MLB Winter Meetings: Day 3 News and Rumors

[David Youngs]

While Wednesday wasn't a day of huge contracts at the 2020 winter meetings, it was one of huge rumors. Let's dig in.It's Official!

It may not be directly related to the winter meetings but it sure is news! Twins General Manager Thad Levine confirmed with WCCO's Dave Lee that the Twins have officially extended offers to the St. Paul Saints and Wichita Wind Surge to join the Twins organization as minor league affiliates. The Saints will serve at the Twins' Triple-A affiliate while the Wind Surge will fill the role of Double-A affiliate.

 

With Target Field located just 10.6 miles from CHS Field, the Saints will become the closet geographic affiliate of any Major League Baseball parent club. In a lengthy statement, the Saints vowed to not only strengthen baseball in the Minneapolis-St. Paul community, but that they will continue their unique "baseball is fun" approach to the game.

 

While the region rejoices at the bondage between the Saints and Twins, the addition of the Wind Surge is exciting to say the least. Previously an affiliate of the Marlins, the Wind Surge boast one of the finest ballparks in the country. Built in 2019, Riverfront Stadium replaces the old home of the now defunct Wichita Wingnuts. With the addition of the Wind Surge, there's no doubt that the Twins organization has some of, if not the best ballparks in the country from bottom to top.

 

How About those Mets?

 

While nothing is concrete, there is large speculation the the Mets are moving closer to a deal with outfielder George Springer and/or pitcher Trevor Bauer. Bob Klapisch of the Newark Star-Leger that new Mets owner Stephen Cohen is leaning towards signing Springer while team president Sandy Alderson would prefer Bauer. Regardless of either of these potential signings, it's clear that the Mets are transitioning to the "Win Now" mindset.

 

And while Springer and Bauer grab headlines, the Mets are also in serious conversation with former White Sox catcher James McCann. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported that the organization is nearly a four year deal with the veteran.

 

With Wilson Ramos hitting free agency, it is clear the Mets are in need of a permanent fixture behind the dish. While he isn't J.T. Realmuto, McCann checks off the boxes that the Mets need in order to get on a winning track.

 

Kyle Schwarber?

 

Could former Cubs slugger Kyle Schwarber become a Minnesota Twin? It's unlikely, but there are several teams that have reportedly shown interest in Schwarber, who was non-tendered by Chicago the same day the Twins cut ties with Rosario. However, Bruce Levine of 670 The Score in Chicago reported that the Blue Jays, Yankees and Angels are all potentially interested in Schwarber.

 

And while Schwarber isn't near the top of the Twins' list, that could change if Nelson Cruz signs elsewhere. Even though the MLB recently released a memo saying that the DH will stay exclusively in the American League, there's a decent chance things could change. If Cruz does leave, there is a need for a powerful bat, something that Schwarber could provide.

 

Dan Hayes of The Athletic mentioned in an article that focused on Nelson Cruz that the Twins have also checked in on Michael Brantley and Adam Duvall. In the video below, Twins Daily's Tom Froemming takes a look at Schwarber, Brantley and Duvall in comparison to Cruz and Eddie Rosario.

 

Around the Water Cooler

• The Mariners singed RHP Chris Flexen to a two-year, $4.75 million contract. Flexen was a stud for the Doosan Bears of the Korea baseball Organization (KBO) in 2020 after a rough patch with the Mets from 2017-19. Seattle hopes that Flexen's success from the KBO translates to quality pitcher in the future.
• 2020 KBO MVP and former Pirates draft pick Mel Rojas Jr. signed a contract with the Hanshin Tigers of the Nippon Professional Baseball league in Japan. The Marlins and several other MLB teams had shown interest in Rojas Jr.

Questions remaining to be answered:

 

1. Will Nelson Cruz remain a Minnesota Twin?

2. What moves will be made to strengthen the Twins infield? Enrique Hernandez?

3. Will the front office make moves to beef up one of the already-strongest rotations in the league?

 

Click here to view the article

[DocBauer]

I'm not a Mets fan, but as a baseball fan it's kinda fun seeing N.Y. city's "little brother" challenging the Yankees.

 

As to the questions posted:

 

1] Yes, I believe Cruz will be a Twin. I believe he bas one more really good season left. Maybe not as outstanding as he bas been, but still really good. IF there is a 2nd year involved, then you hope for a decent/solid year. The underground whispers that are prevalent that the Twins will be keeping payroll close to last season provide a a great deal of optimism and makes sense to me.

 

Schwarber is a guy I haven't even mentioned previously, but without Cruz on board, he could make tremendous sense. Now, for various reasons, I might prefer Brantley, but if the FO wants a primary fixture at DH, Schwarber could be the guy. He CAN play some OF for versatility. He COULD still be an emergency #3 catcher. I mean, that's what he was when drafted and his original position. I have to believe he could be an extra depth option at 1B as well.

 

2] The Twins will be making 2 infield moves. Despite calls for trade options, there is so much available FA talent that I think that's the way to go. Does that mean a SS for insurance on Polanco having another surgery, or moving him to utility remains to be seen. But as I stated in part 2, they can go a lot of directions here to build a great bench. Even if they stick with Polanco at SS, how about Hernandez and then add Adrianza, or shoot higher offensively with Frazier or Gyorko, etc. OR, sign that SS, utilize Polanco as a versatile utility and STILL sign another solid second guy.

 

The infield needs to be addressed. The good news is there are a multitude of quality options available.

 

3] Yes, they are going to add to the rotation. My hunch? They will go the FA route vs trade. Again, my hunch, with a number of decent options out there, the FO would like to keep the system intact FOR NOW and bring in someone they like/believe in for 2021. Publicly, there are no Odorizzi rumors. But once again, he makes the most sense for both parties, whether it be 1yr or 3yrs. I'm intrigued by Richards. Don't sleep on rumors about Kluber. There is an obvious connection there. If he is 85% of his old self be would be an excellent #3 SP, with hopeful potential for more. He's a definite risk. But a 1 + 1 option for $8-10M...possibly less with incentives...could be a risk worth taking.

 

I think the Twins believe in Dobnak as a #5, despite his late season demotion. (I mean, really, he was a rookie after all). And I think they have strong belief in Duran, Balazovic and apparently Ober. But none may be ready. But I believe there will be another milb invite, at least, and probably a late addition in January or early February for $2-3M. Think a Bailey type signing.

 

If not Cruz, I'm not sure what direction they will go. But another proven bat needs to be added.

 

Soooo many options available to add to the infield and 10th man than they can hardly fail.

 

One quality addition to the rotation and a cheap flier with the numbers indicating someone should be available.

 

4] Surprised you didn't bring the pen up. And I'm repeating myself here, but there will probably be a plethora of decent arms available to add late. And this team knows how to build a pen. But for a contending team, the FO is too smart to depend on their smarts, if that makes sense. While it would awesome to spend $8-10M on a big time arm like Hand or Hendricks, is that the smart move? Or rather still, a move the FO would see as smart? How about Clippard, Soria and Yates or Bradley for a combined $11M?

 

I don't know if it's a big move tomorrow, or a couple smaller moves weeks from now. But despite trusting what they have, who is seemingly ready, they are going to bring in at least 2 BP arms. The glut of options alone will allow for this.

[dex8425]

The mets have been a dysfunctional franchise for most of my fandom years. Does a new owner change all of that? I don't see the Mets as a WS contender in 2021. If I were Bauer I would not go there but NYC is a great opportunity to promote his brand.