Here are three things we’ll be watching in baseball today:
1. Sasaki’s decision is getting closer:
Riki SaakiThe market now has only three suitors left. The Dodgers and Padres had been considered the favorites to sign the 23-year-old Japanese star, and as most expected, they were one of the final two teams. However, the Blue Jays being the third and final bidder was an unexpected outcome. Toronto ostensibly has a reasonable chance at this point; Sasaki visited the city over the weekend and toured the Jayhawks’ home facility. The right-handed pitching camp began informing teams yesterday that they were out of the running, with the Giants, Rangers, Yankees, Mets and Cubs all knowing they would not be Sasaki’s final destination.
Adding Sasaki would be a coup for the Blue Jays front office, which has been the runner-up in many notable free-agent and trade moves over the past two offseasons. He’ll give the Jays some much-needed rotation depth, and of course, he’ll do it with pre-rotation upside and minimum salary. This would leave more money to bring in another famous bat to pair with it Vladimir Guerrero Jr. — As he approaches the final year of free agency, the status of his extension looms over the team.
2. What’s next for the Mariners?
Seattle’s desire to add infield help this winter has long been established, and yesterday they finally took a step toward that goal, signing a veteran Donovan Solano A one-year agreement was reached. Solano, 37, has been one of the most consistent part-time hitters in the league since 2019. /.353/.413 (112 wRC+) over the past six seasons. That includes 309 plate appearances last season for the Padres, who had a wRC+ of 118 points.
With the current lineup, Solano will hit frequently at third base while spelling Luke Reilly At first base to left. However, the Mariners have been looking for multiple infielders this winter – preferably two corner infielders – to help round out the offense. Adding Solano at an affordable price could allow the M’s to spend more money on a hot corner, whether through free agency or the trade market. cause a major sensation Alex Bregman That’s almost certainly not going to happen, but the Mariners reportedly would have spent around $15-16 before adding Solano for $3.5MM.
3. MLBTR Today’s Chat:
With arbitration numbers exchanged and spring training less than a month away, we’re approaching the point where baseball’s offseason begins to give way to preseason excitement, even as major free agents remain unsigned and teams’ needs remain. Be satisfied. Whether you have questions about what else your team needs to do this winter or questions about the trade proposals in your head, MLBTR’s Steve Adams will be on hand Get your questions answered in live chat. You can click here to ask a question ahead of time, join the chat live once it starts, or read the transcript after the chat ends.
