With five weeks left until Spring Training begins, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on today throughout the baseball world:
1. Reported signings that could be made official
In one of last week’s Openers, we discussed three signings that could be made official in the coming days: Corey Kluber with the Red Sox, Evan Longoria with the Diamondbacks, and Wade Miley with the Brewers. Only Longoria’s signing has been made official to this point, with right-hander Edwin Uceta getting DFA’d in the corresponding move. An official announcement and corresponding move should still be in the works for both Kluber and Miley. In addition, two other deals from last week that could be made official in the coming days are the one-year, $5MM deal between Arizona and Zach Davies and the agreement between the Cubs and Eric Hosmer. Both Arizona and Chicago will need to make a corresponding move to clear 40-man roster space in order to add Davies and Hosmer, respectively.
2. What’s next for the Tigers?
This weekend’s five-player deal that sent Gregory Soto and Kody Clemens to Philadelphia in exchange for Nick Maton, Matt Vierling, and Donny Sands is the biggest move of Detroit’s offseason to this point. The Tigers addressed the most significant holes on their roster with this deal, as Maton can take the lion’s share of starts a third base, filling a hole left by the non-tender of Jeimer Candelario earlier this offseason. Vierling, meanwhile, serves as a much-needed righty complement to Detroit’s all-lefty outfield unit of Akil Baddoo, Riley Greene, Austin Meadows, and Kerry Carpenter. Of that group, only Greene posted productive numbers against southpaws (.303/.353/.394, 116 wRC+). So, what’s next for the Tigers? They certainly could make room for another bat, or even a rotation arm, if a deal arises that interests them.
The most pressing issue at this point, however, seems to be restocking the bullpen. Detroit’s relief corps has lost both Soto and Joe Jimenez to sell-side trades this offseason while also losing Wily Peralta and Andrew Chafin to free agency. That’s 210 1/3 innings of quality relief work in 2022 that won’t be returning in 2023, leaving the bullpen as the clearest place left where president of baseball operations Scott Harris can add to the club.
3. Will the Mariners keep adding?
With the addition of outfielder AJ Pollock on a one-year, $7MM deal, the Mariners have a platoon partner for former top prospect Jarred Kelenic if he succeeds in the majors in 2023 or some insurance in the outfield if Kelenic continues to struggle. Even with that pair in left, Julio Rodriguez in center and Teoscar Hernandez in right, there’s still room for another outfield-capable bat. Acquiring another outfielder would allow Hernandez to spend more time at designated hitter and ideally give manager Scott Servais another above-average bat to rotate through the outfield and DH mix. As it stands, the Mariners’ DH spot would likely be used for Hernandez and the occasional rest day for other regulars, which would allow names like Cooper Hummel, Dylan Moore and Sam Haggerty to get into the lineup elsewhere.
I am not sure how likely this would be, but getting Brandon Belt on a one year could be a fine way for the M’s to wrap up the off-season.
As I’ve discussed here many times, while understanding and patient, I was starting to get anxious about not adding anymore depth before the season. After getting Pollock, suddenly we’re a left handed DH option away from being sound as a pound
As I am not totally opposed to bringing in Belt, unlike Pollock, he seems more of a bounce-back candidate. Pollock’s platoon splits were still very good against RHP last year, even in a down year. Belt, however, has red flag platoon splits that give a DFA by ASB flag in my head.
Was he injured last year? Is that what is causing his abnormal splits compared to to 2021?
Belt is an interesting case to discuss, his numbers have always been sporadic year to year. I do believe he was banged up at a couple points last year, and he is getting to that age where it’s just about time. I think with the crop we have left to choose from, not expecting a silver slugger, but a solid veteran bat that as you alluded to, has a chance to bounce back and give big return on what will likely be a modest deal.
Belt had knee issues again last year, opted for another surgery. When belt is healthy he’s a great power bat in any lineup. But being a Giants fan, we never knew what belt was suited up for the game. Lol
He doesn’t do enough for the roster, we already have a platoon at half our positions.
Kelenic/Pollock
Wong/Haggerty
Crawford/Moore
Raleigh/Murphy
Pollock already punted our 3rd catcher and outfielder Hummel, who’s an important piece. His presence allows us to give Raleigh ABs at DH, he’s the only guy on the team with Julio/Haggerty speed which is insane, especially for a catcher. Hummel also offers defensive versatility by playing in the OF corners.
Brandon Belt being added would disrupt a platoon and isn’t worth losing Haggerty or Moore from the bench in case of multiple injuries or platoon switches in one game. At $7M Pollock won’t lose his spot to Belt, and neither will our only other catcher Murphy, Moore is the only backup we have who can play shortstop, so that leaves Haggerty as the odd man out. So we would have to go with one infield backup and no true pinch-runner to accommodate a bounce-back candidate at DH? No thanks.
The only way Belt would fit on the roster is if Kelenic could avoid severe platoon splits and Pollock wasn’t on the roster or they would’ve chosen to use Haggerty or Moore as the platoon option for Kelenic.
Personally, this is why I hate having a sub-par SS. Crawford was less valuable than 17 SS in baseball during 2022, was tied with three others, and was out-paced for WAR/G by three more rookies. He’s maybe one of the 5 worst SS with a starting job in the MLB.
Don’t believe me? Find a trade partner for him! Maybe the Marlins (Rojas), maybe the Red Sox (Story), maybe the Rockies (Tovar), and maybe the Nationals (Abrams). Did I miss anyone? Pretty bad and to be honest, I wouldn’t take him over any of them.
I’m okay with Wong or Kelenic, but both need a platoon, the catcher needs a platoon obviously, and Crawford sucking is a big weight around our neck. I would dump J.P. to anyone that’ll have him and sign Andrus to cover SS.
I would add Reynolds to RF at nearly any cost to ensure Shohei leaves LA, the Rangers have to spend more or dismantle the team, and for closing the gap with the Astros.
Jarred would be my LF, Teo the DH, against LH Teo goes to LF and Pollock is the DH or gives rest to Julio and Reynolds for DH days. I would focus on eliminating as many platoons as possible.
Raleigh has earned a regular role, no? 27 home runs, .774 OPS, one of the best defensive catchers. His splits vs LHP and RHP weren’t massively different.
However, you still have to give him a rest behind the plate and Murphy destroys LH pitching. If you are going to give Raleigh a break, it’s going to be against LH pitching. For instance, against the Angels in a 3-game series, he is going to face at least two LH starters, so he’ll sit vs one of them and start the other with Murphy starting against a LH starter in the series. Let’s say the lineup stays the same, you have Teo in RF, Julio in CF, Pollock in LF and Murphy is behind the plate, the choice of who to DH comes down to Raleigh or Moore.
Now Moore could DH or play the outfield to rotate one of Teo, Julio, or Pollock through the DH spot for a 1/2 day off, but the point is Moore had a 126 OPS+ vs Raleigh having a 105 OPS+ against LHP, so who would you start at DH/OF when Murphy is taking the reins behind the plate? You can’t simply play Raleigh at catcher 130+ games a year and pretend that would hurt his bat as well, even Posey only played 140 games a year as a HOF backstop.
Good thing you aren’t involved in player evaluation or roster decisions. Because you clearly have no idea what you’re talking about. Our catcher definitely doesn’t need to platoon and Molten Wong is a massive upgrade over our 2b options last year and won’t be platooning. Lastly I’m not exactly sure how trading for Reynolds would ensure Ohtani doesn’t resign with the Angels?
Good thing you know something about baseball because all catchers platoon, it’s due to the position, not the hitting. However, he could theoretically get ABs at DH. The most used catchers in the league don’t play 30-40 games that’s about the platoon split on LH/RH, would you rather give his rest day when he’s hitting LH vs RHP? Good roster usage TMQ!
Probably very unlikely. They were pretty happy with what they were seeing from Evan White in August before he ended up on the IL again in early September. Assuming he’s a full-go this spring, he would probably be next in line for any 1B work if they wanted to go that direction. Worth noting it’s usually not too difficult to find a 1B/DH type at the deadline if necessary.
A proven, or semi-proven, outfielder seems more likely.
Seattle has 14 RHPs on the 40 currently slotted as relievers, including Flexen. It wouldn’t be surprising to see one or two of them swapped for a bat.
Worth noting Casey Sadler isn’t on the 40, but if healthy & back to form, he’s very likely breaking camp with the team.
If there’s one thing Seattle kind of did quietly this offseason, it was load up on relievers. They could/should still add a LHRP, but the pitching depth is significant.
That’s a great point, the numbers White was putting up the last couple weeks of the year were pretty legit. Combined with his glove and above-average speed (may be only average now, but we’ll have to wait and see), it’s still an enticing skillset and he’s always hit the ball hard. I’m not sure he doesn’t force his way on the roster by midseason with so much money owed, they have to eventually see what he can do. He could probably even spend some time in the outfield during spring training and in AAA to start the year, just to add some versatility to his game.
Regarding the Tigers’ bullpen, there will be ten healthy arms that started games last year plus the return of Spencer Turnbull. Not all those guys will make the rotation. Tyler Alexander, Garrett Hill, and Alex Faedo could easily end up in the pen. Also, improving the offense while depleting the bullpen might just leave the two at a comparable level. Getting healthy and developing the young players is more important than relievers to the 2023 Tigers.
Alexander for sure ends up in the pen. That is where they wanted him in the first place. As for the rest? My suspicion is that at least one other starter gets moved to the pen. Many have pegged Faedo for that role for a couple of years now, so he’d be my first bet. For the most part though, given how the rotation injuries pattered out this past season, I don’t expect a massive shifting of guys to the pen. The Tigers will want a full compliment of possible replacements. So have to think the Tigers will at least pick up one relief arm before spring training. The market is flush with relievers and there has been little movement in that department so far this winter.
Rather than questioning the bullpen, I think MLBTR should have addressed the plethora of starting options and what the Tigers have to do to keep 7-8 of them stretched out. A lot of them can’t be optioned to the minors; actually, only Brieske, Hill, Manning, and Wentz have options. Manning will make the rotation so maybe Brieske and Wentz begin the year in Toledo? Adding a reliever is a good idea, but that doesn’t leave the team much different than it is now.
I’d like to see the Tigers go with a six man rotation this year, most of their starting pitchers are young and/or coming off injuries. And I still think the Tigers have at least one more trade in them. If they trade Rodriguez, that would leave them with Boyd, Turnbull, Manning, Lorenzon, Wentz and Brieske. And Skubal when he’s healthy. Hill and Faedo will probably go in the bullpen and Ronny Garcia to the Mud Hens.
Do you think the team will use an opener strategy this year, giving their extra starters 2-3 innings every 6th or 7th game?
That is the conundrum. Brieske likely begins the season in AAA unless he forces his way onto the roster. Wentz may suffer that fate too unless they trade ERod. The “forgotten man” is Rule 5 pick Mason Englert. He has to be a regular starting pitcher at some point so the team sees what they have; of course he can’t be optioned to the minors this year without working out a deal with his former team (the Rangers).
I haven’t forgotten about Englert, I’m assuming that he’ll go straight to the bullpen and stay there… At least this season.
I see any lefty in the Tigers spring camp being looked at for the bullpen, including Wentz. I would still like them to bring Fulmer back to pair with Lange at the back of the pen.
Love that idea. Wentz and Brieske should start so they can further evaluate what they have. Trade Rodriguez to Stl for a package that includes Gorman or Winn and Burleson. Get some long term bats and address 3b, OF, SS (sorry Javier you’re geaded to second eventually anyway). I think Gorman is primed for a big year.
210 innings is a lot of relief innings… they also lost Fulmer at the trade deadline. He threw 39 innings for the Tigers. 250 innings is like 4 full time relievers. Alexander and Faedo will probably be in the pen. Cisnero was out a while, he could add another 30 innings. They have a rule 5 guy, but not sure he will even make the cut. That’s still at least 1 full reliever. You always have to account for injuries. Sign Matt Moore and Daniel Norris.
Reese Olson is on a fast track to the big club. If he stymies hitters in Toledo (where I presume he will start the season), he may be up by June.
Or Wilmer Flores
Olson, Flores, Bergner and Madden are all likely to get get called up to Detroit at some point in 2023.
I’m still not satisfied with the additions we have made, the AL West has gotten a lot better and I’m not sure we even are a lock at the 2nd spot at this point. With all the money we have not spent that the front office said we were, we better offer Ohtani a blank check and say we will outbid any team who tries. If he is not a Mariner next offseason we screwed up, we just have to pray the Angels don’t wise up and trade him before we can talk with him. I would imagine any team willing to trade for him now will have a trade contingent on a extension from Ohtani guranteed.
No chance Ohtani signs with Seattle.
Why not? We should have the most money to throw at him, closest flight to Japan, and has made steps forward to win. Any other more competitive team can’t afford to spend that much with the luxury taxes they would owe.
You do realize we were one of the top 3 teams he was choosing from including San Diego and Anaheim, right? San Diego really has no chance to afford him with having to re-sign Machado, extend Soto, and already staring down the contract of Tatis and Bogaerts, plus all the arb eligible players like Cronenworth who need to be issued contracts or extended. I’m not sure they could afford Ohtani even if they found a way to get rid of Tatis.
If Chafin wants to be in Ohio, we have a prime spot in the bullpen as a left handed setup guy to one of the better upcoming closers in baseball.
Doesn’t everyone want to be in Ohio?
The only good things in Ohio are the Rock n Roll HOF, Toledo, and Cedar Point.
Wouldn’t Pollock play DH/LF with Kelenic, Rodriguez, and Hernandez? Along with an occasional Haggerty? Pollock will sit at times vs. RHP but there’s no way they view him as a platoon partner with Kelenic. And Cooper Hummel gonna start in AAA.
Pollock is nearly a lock to platoon LF with Kelenic, but getting regular PAs at DH or RF will probably depend on whether or not they’re able to bring in another outfielder. If they don’t, he probably will face RHPs, at least in the early going.
I don’t think Nick is suggesting Hummel should be the DH, he’s just noting that there is currently an opening and he could be in that mix. Trammell does seem more likely of the current internal options, but both should be depth.
I guess this takes the Mariners out of the Bryan Reynolds sweepstakes now? The M’s look like a finished product now, and all ready for the Trashtro’s? Smh
They aren’t close to Houston. There’s no competition for the West title. Likely not much competition in the whole AL for Houston either.
Nope, Reynolds, Julio, and Jarred are in the outfield while Teo is the DH, and Pollock the DH half of the Kelenic platoon with Teo playing in the field against LHP. The reality is Pollock struggled against RHP last year and had injury issues throughout his career, along with being 35 years old, he shouldn’t be counted on as a regular for longer than a short DL stay for one of the other guys. He’s a platoon bat and 4th OF at this point, which his contract confirms.
Good. The Pirates want way too much for a player that doesn’t have a long track record. He’s had 2 good seasons… not worth what they supposedly want. First time around, they asked for Julio to be included. Comical
I’m assuming Lange is the heir apparent to be the closer in Detroit but I haven’t seen much mention of it yet at this point.
Kind of by default, yes. However, the game still have to be played and he should have to earn it even if he is the presumptive closer.
Can’t rule out Cisnero.
I’ll rule out Cisnero. Walk rate is way too high.
Foley got mentioned in a recent article. Cisneros too but Lange’s a better option.
I’m hesitant to say anything.
Yesterday, all my comments about the A.J. Pollock signing suddenly disappeared, along with a lot of conversation with and regarding several other commenters.
They were all good, positive conversation, with nothing objectionable being said at all.
So what hap;pened to a whole ton of comments, Mr. Dierkes? This is freaky.
Hi Fred, I used to see that same stuff over in Drayers blog site. you do remember that?. and from time to time I get that very reactions from other sports sites as well . Although what you describe sounds like a surprise to me… Maybe what’s missing is your philosophical perspectives you were well known for.. I haven’t seen any of that here yet.
Lee, it’s an imperfect world, and I guess we have to be reminded from time to time.
Life goes on . . .
Former ATL GM John Coppalella has had his lifetime ban lifted by Manfred after serving 5 years. Interesting.
Funny how that all works out. MLB dunked on ATL when half a dozen other clubs were caught doing similar things.
Likely a lot more teams than just the 6 or 7 you are thinking about. Baseball is a copy cat league and they have a rich history of trying to make one team/player be a fall guy for a league wide issue. Just like PEDs, sticky stuff on the balls, Greenies, and electronic sign stealing were all league wide- what Atlanta did was just as wide spread. It’s comical that some fans think their teams are clean and don’t bend/break the rules.
From what I understood, Coppy got what he got because he did not cooperate with MLB in the investigation, on top of being icy (my word) operating as ATL’s GM. Hart said he never knew about anything (hard to believe) and transitioned into a cushy MLB job as an analyst on MLB Network. That being said, he has a nice gig in Orlando outside of baseball, so I doubt he’d be interested.
Is Kelenic the most overrated player in the league? It seems everyone still believes he’ll be an above average player for his career but he’s literally been worse, and not by a little, then an average AAA player at his position for his career. Seattle wants to win and should expect more from any position, especially a COF. That job should be AJs until he’s hurt or sucks too long
Nick, the Cubs don’t need to clear a spot on the 40 for Davies, just for Hosmer. Check the way you worded this at the end of #1.
I think that they need to find a way to get Haggerty regular at bats. He earned it last year. The only issue is his speed and defensive versatility off the bench is too valuable to not have during the last half of games.
SodoMojogo, I sure agree about Haggerty.
Good in the clutch, too.
I liked him from the first. His speed caught my eye, and he has the heart of a real ballplayer.
Well, I guess what I meant was that he has quickness as a catcher.
I liked that.
Maybe his speed on the basepaths was not the best, but his value lay in how he could get a hit and drive in a teammate from 2nd base.
Getting the RBI in the clutch makes up for whatever deficiencies one might see in this guy.
Just MHO, of course.
Haggerty has enormous splits.
.191/.262/.255; 53 wRC+ vs. RHPs.
.364/.449/.652; 211 wRC+ vs LHPs
Regular PAs aren’t likely in the cards for him.
The tigers released peralta before the season ended so he shouldn’t be mentioned