The Rangers feel like they’re in solid position on star third baseman Anthony Rendon, MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan writes. It appears as if the possibility of a shorter deal at a premium AAV might hold some appeal to the Rangers as well as Rendon. But it’s tough to gauge the likelihood that he’ll land in Texas. Per Sullivan, the sides have yet to launch “serious negotiations” on the price tag. You can be sure that Scott Boras will not rush into a signing if he feels competition can drive the price up yet further, so there’s likely some market development yet to come.
More recent chatter …
- Agent Scott Boras expressed skepticism regarding the Nationals’ recent declaration that they can’t afford both Rendon and Stephen Strasburg. The super-agent tells Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (subscription link) that he sees ample capacity for the D.C. organization, which has done quite a lot of business with Boras over the years (to mutual satisfaction, for the most part). Britt Ghiroli provides further assessment of the situation in another Athletic piece, proffering a sensible distinction between what the club can do and what it prefers. As she points out, too, it’s also possible that owner Mark Lerner made the comments to buttress his bargaining position. And it’s probably fair to add that the Nats have generally not shied from carrying big payrolls and making large commitments in the recent past.
- Also skeptical? Rival executives, regarding the likelihood of the Red Sox trading Mookie Betts, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today (via Twitter). That’s really not surprising to hear, though the reasoning offered by Nightengale’s sources is a bit confounding. The issue, he says, is that rival clubs won’t offer all that much for the outstanding outfielder. They “can simply wait until he’s a free agent next winter” rather than taking on a big salary and giving up valuable prospects. That seems to miss the point in large part, as a team acquiring Betts now would be doing so specifically to pick up his highly valuable age-27 season. Renting one of the game’s best players would obviously alter a team’s outlook for the coming season rather drastically; it stands to reason it’d cost something to do so.
- Lefty Rich Hill has not only drawn wide interest despite major elbow surgery … it seems he’s open to considering offers from all teams, so long as they have hopes of winning in 2020. In an appearance on MLB Network Radio on Sirius XM (Twitter link), Hill says he’s not focused solely on his two preferred landing spots (the Dodgers and Red Sox). While it seems that he’d still rather end up in one of those two places, the veteran says that they “might not work out.” He’s open to considering other contenders. And Hill left no doubt that he anticipates playing a big role in the 2020 season, saying he hopes to be ready to roll by June.
- The Angels are planning to sit down with backstop Martin Maldonado at the Winter Meetings, per Jeff Fletcher of the Southern California News Group (via Twitter). That’s not especially portentous news, as Fletcher points out, as teams hold many such meetings this time of year. Still, it’s a notable connection, particularly since the catching market has developed on a relatively rapid timetable. The 33-year-old Maldonado spent on the Halos roster in 2017 and 2018, so the organization is plenty familiar with him.
1drefordays6
Since LA has been quiet, why not give Hill a 1 year deal. Put him in the pen as a LRP and call it a day.
Strike Four
Agreed, Hill might pitch til he’s 50 if he converts to the pen now. Barely any miles on that arm.
GothamNeedsMe
Should have dangled Betts at the deadline.
MoRivera 1999
Agreed. I don’t think the Sox trade Betts this winter. The fans are going to demand that Bloom gets an arm & a leg for Betts and that will put Boston/Betts out of the market. Nothing will get done. They’ll be stuck with a QO draft pick. I’m okay with that.
GothamNeedsMe
Yep. Initially, the thought of trading Betts returns a haul. But looking at other tangibles, it’s dumb to think so. I’m a Sox fan and have to check myself but it’s true most teams fans (Boston included) put blinders on to salary owed, intent on hitting FA, etc. Sox knew he wouldn’t extend so keeping him when they were getting shellacked by NY and TB was ridiculous. Unless you believed Cora when he regurgitated the same “I believe in us, we need to do better, Blah Blah Blah.” Just be realistic.
AL34
I have been a Red Sox fan since the 1970s. Betts is a good player but not a Trout caliber ball player. Trout is a better overall ball player than Betts and he hits for a lot more power
southbeachbully
@AL34
Since his debut in 2014 Betts has been second in WAR behind Trout. Exactly what is your point? Because he’s been the 2nd best player he doesn’t deserve to get a market value contract? Since when is being the 2nd best (statically) a knock?
Matt Tobin
Comparing anyone to Trout is unfair.
Betts is on a HoF trajectory. Trout is on a trajectory to be mentioned in the same breath as Ruth,Mantle,Mays,Bonds…etc as a top 5-10 player of all time
bostonbob
Sox should have traded him after winning the previous WS. Value couldnt have gotten any higher
pasha2k
Why is it other teams can trade a big name n get a great prospect back n the Redsox never can? It’s irritating fir the fans, like me!
GothamNeedsMe
When do other teams trade guys with $30 million owed, for one year, and intent on not extending?
beantownmassacre
Same. They should have moved him last year but since he’ll be a rental anything at this point is better then nothing.
deweybelongsinthehall
Or as a big market club, extend him at market price at the end of the year and do what you have to. Build a new core around X, Betts and Devers. Maybe even deal Devers who could end up being the next superstar or who could have been impacted by the ball in 2019. I’m not advocating doing this, only mentioning the possibility. Find the right team and it can be done. I.e., the Mets if there is new ownership coming, works out a deal financially with Cohen to get money now. Although they don’t get Betts, they get the third baseman (Devers) by taking on the cost of both Eovaldi and Price. Boston can then flip JDM at the deadline or keep him to try to compete now. Some money would be respect on pitching but the team still ends up saving $$$,
deweybelongsinthehall
Respect
deweybelongsinthehall
Damn autocorrect. Respent.
amk3510
Betts is a rental, thats just reality. He will be comparable to what Goldy/Machado got more than fetching a big prospect. Lindor who just has 1 more year of control can get a much bigger return.
Saint Chris
From my perspective, the Cards gave up quite the haul for Goldschmidt.
amk3510
They did but it was all major leauge ready players. Which is something a team like the Dodgers could do for Betts.
Priggs89
They also were able to extend Goldschmidt without any issues, which I’m sure was taken into consideration when dealing for him. The same cannot be said about Mookie.
deweybelongsinthehall
They also were paying Goldie a lot less on both the last year of his old deal and on the new deal he signed when compared to Betts. Teams have limits and if they sign to many high ticket contracts, they face what Boston is up against now when injuries or unexpected lack of production happens.
Mystery Team
How about the Red Sox fans who try to sell you on trading Mookie Betts? All I can think is how stupid it would be to trade a young superstar gold glove level outfielder when you’re the Boston Red Sox. You might as well hang neon signs over the entrances at Fenway that flash ‘We Have No Idea What We’re Doing’. They have to keep him no matter the cost I mean they can’t be that stupid. This kid had a down year last season and was still the best lead off hitter in baseball. If Cora hit him at three where he should be he’d drive in 120 to go with the rest of his great numbers.
GaryWarriorsRedSoxx
You trade him because you’re not going to give him trout money as a free agent signee. Trade him now get something for him whatever it is. Two prospects and one Major League outfielder. Anything.
But you don’t sign this guy to a trout contract. He’s small and it’ll turn out like Andrew McCutchen when he’s 31. Broken-down gimpy no more power and the average will dip. Forget it. Let him walk. You’ve seen his best years and he was amazing. 29 through 32 he’ll slow way down. As I said, Andrew McCutchen.
Saint Chris
He may turn out worse than McCutchen; he could turn out like Bryce Harper. Then the Sox would be f-ed for the life of the contract.
Sorry Philly fans.
southbeachbully
@Gary
Why compare him to McCutchen of all players? McCutchen never had a 10 WAR season and isn’t Mookie Betts. The two have nothing in coming other than their color and position. Cutch was 33 when he was a FA. Betts is only 27. bad comparison.
GaryWarriorsRedSoxx
I’m comparing their size and predicting that mookie will break down like McCutchen. Andrew McCutchen was a 5-tool mvp-caliber player for quite a while then early thirties he started breaking down. I’m just thinking mookie will be the same way. Not giving him 30 million x 7 years.
Pedro Cerrano's Voodoo
Agreed. I can’t see the value in the last 2/3 or more of his projected contract. I just don’t think anyone’s worth 30+ mill a year, and no contract like the one he will sign has turned out well so far.
deweybelongsinthehall
To a point, you factor it in and maybe the next CBA will allow for front loading contracts when computing the tax threshold. Some teams couldn’t do that because they’re too close now but imagine if a team could charge off $45m the next three years for Betts, $30m the next three and only $15m per for the last three. Simple math for this post so no comments on the amount. It’s just an example. He still gets paid $30m each year in this example, $270m total but the contract become more tradable in the later years. Teams will likely absorb the $30m if he only counts $15m against the tax. An alternative to my prior suggestion of allowing teams to re-sign their own free agents and years 5+ only count 50% against the cap. Reward teams, players and fans when there’s continuity and teams will in more cases keep their grown talent, almost like before free agency.
CoachBlake
I believe you have it backwards, and the amount going against the luxury tax is the AAV.
deweybelongsinthehall
I understand the present system. My suggestions were for the next one that I think expires in 21 if they don’t agree to move it up.
deweybelongsinthehall
This one is soon expiring.
badco44
Earth to Gary, it’s about bucks… resetting the salary cap… so someone with a large salary has to go!
GaryWarriorsRedSoxx
Isn’t that what I’m saying? Trade Betts?
fletch
Boras is annoying, please go anyway. No one likes you!
pasha2k
Fletch I feel xactly the same about Boras.
Vizionaire
most of his clients do. and they don’ really care what you think.
GothamNeedsMe
Why is it when someone voices displeasure about Boras, this is the default reply? In the same regard, he can like or dislike anyone he wants. Not sure he cares what you or Boras’ clients think. See how annoying that is?
Also hate Boras. He’s good yeah, but so was A-Rod and I REALLY hated him.
Vizionaire
there are plenty of a-roid candidates in n.y.
moody
Why the hatred for people you dont know? Did they kick your dog or steal your woman? You’re taking this WAY too seriously, Judy.
deweybelongsinthehall
Gotham, fletch made a general comment saying NO ONE likes him which is not true.
Pedro Cerrano's Voodoo
Yessir
throwinched10
Any team that wants Gerrit Cole should try and sign either Martin Maldonado or Robinson Chirinos. They both caught him in Houston over the last two seasons and were very very good at it.
pasha2k
Throw, NYY will never do that, n I am sure he’ll land there.
deweybelongsinthehall
Time will tell Pasha. I still think he’s using them and will end with either the Padres or Dodgers.
fairviewsooner
Rangers are gonna sign Rendon and Cole! No cheating required!
Vizionaire
what about a bowl-full of white pills in the clubhouse allegedly during george bush years?
Jonny5
Lol. Not in this lifetime.
Ketch
I’m surprised more free agents don’t sign with Texas. No state income taxes so a $10mill contract there is worth more than in a lot of other states.
spinach
“The 33-year-old Maldonado spent on the Halos roster in 2017 and 2018, so the organization is plenty familiar with him.”
He helped them make payroll?… nice guy, can see why they’d want to bring him back on board.
Batman69
*Proffering and *buttress in the same paragraph. Someone loves thesaurus.com
Jenkins
Agreed.
wileycoyote56
Red Sox bought a title, which is better than DD did when he was in Detroit. But now it’s payment time and he strips a team dry
butch779988
You mean by trading for Sale, trading for Kimbrel, trading for Pearce, trading for Erod, and having the entire OF, 2b, ss, 3b, and c all from the draft?
Brace4It
How many of those OF, 2b, SS, 3b, and C did DD draft? DD inherited a team with an outstanding farm system, robbed it dry, and it is part of the reason he is no longer in Boston’s plans.
Ketch
Did he inherit the team or buy the team? The two words have VERY different meanings.
ffrhb14Sox
And he made the final deals to win a WS. Well done DD, finishing off a championship not bought but almost entirely built on the strength of a top farm system.
Brace4It
DD took over at the helm when the farm system was already stacked, and the major league roster wasn’t far off. He dealt continuously from that farm system without replenishing from the draft. DD is great at doing that. Look at the shape that he left Detroit in.
deweybelongsinthehall
ERod was Sherington when the team traded Miller to Baltimore (and Kacky to St Louis/Lester to the A’s). I still say DD was a hired gun and did what the team wanted. Go back to posts from 2018. Everyone knew 2020 would be a day of reckoning and no Sox fan complained during the duck boat parade. They are not the New York Knicks. All GMs or Presidents of teams have to run big money ticket items by management. Trades are a different story. Also don’t forget the team had little international money during DD’s time because of all the moves made by Sherington. It’s why I love And at the same time hate Cashman. On one hand, he makes great in season moves but outside of 2009 when he spent big money, his teams have been good but he hasn’t won. When he became the face of the Yankees front office, the team had already been built by agent Michael and Bob Watson.
DarkSide830
Hill could be a consideration for Philly, though id hope they add a swingman as well in case he falters. maybe trade for Kenta?
Vin Scully
Why would the Dodgers trade Maeda?
RIPprosports
Because he’s crying the Dodgers are using him where he actually has some success in the pen. Not getting his incentive pay by going to the pen. So much for being a team player. He signed the contract, now he doesn’t want to own up to it.
ChiSoxCity
Boston just wants to fleece some team in a one-sided trade for a Betts rental. Then they’ll try to re-sign him as a free agent. No GM is desperate enough to fall for this nonsense now.
keysox
White Sox should trade for Betts. Nothing more than Dunning and Engel.
Red Sox fans will scream but a one year rental.
keysox
White Sox should trade for Betts. Nothing more than Dunning and Engel.
Red Sox fans will scream but a One year rental which costs 27m
Bruin1012
Then Boston will keep Betts. You have to remember there is still quite a bit of value in one year of a 6-8 WAR player then, at the very least a competitive value pick. The Red Sox look at themselves as contenders next year and as such need to be blown away to trade Betts this offseason. People seem to forget this fact and simply say take our scraps or let him walk for nothing. Well the fact is your scraps aren’t worth even one year of Betts especially to a team that expects to and, quite frankly, probably will bounce back and play much better next year.
prov356
I’d like to get Maldonado back with the Angels, Cole or not.
Vizionaire
yeah, i like him but his pitch framing needs to improve.
prov356
I remember him having a great arm to second.
GeoKaplan
40% caught stealing? The best the 2019 Angels catchers could manage was the high 20% range.
Hell yeah I’d love to get Machete back. He was great with Ohtani and Cole.
RIPprosports
Come on????? Hill has “drawn wide interest” in signing a 1/3 of the season minor league contract. Everyone is lining up for Mr Blister himself. He doesn’t only bring the crowds in with his rubber band arm but his grotesque, callus infested, blistered finger tips that dare any one that gaze upon them, be able to hold in their lunch. Come one, come all! He seems to be a good guy, but enough is enough.
fox471 Dave
Bit of an idiot are you not?
RIPprosports
You really want the Dodgers to waste money and a roster spot on this guy? We have plenty of young arms that can take his spot.
mohoney
The Red Sox would get more for Betts in a trade at the trade deadline.
Ketch
No need to trade Betts until July. Luxury tax calculations are made after the season, not before it.
soxandpats
I agree, better to wait until the deadline and see who’s on the playoff cusp, and then dangle Betts, unless the Sox get back to that 2018 playoff form, we keep him.
CubsRebsSaints
No need in signing Maldonado. Maddon wont play him.
SG
“A team acquiring Betts now would be doing so specifically to pick up his highly valuable age-27 season.”
That’s ODD?
Why wouldn’t the Red Sox want to keep his “highly valuable age 27 season”?
And keep him in 2020?
Seems like the Red Sox may be giving up on 2020 if they trade him?
It may be worth it to keep him in 2020 and let him go after that without worrying about getting something for him.
Also, if the Red Sox are out of it at the trade deadline in 2020 they can trade him then to a contender and probably get more for him then than now as a 2 month rental on a team that’s in it has value to everybody.
I say wait on Betts unless they get a great offer now.
Worst case they can always QO him after 2020 and get a draft pick for him then.
SalaryCapMyth
I don’t blame any team for not putting together the package it would probably take to get a Betts trade going. To get just one year of Betts the cost will probably be something like a top 50 prospects, a top 100 prospect and a couple lottery tickets. Betts could put up a 10 WAR season and I still don’t want the Braves to pay that price for one year of Betts.
I also think Betts himself hurt a package that Boston could get by being so vocal about wanting to test the free agent market. Saying that doesn’t mean I think badly of him. He doesn’t owe anything to Boston. He’s given them premium production at a discount.
AtlSoxFan
I’ve got to ask…
Why does everyone assume boston won’t kick in a single dollar to get a better return on mookie?
Let’s say his arb salary hits 27m. Boston kicks in 8m. Does anyone really think there isn’t substantial surplus value in 1 year of mookie at 19m? Plus the acquiring team has their own shot at a QO draft pick in after 1st rd comp pick…
Boston would save 12m over 2019, get your prospect or two plus a servicable cheap OF, stuff JD in the field for one season, trade JBJ (I’m not saying jackie gives you a sizable return) and youve made the goal-not-mandate of 208m.
richt
“As she points out, too” talk about clunky writing.
madmc44
There are pluses all over the board re. moving Mookie–both trading preseason and/ or the Deadline.
I like looking for a team that may be a good player away from the WS. Which ones?
The Dodgers–if they are interested– the Padres and the Giants-will have to become interested.
The Nationals, especially if they lose Rendon–that could then bring the Braves, Phillies and Mets into the mix. There can be other match-ups.
Mookie can help and should help especially if he would indicate if he has a preference what city he might like to play in. Maybe a city near Nashville, his home town.
I would definitely want the best Minor L pitching prospect and a Major League OF to play RF if the Sox can’t sign Castellanos or Avisail Garcia. I like Tommy Pham but he was just traded to the Padres.
I’m sure Bloom will come up with something good for the Sox.
kelticknotz
I don’t see the other 29 teams offering to trade with Boston for Betts. Not because they don’t want him but because his new salary for the 2020 season will be in the 28mil range. Boston would want two to three top prospects, and what you get is Betts for one year. Now Betts is a great player but that’s a lot to give up for a single year. And as great as he may be he alone won’t take a team to the pomised land, otherwise Harper, Machado, and Trout would all be wearing rings.
As for Rich Hill. Have to admit the guy has confidence. But he’s coming off a major elbow surgery, he’s 38 and he says he should be fully ready by June. And he wants to pitch for a contender., does a contending team sign a player who might be ready for mid season and if the elbow doesn’t come round as fast as he thinks even longer.