Just in case there was any doubt, MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon writes in response to a fan inquiry that there’s no indication whatsoever that Reds first baseman Joey Votto will end up being moved this winter. The polished batsman, who very nearly took home National League MVP honors for the 2017 season, has given every indication that “he doesn’t want to leave the Reds,” says Sheldon, and can control his own fate through a full no-trade clause.
- Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler does not enjoy quite so much control over his own fate, but does have a ten-team no-trade list that was drawn up at the end of the 2017 campaign.* Katie Strang of The Athletic (subscription link) has the latest on his interesting trade candidacy, including a look at the feasibility of a move to third for the veteran — which some teams have reportedly considered as they weigh an offer to acquire him. At present, it is not publicly known which teams have contemplated that possibility or — yet more importantly — which are among those that cannot acquire Kinsler without his consent. The Detroit organization would obviously need to work with Kinsler and his representatives if it were to find a match with one of the ten protected rivals, but Strang reports that, at least as of last week, that subject has not yet been broached. As we discussed in examining his potential market yesterday, there are perhaps only a few very clear trade matches on paper at this point, though certainly a fair number of others could be imagined depending upon a variety of factors. Kinsler’s no-trade rights may not come into play at all, but might also afford him an opportunity to nix a move if it is not to his liking.
- While the Twins are said to be taking a look at a variety of controllable starters, there’s “no indication” at this point that they have engaged with the Rays on Chris Archer or the Marlins on Dan Straily, according to Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer-Press (via Twitter). It stands to reason, though, that both would at least draw internal consideration. The former is quite a lofty target for any team, as he’d draw huge interest if he’s made available in trade talks. The latter is a useful hurler in his own right after turning in solid results for two consecutive years. Straily’s affordable control would surely hold some appeal to Minnesota, though for the same reason the Marlins will likely set forth a relatively steep asking price for a starter who is noted more for his steadiness and contract than anything approaching dominant peripherals.
- The Twins will need to chase down some relief arms, too. Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN reports on his podcast (audio link) that the club has engaged the Padres on Brad Hand and the Rays on Alex Colome. Minnesota was previously reported to have chatted with the Reds about Raisel Iglesias, and these new names fit the same general profile as established late-inning arms with affordable remaining control. All will come with appropriately lofty price tags. Berardino also tweets that Cubs lefty Justin Wilson might represent a target for the Twins. Having struggled last year upon landing in Chicago, Wilson could conceivably become available, though that’s far from certain. Minnesota eyed the power southpaw in the past, says Berardino, though that occurred before the current front office leadership came into office.
*An earlier version of this post wrongly suggested that Kinsler had not yet compiled his current no-trade list and mistakenly attributed that notion to Strang’s report. The error was ours and we apologize for any confusion.
jd396
We do this Votto dance every year. I doubt he goes anywhere, ever.
ck420
Most boring off-season ever
jboll74
It’s November!! The winter meetings haven’t started yet, that’s when it goes 0-60
alexgordonbeckham
It’s always like this in November. It would be weird if there were a ton of signings already.
wadlez
its been notoriously slow for this team of year, last year at this time there were 2-3 major trades and 10 or so FA signs.
This year 1 deal and 0 signs.
davidcoonce74
Once the haggling with regards to the posting process for Ohtani get sorted out things will start moving. Probably 7-10 teams have realistic chances at him and they’re probably going to arrange their offseason priorities around him.
rememberthecoop
They can have Justin Wilson for a six pack.
Logjammer D"Baggagecling
Unfortunately Theo would get old style for him.
jimmyz
With the Twins exploring trades for controllable high end starters and relievers if they would give up Royce Lewis, one of Gonsalves or Romero, Kiriloff and a couple much smaller pieces for a Gerrit Cole and Felipe Rivero package I think the Bucs should go full rebuild and trade everyone except Bell, Taillon, Marte and Polanco.
Twins Fan
There is no way the twins will trade Gonsalves or Romero plus Royce Lewis for Gerrit Cole. I could see Gonsalves and prospects not named Royce Lewis for Archer but not Gerrit Cole. JC Romero has the potential to be an ace very soon, so he is untouchable and Lewis is untouchable too. But the rest of the prospects are fair game.
jimmyz
For Gerrit Cole and Felipe Rivero, not just Cole.
wrigleywannabe
Archer has an ERA over 4 for the past two years.
Ejemp2006
Archer goes on runs where he is virtually unhittable. It baffles me why he hasn’t put together a Cy Young level campaign.
Dock_Elvis
It’s those ghastly times between the runs.
docmilo5
Gonsalvez is about as MLB ready as it goes. He put up 140 IP 2 years ago and pitched 110 IP in the 2nd half after the shoulder slowed him out of the gate. He should be good for 175 innings this year. Putting him in the 5 spot in the rotation and skipping a start here and there will keep his innings limited over the course of the season. Give him a DL stint around the ASB will get him thru the whole year. If they were trading for 2015 Cole, maybe. They aren’t.
twins33
I think you’re way overrating Cole if you think two years of Cole and three years of Rivero is worth Lewis, Gonsalves/Romero, Kirilloff AND more. That’s three top 100 prospects plus more
(Kirilloff was on the top 100 pre-injury, may not be next year). As the other poster said, that’s a deal for an Archer type pitcher.
jimmyz
Rivero has four years of control and is arguably a better asset than Cole. Also I’d be fine with just those three and no filler.
therealryan
I think you might be underestimating how expensive cost controlled pitching is. 2.5 seasons of Sonny Gray cost the Yankees a 55 FV OF, a 50/55 FV SS and a 50 FV SP. Cole has been better than Gray and then you’re also talking about adding 4 years of a high leverage RP. A 55 FV SS, 55 SP and 50 FV OF is not close to an overpay. Especially considering that 2 of those players are 3+ years away from MLB.
stymeedone
It seems there is always someone who thinks that continuing to build can never be the answer and it’s WIN or TEAR IT DOWN. There are choices in between.
Kayrall
And the White Sox made an art of it until last year.
Dock_Elvis
Sox really did need some high picks though. But im really amazed how long they kept that 05 core around….just got stuck in that middle ground though and got stagnant. Needed a jump start. If they get some of these prospects rolling soon….theyll be a team to be dealt with. Young team with a front office that has always been willing to take some chances.
MajesticExpress
I wonder if Kinsler would ever want to come back to Arlington. Or if Texas would ever bring him back
Shakey
I would love to see Votto in a Jays jersey, but if the guy is happy in Cincy.
He’s old enough to remember the greatest TV show ever. WKRP. Also, small market teams need hero’s and stars.Thats how small market teams stay alive w/o the funds to buy Championships.More power to him
1090198
Votto is a future HOF’er. Shame he won’t see the playoffs in Cinncinatti
Solaris601
Agreed. Reds are attempting to rebuild around the huge contracts of Votto and Bailey, and neither of them will be moved before their contracts expire. If by some miracle CIN did trade Votto they’d probably end up eating most of his salary and getting iffy prospects in return.
SueJen
Misinformed person stated Votto has a lot of work to do to get in Hall Of Fame. Please stop drinking and smoking weed. Check stats in addition to gold glove fielding
redsFAN86
Votto isn’t leaving Cinncy
Votto is a HOFer