As the MLB offseason continues, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day today:
1. Are more injury announcements on the horizon?
With Spring Training less than a month away, Astros right-hander Kendall Graveman joined Rangers ace Max Scherzer as one of the first players to be announced as undergoing a surprise surgery that will impact their availability for the 2024. While Scherzer is expected to return to the mound sometime this summer after undergoing back surgery last month, Graveman is poised to miss the entire 2024 season on the heels of his recent shoulder surgery. Both veterans serve as a reminder that players will occasionally discover unexpected injury concerns as they ramp back up in preparation for the season over the weeks leading up to pitchers and catchers reporting in February.
While the Astros appear unlikely to change course following the Graveman news, unexpected injury announcements of this sort can at times serve as a catalyst for a sudden development on the free agent market as the club looks for a back-up plan to its injured player. With just 28 days until Spring Training, are there any other players who won’t make it to camp this year?
2. When will the relief market begin to heat up?
The market for relief pitching has largely stayed stagnant this winter, with two of the biggest signings (namely Jordan Hicks and Reynaldo Lopez) expected to compete for roles in their new club’s starting rotation. With that being said, plenty of demand for relief helps still remains as the Astros, Cardinals, and Cubs all remain heavily involved in the hunt for bullpen additions. While each of those clubs appear to be on the lookout for relief help more generally, both the Rangers and Yankees were specifically name-checked as potential frontrunners for right-hander Hector Neris over the weekend. Other teams that could be on the periphery of the relief market are the Dodgers, Angels, and Orioles, each of whom were connected to veteran righty Ryan Brasier earlier this month. Will the recent smoke percolating over the bullpen market lead to a signing in the coming days?
3. Is Rodriguez close to a deal?
The Blue Jays have been tied to a number of major players this winter, ranging from Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto to Cody Bellinger and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, though they’ve either come up short or seemingly backed away from the market’s top players in every instance in favor of lower-level additions like Kevin Kiermaier and Isiah Kiner-Falefa. That trend may be continuing on the starting pitching side of things, as reports indicated yesterday that the club is “optimistic” about their chances of signing Cuban right-hander Yariel Rodriguez. Rodriguez did not pitch with an affiliated league in 2023 as he worked to be declared an MLB free agent and most recently pitched to a 1.15 ERA in 54 2/3 NPB innings back in 2022.
It’s the second such report in that vein in as many months, as Toronto was said to have “taken the lead” in the hunt for Rodriguez’s services a few weeks ago. The addition of Rodriguez to the club’s pitching staff would likely give right-hander Alek Manoah competition for the club’s fifth starter spot this spring, and add a potentially strong late-inning reliever to the back of a Toronto bullpen that recently lost Jordan Hicks in the event that Manoah maintains his hold on the role. Will the club be able to get the deal done after missing on most of its targets earlier this winter?
Big whiffa
Hopefully no one is suggesting to move manoah to the pen where his shortcomings will be amplified in smaller stents on the mound. He’d have more value trading him away. Bring in a mid or TOR and start him in 3A. Let him earn his spot back on the club
Canuckleball
I don’t think anyone at all is suggesting Manoah go to the bullpen. If he’s not in the starting five, then he’s in AAA.
It seems the plan is to get YRod as a hedge. If Manoah rebounds in the spring, YRod becomes a high quality bullpen piece. If Manoah struggles again, YRod is the #5 starter to start the year.
And of course, they may need both if another starter gets hurt, which the Jays are probably due for after last seasons amazing health.
Old York
Injury Drama Unfolds: Who’s Next?
Oh, the suspense! It’s like waiting for the next plot twist in a soap opera. First, we had Max Scherzer’s back surgery saga, and now Kendall Graveman is stealing the spotlight with a shoulder performance you’d expect from a drama queen. Are they rehearsing for a Broadway musical or just trying to one-up each other on the DL? Stay tuned for more surprise surgeries – coming soon to a Spring Training near you!
Relief Pitching Market: A Slower Burn Than Cold Coffee
The relief market is about as lively as a tortoise race in slow motion. Jordan Hicks and Reynaldo Lopez are gearing up for a marathon in the starting rotation, leaving the rest of us wondering if relief pitchers have taken a vow of silence. The Astros, Cardinals, and Cubs are apparently on a quest for bullpen help – perhaps they’re looking in the lost and found section of the baseball universe. Will we witness the bullpen market waking up from its winter slumber, or are we doomed to watch relievers practice their knitting skills until Opening Day?
Toronto Blue Jays’ Bargain Hunt Continues
The Blue Jays are on a shopping spree, but it seems like they’re navigating the discount aisle. Forget the top-tier players; they’re eyeing deals like they’re preparing for a garage sale. From Ohtani to Soto and now Rodriguez – it’s like they’re collecting baseball cards with no intention of playing a serious game. Are they building a team or just trying to assemble the most eclectic roster? I can’t wait to see who they’ll pick up next – maybe a retired circus juggler with a mean fastball? Anything is possible in the world of Blue Jays’ winter acquisitions!
JackStrawb
“…as they ramp back up…”
—Good god. Write in English, please.
filihok
JS
“”“…as they ramp back up…”
—Good god. Write in English, please.”
That’s perfectly fine English
-an English teacher
Jaysfansince92
I see nothing wrong with that.