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Marlins Release Dan Straily

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8:44am: Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill announced to reporters that Straily has been released by the organization (Twitter link via Joe Frisaro of MLB.com). Mish tweets that Straily is going on release waivers today, meaning he’ll become a free agent if he clears on Wednesday at 1pm ET. Assuming that happens, he’ll receive the aforementioned 45 days’ termination pay and can can sign with any club for any amount of money (on top of that termination pay from Miami).

7:52am: In a fairly surprising move, the Marlins have designated right-hander Dan Straily for assignment, according to Craig Mish of SiriusXM (all Twitter links). The Marlins will now have a week to trade him or release him. Left-hander Caleb Smith has made the Marlins’ Opening Day rotation in what was expected to be Straily’s spot, Mish adds.

Straily, 30, was acquired from the Reds in a January 2017 trade that cost the Marlins right-hander Luis Castillo (along with the since-reacquired righty Austin Brice and minor league outfielder Zeek White). Straily made 33 starts for Miami in his first year with the club and tallied another 23 starts for the Fish in a 2018 season that was slowed a bit by a forearm strain early in the year. In all, he gave the Marlins 304 innings of 4.20 ERA ball with averages of 8.0 strikeouts, 3.3 walks and 1.5 homers allowed per nine innings pitched.

On the heels of that output, Miami and Straily agreed to a $5MM salary earlier this winter, avoiding arbitration in the process. Today’s DFA will save the Marlins about $3.8MM of that $5MM sum, as even if Straily is released, the organization would only owe him 45 days’ termination pay (roughly $1.2MM). Ultimately, those cost savings were surely at the heart of the move. There’s little doubt that Straily is a better option for the Miami pitching staff than fellow veteran Wei-Yin Chen, but Miami will retain Chen and his fully guaranteed $20MM salary and instead part ways with a veteran arm whose salary was only partially guaranteed.

Miami has reportedly been exploring trades for Straily all offseason, including prior to tendering him at that $5MM rate, but without any success. As such, it may be difficult for them to find a partner in the coming days, though perhaps a club with injury issues in its rotation will have some interest — if not via trade then via straight waiver claim. Straily did rank in the 70th percentile of MLB pitchers in terms of fastball spin and in the 80th percentile in terms of curveball spin, so he could hold particular appeal to clubs that emphasize spin rate. If he goes unclaimed, Straily will become a free agent who is eligible to sign with any club for any amount of money while still pocketing the $1.2MM owed to him by Miami.

As for the Marlins, they’ll now trot out a younger rotation consisting of Jose Urena, Trevor Richards, Pablo Lopez, Sandy Alcantara and Smith, with Chen lined up as the long man in the bullpen. Elieser Hernandez, Jeff Brigham and Jordan Yamamoto are all on the 40-man roster as depth options.

Developmentally speaking, one can hardly fault the rebuilding Marlins for wanting to give as many of their growing stable of arms an opportunity as possible, though the fact that doing so now means paying a reasonably useful Major League arm to pitch somewhere else is hardly ideal. The truly questionable element of the whole equation will be the decision to tender Straily in the first place a youth movement was always the preferred route for the rotation. Presumably, though, when that decision was due in early December, Miami still had confidence in its ability to find a trade partner.

Rays Broached Extension Talks To Willy Adames, Brent Honeywell

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The Rays have traditionally been pretty aggressive in locking up young players to early-career extensions, as evidenced by their recent deals with Blake Snell and Brandon Lowe.  Beyond that duo, Willy Adames and Brent Honeywell told Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times that they had also been approached about long-term deals.

Adames has been a consensus top-25 prospect in baseball in each of the last two seasons, and he now projects as Tampa’s everyday shortstop after hitting .278/.348/.406 during 323 plate appearances in his 2018 rookie season.  Adames didn’t specify when the Rays first brought up an extension, whether it was this offseason, during last season, or perhaps even before Adames made his big league debut altogether.

For speculation purposes, if a long-term deal was explored this past winter, recent extensions for Tim Anderson and Paul DeJong stand out as comparables for Adames.  Both shortstops also had less than a year of service time, and each landed six-year pacts with two club option years, with Anderson getting a guaranteed $25MM and DeJong (signed a year later) $26MM in guaranteed money.  It’s probably safe to assume Adames would’ve gotten a bit more, both due to his top-prospect status, and since those deals were almost topped in value by the extension Scott Kingery signed with the Phillies before he ever set foot on a Major League field.  (This is also basically the deal Lowe signed, except with one fewer club option year.)

While Evan Longoria and Matt Moore each had just a small bit of MLB service time when they inked their extensions with the club, the Rays have never extended a player who has never appeared in the Major Leagues.  A Honeywell extension would’ve therefore been a precedent-setting deal for both the team and for the league as a whole, as no pitcher has ever signed an extension before making his debut in the Show.  Moore came closest, as he had just 17 days of regular-season service time when he inked his five-year, $14MM extension (with three club option years) back in December 2011.

It’s hard to use a contract that’s over seven years old as a comparable, plus Honeywell’s health situation also adds another unique wrinkle to his case.  Honeywell said the Rays discussed the long-term deal after he underwent Tommy John surgery in February 2018.  While we can assume that the team’s offer reflected that injury risk, it still represents some courage on Honeywell’s part in betting on himself to recovery from the surgery, rather than getting at least one multi-million dollar payday out of his professional career before even throwing a pitch in the majors.

It’s worth noting that Honeywell received an $800K bonus when drafted, so he has already obtained some financial security.  Honeywell was a second-round pick (72nd overall) for the Rays in the 2014 draft, and he has been perhaps even more highly-touted than Adames, with three consecutive years as at least a top-30 prospect in the eyes of Baseball Prospectus, and MLB.com and Baseball America.  The three publications had Honeywell respectively ranked 11th, 12th, and 14th on their top-100 lists prior to the 2018 season.  Honeywell has a 2.88 ERA, 9.9 K/9, and 4.92 K/BB rate over 416 professional innings, and he was expected to make an impact in Tampa’s rotation last season before injury struck.

Most teams, of course, probably at least float the idea of early-career extensions to much of their young talent.  The Rays in particular have made a habit of this tactic, given the team’s financial limitations.  Tyler Glasnow and Daniel Robertson didn’t want to comment to Topkin whether or not they had been offered long-term deals or not, while Jose Alvarado said he’s be open to discussions with the club (which could hint that the Rays haven’t yet talked to Alvarado).

The front office, for its part, seems to be open for business.  GM Erik Neander said that the Rays “would love to keep the one-[extension]-a-day pace here if we could. We’re very high on the group of players that we have here. It’s a group we believe in. And when there are opportunities to find overlap between our players and our organization that increases the chances they can be here for a longer period of time, that’s something that we will continue to explore whenever those opportunities present themselves.”

NL West Notes: Holland, Kratz, Giants, Garcia, Shaw

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The latest from the NL West…

  • The Diamondbacks will use Greg Holland as their closer, Torey Lovullo told reporters (including the Arizona Republic’s Nick Piecoro) today.  The veteran reliever didn’t exactly impress during Spring Training, posting a 12.27 ERA over 3 2/3 IP, yet Lovullo said the D’Backs made their decision based in part on Holland’s past closing experience.  Also, with Holland at closer, it frees Arizona to use Archie Bradley and Yoshihisa Hirano either as setup men or perhaps in other high-leverge situations earlier in games.  Holland is trying for a rebound year following a 2018 that saw him get off a rough start with the Cardinals, before somewhat righting the ship in the Nationals’ bullpen down the stretch.  He signed a one-year, $3.25MM contract with the D’Backs this winter, and Holland can more than double that total with $3.5MM available in incentives.
  • The newly-acquired Erik Kratz will be the Giants’ backup catcher, manager Bruce Bochy told NBC Sports’ Alex Pavlovic and other media.  This doesn’t necessarily mean that rookie Aramis Garcia will be sent down to Triple-A, as Bochy said the club is still thinking about carrying three catchers early in the year to account for Buster Posey’s recovery from hip surgery last summer.  As Pavlovic notes, however, keeping Garcia would create a bit of a roster crunch if the Giants stick with their plan of carrying 13 pitchers.
  • Bryan Shaw’s first season with the Rockies was a tough one, as the veteran reliever struggled to a 5.93 ERA over 54 2/3 innings.  This led to an offseason devoted to correcting Shaw’s mechanics, The Athletic’s Nick Groke writes (subscription required), which included discovering and correcting a flaw in the right-hander’s delivery, as well as a new strengthening program to keep Shaw’s shoulder in good condition.  While Shaw got off to a rough start in Spring Training as these changes took hold, he can begun to show better form in recent outings.  The Rockies are sorely in need of a bounce-back year from Shaw (not to mention Jake McGee and Mike Dunn) in order to reinforce a bullpen that lost Adam Ottavino to free agency.

AL Central Notes: Ramirez, Indians, Tigers, Jones, Eloy

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The Indians received a scare when Jose Ramirez fouled a ball off his left knee during the third inning of today’s game against the White Sox.  Ramirez had to be carted off the field, though it seems as though the worst was avoided, as x-rays came back negative on the injury.  (ESPN.com’s Jeff Passan was among those to report the news.)  It isn’t clear if the knee contusion could still cause Ramirez to miss regular-season time or even require an IL stint — if the latter, it would another big blow to a Tribe infield that is already without Francisco Lindor and Jason Kipnis for the start of the season.  As per the team’s official Twitter feed, Ramirez will remain at the Tribe’s Spring Training camp for treatment, and his status is undecided for Opening Day.

Some more from the AL Central…

  • Hanley Ramirez is looking like a strong bet to break camp with the Indians, as manager Terry Francona told MLB.com’s Mandy Bell and other reporters that “if we stay put” with roster moves, Ramirez will make the team.  Today was the opt-out date in the veteran slugger’s minor league contract with Cleveland, though it looks as if a quality Spring Training performance (.844 OPS in 38 PA) has earned Ramirez the opportunity to appear in his 15th Major League season.  Ramirez is something of a limited resource on the 25-man roster, as the team intends to use him only as a designated hitter, though his presence allows Jake Bauers to be spelled against tough left-handed pitching.  Assuming Ramirez does officially make the roster, he’ll earn $1MM in guaranteed salary.
  • JaCoby Jones will start the season on the IL after suffering a left shoulder sprain while diving for a ball on Saturday.  Speaking with media (including Chris McCosky of the Detroit News), Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire hinted at a rough 2-3 week timeline for Jones’ recovery, though Gardenhire’s estimate seemed speculative.  Jones and Mikie Mahtook were slated to share center field duties for the Tigers, though Niko Goodrum will now see some time in center with Jones out, plus outfielder Dustin Peterson could now factor into Detroit’s Opening Day plans.
  • Eloy Jimenez’s record-setting extension with the White Sox was almost completed last November at the GM Meetings, GM Rick Hahn told MLB.com’s Scott Merkin and other reporters, but the final details weren’t put into place until the two sides held face-to-face meetings over the last few days.  The result was a six-year, $43MM pact, the biggest extension ever given to a player who has yet to play a Major League game.  There has yet to be official word about whether or not Jimenez will be with the Sox on Opening Day, though there wouldn’t seem to be any service-time obstacles now that the White Sox control Jimenez for as many as his first eight big league seasons.

Red Sox Place Sandy Leon On Waivers

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The Red Sox have placed catcher Sandy Leon on waivers, as per WEEI.com’s Evan Drellich (Twitter link).

The move comes after months of trade rumors surrounding Boston’s catching situation, as the team didn’t plan on keeping all three of Leon, Christian Vazquez, and Blake Swihart on its Opening Day roster.  No deals materialized, however, as Boston’s attempts were undoubtedly complicated both by a busiest-than-expected catching market this winter, as well as the simple fact that none of the trio played well in 2018.  (Plus, all three were out of minor league options.)

As of last spring, the Red Sox were known to be putting a rather large asking price on Swihart befitting his former top-prospect status, and it isn’t known if that price dropped in the wake of Swihart’s lackluster performance last season.  Vazquez came with a notable financial cost (owed $13.55MM through 2021), while even Leon’s modest $2.475MM salary for 2019 could be seen as an overpay for a defense-only catcher, given what players with similar skillsets have landed this winter.

That said, it seems likely that several teams will check in on Leon now that they’ll just have to pay his salary (rather than give something up to the Sox in a trade).  Leon is ranked by both Baseball Prospectus and StatCorner as a top-tier pitch-framer, and has also received above-average marks for his blocking and throwing arm.  More anecdotally, teammates and coaches have raved about Leon’s ability to call a game and manage pitchers.  At the plate, Leon has a surprisingly strong 2016, but has since batted only .201/.262/.317 over 589 plate appearances.

If Leon isn’t claimed, he will be removed from Boston’s 40-man roster and then have the choice to either become a free agent or remain with the Red Sox as Triple-A depth.  Assuming he leaves, Boston would then have just Vazquez and Swihart behind the plate, and Juan Centeno as their top minor league depth candidate.

Vazquez is himself a strong defender, and obviously the Sox aren’t ready to give up on a player they only recently extended.  Swihart is still a question mark defensively (both at catcher and elsewhere around the diamond), though the Red Sox also still think enough of his potential that they’re willing to take the defensive dropoff as Swihart continues to develop.  With all this uncertainty, Boston could possibly be a midseason candidate to acquire a catcher at the deadline, though it’s worth noting that the club was content to use a defense-first approach to the catcher position last season and it still led to a championship.

Matt Duffy To Begin Season On Injured List

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The Rays have elected to shut down infielder Matt Duffy for two weeks, tweets Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, citing back and hamstring injuries. Duffy, then, will begin the regular season on the injured list, and his absence may extend beyond the minimum 10 days on the IL.

Injuries have plagued Duffy’s entire tenure with the Rays. The now 28-year-old third baseman was acquired from the Giants in July 2016, suffered an Achilles injury later that summer and missed the entire 2017 season as a result. He also spent a bit of time on the disabled list due to a hamstring strain in 2018 as well, though he managed to suit up for 132 games last year.

Defensive metrics have typically regarded Duffy as a superlative option at third base, and at the plate he’s mixed strong contact skills with a solid walk rate. He’s only demonstrated modest power at his best, however, and most of his pop eroded in 2018 (.072 ISO, four homers in 560 plate appearances).

With Duffy sidelined to begin the season, Tampa Bay will likely turn to Joey Wendle at third base, with recently extended Brandon Lowe seeing regular work at second base. Offseason pickup Yandy Diaz can also play third, but he’ll line up at first base and designated hitter as well in the season’s early stages.

Tigers Re-Sign Bobby Wilson To Minor League Deal

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After being released by the Tigers yesterday, veteran catcher Bobby Wilson will re-sign with the club on a minor league pact today, according to Jason Beck of MLB.com (Twitter link). He will join the Tigers’ Triple-A affiliate in Toledo.

Wilson entered spring training on a minor league deal, hoping to earn a roster spot as the Tigers’ backup catcher. However, he wound up the odd man out with Hector Sanchez, John Hicks, and Cameron Rupp all in the mix for that same role. Wilson, then, was released yesterday after falling short in that position battle.

Today, though, Wilson will be back with the Tigers on another minor league agreement and will begin the season at the Triple-A level. It’s unclear whether there is a realistic path to significant Major League playing time for Wilson, who remains behind the aforementioned catchers on the Tigers’ depth chart.

Last season, the 35-year-old Wilson got his first taste of the big leagues since 2016, when he appeared with the Rays, Rangers, and Tigers. With the Twins in 2018, Wilson posted an underwhelming .178/.242/.281 slash line in 47 games. However, the veteran is respected not for his bat, but his defensive abilities and game-calling.

Diamondbacks Return Rule 5 Pick Nick Green To Yankees

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The Diamondbacks will return Rule 5 selection Nick Green to the Yankees, per a Yankees team announcement (Twitter link). After clearing waivers, Green, who turns 24 tomorrow, will rejoin his former club, having fallen short of the Diamondbacks’ Opening Day roster.

Green’s problems in spring training stemmed from a lack of control, as he walked 11 batters in 13 1/3 innings. Green was chosen by the D-Backs in the Rule 5 Draft after a successful season at High-A, in which he posted a 3.28 ERA in 115 1/3 innings. Green will now return to the Yankees organization, though the team is not required to place him on its 40-man roster.

Dodgers Sign Justin Grimm To Minor League Deal

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The Dodgers have signed right-hander Justin Grimm to a minor league contract, tweets J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group. The signing comes after Grimm decided to opt out of his previous deal with the Indians.

Grimm, 30, will join the Dodgers hoping to return to his Cubs form after a dreadful 2018 season. Between the Royals and Mariners, Grimm pitched to the tune of a 10.38 ERA last season, after which he was only able to land a minor league contract with the Indians this winter. After having failed to break camp with Cleveland, though, Grimm opted out of that deal.

For the Dodgers, Grimm represents a buy-low option that could provide valuable payoff if the veteran is able to return to the 2015 version of himself. His best season, Grimm contributed a 1.99 ERA to a contending team, posting a robust 12.1 K/9 in 49 2/3 innings of work with the Cubs. The Dodgers will look for the right-hander to bounce back with a change of scenery.

It remains unclear whether Grimm will crack the Dodgers Opening Day roster. The team boasts a deep bullpen that is lush with arguably more reliable options, though the presence of Grimm can’t hurt the team, should it find a need for him during the season. Curiously, Hoornstra adds in a tweet that Grimm will be in the mix to open the season as the club’s long reliever. Since joining the Cubs, though, Grimm has not been known as a multi-inning reliever, and he has not started a game since 2013.

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