Rumors: Arenado, Bryant, Betts, Lindor, Senzel
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Could Bryant or Arenado wind up in NL East?
Jan. 31: A trade for Kris Bryant or Nolan Arenado comes with its fair share of complications -- most of all their significant remaining salaries. But MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal ponders if that financial obligation might be worth it for National League East contenders looking to break free of the pack.
In his Friday column for The Athletic (subscription required), Rosenthal cites an AL club's internal projection that has the Braves, Mets, Nationals and Phillies separated by fewer than five wins in 2020. None of those four teams have a superstar stationed at third base, meaning Bryant or Arenado could significantly change the odds.
Examining each team's payroll in relation to the competitive balance tax (CBT), Rosenthal notes that Bryant's $18.6 million salary this season would put three of those four clubs -- but not the Braves -- over the first threshold, which would therefore incur a 20% tax penalty on the overages. Arenado's $35 million salary would put each team except the Braves over the second threshold, which would incur additional penalties. But Atlanta has both the fewest financial commitments moving forward and the best farm system of the quartet moving forward. So, Rosenthal wonders if the Braves should be motivated to take advantage of their leg-up on the competition by acquiring a true difference-maker at the hot corner.
Report: Rockies, Cubs have discussed 1-for-1 Arenado-Bryant trade
Jan. 30: Many eyes remain on Chicago to see what the Cubs will do with third baseman Kris Bryant, and one report says the North Siders are at least entertaining blockbuster trade ideas.
ESPN's Jesse Rogers reported during an appearance on NBC Sports Chicago's "Kap and Co." radio show that the Rockies and Cubs have discussed a one-for-one trade that would send Bryant to Colorado in exchange for Nolan Arenado. Rogers added that Colorado would pay at least some of Arenado's salary ($234 million remaining over the next seven years) in the proposed scenario.
“This is something I heard very recently -- that, yes, Arenado would love to play for the Cubs," Rogers said. "I’ll go one step further. That they’ve even discussed a one-for-one deal, Kris Bryant for Nolan Arenado, where the Rockies pick up a good portion of Arenado’s salary over the length of the contract. I’m talking $7 or $8 million per year.
"That’s how much they need to get rid of Arenado," Rogers added, "and he wants out."
Arenado has been uncharacteristically vocal this month about his relationship with the Rockies, telling MLB.com's Thomas Harding that he has felt "disrespected" by the team. He and Bryant -- two of baseball's best third basemen -- have sparked as many trade rumors as any player this offseason, with the Cubs also potentially looking to move Bryant before he reaches free agency after the 2021 season.
Arenado's massive contract would be tricky for the Cubs, who have publicly stated their desire to stay below the competitive balance tax (CBT) threshold.
Padres, Dodgers remain engaged in trade talks involving Betts
Jan. 30: Six days after reports emerged that the Padres were discussing a trade for Mookie Betts, San Diego remains actively engaged in trade talks involving the 2018 American League MVP Award winner, sources tell MLB.com's AJ Cassavell. But one of their NL West rivals, the Dodgers, are also still holding discussions with the Red Sox about Betts, per The Athletic's Andy McCullough (subscription required), who adds that "dialogue with Boston has approached a resolution on Betts."
The principles of a Padres-Red Sox deal are in place, but Wil Myers appears to be the sticking point. The issue, more specifically, is just how much of the $61 million remaining on Myers' contract the Red Sox are willing to take on. More >
Meanwhile, McCullough speculates that the Dodgers would likely balk at the prospect of taking on the entirety of David Price's contract ($96 million over the next three years) despite their considerable financial resources. Los Angeles' lineup as currently constructed already ranks among the National League's best. But adding Betts at the top could be a difference-maker in finally getting the Dodgers over the October hump.
MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi reports that the Dodgers will not deal shortstop Gavin Lux (MLB's No. 2 overall prospect according to MLB Pipeline) in a Betts trade package, but they are willing to include outfielder Alex Verdugo -- a former top 100 prospect himself. That kind of depth in the Dodgers' system is a big reason why Los Angeles could ultimately get a Betts deal done, says MLB Network insider Jon Heyman.
Rosenthal: Lindor trade remains unlikely for Reds
Jan. 28: In the wake of Nicholas Castellanos' four-year deal with the Reds on Monday, MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reported that the club is considering trading Nick Senzel, who has become expendable given Cincinnati's additions this offseason.
With journeyman Freddy Galvis at shortstop, the most logical move arguably would be for the team to use Senzel as the centerpiece in a package to acquire Francisco Lindor from the Indians. However, MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal notes that such a deal is unlikely.
Per Rosenthal, the Reds already discussed moving the 24-year-old Senzel in a trade for Lindor, as well as a three-team deal that would have sent Lindor to the Dodgers, Corey Seager to Cincinnati and prospects to Cleveland. All of those talks went nowhere.
The payroll is also a factor for the Reds, whose offseason additions of Mike Moustakas, Wade Miley, Shogo Akiyama and Castellanos have given them a projected mark of roughly $140 million -- which would represent a franchise record -- for the upcoming season, according to Cot's Baseball Contracts. Meanwhile, Lindor is set to earn $17.5 million in 2020.
With Mike Moustakas at second base, Eugenio Suárez at third and a crowded outfield situation, the Reds may eventually trade Senzel. But Rosenthal expects the club to wait for the youngster to rebuild his value following an unremarkable rookie season and surgery to repair a torn right labrum in September.
Cubs, other clubs reportedly have interest in Gennett
Jan. 28: The Cubs have been mostly quiet since the 2019 season ended, but they have added Steven Souza Jr. and Jeremy Jeffress in the past week, and they are reportedly eyeing free-agent second baseman Scooter Gennett as well, according to a report from Bruce Levine of 670 The Score.
MLB Network insider Jon Heyman confirms the Cubs' interest in Gennett and notes that Chicago is one of a half-dozen teams considering the second baseman.
Gennett struggled last season after suffering a groin strain in late March. He didn't return until June and went on to hit .226/.245/.323 with two homers over 139 plate appearances between the Reds and Giants. But Gennett was one of the more productive second basemen in the game over 2017-18, recording a .303/.351/.508 batting line with 50 home runs in that stretch. He could be a solid buy-low option for a team with payroll concerns such as the Cubs, who have an uncertain situation at the keystone.
With Ben Zobrist and Addison Russell heading to free agency, Chicago currently has prospect Nico Hoerner penciled in as its starting second baseman, with David Bote behind him. Ian Happ also has experience at second, but he will likely see more time in center field than anywhere else. The Cubs could still look to trade third baseman Kris Bryant before Opening Day, creating another opening in the infield.
Heyman: Red Sox seem 'more serious than ever' about trading Mookie
Jan. 28: Trade talks involving Mookie Betts have picked up steam over the past week or so, and MLB Network insider Jon Heyman gets the sense that the Red Sox are "more serious than ever" about moving the 27-year-old outfielder.
Per Heyman, some rivals are starting to think a deal will happen, which is a stark change from the industry consensus earlier in the offseason.
The Padres and Dodgers are the two clubs that have been most heavily connected to Betts lately, but it's unclear if there's a frontrunner to acquire the 2018 American League MVP Award winner. More >
D-backs acquire Marte from Pirates
Jan. 27: The D-backs have acquired center fielder Starling Marte from the Pirates in a trade, both teams announced Monday. Marte is coming off his second straight 20-20 campaign. He's owed $11.5 million this year, and his contract contains a $12.5 million club option (or a $1 million buyout) for 2021.
Whispers about a potential trade of Marte cooled off after dominating the early weeks of the offseason, but Heyman reported last week that discussions surrounding the 31-year-old were "intensifying."
The veteran represents Arizona's second major outfield addition of this offseason, as it previously signed Kole Calhoun to a two-year, $14 million deal with a $9 million team option (or a $2 million buyout) for 2022.
The trade will allow the D-backs to position Ketel Marte at second base. Previously, he was slated to start in center field, with Eduardo Escobar at second and Jake Lamb at third.
Arenado to Rangers may be unlikely
Jan. 25: Texas may not be Nolan Arenado's next stop. Rangers GM and president of baseball operations Jon Daniels said Saturday at Fan Fest that an Arenado trade is unlikely, according to MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan. That being said, the Rangers are still looking to add another bat in some way, so it doesn't appear the team has closed up shop on transactions for the winter. Daniels said that the club has talked to most clubs about what offensive players might be available, indicating that some trade could be in the works at some point.
Will Arenado trade talks pick up again before Spring Training?
Jan. 23: Although Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich attempted to clarify Nolan Arenado's status Monday by telling the Denver Post that the five-time All-Star would begin the 2020 season with the team, Arenado's future in Colorado remains more uncertain than ever after the third baseman expressed his frustration in a text to MLB.com's Thomas Harding.
As MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi notes, the coming days could determine whether the Rockies' front office feels it can repair its relationship with Arenado. If not, Bridich may be compelled to try to move Arenado sooner rather than later to avoid an awkward situation at Spring Training, as Arenado indicated Wednesday that he no longer will discuss his situation with the Rockies.
The Cardinals and Rangers remain two of the strongest suitors for the 28-year-old, sources told Morosi on Tuesday. The White Sox also are consistently mentioned by people within the industry as a potential Arenado suitor, per Morosi. More >
Cashman says Happ will be Yankees' No. 5 starter
Jan. 23: There was some speculation that the Yankees would look to trade J.A. Happ this offseason, especially after they signed Gerrit Cole to a record nine-year, $324 million contract.
But Meredith Marakovits of the YES Network revealed Saturday that general manager Brian Cashman said Happ will open 2020 as the team's No. 5 starter after Cole, Luis Severino, James Paxton and Masahiro Tanaka. More >
Still available, Puig 'isn't a priority' for this team
Jan. 23: With Marcell Ozuna now off the board after inking a one-year, $18 million deal with the Braves on Tuesday, Yasiel Puig is among the very few remaining available corner outfielders who possess intriguing upside, along with Nicholas Castellanos.
In fact, Castellanos' former club, the Tigers, possibly are in the market for an outfielder, GM Al Avila told Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press. Puig, however, "isn't a priority" for Detroit, according to Avila. More >
This could be a name to watch for teams seeking bullpen help
Jan. 23: At this point in the offseason, most of the big-name free agents have signed, and that includes the reliever market, which wasn't exactly deep at the outset, anyway.
One name that could be an interesting target for teams still seeking bullpen help, however, is Pedro Strop. A group of clubs appears to be in the mix for the right-hander, according to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet Canada, who named the Marlins, Rangers, Brewers and Cubs.
Although Strop's 2019 campaign was subpar by his standards (4.97 ERA, 1.27 WHIP), part of that could be attributed to a left hamstring injury that limited him to 50 games -- the fewest appearances he made since joining the Cubs via trade in 2013.
Even factoring in last season, the 34-year-old's stats in his seven years with Chicago were quite impressive: a 2.90 ERA, a 1.05 WHIP and 474 strikeouts over 373 innings.
Francona: Lindor 'not on the trading block'
Jan. 18: Indians manager Terry Francona told MLB Network Radio that the Tribe is no longer actively shopping superstar Francisco Lindor.
“I can guarantee you we’re not trying to trade Lindor," said Francona. "We have him for two more years. Keeping him is everybody’s goal.
"Also know that keeping him and fielding a competitive team is a challenge in our market," he continued. "There’s no getting around that. It’s not gonna be easy. I think that’s as honest as you can be.”
The momentum toward a Lindor trade has been slowing down for a while, but Francona's voice adds some weight to the idea that Cleveland will at least begin the 2020 season with its star shortstop in tow. The Indians still have a competitive roster that can compete in the American League Central, and they can still shop Lindor closer to the July Trade Deadline. The 26-year-old is set to hit free agency after the 2021 season.
Cubs expect to be active in coming months, GM says
Jan. 17: Although Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein made it clear after the 2019 season ended that the club would be considering a wide range of options to shake up the roster, Chicago has had a quiet offseason to this point. But in an appearance on 670 The Score on Friday, general manager Jed Hoyer indicated that the Cubs expect to be more active in the coming months.
The conclusion of Kris Bryant's service-time grievance could be the spark that gets the ball rolling. If an arbitrator rules in the Cubs' favor, Bryant will remain under team control for two more years, perhaps allaying other teams' concerns and improving his trade value by removing the uncertainty.
"Usually, at this time of year, you're sort of wrapping up your offseason," Hoyer said. "For us, not that we haven't been doing a lot of different things behind the scenes, but as far as the kind of moves that fans notice or get excited about, we've been quiet on that front. I feel like our offseason isn't just ending right now, like it usually would be. It's kind of just beginning.
"We certainly will be active leading up to the season. I think it's fair to say this offseason for us has been pushed back a little bit, and we're just getting things started on some of the things that we want to do."
Hoyer admitted that the club is not going to be able to keep its core of Bryant, Javier Báez, Anthony Rizzo and Kyle Schwarber together for much longer. Like Bryant, the other three are under control for two more years.
"We had this young group that came through the farm system, that came up at the same time," Hoyer said. "We offered all of those guys extensions, we tried hard to really keep this group together for as long as we can. I think there are certain realities where we are not going to be able to keep this group together forever. It may be by them leaving through free agency, it may be by us trading some of them. We might be able to extend some of them.
"In all honesty, we passed the point of being able to extend all of those players. I think we had a moment in time where that might have been possible and we passed that."
Hoyer went on to note that the team is keeping one eye on the present and another on the future when building its roster.
"The reality is, we've kept this group together for a long time by baseball standards," Hoyer said. "We hope to continue to be able to keep it together, but when you look at it, a lot of these guys hit free agency after 2021. We have to think about not only this year's team, but we have to think about how we're going to field a really competitive team beyond that group's free agency after '21."
As for potential additions this offseason, MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reports that the Cubs have discussed free-agent center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury, who has missed the past two seasons due to injuries and was released by the Yankees in November. Ellsbury, who was a teammate of new Cubs manager David Ross on the 2013 Red Sox, could fill the club's need for a center fielder and a leadoff hitter, if healthy. More >