 2017 to sign Desmond, the Rockies would only have to surrender a second-rounder to bring the powerful Trumbo – who rejected the Orioles’ qualifying offer – to the hitters’ paradise known as Coors Field.
Aside from the Orioles and Rockies, the Cardinals, Indians, Rangers and Mariners have all been connected to Trumbo in recent weeks. As is the case with the Rockies, the Cardinals wouldn’t have the option of deploying Trumbo at DH because they’re in the National League. They also wouldn’t lose a first-rounder to sign Trumbo, having already parted with their top selection in 2017 to pick up center fielder Dexter Fowler in free agency. The Cards aren’t exactly hard up for infielders, though, which is one reason they’re planning to shift Matt Carpenter to first on a full-time basis. If Trumbo enters the fray, Carpenter would presumably head back to the hot corner. That would turn $10MM third baseman Jhonny Peralta into either an expensive reserve or a trade chip and make first baseman Matt Adams all the more superfluous.
The Indians and Rangers each have obvious needs at first base/DH, though Texas is an unlikely landing spot if you’re to believe president and general manager Jon Daniels that he’d rather find a solution from within than splurge on a free agent. On the other hand, the AL champion Indians are fresh off a deep playoff run – one that proved highly beneficial to their financial situation – and could perhaps turn to Trumbo as a replacement for free agent Mike Napoli and a presumably less expensive (and less effective) alternative to Edwin Encarnacion.
Like Cleveland and Texas, Seattle would have to sacrifice a first-rounder to sign Trumbo. GM Jerry Dipoto suggested last month that he was content with his club’s cast of position players, but he quickly reversed course by entering talks with Trumbo’s camp and placing outfielder Seth Smith on the block. Aside from Nelson Cruz, who’s clearly more cut out to DH, Smith is the Mariners’ most established corner outfield bat. Dealing him would leave the M’s with only unproven options in Mitch Haniger, Ben Gamel and Guillermo Heredia. Trumbo could factor in as both a corner outfielder (again, not ideal) or a first basemen, then, as the Mariners are set to rely on a tandem of Dan Vogelbach and Danny Valencia at the latter spot. Of course, not only would signing with the Mariners bring about Trumbo’s second stint in Seattle, but it would reunite him with Dipoto. Notably, Dipoto traded Trumbo away when he was the Angels’ GM in 2013.
While reports suggest Trumbo will join one of the aforementioned clubs sometime in the coming months, there’s also the possibility of a mystery team swooping in and landing him. Is there an unknown suitor out there that you think is going to sign Trumbo, or will one of the franchises listed above ultimately add him to its lineup?
(Poll link for Trade Rumors App users)
Who will sign Mark Trumbo?
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Orioles 27% (5,090)
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Mystery team 20% (3,747)
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Rockies 19% (3,617)
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Cardinals 12% (2,215)
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Indians 10% (1,857)
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Rangers 8% (1,440)
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Mariners 6% (1,151)
Total votes: 19,117
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
East Notes & Rumors: Trumbo, O’s, Familia, Nats, Yanks
Contract talks between the Orioles and free agent outfielder/first baseman Mark Trumbo have stalled, reports Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com. The two sides previously agreed to a four-year framework, but Baltimore’s offer is now off the table, per Kubatko, who notes that a deal could still come together (Twitter link). In 2016, his first (and perhaps only) season as an Oriole, Trumbo hit .256/.316/.533 with a major league-high 47 home runs. Along with the O’s, the Rockies, Indians, Mariners and Rangers are among the clubs that have shown interest in the soon-to-be 31-year-old this offseason.
More from the majors’ two East divisions:
- Domestic violence charges against Mets closer Jeurys Familia were dropped Thursday, but he’ll still face at least a 30-game suspension next season, per Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News. A 30-game ban would be identical to the punishment Major League Baseball levied on Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman last year. Like Familia, Chapman didn’t face any legal ramifications for his domestic violence incident. Rob Manfred regarded Chapman’s case as serious enough to warrant an unpaid month off, though, and the commissioner is currently investigating Familia. Bianca Rivas, Familia’s wife, said he didn’t hurt her Oct. 31, but the police who responded to her 911 call noticed a bruise on her cheek and scratches on her chest. The scratches came from the couple’s 1-year-old son, according to Rivas.
- After trading away infielder Danny Espinosa last week, the Nationals are searching for outside bench help, writes Mark Zuckerman of MASNsports.com. The Nats have expressed interest in re-signing free agent infielder Stephen Drew, who joined the team last year on a one-year, $3MM deal and hit .266/.339/.524 in 165 plate appearances. However, Drew might end up finding a more prominent role elsewhere. “He’s been offered some,” Drew’s agent, Scott Boras, said at the winter meetings. “So he’s just kind of evaluating the options of carrying out a multiple-position role and probably playing more than he did last year, or pursuing something more along the lines (of what he was for the Nationals this year).” If Washington doesn’t acquire an Espinosa replacement from elsewhere, the club does have 24-year-old Wilmer Difo on hand as a potential solution. He has just 77 big league PAs to his name, though.
- Given that they haven’t added anyone to their rotation this winter, the Yankees are positioning themselves to rely heavily on unproven starters in 2017, observes Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Masahiro Tanaka, C.C. Sabathia and Michael Pineda are locks for the starting five; behind them, Luis Severino, Chad Green Luis Cessa, Bryan Mitchell and Adam Warren will vie for roles. The most intriguing member of the group is Severino, who endured a miserable 2016 with an 8.50 ERA in 47 2/3 major league innings as a starter. That was only Severino’s age-22 season, though, and the former big-time prospect isn’t far removed from a highly promising 2015 debut in which he recorded a 2.89 ERA, 8.09 K/9 and 50.3 percent ground-ball rate in 62 1/3 frames. “My emphasis at the end of the year with him was locate your fastball better, repeat your delivery and make sure your breaking ball morphs back into a harder breaking ball,” pitching coach Larry Rothschild told Sherman. “I certainly look at him as a starter. But to be a starter, improvements need to be made. If the improvements are made, he will be really good.”
Orioles Rumors: Trumbo, Carter, Alvarez, Gausman, Outfielders
The latest on the Orioles, courtesy of Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com:
- At last check, Baltimore and free agent outfielder/first baseman Mark Trumbo had agreed to a four-year framework, but the sides remained far apart on the slugger’s worth. Despite that, the Orioles likely have the best offer on the table for Trumbo, according to Kubatko. If they’re unable to re-sign Trumbo, the O’s could bring back free agent designated hitter Pedro Alvarez, but he’ll probably end up elsewhere if Trumbo returns to Baltimore. And contrary to an earlier report, the Orioles are not in on free agent first baseman/DH Chris Carter, per Kubatko.
- While the Rockies could trade one of their outfielders this offseason, they’re unlikely to reach a deal with the Orioles. No matter which Rockie the Orioles have shown interest in, Colorado has consistently pressed for right-hander Kevin Gausman in trade talks. The Orioles aren’t going to move Gausman, though, as he’s arguably their top starter and has four years of club control remaining. Gausman, 25, led all Orioles starters in innings pitched (179 2/3), ERA (3.61) and K/BB ratio (3.7) last season.
- The Orioles are in the lead for free agent catcher Welington Castillo‘s services, writes Kubatko. Baltimore is willing to give a two-year deal to Castillo, who has been seeking a three-year pact since the Diamondbacks non-tendered him Dec. 2.
- Moving to the outfield, the O’s haven’t closed the door on re-signing free agent Michael Bourn. The club acquired the fleet-footed Bourn from the Diamondbacks at the end of August, and he then proceeded to hit .283/.358/.435 with two home runs and a pair of steals over 55 plate appearances. Meanwhile, the Orioles haven’t discussed a contract extension with fellow outfielder Hyun Soo Kim, who’s entering the final season of the two-year, $7MM deal he signed as a free agent from Korea last winter. The lefty-swinging Kim accrued 346 PAs – 323 against righties – as a major league rookie in 2016 and held his own with a .302/.382/.420 line.
Cardinals Notes: Encarnacion, Trumbo, Fowler, Prospects
While the Cardinals have already made two significant additions via free agency, they could consider a third, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. St. Louis is expected to consider free agents Edwin Encarnacion and Mark Trumbo, both of whom exited the Winter Meetings without a contract. Either of those players would presumably factor at first base for the Cards, if they are ultimately pursued. Though the team has said it intends to utilize Matt Carpenter there, he could theoretically shift back to third base if one of those big bats were to be added. (Matt Adams also remains on hand, though the organization already has signaled that it will not use him as a regular option at first with Carpenter’s position change.) Of course, both Encarnacion and Trumbo are somewhat questionable targets for a National League team, since both could well need to shift to a pure DH role at some point in the coming years. Unsurprisingly, then, it seems the Cardinals’ interest may be limited to a scenario where Encarnacion or Trumbo is forced to consider a shorter-term pact, ESPN.com’s Mark Saxon notes on Twitter.
- The most recent Cardinals’ signing was a five-year arrangement with center fielder Dexter Fowler. It’s a sensible deal from the team’s perspective, Keith Law of ESPN.com opines (Insider link). Fowler’s high-OBP bat is a perfect fit for the lineup, Law writes, and he steps right in at a position of obvious need. While Law argues that Fowler came at a solid value, even with a $82.5MM guarantee, the Cards surely would’ve preferred to spend less. But that became nearly impossible when Ian Desmond signed with the Rockies and Adam Eaton went to the Nationals via trade, Jon Heyman of Fan Rag notes on Twitter. St. Louis had been pursuing Desmond along with Fowler, and its hand was forced somewhat by those other moves.
- St. Louis seems inclined to continue focusing on the free-agent market rather than pursuing major trades, MLB.com’s Jenifer Langosch writes. GM John Mozeliak explains that the organization remains loath to part with talented young righty Alex Reyes. After him, he suggests, “maybe we just didn’t have that next tier [of prospects] that was good enough to compete with some of the names being bantered about.” This prospect “gap,” as Mozeliak terms it, would have forced the team either to sacrifice Reyes or a number of other youngsters to find significant upgrades via trade. “The problem you start to run into there is then quantity, and how much are you willing to part with if you’re not willing to move Reyes?” Mozeliak explained. “And that can be a pretty big hit from a volume standpoint. We finally got this system up to where we have some confidence in it. And to move four or five players from there, that would be hard to do.”
Rockies Remain Interested In Mark Trumbo, Could Trade OF To Clear Space
The Rockies remain interested in signing Mark Trumbo despite their recent high-profile pact with Ian Desmond, FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal writes (Twitter links). The idea is that, since they already lost the No. 11 overall pick in the Desmond deal, they would only lose a second-rounder as a result of acquiring Trumbo.
The Rockies could then play Trumbo, rather than Desmond, at first base (Trumbo’s best defensive position) and trade an outfielder, perhaps Carlos Gonzalez, to make room for Desmond in the outfield. Gonzalez has just one more year remaining on his contract, and the Rockies reportedly haven’t gotten far in extension talks with him. Yahoo! Sports’ Jeff Passan adds that it’s also possible the Rockies could move Charlie Blackmon (who has lately been connected to the Cardinals) or top corner infield prospect Ryan McMahon.
Trumbo has lately been connected to a wide variety of teams, including the Orioles, Indians, Mariners and Rangers. After belting 47 home runs in 2016, he’s asking a steep price, reportedly $75MM or more over four years. That seems like a lot to pay a one-dimensional slugger, but the idea of housing Trumbo’s spectacular power in Coors Field has to have the Rockies salivating.
Orioles Notes: Dyson, Gardner, Trumbo
Here’s the latest on the Orioles, who seem to have spent the day so far in pursuit of position players:
- The Orioles have recently spoken to the Royals about outfielder Jarrod Dyson, FanRag’s Jon Heyman tweets. (The Athletics emerged yesterday as another possible suitor for the Royals, and Heyman identified the Orioles and Rangers as other possibilities.) Dyson is a free agent after next season, and the Royals might look to deal him as they plan their way ahead. For the Orioles or for whichever team acquires him, he’ll be a cheap, versatile, lefty-swinging outfield option who brings outstanding baserunning and defense.
- Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner could be a fit for the O’s, Heyman tweets. The Orioles, however, would like to have the Yankees pay down some of Gardner’s remaining salary (a total of $25MM guaranteed over the next two seasons). At last check, the Yankees had been listening to offers for Gardner. Whether the Yankees would want to trade Gardner within the division remains to be seen, however.
- The Orioles remain interested in retaining Mark Trumbo, MASN’s Roch Kubatko writes. The two sides have agreed that Trumbo’s deal to stay in Baltimore should be four years. They’re far apart on the price of the deal, however. As Kubatko noted yesterday, the Orioles also don’t want to give Trumbo a no-trade clause.
Indians Continue Looking For Slugger, Talking To Mark Trumbo
The Indians, in their quest to find a right-handed hitter to add to the middle of their lineup, have talked to Mark Trumbo as well as Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion and Mike Napoli, Jon Heyman of FanRag tweets. (They also pursued the left-handed Mitch Moreland, who ended up with the Red Sox.)
Of those, the new name is that of Trumbo, who has lately been connected to the Mariners, Orioles, Rockies and Rangers. Trumbo, who swatted 47 home runs in 2016, would add a big power bat to the Indians’ mix at DH, corner outfield and first base, filling a role similar to the one Napoli filled last season. Trumbo is reportedly seeking $80MM, a huge number for the Indians, but one they might be able to at least approach, given their windfall from reaching the World Series and their evident interest in other high-dollar players.
Mariners In Talks With Mark Trumbo
The Mariners are in talks with free agent slugger Mark Trumbo, ESPN’s Jim Bowden writes. MLB.com’s Greg Johns confirms (via Twitter) that the two sides have spoken, although he characterizes talks as being somewhat less serious than Bowden suggests.
Trumbo and current Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto were once both in the Angels organization, so perhaps it’s no surprise that Trumbo and the Mariners have touched base. Trumbo would add even more power to a lineup that already contains Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz, Jean Segura and Kyle Seager, and the Mariners can certainly use a bit of outfield help.
Trumbo, then, could be a very tempting target for Seattle after a season in which he batted .256/.316/.533 with a league-leading 47 home runs. He could conceivably fit into the Mariners’ mixes in the outfield and at first base until Cruz’s contract expires following the 2018 season, at which point he could perhaps move to DH. Trumbo does, however, come with caveats, particularly at the $60MM price tag we predict he’ll command over four years — he frequently strikes out and isn’t strong defensively, and past editions of Mariners teams were weighted down by too many sluggers who lacked defensive value. Trumbo also rejected a qualifying offer.