With just three weeks until the start of spring training, we’ll be looking at three things happening around baseball throughout the day:
1. Impact on the relief market:
The biggest domino in the relief market finally fell over the weekend, lefty Tanner Scott Agreed on a four-year, $720,000 contract with the Dodgers. Scott is the latest bullpen member to reach an agreement in recent days, joining Jose Leclerc, AJ Minter, Andrew Kitteridgeand Jeff Hoffman. This movement in the relief market has allowed many teams, including the big-spending Dodgers and Mets, to fill their late-season needs.
But there are still several clubs that appear to be in the market for late-stage rescue assistance. The Orioles, Red Sox, Blue Jays and Cubs were all involved to some extent in the market for Scott, with Chicago even making a final offer of four years and $66MM, nearly matching Los Angeles’ offer. All four clubs could remain involved in the future relief market, with Chicago and Toronto already linked to the top remaining free agent relievers on the right wing Carlos Estevez After the Scott trade. Other top relievers available include Kirby Yates, David Robertsonand Kenley Johnson. Who will sign next?
2. A twins trade on the horizon?
Over the weekend, Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey said the club’s trade talks have begun to escalate in recent weeks. Minnesota has been one of the least active teams in the entire sport this winter, as the only team on their 40-man roster to have made a major league appearance so far is Mickey Gasparthe club made a small deal last month. It’s clear that the club faces severe budget constraints this winter as ownership is set to be sold, requiring management to forego salary commitments in order to bring in more talent.
Much attention has been paid to the possibility Pablo Lopez There are trades to be made this winter, but the Twins seem more likely to make deals involving expensive but less impactful veterans, such as Christian Vazquez, willy castroand Chris Paddack This year they are trying to stay competitive in the AL Central. If Minnesota manages to reach a deal, they could address the club’s hole at first base or add a much-needed right-handed addition to their left-handed corner outfield mix while saving money.
3. Cardinal’s winter warm-up summary:
The Cardinals’ winter warm-up fan event kicked off over the weekend, and comments from players and staff at the event drew the attention of many headlines. However, the celebrations are not over yet as there is much more on the club’s schedule today on the final day of the event. Wilson Contreras and Lars Nootbar Both plan to accept autographs, as does the manager Oliver Marmor. The most notable event on today’s schedule, however, is certainly the Q&A session with ownership. Chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. and team president Bill DeWitt III will participate in a question and answer session. Marmol also plans to hold a Q&A later in the day.
