The Red Sox are one of the most aggressive pursuers of free agent reliever Greg Holland, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports. But there are multiple other organizations that have keen interest in the veteran hurler, who is looking to return following Tommy John surgery. Boston, of course, wouldn’t be able to offer Holland much of a path toward a closing job; presumably, he’d be expected to serve in a set-up capacity in front of Craig Kimbrel. Whether or not other organizations would hand Holland the ninth — or, perhaps, at least provide a chance for him to get there at some point — isn’t known, and it’s also not clear to what extent that really matters in his decisionmaking process.
- There are numerous opportunities for the Red Sox to consider this winter — with free agent Edwin Encarnacion, perhaps, being the most intriguing. Bradford reports that the organization has yet to engage Encarnacion’s camp in earnest, however, and certainly the public signals given by president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski suggest that he’s not a top target. That could be posturing, or a nod to the still-uncertain CBA talks, but Bradford argues that Boston ought to be in on Encarnacion.
- The Nationals have spoken to the White Sox about ace lefty Chris Sale, Bob Nightengale of USA Today tweets. But Chicago has not undertaken serious talks with any clubs about Sale to this point, he adds. While it’s certainly reasonable to think that the Nats would be interested in knowing what it might take to add the talented southpaw, it seems at this point there’s no reason to view the chatter as more than due diligence.
- The Blue Jays, meanwhile, are looking for a lefty outfield bat and are exploring options in both trade and free agency, Jim Bowden of ESPN.com said in an appearance on MLB Network Radio on Sirius XM (Twitter link). Josh Reddick is one possible target, per the report, and Toronto has also chatted with the Mets about Jay Bruce — who, perhaps, would be shopped if New York were to add a certain, significant free agent.
houseoflords44
I’m not surprised the Red Sox aren’t in heavily for Encarnacion. They may not want to give him a long term deal. for a few reasons. One, they have a few younger players that they’ll need to lock up in the the next few years, Mookie Betts & Xander Bogarts most notably. Another reason is they may prefer a lefty bat or at the very least, a switch hitter, to replace Ortiz. That is why I always thought Beltran was a better fit for Boston.
trolofson
Nats need to go for it. Without more playoff success Harper won’t stay and they’ll have nothing to show for his time there.
Yankees2425
Then he can sign with the Yankees.
yankeefan63
I hope not. He’s had ONE good year. No thanks!
BoldyMinnesota
His lowest ops in his career has been 111. He has never had a bad season. And that “one” good season was one of the best ever, and led to an unanimous mvp.
vtadave
He has 2 4+ WAR seasons, a 3.5 WAR season last year when he was injured, and an MVP year all at the age of 24.
Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA
Don’t fool yourself Harper is playing for the highest bidder.
Wonka
Harper is a dbag. He will play for the highest bidding team, as he stated long ago in the Yankees. Most overrated player in all baseball. Had one MVP season, and yet people won’t stop talking about him. He will never be a Trout/Machado/Arenado/Betts/etc.
Dmalsch22
Betts? Haha betts has had 1 good season this year. 2015 was okay and 2014 didn’t play enough. To say he will never be a betts is the single dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. Do some research before making yourself look like an idiot. Not a Harper fan at all but I’m guessing mantle and Griffey were also overrated since he has better career numbers at this age than they did
Dmalsch22
Not to mention that Harpers career numbers are just as good but with more homers than all those guys except trout and they have all played about the same amount of years other than betts. He may be overrated but those guys are not better. Trout should be on his own list
Wonka
First off I am not some Sox fan saying Betts is the next Trout, I included him as a future superstar potential type. He has had just a 0.4 less WAR than Harper over the the past two seasons and considering his superior defensive ability I stand by what I said.
And do not call me an idiot when I actually do research on advanced metrics prior to posting about a certain topic. I know the information and based on such am making an informed opinion.
Could Harper become a perennial MVP, of course he can, but the totality of those players I listed in my opinion will perform better than him, including offense and defense.
You may not agree with my opinion but respect it like a decent human being and post a meaningful response without attacking another die hard baseball fan who knows what he is talking about.
Harper is a perennial MVP type player in regards to his talent, but in regards to the players mentioned he is not the demigod that the media and people believe him to be.
That is all Dmalsch22.. Please continue putting down others who have opinions based on the game they love.
SFgiantsUK
I personally was surprised that Betts had a season like he did in 2016. Because I thought he was a A- player at best, perhaps a B . But the way he played and his consistency, yes is definitely makes sense that he would be the next Trout. But the Original would still be the best. I suspect, Trout would still be number 1 and Betts perhaps 2, if Corey Seager doesn’t have a better year than last year.
Harper he has talent, but he needs to know his limitations. Trout knows his limitations and strives to become better, Harper … Well… The best and the worse thing I can say about him is that he is the next Manny Ramorez
SFgiantsUK
*Ramirez
cba93
Hahah dude had 1 great year and plays sh– defense. He might be a Griffey when it’s all said and done but as of now he’s been somewhat of a wild card and I doubt he’s very well liked in the locker room
Wonka
Didn;t even mention Seager just cuz he had rookie qualifications. But yes he has multi MVP potential. I wouldn’t be surprised if he has a .290 35hr 120rbi season next year. He is that good. Just a pure superstar. Love the guy too. Comes off as extremely humble and not a showboat cocky diva.
Dmalsch22
Yes I shouldnt have said what I said sorry. I never said that those guys weren’t superstars but saying that Bryce Harper will NEVER be like those guys is wrong because He has already done it, yes only for the one year but only trout has done it his whole career. Machado, arenado were both not great their first 3 and 2 years in the league. Yes Harper is way over hyped but he is not any less of a player than the rest. I think you are right about Seager, he has the potential to put trout numbers for a long time and I would bet on him being more consistent along with trout than the rest. He doesn’t rate as a great ss but good enough to stick there for the forseeable future
Wonka
I apologize as well. If only all online conversations could go this way. I respect your opinion so thank you for responding appropriately to such. That’s hard to find to be honest man. Thank you. To be honest all of those guys should have successful careers, but then again baseball is a very unforgiving sport. Respect to you Dmalsch22.
User 4245925809
Not that much difference in betts 2016 numbers as compared to what he did in 2015. 2015 he hit leadoff most of the year and 2016 Farrell moved him on down the lineup, so higher RBI totals, then a dozen more HR..
Doubles still in the 40’s both years, 20’s in stolen bases. terrific RF defense. Hit very well.. Simply not a lot of difference.
yankeefan63
Agreed Fuak- hope NYY signs Machado instead of the over rated Harper
SFgiantsUK
In my fantasy team I was considering drafting either Trout or Harper and Betts, because that was the option available to me. I went for the bog-standard Trout. In my eyes he had a better year statistically than last year. And because I took Trout I disregarded Betts, which was an extreme oversight on my part. Given the statistically nature of the fantasy league in United Kingdom, Betts had a more productive year Trout, in fact he was the most productive hitter. Unfortunately Fielding is not considered in that league.
So I am viewing Betts in a new light as a result.
Trout had less HRs than anticipated, however everything else was either on standard or better, he is catastrophically handicapped by LAAs line up and competitiveness. Who knows what he would have done if he was in CHC or TOR.
In my opinion LAA is wasting his talent, and should Trade him to someone who can afford to lose a few top prospects and or major league ready talent.
Harper may well be a New York kind of guy. But for the moment at least Trout is THE GUY.
User 2997803866
Hmm… Calling people idiots and then discrediting Betts, because he was still super young and developing in 2014 and 2015. Smart.
stl_cards16 2
That’s not really an argument when comparing him to Harper. They’re the same age.
Deke
I agree. I looked up Baez’s numbers on off speed and pure and simple he can’t hit it. Now that might change but right now if I’m throwing against him, he’s not seeing a FB in the zone.
I’m not giving up a lot for him unless my coaching staff think they can see something to change that might help him hit spin. But even then I don’t know I wanna give up what the Cubs would want for him. I just think he’s overhyped.
drbnic
You might take your own advice.
badco44
Does he need to mature… no question… but it’s not like he is an old man either
hediouspb
bets has a lower WAR than Harper but he should be looked at as a better player? you do know that they are the same age…. not liking harper is no reason to discount his ability. there are plenty of players that go to the highest bidder.
therealryan
I have to disagree here about Harper. In 5 MLB seasons, Harper has a career 139 wRC+. Other than Trout, none of the other players have ever had even one season with a 139 wRC+. They also have gotten most of their value from their defense, but that is usually the first part of the game to diminish. At the same time, Harper isn’t a butcher in the field either and also adds value as a positive baserunner. The biggest issue for Harper is he can’t seem to stay healthy, but if he can, I think we are looking at an all time great type of hitter.
Lance
60 years ago, fans were having the same debates about Mays, Mantle and Snider. Obviously, FA and no-trade contracts were not a factor then but none were sent away in their primes for good reason: you don’t trade away great players in their 20’s! The cash poor Giants were offered one million dollars by beer baron Gussie Busch for Mays. One can only imagine how history would have changed had Horace Stoneham made that deal! LAA sending Trout away when they have him tied up for another few years is just a horrible idea. A couple good players here and there and things can turn around quick. It wasn’t that long ago the Cubs were dogmeat.
siddfinch1079
Well, that escalated quickly….
thetruth 2
Hell no, as a Yankees fan I want no part of Machado with his knees. Harper is a top 5 player, he played.i jured in 2016 don’t forget that.
slider32
Harper will be a very risky deal when he comes out, if he doesn’t get back on track his value will be down. Players like Trout, Bryant, and Donaldson seem to be better choices right now.
stl_cards16 2
Donaldson is 30. He’s not in the young superstar conversation.
badco44
What play off sucess? World Series win is the only sucess worth talking about, and that Nats team has under achieved in the playoffs like… we’ll forever !
phillies012tg
What would it take to get sale ? Giolito would have to be in there and you know they would ask about turner
Wonka
If not including Giolito I could see Ross, Cole or Lopez, Robles, Taylor as being in conversation. Going to take a lot though. Imagine a Scherzer, Strasburg, Sale, Gonzalez as a 1-4. Fright night
wellhitball
Gonzalez is now a below-average pitcher. Sub for Roark and you’re gold.
Wonka
Hopefully the Nats see it that way.
sckoul
None of that gets sale!
MrMet33
Almost as good as Syndergaard-deGrom-Harvey-Matz-Wheeler, but for a lot more money!
ExileInLA 2
🙂
hojostache
Exactly. Having vintage Harvey as a #3 would be filthy. He needs to prove he is healthy, but I think it will happen. I think everyone is holding their breath about Wheeler. So. Much. Potential. He pitched hurt for half a season before he finally went out, so I’m excited to see what he could actually do if he were healthy.
hanks1hammer
And a lot more offense and a little less injury.
slider32
I can see this trade happening, the Sox need a complete overhaul!
ASapsFables
If and when the White Sox ever decide to sell off on Chris Sale their preference would be to deal him to a National League team. The White Sox would also prefer young MLB talent or prospects who are knocking on the door in any deal. In addition to the Nationals, I can see favorable match ups with a host of N.L. contending clubs that include the Cubs, Dodgers, Cardinals and Pirates,
Wonka
I honestly don’t see Cubs having that much to offer. They are adament on keeping Schwarber and Baez and outside of that it’s not as great as people think, even myself up until I looked at their prospects recently.
The Dodgers, Cardinals, and Pirates all don’t have what is needed for White Sox to sell their franchise piece.
I sincerely believe Rangers have the most to sell in regards to prospects. I’ve looked at every teams top guys along with non prospects and they have the pieces to make a serious trade. I wouldn’t put it past them to have the pieces to make a Trout trade. Not saying that will ever happen, but they have the guys for it.
Dmalsch22
Not sure how I feel about Baez. He’s an elite defender and has big time power potential but as he reminded us all in the playoffs( if you watched all the games) he’s all or nothing at the plate which as been his problem in the past. In multiple at bats it looked like he had made up his mind to swing no matter what was coming and a lot of the pitches were breaking balls 2 feet off the plate. Do you wait a little longer and see if he can fix some problems at the plate or do you trade him while everyone seems to be high on his playoff performance? He could be a nice center piece to a big trade
wsox05
I agree with you on the Cubs. The Pirates have enough but I don’t think they’d part with it. The Dodgers have plenty. There’s a rumor of the White Sox and Dodgers talking Sale and Frazier. I think it would cost something like Urias, Pederson, Bellinger, Calhoun, Barnes, De Leon and Puig.
Maybe take out Calhoun. But the Sox want a haul. And that is a haul. That’s what I’ve gathered from guys I know that have sources.
vtadave
lol no chance the Dodgers gut their team for Sale and one year of Todd Frazier.
Priggs89
I disagree on the Rangers unless they’re moving someone like Mazara off the big league roster. Not a fan of their position player prospects at all, especially Gallo (extremely overrated). The 3 teams I think that matchup best are Boston, Houston, and Washington. They all have the high end non-pitching prospects that could headline a deal. Then you can backup those position players with solid pitching prospects. Prospect packages from the Dodgers or Cards would be too pitching heavy at the top end IMO. The only thing the Sox have done well is draft and develop pitching prospects, which is why I would be HEAVILY focused on top end position players in any Sale/Quintana deal.
benimble
Nats are not likely to sign any FAs or make blockbuster trades involving players with big salaries as they have salary cash flow issues. Several big contracts with Scherzer ($210M , Strasburg ($175M) , Zimmerman($100M) and Werth($120M) required long term deferred payments because of Nats-Oriole’s-MASN TV right fees lawsuit. Mike Rizzo already started hinting at GM meetings that Nats are looking to fix issues from within the farm system for things like a closer and catcher. Status quo on remaining position players with minor tweaks to the bench, but heavily supplement by internal minor leaguers.
lonechicken
How about Giolito or Lopez, plus 2 other pitchers for Sale. Nats aren’t desperate enough to trade both.
thetruth 2
Would have to trade bth for Sale.
redbirdrooter
^^Roark.
Wonka
Was leaving that 5th spot open for one of Roark, Giolito, Cole or Lopez. Even more scary. If they managed to sign Cespedes and Wieters, as well as completing a Sale trade, that’s a sexy lexy team
thetruth 2
Except they won’t have Giolito or Lopez if they get Sale.
Pjzza
With the Nationals rotation already being as good as it is, and some serious young hurlers in the minors, I don’t understand their interest in Sale. Actually, I understand it, but I don’t think it’s necessary. They would be better off acquiring another big bat, than adding to their already top-3 rotation.
Wonka
Pjzza: Completely agree with you, but established Cy Young guys are gold compared to aluminum. But yes if I were them a bat would be at the top of my priorities
YourDaddy
I really don’t think any of the big name signings will happen until after the CBA is finalized. Too many uncertainties from both sides.
cba93
Nats need a jansen, longoria or turner and a catcher. Then that team is up there with the Cubs
Wonka
I hope for their sake, Longoria and Archer are traded, The Rays are bottom two of teams in MLB along with Oakland, they need new stadiums and ownerships that support them. I hate seeing them in this situation, but they have no way of competing ever with their current situation. How messed up is it for a fan of them to realize they could have a Donaldson Russel in their infield, along with Cespedes if they could just shell out the money. I would be pissed if I were a Oakland fan.
skip 2
Pissed Hahaha try beyond pissed!!!
This ownership group is a F$
skip 2
Keep cutting my messages short anyways ya ownership group is a bunch of F$)
virginiascopist
Yes, the Nats need a closer (presumably one of Chapman, Jansen or Melancon) and probably a catcher, but what would they do with Evan Longoria or Justin Turner? They have Anthony Rendon at 3B and Daniel Murphy at 2B for at least the next two years.
metseventually 2
That team is no where near the Cubs with those additions. Cubs are run much better and their young talent beyond trumps them.
SupremeZeus
A Chris Sale and Nate Jones package is something the Nats might consider. If Nate Jones can stay healthy, he could be one of the better closers in the future on a bargain k.
Dmalsch22
I would say that 13 more hr, 36 more RBI, 27 point higher batting average about 70 points higher slugging and 20 points higher on base is a significant difference, it’s the difference between MVP candidate and slightly above average corner outfielder with below average power( for a corner outfielder)
chuckymorris
I don’t get it when it’s said the Red Sox don’t want Encarnacion because he isn’t lefty. He’s gonna hit 30 homers at Fenway alone. Does a 40 year old switch hitter Beltran who would hit like 18-20 homers at most be better JUST because he can hit lefty? Don’t forget they have panda coming back too. Edwin is tailor made for Fenway
stormie
Agreed, it doesn’t really compute, especially when you’re talking about a switch hitter. A team has no incentive to take their RHP out to face him, because he’ll just turn around (and he was much better against LHPs last year also), so he provides no benefit as far as forcing the other team to have to make moves and use up their bullpen or possibly having a LHP stuck in the game to face all your RHBs.
Stonehands
When you factor in the prospects that Boston has coming through the system, the cash difference the two contracts will require, and if you ever watch Farrell manage, whom is obsessed with lefty and righty matchups for whatever reason, targeting Beltran makes more sense.
Deke
Everyone keeps forgetting about Panda. Full disclosure. I can’t stand the guy and don’t think he has the discipline to stay in shape. BUT I think he’s their DH and will get his crap together and do a decent job while at the same time stacking 20 pounds back on (plus 10 for spite). They are going to give him more rope if he shows up in shape just because they are paying him so much.
stl_cards16 2
Sandoval has declined every year for 5 straight years. Expecting his bat to suddenly be good enough to DH is pretty insane.
jmi1950
The main reason DD would consider Beltran on a 1 yr deal rather than EE on a 5 yr deal is the roster flexibility issues.
Even if Moncada, Swihart Marco Hernandez and Sam Travis start at AAA the Sox have 12 of 13 roster spots filled. Boegy really wore down last year and Pedey isn’t getting any younger. Each could use 15 games at DH to stay healthy and fresh. There are only 152 games with a DH.
2017 Roster — one spot open (only Young is a FA in 2018).:
1B/3B (DH 82 games) Hanley, Panda, Shaw
2B/SS/U (DH 30 gms) Pedey, Boegy, Holt
OF ( DH 40 gms) Betts, JBJ, Beni, Young
C Leon , Vasquez
Swihart works on his D at AAA and can be called up when the inevitable C DL stint occurs.
By 2018-19 Devers &; Dubon will be knocking as well as needing regular AB’s for Moncada & Sam Travis. The $100 MM+ saved will be needed to extend Boegy, JBJ and Betts.
What is lost in HR’s & RBI is made up for by better production from the regulars by rotating them through the DH to keep them healthy & fresh as well as better speed on the bases.
If Panda or Shaw don’t hit there are lots of options : 1. Holt plays more 3B: 2. Sam Travis gets a shot; 3. Moncada works on his pitch selection at AAA and is ready earlier rather than later; 4. DD trades a prospect for rent a player to play 3B or DH.
badco44
Bro Dubon knocking right now… no where to put him…a lot of road blocks, but seriously think Sale has rubbed a lot of people (mgmt) wrong in Chitown…be surprised if he is not moved and Bosox need a horse in that rotation to stack up to what other teams have… Buchholtz Erod and Wright are all 4-5s and Mr Price not a 1 at least last year…they have bats guys… need pen and a bull/horse starter..
jmi1950
I think DD’s dream is that Panda looks good for 150 AB’s at 3B and they can move him with some $$$. If Panda tanks again its possible they eat lots of $$$ and dump the contract. Hoping either Moncada is ready to play 3b or Dubon is ready at SS and Boegy moves to 3b. Its also possible Sam Travis is ready at IB and Hanley plays 120 games at DH. Plus they will need AB’s for Devers in 2018.
The point is EE 5yrs 125 MM makes no sense. If they trade for Sale 2 or 3 of these young hitters will be gone with one of E-Rod, or Pomerantz.
hojostache
Panda has negative value and is wasting a roster spot so far. Too bad they are stuck w. him because they could sure use that $ and spot for someone who is at least replacement level.
jmi1950
Last yr everyone said they should dump Hanley at any cost. One more yr for Panda to shape up is worth the risk.
Cardinals17
Sale would look good in a Cardinal uniform. It would solidify the pitching staff for several years to come. Then pick up a career high average hitter. Then they’d be able to compete with the Cubs in 2017!
mike156
Given the high value put ob high leverage arms, regardless of where they come in, I doubt that Holland is going to care all that much if he closes–especially if it’s a shorter deal.
canajay12
This offseason lines up well with the jays needs. Needs:1b, DH, OFx2, RPx2
Players Jay’s would consider plus their expected contracts via mbltr:
EE 4/92
Fowler 4/64
Bautista 3/51
Reddick 3/36
Gomez 3/36
Holland 2/18
Feliz 3/18
Cecil 3/18
Pearce 2/10
Hypothetical signings:
DH- Morales 3/33 *done
OF- Reddick 3/36
1b/OF- Pearce 2/10
RP- Cecil 3/18
RP- Holland 2/18 or Feliz 3/18
Total: 40-43M per season to fill almost every need the team has. plus you get 2 comp picks and give up No draft picks.
giants51
Boston would be smart if they added another closer….???
comebacktrail28
I’m a white Sox Fan ……. The team 2 me that should be gunning for Chris Sale is the Pirates if you figure the Cubs are going to be winning the Division the next couple of Years . The Pirates need that Ace pitcher to go up against Bummgardner Kershaw Syndagard in the Wild Card game ……. Gerrit Cole is good but they need a pitcher that can go 7 scoreless
hojostache
That makes a ton of sense, but the Pirates need to also protect their farm bc of their payroll limitations. It is not an enviable spot because they need to keep buying low on guys and hoping their prospects develop into all-stars. Sale needs a new team, but I’m not sure CWS will take anything but top talent (near MLB ready + at least 2 stud prospects).
jmi1950
How about E-Rod, Devers, Owens and Swihart for Sale.
mlb_91
Chris Sale should get traded to boston or dodgers for Devers,Moncada, Owens and Swihart
redsox for_life
Jackie Bradley Devers Erod plus Hernandes for Sale
dazedatnoon
White Sox need to aim high and stick with it. One of these teams will give because Sale IS that good and well….prospects are prospects. Both LA and Bos are major market teams that can fill holes via free agency. I don’t think potential (prospects) will continue to hold up as a defense when neither of these teams are live or die by the farm such as like the Pirates would be. See it through Hahn!