Headlines

Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Adrian Gonzalez Hopes To Play In 2019

By | at

Veteran first baseman Adrian Gonzalez said in an appearance on MLB Network Radio on Sirius XM (Twitter link) that he is “preparing to play next year.” If he does end up playing, though, he says that’ll likely be the end of his career.

Gonzalez opened the 2018 campaign with the Mets, who promised him only the league-minimum since the Braves (via the Dodgers) were already carrying the rest of the tab on the remainder of his contract. He ended up being cut loose after appearing in just 54 games. All told, the former star has struggle mightily over the past two seasons, producing a cumulative .240/.292/.363 slash with nine home runs in 439 plate appearances.

Needless to say, that recent track record suggests that Gonzalez will not be in significant demand this winter. It probably does not help that he has also dealt with back troubles and did not play again after being released by the Mets. Of course, the veteran will now be coming off of a lengthy rest.

Gonzalez says he did have options to put on another uniform in 2018, but elected not to since what was available “didn’t make sense.” Just what he’ll be looking for in the coming offseason isn’t quite clear, but it’s at best questionable that he’ll be offered a 40-man roster spot.

Beyond his lack of defensive versatility and limited baserunning capacity, Gonzalez’s limitations at the plate will be a major factor. Even those teams that think there could still be a spark will assuredly only see him as an option to hoist the bat against right-handed pitching. Gonzalez has, after all, struggled badly against southpaws over the past several years.

Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2019

By | at

As explained here, Matt Swartz and MLB Trade Rumors have developed an accurate model to project arbitration salaries. This is the eighth year we’ve done these projections, and I’m proud to present the results for 2019. Official service time is in parentheses next to each player.  The Super Two cutoff has been announced as 2.134.

Angels (8)

  • Tyler Skaggs (4.135) – $3.6MM
  • Andrew Heaney (3.150) – $2.8MM
  • JC Ramirez (3.139) – $1.9MM
  • Luis Garcia (4.006) – $1.7MM
  • Cam Bedrosian (3.153) – $1.7MM
  • Nick Tropeano (3.068) – $1.6MM
  • Hansel Robles (3.119) – $1.4MM
  • Tommy La Stella (4.057) – $1.2MM

Astros (10)

  • Gerrit Cole (5.111) – $13.1MM
  • Roberto Osuna (3.097) – $6.5MM
  • Collin McHugh (5.085) – $5.4MM
  • Carlos Correa (3.119) – $5.1MM
  • Lance McCullers (3.140) – $4.6MM
  • Will Harris (5.102) – $3.6MM
  • Ryan Pressly (5.039) – $3.1MM
  • Brad Peacock (4.165) – $2.9MM
  • Jake Marisnick (4.132) – $2.4MM
  • Chris Devenski (3.000) – $1.4MM

Athletics (9)

  • Khris Davis (5.104) – $18.1MM
  • Marcus Semien (4.118) – $6.6MM
  • Blake Treinen (4.065) – $5.8MM
  • Sean Manaea (2.157) – $3.8MM
  • Liam Hendriks (4.164) – $2.1MM – signed for $2.15MM
  • Mark Canha (3.092) – $2.1MM
  • Ryan Buchter (3.010) – $1.3MM
  • Josh Phegley (4.087) – $1.2MM – signed for $1.075MM
  • Ryan Dull (2.143) – $900K – signed for $860K

Blue Jays (9)

  • Marcus Stroman (4.148) – $7.2MM
  • Ken Giles (4.113) – $6.6MM
  • Kevin Pillar (4.113) – $5.3MM
  • Randal Grichuk (4.033) – $4.8MM
  • Aaron Sanchez (4.069) – $3.8MM
  • Devon Travis (3.163) – $2.4MM
  • Ryan Tepera (3.008) – $1.7MM
  • Brandon Drury (2.165) – $1.4MM
  • Joe Biagini (2.134) – $1.0MM

Braves (8)

  • Kevin Gausman (4.151) – $9.2MM
  • Mike Foltynewicz (3.163) – $5.5MM
  • Arodys Vizcaino (5.168) – $4.8MM
  • Adam Duvall (3.096) – $3.1MM
  • Dan Winkler (4.000) – $1.6MM
  • Jonny Venters (5.159) – $1.5MM – signed for $2.25MM
  • Sam Freeman (4.066) – $1.5MM
  • Charlie Culberson (3.084) – $1.4MM

Brewers (10)

  • Travis Shaw (3.088) – $5.1MM
  • Corey Knebel (3.151) – $4.9MM
  • Jimmy Nelson (4.107) – $3.7MM
  • Hernan Perez (4.079) – $2.7MM – signed for $2.5MM
  • Junior Guerra (2.155) – $2.7MM
  • Zach Davies (3.020) – $2.4MM
  • Domingo Santana (3.024) – $2.0MM
  • Manny Piña (3.046) – $1.8MM
  • Erik Kratz (4.156) – $1.7MM – signed for $1.2MM
  • Tyler Saladino (3.053) – $1.0MM – signed for $887.5K

Cardinals (4)

  • Marcell Ozuna (5.124) – $13.4MM
  • Michael Wacha (5.062) – $6.6MM
  • Dominic Leone (3.123) – $1.3MM
  • Chasen Shreve (3.167) – $1.2MM – signed for $900K

Cubs (7)

  • Kris Bryant (3.171) – $12.4MM
  • Kyle Hendricks (4.081) – $7.6MM
  • Javier Baez (3.089) – $7.1MM
  • Addison Russell (3.167) – $4.3MM
  • Kyle Schwarber (3.086) – $3.1MM
  • Mike Montgomery (3.089) – $3.0MM
  • Carl Edwards Jr. (2.134) – $1.4MM

Diamondbacks (11)

  • David Peralta (4.120) – $7.7MM
  • Robbie Ray (4.007) – $6.1MM
  • Taijuan Walker (4.142) – $4.825MM
  • Jake Lamb (4.053) – $4.7MM
  • Steven Souza Jr. (4.072) – $4.0MM
  • Nick Ahmed (4.054) – $3.1MM
  • Archie Bradley (3.112) – $2.0MM
  • Andrew Chafin (4.020) – $1.8MM
  • T.J. McFarland (4.164) – $1.4MM
  • Matt Andriese (3.071) – $1.1MM
  • John Ryan Murphy (3.043) – $1.1MM

Dodgers (10)

  • Joc Pederson (4.028) – $4.3MM
  • Enrique Hernandez (4.054) – $3.2MM
  • Chris Taylor (3.037) – $3.2MM
  • Josh Fields (5.083) – $2.8MM
  • Tony Cingrani (5.088) – $2.7MM – signed for $2.65MM
  • Corey Seager (3.032) – $2.6MM
  • Pedro Baez (4.059) – $1.8MM
  • Yimi Garcia (3.149) – $900K

Giants (3)

Indians (7)

Mariners (1)

  • Roenis Elias (3.069) – $1.0MM

Marlins (5)

  • J.T. Realmuto (4.038) – $6.1MM
  • Dan Straily (4.126) – $4.8MM
  • Jose Urena (3.040) – $3.6MM
  • Miguel Rojas (4.043) – $2.6MM
  • Adam Conley (2.147) – $1.3MM

Mets (7)

  • Jacob deGrom (4.139) – $12.9MM
  • Noah Syndergaard (3.149) – $5.9MM
  • Zack Wheeler (5.098) – $5.3MM
  • Michael Conforto (3.043) – $4.4MM
  • Travis d’Arnaud (5.044) – $3.7MM
  • Steven Matz (3.099) – $3.0MM
  • Kevin Plawecki (2.167) – $1.3MM

Nationals (7)

  • Anthony Rendon (5.130) – $17.6MM
  • Tanner Roark (5.055) – $9.8MM
  • Trea Turner (2.135) – $5.3MM
  • Michael Taylor (4.010) – $3.2MM
  • Kyle Barraclough (3.059) – $1.9MM
  • Joe Ross (3.067) – $1.5MM
  • Sammy Solis (3.061) – $900K – signed for $850K

Orioles (3)

  • Jonathan Villar (4.113) – $4.4MM
  • Dylan Bundy (3.026) – $3.0MM
  • Mychal Givens (3.069) – $2.0MM

Padres (6)

  • Kirby Yates (4.021) – $3.0MM
  • Austin Hedges (2.166) – $1.8MM
  • Travis Jankowski (2.169) – $1.4MM
  • Bryan Mitchell (3.049) – $1.2MM – signed for $900K
  • Robbie Erlin (4.078) – $1.1MM
  • Greg Garcia (3.083) – $900K – signed for $910K

Phillies (9)

  • Cesar Hernandez (4.154) – $8.9MM
  • Aaron Nola (3.076) – $6.6MM
  • Maikel Franco (3.170) – $5.1MM
  • Vince Velasquez (3.086) – $2.6MM
  • Hector Neris (3.068) – $2.0MM
  • Jose Alvarez (4.035) – $1.7MM
  • Jerad Eickhoff (3.045) – $1.7MM
  • Aaron Altherr (3.028) – $1.6MM
  • Adam Morgan (3.017) – $1.1MM

Pirates (3)

  • Corey Dickerson (5.101) – $8.4MM
  • Keone Kela (4.000) – $3.2MM
  • Michael Feliz (3.026) – $900K – signed for $850K

Rangers (4)

  • Nomar Mazara (3.000) – $3.7MM
  • Jurickson Profar (4.165) – $3.4MM
  • Delino DeShields Jr. (3.116) – $1.9MM
  • Alex Claudio (3.114) – $1.3MM

Rays (4)

  • Mike Zunino (4.165) – $4.2MM
  • Tommy Pham (3.107) – $4.0MM
  • Matt Duffy (4.059) – $2.6MM
  • Chaz Roe (3.094) – $1.4MM

Red Sox (12)

  • Mookie Betts (4.070) – $18.7MM
  • Xander Bogaerts (5.042) – $11.9MM
  • Jackie Bradley Jr. (4.150) – $7.9MM
  • Eduardo Rodriguez (3.130) – $4.8MM
  • Brock Holt (5.052) – $3.4MM
  • Tyler Thornburg (5.057) – $2.3MM – signed for $1.75MM
  • Sandy Leon (4.149) – $2.3MM
  • Matt Barnes (3.110) – $1.5MM
  • Brandon Workman (4.051) – $1.4MM
  • Steven Wright (4.087) – $1.4MM
  • Heath Hembree (3.106) – $1.2MM
  • Blake Swihart (2.164) –  $1.1MM

Reds (5)

  • Yasiel Puig (5.102) – $11.3MM
  • Scooter Gennett (5.071) – $10.7MM
  • Alex Wood (5.123) – $9.0MM
  • Jose Peraza (2.141) – $3.6MM
  • Anthony Desclafani (4.062) – $2.1MM
  • Michael Lorenzen (3.159) – $1.9MM
  • Curt Casali (2.151) – $1.3MM

Rockies (8)

  • Nolan Arenado (5.155) – $26.1MM
  • Trevor Story (3.000) – $6.4MM
  • Chad Bettis (4.096) – $3.2MM
  • Jon Gray (3.062) – $3.2MM
  • Tyler Anderson (3.065) – $2.9MM
  • Chris Rusin (4.092) – $1.7MM – signed for $1.6875MM
  • Scott Oberg (3.063) – $1.2MM
  • Tony Wolters (2.161) – $1.1MM

Royals (3)

Tigers (6)

  • Nicholas Castellanos (5.029) – $11.3MM
  • Shane Greene (4.075) – $4.8MM
  • Michael Fulmer (2.157) – $3.0MM
  • Matthew Boyd (2.136) – $3.0MM
  • Daniel Norris (3.073)  -$1.4MM
  • Blaine Hardy (3.108) – $1.2MM

Twins (10)

  • Jake Odorizzi (5.042) – $9.4MM
  • Kyle Gibson (5.039) – $7.9MM
  • C.J. Cron (4.097) – $5.2MM – signed for $4.8MM
  • Eddie Rosario (3.120) – $5.0MM
  • Max Kepler (2.152) – $3.2MM
  • Miguel Sano (3.066) – $3.1MM
  • Ehire Adrianza (4.131) – $1.8MM – signed for $1.3MM
  • Taylor Rogers (2.145) – $1.6MM
  • Byron Buxton (2.160) – $1.2MM
  • Trevor May (4.012) – $1.1MM

White Sox (5)

  • Jose Abreu (5.000) – $16MM
  • Alex Colome (4.118) – $7.3MM
  • Yolmer Sanchez (3.134) – $4.7MM
  • Carlos Rodon (3.168) – $3.7MM
  • Leury Garcia (4.025) – $1.9MM – signed for $1.55MM

Yankees (9)

  • Didi Gregorius (5.159) – $12.4MM
  • Sonny Gray (5.061) – $9.1MM
  • Dellin Betances (5.078) – $6.4MM
  • Aaron Hicks (5.041) – $6.2MM
  • James Paxton (4.151) – $9.0MM
  • Luis Severino (2.170) – $5.1MM
  • Austin Romine (5.045) – $2.0MM
  • Tommy Kahnle (3.131) – $1.5MM
  • Greg Bird (3.053) – $1.5MM

Padres To Replace Hitting Coach Matt Stairs, Infield Coach Josh Johnson

By | at

The Padres are slated to make at least two modifications to manager Andy Green’s coaching staff in the offseason, according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune. Hitting coach Matt Stairs and infield coach Josh Johnson will not return to their posts.

Stairs, a long-time MLB slugger, joined the Friars after serving in the same capacity with the Phillies in 2017. He lost that job when the Philadelphia organization made broader changes to its field staff. Prior to that point, Stairs had served mostly as a broadcaster after wrapping up his playing career in 2011.

As for Johnson, not to be confused with the former starting pitcher of the same name, he too will be bumped from the mix after just one season. The former third-round draft pick never made it to the majors as a player. His only prior coaching experience came in one season as the skipper of the Nationals’ Gulf Coast League affiliate.

Despite these changes, it does not appear that the San Diego organization will be embarking on a full hiring search. Rather, per the report, the club intends to promote existing personnel to fill the openings.

NL Notes: Correa, Arenado, Suzuki, Mattingly

By | at

If you haven’t yet come across this recent profile of former Cardinals scouting director Chris Correa, via SI’s Ben Reiter, then you’ll certainly want to give it a read. The analytical guru ended up in federal prison after impermissibly accessing the computer systems of the Astros. While he’s still mostly remaining silent on details of that stunning episode, Correa offers a fascinating glimpse into his time behind bars.

The latest from the National League:

  • While it’s hard to see the 2018 campaign as anything but a success for the Rockies, the organization faces some tough decisions in the offseason to come. One of those involves franchise cornerstone Nolan Arenado, who is entering his final season of arbitration eligibility. As Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports, extension scenarios have yet to be discussed by team and player. Arenado’s arb salary will force the sides to the bargaining table, but it’s not yet clear whether there’ll be a clear path to a long-term deal. It is certainly possible to imagine a trade scenario, though that’d be a tough call to make for the organization. For his part, Arenado says he loves playing in Colorado and anticipates remaining with the organization, but does acknowledge that “things can get a little iffy because of the business side of it.”
  • As he wraps up his contract with the Braves, backstop Kurt Suzuki tells Gabe Burns of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Twitter link) that he’d like to find a way back into the fold. The Atlanta organization has already struck a deal to retain Tyler Flowers, who has combined with Suzuki to form a solid and cost-effective duo. Continuing that situation surely holds some appeal, though it’s also quite reasonable to expect that the Braves front office will look into the acquisition of a top-tier option behind the dish. [RELATED: 2018-19 Market Snapshot: Catcher]
  • Even as the Marlins make some changes to their coaching staff, they haven’t given indication that they’ll replace skipper Don Mattingly in his post. That said, Bob Nightengale of USA Today tweets that there hasn’t been any effort on the part of the team to extend Mattingly’s contract, which is entering its final season. It’s certainly possible that’ll still come to pass, though it would hardly be surprising if the club preferred instead to maintain the status quo.

Rays Announce Extension With Manager Kevin Cash

By | at

9:50am: It’s now official, with the Rays announcing the deal.

8:24am: The Rays have agreed to a long-term extension with skipper Kevin Cash, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. While not yet official, the deal is expected to be formally announced in short order.

It’s a lengthy new commitment for the Rays, who have now installed Cash through the 2024 season. The contract also includes an option for another year, per Topkin, with financial details still unknown. This pact replaces the prior deal that, according to the report, still included one more season and a two-year option. (Prior indications were that Cash’s deal was for five years in duration, but it seems the final pair of campaigns had not been guaranteed.)

Cash guided the Tampa Bay club to a 90-72 record this season, utilizing a variety of unorthodox means of deploying the roster. While that wasn’t enough to earn a spot in the postseason, the showing created quite a bit of optimism in the near future. It also obviously demonstrated to the front office that Cash is the right person to translate their theories into action.

While it has long seemed that Cash was in harmony with the higher-ups, the results had lagged over his first three years on the job. Hired in a 2014-15 offseason that saw massive organizational change — top baseball ops exec Andrew Friedman and manager Joe Maddon both left town — Cash ended up overseeing a pair of middling 80-82 campaigns sandwiched around a brutal 2016 effort (68-94).

As the 2018 campaign approached, the Tampa Bay organization was under pressure. Panned by the media and pursued by the MLBPA for their cost cutting, the Rays were forced to defend their decision to sell off a series of still-controlled veteran players late in the offseason. The club ended up shipping out yet more veterans, with staff ace Chris Archer (link) following catcher Wilson Ramos (link), starter Nathan Eovaldi (link), closer Alex Colome and outfielder Denard Span (link) out the door during the course of the season.

Despite the exodus of MLB talent, the roster performed admirably. As late in the season as August 5th, the Rays sat at .500. But the team finished on a 34-16 tear. Cash, aided by a data-driven ops department, wielded a variety of emerging young players to excellent effect.

When the season closed, the Rays were left looking at an intriguing depth chart, largely blank future balance sheet, and lauded farm system. There’s even renewed hope of enhanced future revenues, as the organization pursues new ballpark plans, though that’ll certainly take some time and still faces hurdles. Further success on the field would no doubt be a welcome development from a business perspective.

Cash, then, will again be tasked with squeezing value from every corner of the roster. He’ll enter this new phase of his stint with a big vote of confidence and ample job security. Expectations, too, are raised. Much of his roster is set, though it’ll certainly be interesting to see what sort of additional tinkering is pursued over the winter to come.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

2018-19 Market Snapshot: Catcher

By | at

As we enjoy the postseason festivities, it’s an opportune time to prepare for the coming wheeling and dealing of the winter. We always take an in-depth look at every team’s situation and also focus in on the major free agents. To get things rolling, though, we’ll also add a new angle with this market snapshot series.

Whether analyzing things from the perspective of a given team looking to address a certain position or from a player hoping to find a fit, the broader market context is a key consideration. Accordingly, we’ll use this series to get a general sense of the market setting at each position.

Teams In Need

Quite a few organizations will be interested in finding new options to take the lion’s share of the time behind the dish. The Angels, Astros, Athletics, Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Nationals, and Rays all plainly lack clear-cut, number-one options behind the dish and could be interested in significant upgrades.

Other teams could mostly roll with what’s already on hand but will likely at least dabble in the market for regulars. The Braves, Brewers, Mets, Phillies, Red Sox, and Rockies could justifiably go after top backstops, for instance, and are also among the teams that will be eyeing part-time contributors.

Meanwhile, the Yankees’ views on Gary Sanchez could represent a major wild card in the development of the market. And, of course, catching depth is always valued even for clubs whose MLB roster spots are already mostly accounted for.

Free Agents

This class certainly isn’t exactly loaded with stars, but that’s never really the case at the catching position. It does appear to have two clear regulars on offer, along with a variety of other backstops who might be entrusted with significant playing time again in 2019.

Likely Regulars:

Yasmani Grandal and Wilson Ramos have each hit quite well this year, but the former has the edge in framing and health. Both should secure strong, multi-year deals.

Top Timeshare/Reserve Options:

Kurt Suzuki and Martin Maldonado are arguably the top options here, the former owing to his solid bat and the latter to his well-regarded defensive work. A few former everyday receivers — Jonathan Lucroy, Brian McCann, and Matt Wieters — seem likely to be forced into lesser roles. Otherwise, A.J. Ellis, Nick Hundley, and Devin Mesoraco turned in solid campaigns this year.

Depth: Drew Butera, Chris Gimenez, Bryan Holaday, Jeff Mathis, Rene Rivera, Bobby Wilson

Trade Targets

It’s tough to know just how many of these players will truly be made available — at least, at a palatable price. And the market could feature some other names as well, particularly if a player is freed up to be moved based on other maneuvering.

Likely Regulars:

With two more seasons of arbitration control remaining, and coming off of a huge campaign, J.T. Realmuto of the Marlins ought to be pursued by a variety of contenders. Francisco Cervelli (Pirates, 1/$11.5MM) had an outstanding year and could be on the block if the Bucs see a chance to achieve an intriguing return and fill in with cheaper pieces. There’s no indication the Royals will deal Salvador Perez (3/$36MM), but he’ll surely be asked about.

Top Timeshare/Reserve Options:

Some might argue that Robinson Chirinos (Rangers, 1/$2.375MM) did enough in 2018 to be viewed as a regular, but the guess here is that he’d be valued as a primary but not everyday type catcher who has an attractive contract. He might also be an extension target. Both Welington Castillo (White Sox, 1/$7.75MM + option) and Russell Martin (Blue Jays, 1/$20MM) could be moved to save at least some of the remaining cash owed and to clear the way for younger options on both rosters. It’s plenty imaginable that the Red Sox will do some trimming, with three catchers (Sandy Leon, Christian Vazquez, and Blake Swihart) on hand.

Players Electing Free Agency

By | at

Quite a few players will hit the open market this fall, and they’ll do so by way of varying mechanisms. The end of the regular season triggered a recent wave of free agents, consisting of a certain subset of players — namely, those who were outrighted from 40-man rosters during the season and accepted minor-league assignments at that time despite having the right to elect free agency. Players in that situation are entitled instead to hit the open market at season’s end, if they were not added back to the 40-man roster in the meantime.

As conveyed by Matt Eddy of Baseball America, who also covers quite a few other minor moves, these players have now elected free agency:

Athletics: RHP Raul Alcantara, LHP Danny Coulombe

Blue Jays: RHP Mike Hauschild, INF/OF Darnell Sweeney

Braves: LHP Rex Brothers, RHP Miguel Socolovich

Cardinals: LHP Tyler Lyons

Indians: RHP Evan Marshall, RHP Alexi Ogando

Mariners: RHP Christian Bergman, LHP Ross Detwiler, RHP Mike Morin, INF Zach Vincej

Marlins: OF JB Shuck

Mets: RHP Chris Beck, OF Bryce Brentz, RHP Scott Copeland, OF Matt den Dekker, INF Ty Kelly

Nationals: LHP Tommy Milone, OF Moises Sierra, RHP Carlos Torres

Orioles: RHP Jhan Marinez, INF Luis Sardinas

Padres: OF Matt Szczur

Phillies: INF Trevor Plouffe

Pirates: LHP Buddy Boshers, RHP Casey Sadler, RHP A.J. Schugel

Rangers: C Juan Centeno, LHP Anthony Gose, RHP Drew Hutchison, INF Tommy Joseph, RHP Chris Rowley

Rays: INF Brandon Snyder, RHP Ryan Weber

Reds: C Tim Federowicz, RHP Kevin Quackenbush

Tigers: INF Dixon Machado, RHP Jacob Turner

White Sox: RHP Tyler Danish

Minor MLB Transactions: 10/8/18

By | at

We’ll track the day’s minor moves in this post:

  • The Brewers have released right-hander Hiram Burgos, per Matt Eddy of Baseball America. The 31-year-old debuted in the majors in Milwaukee back in 2013, but hasn’t been back since. Now 31 years of age, Burgos will presumably end up with another organization for the first time in his professional career. He had re-signed with the club entering the year but was never able to get on the bump for game action. In parts of six seasons at Triple-A, Burgos owns a 4.43 ERA with 7.4 K/9 and 3.3 BB/9 over 361 2/3 frames.

AL Notes: Givens, Mullins, Tigers, Luzardo

By | at

Mychal Givens’ bottom-line numbers may have taken a step back in 2018, but the right-hander finished the season strong for the Orioles and will again be a possible trade chip this offseason, writes Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com. The front office tabbed Givens as nearly untouchable in trade talks this past summer under general manager Dan Duquette, but it’s not clear how the new Orioles’ top baseball ops decision-maker will perceive Givens’ availability. The 28-year-old Givens, controlled through 2021, averaged 95.1 mph on his heater, 9.3 K/9 and 3.5 BB/9 in 76 2/3 innings this season en route to a 3.99 ERA. Relief help figures to be as in-demand as ever this offseason as teams continue to more aggressively deploy relievers and shy away from starters facing opposing lineups for a third time.

More out of the American League…

  • Jon Meoli of the Baltimore Sun chats with rookie center fielder Cedric Mullins about being the first of the Orioles’ hopeful next wave of core pieces to arrive on the big league scene in 2018. Mullins, who turned 24 last week, enjoyed a strong season between Double-A and Triple-A before debuting with the O’s in August and hitting .235/.312/.359 in 191 plate appearances down the stretch. Considered by the Orioles as a potential long-term piece in the outfield, Mullins and Meoli discussed the young outfielder’s opportunity to emerge as a leader of the next wave of O’s talent and the type of speed-based offense he and Jonathan Villar can bring to the lineup. The O’s ranked last in the Majors in stolen bases each season from 2014-17, swiping a stunningly low 19 bases in 2017. Mullins, meanwhile, has a 30-steal season under his belt in the minors (2016) and stole 23 bases across three levels in 2018.
  • Tigers skipper Ron Gardenhire had his share of frustration regarding fundamental miscues in September, and he spoke to Evan Woodbery of MLive.com about the need to have players better prepared for the Majors upon arrival. Woodbery notes that a number of players specifically cited by Gardenhire — rookie infielders Dawel Lugo and Jeimer Candelario among them — were trade acquisitions and haven’t spent the bulk of their career in the Tigers farm. That said, Gardenhire made clear how strongly he, GM Al Avila and farm director Dave Littlefield feel about ingraining fundamentals into players at an early age. “That’s really important to make sure our people in the lower minor leagues are on top of this, our staff guys,” said Gardenhire. “Littlefield gets it. He knows it. Al has talked about it. Our people have to be better in the minor leagues. They have to pound it in or we’re going to find new people. He’s told me that. He’s made that clear.” Everything from running out ground-balls to hitting the cutoff man to proper execution on double plays will be a point of focus, per Gardenhire, who is quoted extensively in a piece that’s well worth a full look for Tigers fans.
  • While some Athletics fans were hoping for a look at top pitching prospect Jesus Luardo late in the season, especially amid significant rotation injuries, the 21-year-old was kept in the minors as he worked a heavy slate of innings in his first full season back from Tommy John surgery. General manager David Forst, though, expects Luzardo to be in the mix for a spot next season once he has a full winter of rest under his belt (link via Ben Ross of NBC Sports Bay Area). “I think Jesús is going to come into Spring Training and be a factor,” said Forst. “…He’s probably one of, if not the top left-handed pitching prospect in the game. So I expect he’ll come into Spring Training and be a factor for us.” Luzardo, who only turned 21 on Sept. 30, worked to a 2.88 ERA across three levels this season, though that mark was skewed a bit by four ugly starts in Triple-A late in the season that saw him yield 13 runs in 16 innings. The lefty blitzed through Class-A Advanced and Double-A despite facing much older competition and, even if he doesn’t make the team next spring, looks ticketed for Triple-A to open the year, making him a very plausible option to come up in the first half of the 2018 campaign.

Marlins To Make Several Coaching Changes

By | at

The Marlins will not retain pitching coach Juan Nieves, first base coach Perry Hill, assistant hitting coach Frank Menechino or strength and conditioning coach Ty Hill for the 2019 season, reports Joe Frisaro of MLB.com (via Twitter).

Nieves, 53, spent three seasons as the Marlins’ pitching coach after previously spending the 2013-16 seasons as the Red Sox’ pitching coach. Prior to that, Nieves spent five years as the bullpen coach for the White Sox and another nine seasons as a pitching coach in the ChiSox’ farm system. That sizable amount of experience notwithstanding, the Derek Jeter/Bruce Sherman-led Marlins ownership group has apparently decided that a different voice is needed as a large wave of young pitchers graduates from the upper levels of the Marlins’ farm to the big leagues.

The 66-year-old Hill has been a part of the Marlins organization for 12 years and has occupied his the role of infield/first base coach since 2013. He also held that position with the Expos — a note that speaks to his considerable coaching experience in and of itself — and has occupied a variety of coaching and development roles with Miami, Montreal, Detroit and Texas since 1993.

Menechino, 47, spent five years with the organization and is at least somewhat of a known commodity to Jeter and vice president of player development Gary Denbo, having begun his coaching career with the Yankees’ Double-A affiliate back in 2009.

Hill, meanwhile, had been the team’s strength and conditioning coach since Dec. 2012. He’s previously served as a minor league conditioning coordinator with the Pirates and Royals for a combined nine seasons in addition to a combined seven seasons on the Major League staff in Pittsburgh and Kansas City.

MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information

hide arrows scroll to top