The Opener

As Spring Training approaches, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day today:

1. Arbitration hearing results expected today:

Utilityman Mauricio Dubon went to arbitration against the Astros yesterday. The 29-year-old requested a $3.5MM salary while the club countered with a $3MM figure. Dubon enjoyed a career year in 2023, hitting .278/.309/.411 while appearing in a career-high 132 games. Dubon also flashed his versatility with the glove by appearing at every position on the diamond except for pitcher and catcher, though the overwhelming majority of his playing time was split between second base and center field. Dubon’s strong performance last year led to an arbitration projection of $3.1MM from MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz.

The Associated Press reported yesterday that Dubon figures to be one of several players to have decisions handed down today in arbitration cases. Angels outfielder Taylor Ward, Orioles outfielder Austin Hays, and Orioles right-hander Jacob Webb are all also expected to receive resolutions to the salary disputes with their respective clubs. Ward requested a salary of $4.8MM for the 2024 campaign, while the Halos countered at $4.3MM. Hays requested $6.3MM while Webb requested $1MM, with the Orioles countering at $5.85MM and $925K respectively. Teams have typically won arbitration cases more often than players have in recent years, and that’s held up so far this season with a 2-0 record over players in hearings to this point.

2. Could more extensions be on the horizon?

It’s fairly common for teams and players to start looking into extension possibilities when the calendar flips to February and players begin to report for Spring Training. A few teams have gotten a head start on such negotiations this winter: most notably, the Royals extended star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. to a record-shattering deal yesterday. Looking beyond that, the Brewers and Tigers got together with top prospects Jackson Chourio and Colt Keith on pre-debut extensions earlier this winter. Could more extensions be on the horizon before Opening Day?

The Phillies reportedly plan to prioritize hammering out an extension with veteran right-hander Zack Wheeler, who’s currently slated to hit free agency after the 2024 campaign. Meanwhile, superstar outfielder-turned-first-baseman Bryce Harper has expressed interest in an extension that would allow him to remain in Philadelphia beyond the term of his current contract, which runs through his age-38 season. Looking beyond the Phillies, the Astros notably tried to extend several players last winter, finding success only with right-hander Cristian Javier. The club has reportedly not yet reopened talks with those players, though with both Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman ticketed for free agency after the coming season its possible negotiations could start in the near future.

3. MLBTR Chat today:

Even as Spring Training looms, there’s plenty of boxes still unchecked on the offseason shopping lists of clubs all around the league. Are you wondering what’s next for your favorite team, or perhaps curious about what the market for a particular free agent looks like? If so, tune in this afternoon when MLBTR’s Steve Adams hosts a live chat with readers at 1pm CT. You can click here to ask a question in advance, and that same link will allow you to join in on the chat once it begins or read the transcript after its completed.

As Spring Training approaches, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day today:

1. Ward, Angels await arbitration decision:

Per the Associated Press, outfielder Taylor Ward and the Angels went to arbitration on Friday, with a decision expected sometime this week. Ward requested a salary of $4.8MM for the 2024 campaign, while the club countered at $4.3MM. Teams have typically won arbitration cases more often than players have in recent years, and that’s held up so far this season. Both center fielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. and southpaw Jose Suarez lost their cases against the Marlins and Angels, respectively. In addition to Ward, a pair of Orioles players are awaiting decisions on their 2024 salaries after going to arbitration: outfielder Austin Hays and right-hander Jacob Webb.

Ward took a step back from his All-Star level 2022 campaign last season but still provided above average offensive production. The 30-year-old slashed .253/.335/.421 in 97 games before having his season cut short by facial fractures caused by Ward getting struck in the face by a pitch from Blue Jays right-hander Alek Manoah. MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz’s projections indicate Ward is expected to earn $4.5MM in his second trip through arbitration, though the panel of three arbiters who heard the case must choose between one of the two salaries submitted.

2. Twins roster moves upcoming:

The Twins agreed on big league deals with a pair of veterans over the weekend. First baseman Carlos Santana came aboard on a one-year, $5.25MM contract while right-hander Jay Jackson is in line for a one-year deal with as-of-yet unreported salary terms. Both deals are pending physicals. The Twins have a full 40-man roster as things stand, meaning both additions will require a corresponding move before they can be made official. Corresponding moves typically take the form of a simple DFA of a player on the roster, though occasionally a team will try to clear 40-man roster space by trading excess talent near the back of their 40-man for lower-level talent that doesn’t yet require a roster spot. One such example occurred late last month, when the Rangers shipped outfielder J.P. Martinez to Atlanta in a deal that made room for right-hander David Robertson on the 40-man roster.

3. White Sox getting active:

The White Sox made a pair of trades over the weekend, shipping relief arm Gregory Santos to the Mariners in exchange for right-hander Prelander Berroa, outfielder Zach DeLoach, and a Competitive Balance Round B draft selection while sending right-handed prospect Cristian Mena to the Diamondbacks to land outfielder Dominic Fletcher. The additions of Fletcher and DeLoach, in particular, leave the club with vastly improved outfield depth at the big league level to plug one of the most glaring holes on the Chicago roster.

While the two trades the Sox made over the weekend were fairly minor, the club has not been shy about the fact that right-hander Dylan Cease is being shopped to interested teams this winter. While the righty has garnered interest from plenty of teams this winter including the Orioles, Reds, and Mariners, no club has been willing to meet Chicago’s lofty asking price to this point. With Spring Training creeping closer by the day, will either GM Chris Getz or a rival club give in to make a deal happen?

On the heels of a late-offseason blockbuster, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world headed into the weekend:

1. What’s next for the Brewers?

The Brewers parted ways with ace Corbin Burnes yesterday, shipping him to Baltimore in exchange for youngsters DL Hall, Joey Ortiz and Baltimore’s Competitive Balance draft pick — the No. 34 overall selection this summer. While the deal provides the club with an infusion of cost-controlled talent, it leaves a Milwaukee team that has been defined by its twin aces at the top of the rotation in recent years without either player headed into the 2024 campaign after Brandon Woodruff was non-tendered following shoulder surgery. The moves beg the question of what’s next for this new-look Brewers club. The organization clearly isn’t punting on 2024 after signing Rhys Hoskins to a two-year deal less than two weeks ago, and the club could have a new superstar to build around emerge this year when outfielder Jackson Chourio makes his big league debut. The trade of Burnes also freed up more than $15MM and dropped the team payroll to just under $102MM. That should free up some resources to replace some of Burnes’ lost value in free agency, should Milwaukee choose to go that route.

On the other hand, Ortiz’s presence would make it significantly easier for the club to part ways with shortstop Willy Adames while still aiming to remain competitive, and it’s even possible to imagine the club deciding to cash in on closer Devin Williams with a two pennant races of team control remaining as they did with Josh Hader back in 2022. Virtually any contending club would figure to have at least some level of interest in Williams’s services if Milwaukee were to accept offers on the righty, while teams like the Dodgers, Marlins, and Rays could stand to improve at shortstop and may have some level of interest in Adames.

2. Angels, Suarez await arbitration decision:

Per the Associated Press, the Angels and left-hander Jose Suarez went to arbitration yesterday with a decision expected sometime today. The southpaw requested a $1.35MM salary while the Angels countered with a figure of $925K. Teams have won more arbitration cases than players in recent years, and the clubs are off to a good start in maintaining that record after the first arbitration decision of the winter favored the Marlins over center fielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. yesterday.

Suarez’s first trip through arbitration comes on the heels of a brutal 2023 campaign where he was limited to just 33 2/3 innings of work by injury and was shelled to the tune of an 8.29 ERA. Difficult as last year was for the lefty, the 26-year-old enjoyed back-to-back strong campaigns while swinging between the rotation and bullpen for the Angels in 2021 and 2022, where he combined for a 3.86 ERA in 207 1/3 innings of work. MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz projected Suarez for a $1.1MM salary earlier this winter.

3. Two relievers nearing deals:

A pair of bullpen pieces were reportedly closing in on deals yesterday as right-hander Keynan Middleton has reportedly reached an agreement with the Cardinals while southpaw Jake Diekman is on the verge of a pact with the Mets. Diekman has reportedly been offered a one-year deal at an unreported salary that includes a vesting option for 2025 while the details of Middleton’s arrangement with St. Louis, which is pending a physical, are not yet known. Both teams have full 40-man rosters, meaning each will need to make a corresponding move to clear space for their new signing if a deal is completed. Quality options for teams in search of bullpen help continue to thin as right-handers Ryan Brasier, Phil Maton, and Ryne Stanek stand as the best relief arms still available, while lefty relief options include bounceback candidates like Brad Hand, Aaron Loup, and Joely Rodriguez..

With the calendar now flipped to February, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world today:

1. Jazz, Marlins waiting on arb decision:

The Marlins and center fielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. went to arbitration yesterday after Chisholm requested a salary of $2.9MM for the 2024 season while Miami countered with an offer of $2.625MM. MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz projected Chisholm for a $2.8MM salary back in October. Chisholm, who celebrates his 26th birthday today, is eligible for arbitration for the first time in his career on the heels of a decent platform season in 2023 that saw him slash .250/.304/.457 with 19 homers and 22 stolen bases in 97 games while converting from his previous role as a middle infielder to become a full-time center fielder. After a back injury limited him to 60 games in 2022, he was hampered by foot and oblique injuries in 2023.

Chisholm isn’t the first player to go to arbitration this year, as the first case heard was that of Orioles outfielder Austin Hays, who requested a $6.3MM salary against Baltimore’s $5.85MM offer. But a decision on Chisholm’s case is expected to be handed down as soon as today, while a ruling on Hays could take some time. As noted by the Associated Press, MLB’s arbitration panel isn’t likely to announce a ruling on Hays until other second-time eligible outfielders like Angels outfielder Taylor Ward and Astros utility player Mauricio Dubon have had either settled or gone through their hearings.

2. Rodriguez waiting on visa:

It’s been two weeks now since the Blue Jays and right-hander Yariel Rodriguez came together on a four-year, $32MM deal that would bring Rodriguez to the majors for the first time in his career. The deal still hasn’t been made official, however. As indicated by reporter Francys Romero, Rodriguez has not yet been able to secure a visa that would allow him to enter either Canada or the United States. While he’ll of course eventually need approval from both countries to play in the majors, Romero adds that Rodriguez will undergo a physical in whichever country first issues him a visa.

The 26-year-old didn’t pitch outside of the World Baseball Classic in 2023 as he worked to become eligible for MLB free agency, but he posted a dazzling 1.15 ERA in 56 relief appearances for the Chunichi Dragons of Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball back in 2022. Assuming the physical goes well, the Jays will need to make a corresponding move to clear space for Rodriguez on their 40-man roster.

3. What’s next for the Padres?

San Diego reportedly landed left-handed relief arm Wandy Peralta on a four-year deal that comes with a trio of opt-outs yesterday. A corresponding move won’t be necessary for the Padres upon the deal becoming official, as the club’s 40-man roster currently stands at just 36. The agreement is the latest of several moves by the club to bolster its bullpen following the departure of closer Josh Hader, who signed with the Astros on a five-year deal last month. In addition to Peralta, San Diego has inked Yuki Matsui and Woo Suk Go to big league free agent deals so far this winter. It’s somewhat surprising to see the Padres continue focusing on relief depth, given their long-discussed budgetary restraints this winter and the number of needs elsewhere on the roster such as the outfield, the starting rotation, and their first base/DH mix. Will San Diego now turn its attention to other areas of the roster over the final two weeks before Spring Training begins?

With just two weeks until Spring Training, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day today:

1. Orioles under new management?

A surprise report yesterday indicated that the Angelos family, majority owners of the Orioles for the past three decades, have agreed to sell the club to a group led by David Rubenstein of the Carlyle Group, a private equity firm. Though the deal has not yet been approved by the league — reporting has indicated that a vote on the matter could come as soon as next week— the change in ownership could prove to be a seismic shift for the Orioles if approved.

Baltimore projects for just an $81MM payroll this year per Roster Resource, the third-lowest figure in the majors. That’s well below the club’s previous payroll capacity even while under the Angelos family, as the club topped out with a payroll of more than $164MM back in 2017 according to Cot’s Baseball Contracts. (That level of spending came under Peter Angelos, but his son John is now the team’s control person.) It’s unlikely the club would officially change hands in time for the new ownership group to approve a top-of-the-market free agent signing. With that being said, could news of the club changing hands give GM Mike Elias and his front office more leeway to pursue extensions with members of their star-studded young core, or perhaps even spend prospect capital to land a significant arm like right-hander Dylan Cease? John Angelos had previously cast serious doubt on the team’s ability to pursue extension with young stars such as Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson, suggesting the Orioles would have to “raise prices massively” in order to afford contracts of that magnitude.

2. What’s next for the Blue Jays?

The Blue Jays made an addition to their offense yesterday by signing veteran infielder Justin Turner to a one-year deal yesterday. Turner joins infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa and center fielder Kevin Kiermaier in signing contracts worth between $10-15MM to help the Blue Jays round out a positional mix that could lose Whit Merrifield, Brandon Belt, and Matt Chapman. While Turner was able to be added to the 40-man roster without a corresponding move, the roster is now at capacity which will make a 40-man move necessary when the club’s previously-reported deal with Yariel Rodriguez eventually becomes official.

The addition of Turner, who figures to primarily spend time at DH while also getting occasional reps at the infield corners, makes other top free agent hitters remaining on the market something of a tricky fit for the Blue Jays. While the addition of Cody Bellinger or especially a reunion with Chapman is possible to make work from a roster building perspective, it’s unclear if Toronto has the appetite for making a star-level addition to a payroll that’s already top-four in the sport, per Roster Resource. On the other hand, replacing two quality bats from the club’s lineup last year in Chapman and Belt with just one above-average run producer in Turner could leave the club’s offense in a tricky situation entering the season.

3. Thor, Barnes audition for teams:

Veteran right-handers Noah Syndergaard and Matt Barnes worked out for interested clubs yesterday (as noted by Jon Heyman of the New York Post and Alex Speier of the Boston Globe, respectively) as they hope to find a role with a big league club in the final weeks prior to Spring Training. Both righties are coming off difficult years in 2023. Syndergaard posted a brutal 6.50 ERA in 18 starts split between the Dodgers and Guardians, while Barnes struggled to a 5.48 ERA in 24 appearances with the Marlins before hip surgery cut his 2024 season short.

Despite those recent struggles, both veterans have substantial track records of MLB success prior to the 2023 campaign. Syndergaard, of course, was among the most fearsome pitchers in the game earlier in his career and showcased the ability to perform as a capable back-end starter as recently as the 2022 campaign. Barnes, meanwhile, rattled off six consecutive seasons of above-average production out of the bullpen for the Red Sox from 2016 to 2021 and posted a respectable 4.31 ERA with a 3.87 FIP just two seasons ago. Will either righty find renewed interest in his services after throwing for scouts?

On the heels of an early-morning free agent deal, here are three things for MLBTR readers to keep an eye out for:

1. What’s next for the Twins?

Minnesota shipped out their longest-tenured player yesterday by trading second baseman Jorge Polanco to the Mariners in exchange for right-handers Justin Topa and Anthony DeSclafani, top outfield prospect Gabriel Gonzalez and minor league righty Darren Bowen. The Twins also received $8MM cash as part of the deal, which president of baseball operations Derek Falvey indicated yesterday would be reinvested into the club’s payroll. The addition of DeSclafani to a rotation mix that already includes Pablo Lopez, Chris Paddack, Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober and Louie Varland makes another starting pitching addition less likely, though it’s possible the club could look to further bolster its pitching staff with a bullpen addition such as Ryne Stanek or Wandy Peralta.

Another option at the club’s disposal would be adding another hitter to the club’s mix. While another player in the infield mix would recreate the logjam cleared by the departure of Polanco, the Twins were rumored to be considering an addition at first base earlier this winter. Minnesota picked up veteran Donovan Solano last winter to complement lefty-swinging youngster Alex Kirilloff at first base, and a reunion could make some sense after Solano posted a solid 116 wRC+ in part-time duty last year. Another speculative target could be veteran slugger Adam Duvall, who has seen occasional time at first throughout his career and would also provide the club with another capable center fielder behind oft-injured star Byron Buxton.

2. Could Angels’ outfield logjam lead to a deal?

The Angels signed veteran outfielder Aaron Hicks to a one-year deal yesterday, adding a switch-hitting option to an outfield mix that lacked a surefire regular option alongside Mike Trout and Taylor Ward. With that being said, Hicks’s addition does complicate the club’s outfield situation from a roster building perspective. Former top prospects Jo Adell and Mickey Moniak are both out of options and must be passed through waivers before they can be sent to the minor leagues, meaning that as things stand the club figures to carry five full-time outfielders on its active roster to open the 2024 campaign.

While the departure of Shohei Ohtani could free up playing time at DH and Ward has made a cameo at the infield corners in the past,  it’s possible that the best use of the club’s resources would be to deal either Moniak or Adell in order to free up space on the club’s bench for more versatile options while also potentially recouping value that better fits the club’s needs. The Guardians, White Sox, and Marlins are among the teams who could stand to upgrade their outfield corps in the run-up to Spring Training.

3. MLBTR Chat today:

As the month of January comes to a close, there’s plenty of boxes still unchecked on the offseason shopping lists of clubs all around the league. Are you wondering what’s next for your favorite team, or perhaps curious about what the market for a particular free agent looks like? If so, tune in this afternoon when MLBTR’s Steve Adams hosts a live chat with readers at 1pm CT. You can click here to ask a question in advance, and that same link will allow you to join in on the chat once it begins or read the transcript after its completed.

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. Arbitration hearings start today:

Twenty-two players did not reach an agreement on their 2024 salary with their club on or before the day figures were were exchanged ahead of arbitration. Some agreements could still be reached to avoid hearings — Casey Mize, Cionel Perez and Tommy Edman have already done so with the Tigers, Orioles and Cardinals, respectively — but many will head to a hearing where a panel of three arbiters will choose either the player’s or team’s submitted figure for the upcoming season. Outfielder Adolis Garcia ($6.9MM) and the Rangers ($5MM) have the largest spread between their submitted figures, while the figures put forth for Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. ($19.9MM and $18.05MM) are the highest of any player with an unresolved case. Click here for MLBTR’s full list of figures exchanged between teams and players.

2. Incoming 40-man roster moves:

A host of agreements were agreed to over the weekend, led by a pre-debut extension for Tigers infielder Colt Keith. Meanwhile, the free agent market saw the Cubs and Hector Neris, the Mets and Adam Ottavino, the A’s and Alex Wood, as well as the Royals and Adam Frazier all come together on one-year deals on the free agent market. Each of those five teams will need to make a corresponding roster move to clear space for their newly-signed player on the 40-man roster in the near future. Commonly, teams will simply designate another player for assignment to clear space on the 40-man roster, though occasionally a team will work out a minor trade to pick up a player who does not require a roster spot in exchange for a player who does. One such example occurred just last week, when the Rangers shipped outfielder J.P. Martinez to Atlanta in a deal that made room for right-hander David Robertson on the 40-man roster.

3. Bullpen market thinning:

The market for relief arms has been very active since top-of-the-market southpaw Josh Hader landed in Houston on a five-year, $95MM deal earlier this month. This weekend proved to be no exception as two of the final remaining established set-up men coming off successful seasons, Neris and Ottavino, both reached agreements for the 2024 campaign. Even as options available in free agency dwindle, there remain some interesting arms clubs could look to sign. The left-handed relief class is highlighted by the likes of Wandy Peralta and Brad Hand at this point in the winter, while former Astros hurlers Phil Maton and Ryne Stanek are among the best right-handed options remaining. Teams looking for impact at the back of the bullpen could also turn to the trade market, where closers such as Cleveland’s Emmanuel Clase and Boston’s Kenley Jansen are rumored to be available, to varying extents.

As MLB’s offseason continues, here are three things to keep an eye on around the baseball world headed into the weekend:

1. Robertson to undergo physical:

After agreeing to a one-year deal with the Rangers last night, veteran right-hander David Robertson is set to undergo a physical before the deal becomes official. According to Jeff Wilson of Rangers Today, said physical is planned for today. When the deal becomes official, the Rangers will need to make a corresponding move to create room for Robertson on their 40-man roster, which is currently at capacity. That could come in the form of simply designating someone for assignment, or perhaps the club will try to work out a trade to recoup some value from the back of their roster.

Robertson, 39 in April, has enjoyed a career resurgence while pitching for the Cubs, Phillies, Mets, and Marlins over the past two years. During that time, he’s managed to post a 2.72 ERA and 3.56 FIP while striking out 29.8% of batters faced in 129 innings of work. He’ll provide a big boost for the Texas bullpen if/when the deal is finalized, particularly after losing left-hander Aroldis Chapman to the Pirates via free agency earlier this week.

2. Giles throwing for teams:

Veteran right-hander Ken Giles has managed just 39 2/3 combined innings of work since the end of the 2019 season as he’s battled injuries, but that isn’t stopping the 33-year-old righty from attempting a comeback. As reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post earlier this week, Giles is throwing a bullpen session in Phoenix later today for interested teams. It’s easy to see why teams would have interest in Giles’s services if he’s finally healthy enough to take the mound. The veteran righty sports a career 2.71 ERA across 362 relief appearances with a 2.46 FIP, 115 saves, and an impressive 33.3% strikeout rate. Giles would be an impactful addition to just about any bullpen in the league if he were able to recapture even some of that ability from his 20s, though after his lengthy layoff it’s unclear just how much he has left in the tank.

3. Marlins FanFest is today:

The Marlins are running their annual FanFest this weekend, which will be held this evening at loanDepot park. The free fan event is scheduled to run from 4pm to 10pm local time. Tonight’s festivities could involve the unveiling of a new look for the players on the field in Miami; the club has seemingly hinted at uniform updates for the upcoming 2024 campaign.

Among the other items on the agenda are live interviews with president of baseball operations Peter Bendix and manager Skip Schumaker, which are schedule for 5pm local time. Its been a quiet winter in Miami since Bendix replaced Kim Ng atop the club’s baseball operations department, and Bendix and Schumaker will likely face questions on that front. The Marlins have reportedly been listening to trade offers regarding their starting rotation and keeping an eye on the free agent market for infield help, with a shortstop topping the wishlist. While top outgoing free agent Jorge Soler also remains on the market, recent rumors seem to indicate a reunion between the sides is unlikely.

With less than three weeks until pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day today:

1. Neris up next?

There’s been a run on relief arms throughout the week, with top free agents Josh Hader and Robert Stephenson both landing multi-year deals from the Astros and Angels, respectively. Aroldis Chapman ($10.5MM) and Matt Moore ($9MM) landed respective one-year pacts with the Pirates and Angels. The run on relief arms leaves right-hander Hector Neris as arguably the top reliever left in free agency, though the market also features established veterans like David Robertson, Adam Ottavino, Phil Maton, Wandy Peralta, and Ryne Stanek.

The 34-year-old Neris has gotten plenty of buzz recently. He’s been connected to the Yankees and Mets in recent days but is a sensible addition for any team still hoping to add a leverage reliever. The Cubs, Cardinals, Mariners and Rangers are among those still on the hunt for bullpen arms. Texas has previously been described as a potential “frontrunner” for Neris’ services.

2. What’s next for the Pirates?

The Pirates made a somewhat surprising splash on the free agent market by agreeing with Chapman to that aforementioned one-year, $10.5MM deal earlier in the week. The deal helps to back up recent remarks from owner Bob Nutting, who indicated that the goal for the Pirates this year is to remain in contention “throughout the season.” Even after adding Chapman, however, the Pirates still have a ways to go before they catch up to the other clubs in the division; they finished fourth with an 86-loss season in 2023 and have largely stood pat this winter while their division rivals have made multi-year plays for significant players such as Sonny Gray, Shota Imanaga, Jeimer Candelario, and Rhys Hoskins. It appears that adding a veteran arm to a young and unproven rotation could be the next step Pittsburgh looks to take, and the club has already been connected to the likes of Noah Syndergaard and Michael Lorenzen in recent days.

3. Votto’s market:

Veteran first baseman Joey Votto has a secure legacy as one of his generation’s best hitters and a potential Hall of Famer. That hasn’t stopped him from looking to add to that resume by continuing his playing career, however. Previous reporting this winter has indicated that at least three teams (including the Blue Jays) have interest in the 40-year-old’s services for the 2024 season, and a pair of reports helped to further clarify Votto’s market yesterday. It appears that Toronto is joined by the Angels in the hunt for Votto’s services, where he could act as a veteran mentor to up-and-coming first baseman Nolan Schanuel, who made his big league debut last year just weeks after being selected in the first round of the 2023 draft.

Meanwhile, it’s becoming all the more clear that the one place Votto all but certainly is not signing on is with the Reds, the organization he spent more than two decades with after being selected in the second round of the 2002 draft. At the outset of his first foray into free agency, Votto indicated that he would pursue a role with a new team if the Reds did not decide to bring him back for the 2024 campaign. Recent comments from Cincinnati GM Nick Krall made clear that, at least as things stand, the club does not plan on pursuing a reunion with the former face of the franchise.

With Adrian Beltre, Joe Mauer, and Todd Helton officially headed for the Hall of Fame, here are three things around the baseball world we’ll be keeping an eye on throughout the day today:

1. The market for corner bats has begun to heat up:

In an offseason that started out with a relative dearth of offensive talent, a surprising amount of corner bats remain available with just three weeks until Spring Training. That’s begun to change, however, as a pair of deals from that side of the market came together yesterday: first baseman Rhys Hoskins is finalizing a two-year deal with the Brewers, while outfielder/first baseman Joey Gallo landed a one-year pact with the Nationals. Even with that pair of sluggers off the market, plenty of options remain for clubs looking to add a corner bat or DH this winter with Jorge Soler, J.D. Martinez, Justin Turner, and Joc Pederson among the best bats remaining. With teams like the Blue Jays, Padres, and Diamondbacks still in the hunt for a bat in this vein, will the recent signings spur further activity?

2. Angels making moves:

After being among the league’s quieter teams early in the offseason as they watched franchise face and two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani depart for Chavez Ravine, the Angels have begun to show signs of life on the free agent market. After landing Robert Stephenson on a three-year deal last week, the club further bolstered their bullpen by reuniting with veteran southpaw Matt Moore on a one-year pact. Adding Stephenson and Moore to the late-inning mix alongside Carlos Estevez creates a strong back-end trio for the Halos, but the club still has plenty of work to do upgrading the starting rotation and lineup if the club hopes to be competitive in its first post-Ohtani season. Fortunately, the club has payroll space to work with. Roster Resource projects the club for a payroll of $172MM in 2024, more than $40MM below the figure they posted last year.

3. Gonzalez DFA resolution:

The Yankees designated outfielder Oscar Gonzalez for assignment last week in a move that cleared space on the 40-man roster for veteran right-hander Marcus Stroman. In doing so, they set off a one-week window to either trade Gonzalez, pass him through waivers or release him. That clock runs out today for Gonzalez, meaning a resolution will be announced shortly. Since waivers are a 48-hour process themselves and today is the final day of his window, it stands to reason that the Yankees placed him on waivers two days ago and will today learn whether he’ll be claimed or clear. Gonzalez slashed a strong .296/.327/.461 in 91 games during his rookie season in 2022 before limping to a paltry .214/.239/.312 line in 180 trips to the plate in 2023. Still, at just 26 years old and only one season removed from quality production, a team in need of help at the outfield corners could look to claim him. Gonzalez has not yet been outrighted during his career, so if he passes through waivers successfully, the Yankees will be able to stash him in the minors as non-roster depth without Gonzalez being able to reject the assignment in favor of free agency.