While we already know this through observation, Phillies GM Matt Klentak made clear again that his organization intends to remain patient in its blockbuster free agent pursuits, as Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia recently reported. Klentak says he won’t be rushed into a decision by the onset of camp, saying that there’s no “deadline” to get a deal done before Spring Training. Generally, he said, “The fans are well aware that we’re pursuing the top end of free agency. When that’s going to resolve itself, we don’t really know.”
As we wait for some movement at the top of the market — particularly, regarding reputed Phillies targets Bryce Harper and Manny Machado — let’s check in on a few other situations further down the priority list, all courtesy of MLB Network’s Jon Heyman (links to Twitter) …
- The Yankees still want to boost their rotation depth, Heyman says, though it’s a bit unclear as of yet how they’ll go about doing so. He lists Gio Gonzalez and Ervin Santana as at-least-hypothetical targets, but it stands to reason that both will want to sign somewhere that they’ll be promised a rotation spot. Gonzalez is one of the best remaining starters and should have little trouble finding at least a clear rotation placement, if not a multi-year deal. Santana does seem to be an interesting bounceback candidate, but he’ll surely be seeking a chance to take the ball every fifth day, which the Yanks can’t promise.
- Unsurprisingly, the Giants appear to be hunting for value on the market in their search for a new slate of outfielders. That seemed reasonable to suspect when last we checked in on the situation, as the San Francisco organization seemingly wants to remain competitive while also embarking upon an effort to get younger and enhance payroll efficiency. There could be some interesting free agent opportunities, though perhaps the most intriguing possibility would be for the Giants to pick up some pieces that become available after late-breaking signings.
- The Rockies have some level of interest in yet again bringing back outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, Heyman adds. This particular item is frankly difficult to understand, as the Rox are working with a limited budget and still need to improve behind the dish, in the bullpen, and perhaps on the bench. Meanwhile, the team has a nice assortment of left-handed-hitting outfielders already on hand, making the veteran former star a tough fit on paper. In any event, other teams are also said to be interested in CarGo.
RIPprosports
What?
Whose the next team interested in Realmuto?
basebaIl1600
What does Realmuto have to do with this article?
jleve618
Realmuto talks are now REACHING A TIPPING POINT, per my own made up sources.
RIPprosports
Word!
stretcharmstrong1
At least 29 teams in advanced talks with Miami regarding Realmuto.
Robertowannabe
Even Miami is in serious discussions with the Marlins according to sources close to the discussion……
dugdog83
An extension?
Mendoza Line 215
I think that’s a “stretch” stretch.
Weighed
(Subscription required)
LodgeBoxin
ha
imgman09
Must be the Meds?
xabial
Not a Rockies’ fan, but Hope the Rockies re-sign CarGo.
trident
Why? He ain’t half the man he used to be
xXabial
let me know how you do at the age of 33 in the mlb before you diss car-go
jd396
Watch it
trident
Didn’t realize I had to be a mlb player to criticize them on this forum. I’ll get right on that. What team do you play for?
scarfish
Ha now I have creep by stone temple pilots stuck in my head
impapad17
Just Yesterday, all his troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they’re here to stay.
HardWorkingAmerican
CarGo dont really got a choice. If he had other suitors Im sure he would be signed. He’s only getting a one year deal.
HalosHeavenJJ
Heyman’s article makes sense if CarGo is a Boras client. He’s trying to get his name out there and drum up interest for his boss.
throwinched10
The Rockies really don’t like to let their rookies play. They sign Murphy and Reynolds which potentially blocks McMahon, Hampson and Fuentes from at bats. Now they have interest in CarGo which would block Dahl and Tapia considering they already have Blackmon and Desmond.
They should really trade their prospects for starting pitching like Kluber or Bauer. If not, they are just blocking prospects for the sake of blocking prospects.
basebaIl1600
Their pitching is good, it’s the offense that’s the problem. They only scored in one inning of the 2018 NLDS in two of the biggest hitters parks. I’d say they did good signing Murphy, he’s much more proven than Hampson and gives them more offense, and Reynolds was a minor league deal. No harm in that signing.
throwinched10
Murphy was a great signing but they don’t need Reynolds (unless he’s a bench bat) or CarGo. Arenado, Blackmon, Murphy, Story, Desmond, and Dahl is a great offensive core.
Ejemp2006
Think Rox might be for cheap Weiters sign. Play backup, solid enough.
xXabial
their SP recorded a decent season last year for once
..still not enough
they have enough offense…they need security
Ejemp2006
Dodger framework seems to be for consistent compete. Lots and lots of SP depth and good young lineup. Only one big salary for legacy guy like Kershaw.
Yankees can adopt, prove with Santana sign? We like a lot?
jleve618
Maybe they figure that they will never get someone to resign there so they figure push their clock back so they get more of the typical prime years. Just a dumb theory.
David Makai
They won’t block Dahl
PinstripedPride
This is all getting SO old.
SFGiants74
A Yankees fan feels a need to post about how boring he is. This site was founded on publishing MLB transactions. It is not ESPN, thank God.
PopeMarley
Your post makes even less sense than xabial’s..I hope you’re proud of yourself.
antibelt
That’s a low blow.
RIPprosports
Machado to the midgets!
trout27
That’s little people!
JayRyder
Giants looking for Cheap Home Runs, That can fill in some slots. . . I say if they can bring in 3-4 guys… Stockpile a few at AAA. And go from there. . . Might hit paydirt…
SFGiants74
Cheap home runs? Why do you guys keep posting?
JayRyder
Because I have an opinion. . . Just like you seem to have sir…
SFGiants74
Ok. You got me. The only reason I complain is that they don’t have a great lead off hitter. Power hitters are easy to find. The SF Giants won 3 WS rings because they had 3 things, defense, a lead off hitter, and a strong bullpen.
James1955
Vince. The Giants had starting pitching, bullpen, defense, timely hitting, power in the playoffs, depth. I looked up the stats of the Giants leadoff hitters. I wouldn’t say that they are great leadoff hitters.
antibelt
Starting pitching was gold during their run, with the exception of 2014, which Madbum singlehandidly won.
basebaIl1600
What he said was correct. Giants are looking for cheap, young power hitting outfielders. The problem is that there are barely any obtainable at the moment. I would think maybe Trey Mancini or Jorge Soler.
SFGiants74
The problem I have with that is that they don’t need power hitters. They didn’t win 3 world series because they lead the league in home runs. It was defense, pitching, and a stellar lead off hitter. Power doesn’t work well in SF.
basebaIl1600
That’s true, but the game as really evolved since then. Way more shifts have made it more practical to just “hit it over”. I would like the Giants to get both a lead off guy and a power corner outfield bat. I could see Jonathan Villar of the Orioles as the leadoff bat, possibly Marwin Gonzalez, or as I mentioned before either Trey Mancini or Jorge Soler as our power bat. Wouldn’t mind them working out a salary swap trade with the Padres for Wil Myers either. Just some young talent to mix with our new pitching core.
kripes-brewers
You know, I get that baseball is tough. That’s why I’m not playing, and only the elite make it. But how is it that more people haven’t figured out how to beat the shift? I suppose the really good guys don’t get a shift against them because they have a good spray chart. But some of these guys get a huge shift where they are so pull-crazy the opposing team moves 3 infielders over, and those guys still can’t punch one into the opposite field. There’s just isn’t an excuse for that inmo. It’s like their approach is to just make contact, swing hard, and hope it hits the wall. As a Brewer fan, the whole waiting for the home run at the expense of getting on base and playing small ball, has been tiring for years. Cain and Yelich at the top of the order really helped in terms of guys getting on base and moving them around, thankfully.
snotrocket
The game has changed since 2014, and Angel Pagan was a good but not great leadoff guy who played an average center field at best. What they should have done as soon as the season ended is got rid of the stupid triples alley that will keep any lefty power hitting free agent from ever wanting to sign.
SFGiants74
Jorge Soler might be interesting as a 4th outfielder. But, Austin Slater can fulfill that role. Austin can also fill in at 2nd base. So, come up with someone that is better then what Giants already have.
basebaIl1600
Soler would make the starting OF if we didn’t make any other moves than trading for him. He’s better than Williamson and Shaw.
ABCD
Soler could be a great hitter if he could stay off the disabled list. He would be really bad defensively in that big SF right field.
bjupton100
Ray’s sign both Machado and Harper for 200 million over 8 years. Trade Wendle and Duffy for Bauer and Kipnis. I’d rather keep Duffy for at least the first month or two while he reestablishes value. I’m not sure who else could be added but taking Kipnis should lower the cost significantly. Kipnis is due for a bounce back season and makes alot of sense for a midseason trade.
flippinbats79
Where are the Rays getting $65m more per season? And why would Harper and Machado want to play in a toilet?
hockeyjohn
There is so many things wrong with this. 1. Tampa never spends this much money. 2. – Cleveland would never make this trade. Duffy has only one year of control and you don’t trade 2 years of a stud pitcher for a rental. 3. Cleveland has Lindor and Ramirez. Where would they play both Wendle and Duffy? 4. Cleveland has already cut salary this year and has stated that they will not trade a pitcher unless overwhelmed.
If you are a Rays fan, you know this would never happen so why even dream about it. It is a waste of time.
Baseball_dude
I’m really getting tiered hearing about Machado, Harper, and Realmuto. Most of the time (a big most of the time) when a team signs an expensive player to a large multi year deal, you never even see that team get to the World Series. I think there’s way too much hype regarding Realmuto. Good player but a little overrated. He’ll probably have an decent/ good year, but I can’t see all the hype he’s getting
Ty1990
It’s all due to the fact that he’s a Catcher who puts up good numbers. Most teams are happy if their starting catcher can hit for a little power or can either get on base at a decent clip. Realmuto makes a good offense great.
basebaIl1600
It’s offense and defense. Wilson Ramos hit .306 with 15 HR, Realmuto hit .277 with 21HR. I’m sure Ramos would have matched the power numbers if he had more AB. Realmuto is a stellar defender and is one of the best at throwing base runners out. He’s above average offensively as well, but he’s right around the same league as Ramos/Grandal if you look at their numbers from 2017/2018.
restingmitchface
Realmuto is a very poor pitch framer.
SFGiants74
I don’t think they are over rated. I think people invest to much of there life into these players. They are normal human beings.
dellapple
Have the Phillies made any offers?
SFGiants74
Nope. They’ve gone Amish this season.
Backup Catcher to the Backup Catcher
When is Cigar Guy (Middleton) gonna spend some of that “stupid money” we’ve been hearing about since last November? Supposedly, while meeting with Harper in Las Vegas two weeks ago, they put an offer on the table (Rumor Dept. says it was seven years and $200 million.).. Personally, I think Harper wants to play for the Dodgers, but like Machado and the Yankees, it seems he wants them more than they want him., The delay with both just might be that Machado doesn’t really want to play for the White Sox (Supposedly the top bid on the table right now.) and Harper doesn’t really want to play for the Phillies. The Nats? I think they are happy with Eaton, Soto and Robles as their starting outfield. Frankly, as a Phillies fan, I’d like to see the Phillies trade for Realmuto (Alfaro and his 37% K-rate isn’t gonna have a .400 BABIP average this year.) and then sign Dallas Keutchel to shore up the starting rotation.
Backup Catcher to the Backup Catcher
Plus, Realmuto is head and shoulders above Alfaro defensively. Just not sold on anything Alfaro does behind the plate other than having a cannon for an arm. Not sure he can call a game and coach his pitcher through a rough spot. To wit, Alfaro isn’t gonna make Phillies fans forget Chooch any time soon.
Philliesfan4life
I want them to get Harper or Machado, then they would have to make some trades for another pitcher or a bullpen arm. Then go out and sign Keuchel and call it an offseason.
raef715
there is a difference between spending stupid money and spending money stupidly. Middleton isnt going to bid against himself, though Boras may be running a dog and pony show and the four corners offense to get Middleton to blink and up the money.
Philliesfan4life
I think they can get Harper on 8 years for 260 with an opt out after 3 or 4 years, I think the AAV with that comes out to 35 per year?
flippinbats79
Really?
Cat Mando
One thing I’m sure doesn’t please Boras is, Middleton doesn’t deal with him directly He made that clear last year with Arreita. saying “We’re pretty clear that [general manager Matt Klentak’s] I think you have to do that or you cut the legs out from your general manager. Look, I don’t know what I’d do if my phone rang right now and it was Scott Boras. I mean, honestly, I think what I’d say is, ‘Scott, it’s nice to talk to you, but I don’t negotiate. Matt does. I don’t want to be rude, but I’m paying the guy a lot of money.'”
DadsInDaniaBeach
Lou, this is the first I heard about 7@200m. Harper would be better off staying with the Nationals. They already hinted they’d up their original offer.
However, I do like the part about Realmuto and Dallas.
raef715
realize it doesnt matter what Klentak says publicly, but i certainly hope he’s given some kind of deadline prior to spring training This isnt just adding 1 guy to the roster, it’s basically going to be the face of your franchise- you want that guy in place and settled before spring training for all sorts of reasons, , and why leave it open forever while the agents desperately try to find better offers?
jordanjee
Wonder how large a contract E. Santana will reel in. Will probably be 1 year, 2 max. A reunion with the Angels would be interesting to see. Could suppose a rotation spot would be guaranteed in Anaheim.
Philliesfan4life
I would like that , plus it would add a veteran to the rotation. Something they haven’t had since weaver left.
cygnus2112
If the Giants were looking to get younger/cheaper in the OF via free agency, they should’ve jumped on Hamilton & Avi Garcia for that those 2 fit that bill but they gone already…
petrie000
Pretty sure the Giants also want somebody who can hit, which would explain why the passed on those 2….
Jean Matrac
Garcia maybe, but who’s to know if they didn’t try to acquire him and missed out.
But the Giants have enough holes, and acquiring Hamilton would not have done much in that regard. They already have a young, good defender, in CF that can’t hit a lick. They don’t need two of those.
fitsiqis65
Yanks are perfectly built for the regular season (where they will feast off the quad A teams with their marginal SP, HR prowess, and strong BP) and ergo don’t need another 6th starter (they have about 6 of those already in Happ, CC, Cessa, Loaisiga, German, and Hutchinson)….
The only missing piece to dominance is a legit #1 SP. So, damn it cash get creative. You wasted $$$ on gardy CC, DJ, and Happ but can’t spring for harper or manny???
PopeMarley
Welcome to the just almost good enough 2019 NY Yankees…
Philliesfan4life
The yankees are missing a deGrom or Thor , But I don’t see the mets helping the yankees out.
Doug Dueck
You comment: “The only missing piece to dominance is a legit #1 SP” Then you go on to complain about not springing for harper or manny = Neither one is a #1 SP. What is it that you really want from Mr. Cashman?
Gambit1193
The missing piece being a #1 SP has nothing to do with Harper or Manng tho? They pretty much have to wait till the deadline for the Giants to trade MadBum or if someone else’s ace becomes available
csspackler
They’re missing a No. 1 starting pitcher. So go get Harper or Machado?
Am I missing something?
Old User Name
I wasn’t aware that Manny or Harper are legit #1 SPs.
KnicksFanCavsFan
the yanks have one of the best pitching staffs on paper if you look st their numbers relative to the rest of baseball. how many teams have 5 pitchers thst the 150 IP of at least 2.5 WAR (used just to sum overall performance)? health risks side, they are a good staff band mngnt a dominant bullpen. does anyone think Cash hasn’t tried to obtain a #1 starter? im sure the cost was deemed too high. and im not sure why anyone had a problem with the minuscule money spent on those players though mentioned. i want Harper too but i think his demands are the reason he’s not signed vs the yankees budget.
fitsiqis65
Allow me to clarify for those who don’t comprehend the bigger picture. Signing manny or Harper for example frees up other assets that can be used to for a legit starter.
Also many of you must realize that cash will be spending stupid money on players who perform less than manny and Harper at an even older age. Think judge at 28, hicks and didi at 30…..and all will get their 18-25 mil per…..
So yes skeptics and those who are think only linear- signing Harper and/or machado helps us get closer to acquit the real missing piece.
As such I stand by my cash needs to get creative and cease the signing of crap
rocky7
I thought your comment was about them not having a legit #1 starter……how does signing Harper or Manny help there????
Can they pitch also?
fitsiqis65
Again if you sign them then you have flexibility to use other assets as trade bait.
What part of this is so hard to understand?
mike89 2
It’s a little concerning that the Phillies are publicly saying there’s not deadline to signing players. I know that’s true regardless, but if there’s no urgency to sign two of the top players in the game, then there’s something seriously ominous going on between the owners and FA. Obviously the Phillies aren’t the only team doing this, but to be so brazen and say having top players in time for spring training seems really off
KnicksFanCavsFan
what he means is he’s not putting a deadline on the offers on the table.
DadsInDaniaBeach
Mike89, you hit the nail right on the head. It’s the reason we most likely will see a players strike. If not a work stoppage before the CBA is over. This could get ugly. Revenue is at an all time high, and the owners are getting short arms.
66TheNumberOfTheBest
The teams have to wait for the players to make their decisions.
What’s Klentak supposed to say, “hey Pretty Boy, stop putting all that product in your hair and make up your mind already, hurry up, I need an outfielder yesterday!!!”
Not how it works.
Robertowannabe
I agree with @joshbell. Several teams are offering both players hundreds of millions. The players do not seem to be rushing to sign. Neither agent is requesting final and best offers. Why must a team, any team set a deadline to sign specific players? If teams eliminate themselves from the market for players, it is actually a detriment to the players. You want the most teams that are interested as active as possible tomdrive your price up as much as possible. If you eliminate competition you eliminate the driving force,to push your price up.
CursedRangers
I look at it more that the owners aren’t succumbing to the whims, games, and demands of Boras. Scott Boras has a number of his clients unsigned. Can’t blame him for holding out for money, but this is the second year in a row he has potentially hurt his players earnings potential.
petrie000
How does settling early for less not also hurt their earnings potential?
KnicksFanCavsFan
i think he’s referring to many free agents from last year thst turned down multiyear deals abd had to settle for shorter term deals or significantly less money or location as spring training came to a close. Moustakas was one. I think Lance Lynn, Adam Lind and Neil Walker could’ve gotten better deals too early on.
Z-A 2
If there was ever a need for a “clock shot” its not on pitch count it’s on FA signings. X date or you gotta wait until August 1st.
KnicksFanCavsFan
why? to satisfy the hot stove followers? that’s silly.
petrie000
I mean, the most important thing in baseball is keeping the ADD crowd interested in February, right? That’s where the big money is for the league…
KnicksFanCavsFan
i hope you’re being sarcastic.
petrie000
Extremely
The season doesn’t start until April, so I don’t think either the players or teams really care if it takes a while to sort out their rosters
Z-A 2
There are guys held hostage by two donkeys and wont get signed until it teams know where those two end up. It’s not about hot stove chubbies. Its annoyingly drawn out.
empirejim
The writer says the Giants “want to remain competitive”….
It’s been years since they were and considering their thin farm and bloated payroll it looks like years before they will be again
Jean Matrac
Despite having bad luck with key injuries, and career worst years for Posey, Belt, and Panik, they were still only 5 games out of 1st in mid-August last season. The only area where they are worse is in RF with the departure of McCutchen. The payroll might have been bloated last season, but they are $32-$35M under the tax threshold now. Yes things need to go their way for them to be competitive, but it’s not outside the realm of possibility, and it certainly isn’t a lead-pipe cinch that they will be bad.
Ed Charles
Phillies ownership simply doesn’t get it. . Philly fans put butts in the seats when a winning team was put out there ! You have an owner talking about spending “Stupid Money” and then he has a GM who wants to sit and wait. How damn stupid is that thinking among owner and GM !
Get a GM who’s aggressive or tell the owner to keep his mouth shut, not getting fans hope up. Middleton did just that and now the GM wants to preach patience ? Shut up !
Robertowannabe
No GM can make any player sign quicker. You offer Player A more money when there are several other teams bidding, the player obviously is going to wait and see if one or more teams bid more too. Negotiations take time. It is not like either player would need much time to be at spring training to fit in and perform. Relax and enjoy the,show and wait to see how it ends…,,
KnicksFanCavsFan
pure nonsense. from what we can tell, the Phillies abd white Sox have out the better offers out there. why should the Phillies compete against themselves? to appease fans who already complain og high ticket prices or to satisfy the ego of their agents simply looking to set salary precedents so they can drive salary further for the 2020 crop of free agents?
Z-A 2
Stupid money spent by management = stupid money spent by fans at the concession stands and parking.
Cardinals17
I’d like to see Colorado bring Cargo back for another season. Colorado is the place Cargo can excell.
jorge78
Let the bargain hunting begin!