While it was overshadowed entirely by a much bigger move, last night’s swap of Nomar Mazara from the Rangers to the White Sox also represented a notable bit of action in the outfield market. The landscape hasn’t changed much since the start of the offseason but could begin to come into focus now that the biggest starting pitching moves have been made.
It seems the Mets are still working things out in their outfield situation. Word is that they’re willing to consider parting with Brandon Nimmo, per SNY.tv’s Andy Martino (Twitter link). The New York org is reportedly still kicking around concepts with the Pirates regarding Starling Marte, one of the market’s top trade candidates. Some potential trade scenarios could involve the younger, cheaper, and more controllable Nimmo. It’s not specifically clear whether Nimmo is otherwise open for bidding, but it seems the New York org is doing everything it can to land a true center fielder — even if it means parting with the left-handed-hitting OBP machine.
Meanwhile, the Twins are discussing Eddie Rosario with several other clubs, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand (via Twitter). The 28-year-old has been a mainstay in the Minnesota outfield but dipped a bit last year to a .276/.300/.500 batting line. He did launch 32 long balls and performed better in the on-base department in the prior two seasons. The Twins shouldn’t really need to move salary — Rosario is projected to earn $8.9MM with one more arb season to come — but may see an opportunity to pick up talent (especially in the pitching department) while reinvesting the payroll space and clearing the way for the near-term ascent of Alex Kirilloff.
The potential market for Rosario isn’t yet evident. The Marlins are among the teams with interest in Rosario, per Craig Mish of MLB Network Radio (via Twitter). But the Miami organization considers the Twins’ asking price “extremely high” at the moment. That was also the team’s stance with regard to Nomar Mazara, who ended up being dealt instead to the White Sox yesterday. The pursuit of Rosario and Mazara offers some insight into the thinking of the Miami organization. It seems obvious the organization is willing to take on a decent bit of salary and won’t limit itself to players with lengthy control rights. The club has a long-stated desire to add some corner pop and is also exploring the possibilities on the open market.
Never understood all the gushing over Nimmo. He seems like a 4th OF at best.
Is Brandon Nimmo currently injured? Or soon to be injured, again?
What about Nimmo and Dom Smith to yankees for Stanton and 1/2 his salary?
No, because the Yankees are trying to make themselves better; not make the Mets better.
I disagree. That would be a significantly better deal for the Yankees.
No that wouldn’t be. That’s 2 average, dime-a-dozen (at best) players for a guy who, when healthy is one of the top 5 most feared bats in the game.
Again, the Yankees are in the business of making themselves better; not making the Mets better. It’s laughable to think Nimmo and Smith are worth Stanton, even after Stanton’s injury filled season.
It’s about need.
The yanks need a left his dead bat like smith who would kill it in yankee stadium. Who else hits lefty in their lineup? And they don’t need Stanton or hiss salary
Yeah, the Yankees need a lefty bat and don’t need Stanton’s salary, but they aren’t trading a guy who, when healthy, is a former MVP, perennial All Star, and good for major numbers among the best in the game, just for an average/mediocre player, that can be had from many teams.
Going from Stanton to Nimmo/Smith is a giant downgrade. Who cares if Smith hits lefty when he is markedly worse than Stanton?
When healthy is the key part there. Most years Stanton misses a month or two.
I rather have Stanton with 2 broken hands than Dom Smith on roids and using a metal bat.
Stanton does more in half a season than Nimmo and Smith do in a full season.
I’m a Yankee fan.Make it 3/4s of Stantons salary and I’m in,That would free up a lot of salary for the Yankees and I wouldn’t even care we were getting back 2 payers who might never start for the Yankees.I don’t see how the cheap Mets would even consider either your trade or my trade though as they don’t want to take on another Cano deal or any other large deal for that matter
Done! Lol
Actually I think the Yankees would get a lot of use out of smith. He looks like he could hit 320+ someday
Other teams should not help the Yankees with their outrageously bad contracts, in any way. Force them to live with them.
I’ll gladly live with the Stanton’s contract. He’s still one of the most dangerous bats in the game.
His injury history makes him suspect, and he’s not getting younger. And just to clarify my comment, I am talking about their propensity for giving multiple expensive contracts, to players covering similar roles.
Example: Tulo, Didi, DJL, already having Gleyber in the house. Signing Happ, and already having a couple LH starters. I would make them hold onto whichever players keep their hands up, against the salary cap.
Cashman doesn’t impress me.
garbage trade
I like what the Mets are trying to do by improving their on field product but making moves like this seems to narrow their contention window rather than expand it. Anyone see it differently? Seems like a lateral move at best
Yes – THIS!
How are the Mets trying to improve their on field product. This is all talk they haven’t done anything other than trading for Jake Marisnick.As I seeit the Mets have mortgaged the future trading away minor league talent without being willing to spend enough to actual have a shot at a title. Why would anybody let Wheeler walk and not trade him lasy year. Confusing to say the least
If the Marlins aren’t willing to pay the prospect price for guys that are young enough to rebuild with, then maybe they should take a flyer on Domingo Santana. Nothing to lose there.
I assume the Twins aren’t asking for prospects, more likely asking for big league ready starting pitching
Yeah, that may be the issue why the Marlins didn’t the the deal with Texas and are holding back from the Twins. Probably both teams are asking for guys like Alcantara, Yammamoto, or Lopez, so the Marlins are like, “no”.
Twins are interested in Caleb Smith.
Oh I’d do a Smith for Rosario in a heartbeat. Obviously it may cost us another minor piece or 2, but I’d do it.
I doubt the Twins would trade Rosaio for Yammamoto of Lopez, they probably asked for Alcantara, but might settle for Caleb Smith
Yeah, I’m thinking the Twins and Rangers both asked for Alcantara. That’s a definite ‘no’.
Wonder if MN added a couple pieces such as Jhoan Duran and Nick Gordon to E Rosario what it might fetch. Alcantara? A year of Robbie Ray? More?
Domingo would be interesting. Craig Mish has said there’s a lot of interest in Corey Dickerson and David Peralta if the asking price isn’t too high.
Yeah, I’d like to see the Marlins grab him and kick the tires on Danny Salazar, then use their spending on bullpen.
marlins will never be good again
Corey Dickerson is severely underrated.
Lol marlins are a joke franchise. Jeter is there to stroke his ego on helping run a team. You guys should move to Montreal. Loria set back this franchise and the city of Miami for years. Good luck
I’ll remember the name for our next run.
BTW, it could be worse. We could be one of those teams that haven’t won a championship in a longer time than we have (like 1986 for example)…if at all.
Congrats on making a post without using the phrase, “dime a dozen,” You’ve come a long way.
How about Marwin Gonzalez and Eddie Rosario to the Braves? What would the Braves have to offer to get this deal done?
I don’t see the Twins packaging both, as Gonzalez would likely be Rosario’s replacement until Kirilloff is ready.
That said, the Twins biggest need is big league ready rotation help
@Braveslifer
When I read the Twins are shopping Rosario, I immediately thought about the Braves. RH bat that can play LF and bat behind Freeman. I would take him over Ozuna. I know the Braves have pitching prospects but idk if they are close enough to what the Twins want.
Is Wright or Wilson a starting point?
Rosario is a LH bat
I want to go back to my original idea. Gonzalez would slot in at 3B, Rosario in LF.
Twins get Austin Riley, Sean Newcomb, Ender Inciarte and Bryse Wilson.
Braves get Gonzalez and Rosario.
I do not weight analytics, so my proposals sometimes look ignorant, which Is why I work as a project manager and not a MLB GM
I don’t see the Twins having interest in Inciarte
Rosario is a LH hitter.. not saying that Austin Riley or Adam Duvall are better, but they would be a better fit in that lineup
Just heard twins are looking for bullpen help.
Twins get Austin Riley 3B/LF, Sean Newcomb RP, Adam Duvall LF and Bryse Wilson RP.
Braves get Gonzalez 3B and Rosario LF.
@Braveslifer
Maybe just Shane Greene and Touissaint for Rosario? Or another starter instead of TT
Then resign JD 4/100
JD hit 4
Rosario hits 5
Kyle Wright and Shane Green for Rosario. Done
Not sure I want to go four years for Donaldson with his injury history. Was last year playing 155 games a fluke? Are the trainers in Atlanta that good and have the faith to keep him healthy? If they feel confident he can be healthy, sure, give him the contract.
correct me if i’m wrong… Nimmo’s control is three years heading in to ARB. Marte is two. Seems to me getting Nimmo with all his question marks as a headline for Marte could prove disastrous. unless the supporting cast is pretty darn good i’d pass.
My thoughts exactly, why would the Pirates waste Marte’s trade capital on 3 years of control. Nimmo does not fit the teams needs and would only be a place holder until the team is ready to compete which is likely 3 years away. The Pirates need pitching and catching to be around and MLB ready for the 2022-23 seasons. rather than spend the resources to develop an OFer who won’t be on the team when they are ready to compete.
well if they get a catcher like castro and a pitching coach, they might not need much pitching assuming Kuhl and the Pen get and stay healthy and when Jameson comes back in ’21.. could be deadly.
Pick up a couple reclamation prospects like Nelson and Saw
try to get Todd Frazier….
It can all be done “cheaply” even by pirates standards even more so if marte is traded.
They can compete now.. not contenders but not be bad… even if they trade marte.
any way Dom Smith probably a better target. If they trade bell he can slide in to first… if bell is still here slide Bell in to right and Osuna/Polanco in left (not pretty but best bats)
Getting Dom would probably allow you to net more mid range prospects as well.
I can see the Mets using this logic as well as Marte is being traded somewhere else if Alvarez & Peterson are not involved. The Mets insisting on including Nimmo is probably why Marte is not a Met after the winter meetings.
Marte is not good in CF. Why is he being considered as a true CF?
because he is. last year was likely an anomaly with poor support from the corners. give him near average support in the field and it would’ve helped a great deal. he was definitely better in PNC’s large left field however. If someone has need for a left fielder they should consider him as well.
I love this last year was an anomaly; no it was last year and it was real.
He had a -11DRS last year and is on the downside of his career as far as a CF goes.
He will be 32 next year and the legs go first. CF is a young mans game.
Bad deal I am praying the Met’s don’t do it but Van Lunchwagon is an idiot and needs some press this winter and will do anything to get it.
i know you probably have not watched him much, but his legs are still very much in play. i hope the mets dont get him either, there just isnt much they could give that we should really want.
@walls17
That is why I want Atlanta to trade for him and move him back to LF, or maybe RF if they are able to move Inciarte and let Acuna play CF.
Jackie Bradley will fit them, while hes not a ‘true’ centerfielder if the mets value defense, hes a good fit, plus i think boston is that the point that they will trade him for the return of a Gatorade dispenser
JBJ?? is he significant defensive upgrade from Marisnick??
Has JBJ lost a couple steps? I thought he was an elite CF.
Nimmo is awful. Why would anyone trade anything of value for him?
“Awful” is a terrible description and shows a lack of honesty.
Because he’s not awful? Nobody’s calling him the next Mike Trout, but he does have the pop and on-base skills to be a quality everyday player (which he was in 2018).
I hate the Mets but Nimmo is not awful.He’s a decent fielder on base machine with little power. While not great he is far from awful
It would be kind of hard for the Twins to get Sale as he has a no trade clause. But thinking on those lines, Twins should try to get Sale and Mookie Betts both. Sending a package that starts with Rosario, Rooker, Gordon, Dobnak, Raley and Thorpe. This cuts payroll for the Sox by a LARGE margin, they get a ready replacement for Betts in Rosario, their new 2B in Gordon, a possible new 1B in Rooker (or Raley) and MLB ready pitcher in Dobnak and one that is close to ready in Thorpe. Plus they then have money to go get MadBum.
For the Twins, they get their ace in Sale and 1 year of Betts. They could realistically try to sign Betts to the huge contract that he is going to get after this year, but odds are they wouldn’t. But I think they could give Betts the QO, which would give them a draft pick. And after this year, Kiriloff or Larnach should be ready to play up with the big club. Maybe have to include someone like Balazovic or Duran instead of Dobnak, though I think the Sox are getting value with Dobnak/Thorpe. And this all is based on the Sox wanting to cut payroll. But it would have to be Sale, not Price. Just say no to Price as he is now old and passed his best years 2-3 years ago.
I don’t see the Sox making that move unless Lewis or Kirilloff is involved
And unfortunately, I agree with that sentiment. I am more on wanting Sale than I am wanting Betts. But I don’t think neither Kiriloff or Larnach are ready to take LF if the Twins traded Rosario. But Rosario would be cheaper, by far, than what Betts is going to cost.
That’s why having a guy like Marwin Gonzalez is so beneficial at this point. Platoon play with Kiroloff in LF wouldn’t be bad at all in my opinion. We’ll see if the Twins decide to bring in a 1B option in free agency, that would obviously change things a bit. Rosario should be traded this offseason (coming from a Twins and Rosario fan) but from the business and competitiveness perspective that’s the best we could do to get what is missing I think.
Agree
I like it, in theory, especially the part about no Price. The problem with the Twins is their penchant for not using prospects as trade chips.
Obviously, I’m a Twins fan. And I really wouldn’t expect the Sox to do this exact trade. I’ve just based the idea on the Twins need of an ace and the Sox wanting to cut payroll.
I’m not a Twins fan but why would the Twins be willing to spend 145 mill over 5 years for Chris Sale. Thats way beyond risky thats borderline insane
Agree! His elbow is held together with duck tape and baling wire…
To me that’s a lot to send for an expensive ace with an elbow issue and one year of a superstar OF. Boston has major financial issues/considerations to deal with regarding taxes and revenue sharing changes. Why take on all that payroll to relieve them, PLUS send them so many prime pieces that could be instead used in a deal for a more controllable return? I guess maybe the market bears it. I’d skip the Betts idea altogether – Twins do need an ace pitcher though. Both Sale and Price are high-salaried medical risks. Given that, J Duran, A Baddoo and N Gordon for either one of those with a little salary relief should be a fair start.
Sorry, I’m not sold on Brandon Nimmo as the return for Starling Marte.
He can be in the trade, sure, but it better also include J.D. Davis at the very least,
and a couple farm guys in their top 30 prospects.
If not, then I would keep shopping him to other teams.
Seriously, just Davis and a couple prospects would do.
If they want to throw in Nimmo as well, that’s their prerogative.
Maybe the Bucs could sweeten the deal a little to take Nimmo off their hands.
I could see the Pirates having interest in Davis given he has 5 years of control and can play 1st and 3rd to help the team along while Craig and Hayes develop but Nimmo just does not seem to fit the teams needs. Davis, Alvarez & Peterson would probably be the most competitive offer the Mets can put forth.
If they acquire JD Davis I think it’s pretty certain that Josh Bell is on his way out. Too many First basemen/dh type guys
Davis and Peterson, maybe. Alvarez added to that is stupid for NYM. Marte isn’t so good…and is on the wrong side of his career.
Rosario is a lefty batter and the cardinals are looking for one… He would be a huge upgrade to the lineup they should go after him since Mazara is now gone
cardinals could definitely get a deal done and trade them one of the young outfielders like Adolis Garcia, Randy Arozarena, or Lane Thomas along with one of the young pitchers Daniel Poncedeleon, Austin Gomber, or Jake Woodford or someone like that. They could definitely get a deal done
I like it. But the cost would be Hudson on to start and more.
Then hard pass.
The Cardinals can do better than Rosario. He only put a 103 wRC+ last year (and 105 for his career) due to his inability to get on base. The Cardinals have enough of those kinds of hitters. He’s also not very good defensively.
Still dream of a scenario that sends Rosario, Nick Gordon and a prospect or two in the middle ranks to the Brewers for Josh Hader. Helps Brew Crew with a sturdy LF player for 2 years, Braun to first and gives them an MLB ready middle infielder to help their uncertainty beyond Hiura. (Sorry if I butchered the spelling) of course this is if the reports are accurate that MIL would be willing to part with Hader. Twins have depth in the outfield and middle infield and desperately need top level pitching. Every one is focused on SP with them (obviously makes sense) but to acquire that level of talent for 4 years which is their current window, they should be all in on this kind of idea IMO.
Hader would be nice in a Twins uniform, but I think you are over-valuing him a tad bit.
Maybe, but the twins have the depth and the need so sometimes you have to give a lot to get what you need in this business. They are not going to resign Eddie with the prospects coming up and Gordon is blocked so why not? I’m a big Twins fan and I would hate to see Eddie go but sometimes you just have to do it. Their offense is certainly not the problem and you could easily replace Rosario with a combo of Marwin Gonzalez and Alex Kirollof. Not to mention Larnach coming up as well. They really need shut down pitching to contend beyond the wild card and I personally think this would be the best move for them. I mean, 4 years of control over a dominant RP would boost their chances ten fold. But again, probably just dreams as a MN fan. See how this offseason shakes out but I’ll take that over dishing out absurd money and years to the SP market at this point.
Hader would be awesome especially since Rogers has problems pitching back to back games.
Just imagine Rogers and May setting up Hader. Makes my brain happy. Not to mention if Graterol gets command. That looks fun on paper.
I think adding another left handed stopper gives you a lot of flexibility to finish games. You could use Rogers or Hader if you had to put out a fire in middle innings where you needed a lefty without the thought of shooting all your ammo. Plus, we know Hader is used to getting two out saves. It almost makes too much sense.
It would open up a lot of options for the Twins for sure and help take the burden out of not being able to get the bajillion dollar starter in FA. Still holding hope they can ring in Bumgarner or Kuechel but I’m not holding my breath the way this market is forming. Why not give up a little depth (that quite frankly is unneeded) to get dominance at the end of the game? Both teams win, the way trades should be.
* Two inning saves
Like the idea. Hader is a beast and his Milwaukee fans could make the short drive to see him in MN. Even though the Twins are probably prioritizing a front-of-rotation starter, I think the idea of adding Hader would be intriguing to them. Their staff is very right handed outside of T Rogers.
Gotta believe the Braves have to be one of those teams who have checked in on Rosario…right?
I doubt Rosario goes anywhere unless there’s a high caliber pitcher in return. If you’re the Braves GM who can you pony up?
Nimmo to the Cardinals for Tyler O’Neill?
That would be a even swap O’Neill has CF ability
This would make so much sense as the Cardinals are looking for a cheap left handed bat and the Mets need an upgrade over Marisnick.
Unless the idea is to use him for a half season before flipping him at the trade deadline, why would the Pirates want Nimmo?
I’m not convinced they do, especially since it seems that Andy Martino is the one driving this Nimmo for Marte narrative.
When I saw the headline, I figured a Brandon Nimmo for Eddie Rosario trade was being discussed. That would be interesting.
Why would the Twins do that?
Twins would never do that straight up. I think if it was Steven Matz and Nimmo for Rosario, that would work a little better
Ugh, reminds me of Martin Perez 2.0
Haha, I also read it that way. Fake news
Marisnick is not a starting CF given his offense. He is a great 4th outfielder or even a platoon option at best. The Mets should should be willing to part with Nimmo and either JD Davis or Dom Smith in order to get a guy like Starling Marte.
Marisnick is going to fill in the role vacated by Juan Lagares. Lagares only started 61 of 133 games he appeared in last season, and even that was only because Nimmo missed so much time (and other options like Broxton, Gomez, etc. were awful). Marisnick will definitely be in that same role (barring injuries, of course), especially if they don’t make any substantial CF addition.
Nimmo could be a first bat option for the Cubs, if he can play CF
Is a “first bat option” the same as a leadoff hitter?
Great, I’m sure Cubs fans would sign up for Nimmo and Heyward batting 1 and 2. What is the opposite of table-setting? Maybe they both would be able to motivate the team with speeches, while the Church of Analytics tell everyone how they both are valuable.
Derek why so angry?
Will be interesting to see if the new Pirates regime is a bit more astute in its dealings. Not that Marte is anything special—he routinely takes games off for assorted maladies, sometimes doesn’t hustle and can’t lay off curves in the dirt— but you can’t just give him away for guys who will contribute nothing
How is everyone doing with the FA contest – I have not seen an update
It’s updated. Check the side menu.
Nimmo, Nido and a lower level starting pitching prospect to PIT for Marte.
Wheres MarlinsFanBase? I smell his neophyte comments from a different thread
damg, the whole league is on the block
never listen to ANYTHING Andy Martino reports. Guy has never been correct on anything.
Very deceiving title. You should include the word SEPERATE otherwise one immediately thinks they are being swapped for each other which is clearly not the case.