MLB Winter Meetings: Day 4 News and Rumors

[David Youngs]

Outside the White Sox and Royals, the AL Central has stayed eerily quiet through the first three days of the 2020 winter meetings. Day four proved to be similar. Lots of rumors, little action.Cruz and Twins are Talking

Our good friend Dan Hayes of The Athletic reported that the Twins are engaged in conversation with Nelson Cruz about keeping the ageless slugger in Minnesota. Hayes stated that the two parties “continue to state their preference for a reunion,” something that keeps a large sector of Twins fans hopeful.

 

While there seems to be a spur of optimism in the air for Cruz to stay with the Twins, it would be surprising for the #1 DH free agent on the market to make his decision soon. A source told MLB.com’s Jon Morosi last month that Cruz was unlikely to make a decision until the league set concrete guidelines on whether the National League will consist of the designated-hitter position in the future.

 

 

Even though the league sent out a memo stating that teams should assume that the traditional format will resume in 2021 (meaning that the AL will continue using the DH, pitchers will hit in the NL), there is nothing set in stone. Cruz’s decision will likely impact Minnesota’s potential interest in sluggers like Adam Duvall, Kyle Schwarber, and Michael Brantley. Bottom line? It might be a while.

 

Bauer Outage in Anaheim?

There's no question that Trevor Bauer is the hottest commodity on this year's free agent market. And while the Twins are likely to add to their starting rotation, it's unlikely that Bauer's lofty price tag is realistic.

 

There were confirmed reports yesterday that the Mets are interested in Bauer alongside George Springer and James McCann. Bauer has outwardly praised new Mets owner Stephen Cohen and the probable signing of James McCann (instead of J.T. Realmuto) could indicate the Mets are preparing to cash out on someone big.

 

Despite this, there's a healthy chance that Bauer's talent and heart could be drawn towards Los Angeles, his childhood home. MLB Network's Jon Heyman reported on Wednesday night that the Angels are "determined to add a top-of-the-rotation starter." Alongside names like Blake Snell and Sonny Gray, it's clear that Bauer's name is atop the Angels' short list.

 

A UCLA alum, Bauer would exponentially elevate the Halo's rotation, which ranked second-worst in the league (5.52) in 2020 only behind Detroit (6.37) in 2020. Bauer's price tag is a concern, although the Angels will have cash freeing up in the near future. Albert Pujols' contract expires after 2021 as does Justin Upton's following 2022.

 

 

Conversation Between the Yanks and Bucs

They’re talking up in the Northeast! The Yankees are reportedly in conversation with the Pirates about acquiring first basemen Josh Bell and starting pitcher Jameson Taillon via trade. Both players are under club control (Taillon through 2020, Bell through 2022) but could provide cheap additions to the club.

 

While Bell’s role in pinstripes is up in the air (DH and 1B are locked up by Giancarlo Stanton and Luke Voigt), Taillon could be a valuable asset to a starting rotation that is packed with free agents. In addition to Masahiro Tanaka, James Paxton and J.A. Happ are also free agents. Add that to the injury-plagued Luis Severino and it’s probable that the Yankees will be shopping for starting pitching.

 

Yankees aside, it’s clear that Derek Shelton’s Pirates have some serious holes to fill. With a thin line of prospects and inconsistent outfield, expect the Pirates to gun for top New York prospects in addition to a starting outfielder if this deal comes to fruition.

 

Yadier Angry!

Yadier Molina is one of the most prolific catchers in the era of modern baseball. Yet it’s inevitable that the 38 year old is not the young buck that he used to be. Molina was unhappy with the “ridiculous” deal that the Cardinals offered him for 2021 according to Mark Saxon of The Athletic.

 

Molina has made $20 million each year the past three seasons with the Cardinals and is vying for at least a one-year deal worth $10 million, with an option for 2022 according to Saxon. That’s a lot of money for a guy who’s brightest days are behind him on a team that is reportedly cutting pay.

 

There were talks of Molina heading to the Yankees or Mets. However, the Mets are likely to sign James McCann to a healthy multi-year contract and the Yankees refrained from non-tendering Gary Sanchez. It’s safe to assume that “Yadi” will stick with the Birds’ for his final years, the only question is price.

 

Rule 5 Draft: Twins Stay Silent but Lose Two Prospects

Check out Cody Christie’s Coverage of the 2020 Rule 5 Draft for in-depth updates.

 

The Minnesota Twins chose not to exercise their pick in the Major League portion of the Rule 5 draft. They did however, lose two prospects, with outfielder Akil Baddoo going to the Tigers and pitcher Tyler Wells to the Orioles. Baddoo was drafted by the Twins in 2016 and spent the 2019 season at high-A with Fort Meyers. Wells was also drafted in 2016 and spent the 2018 season with Fort Meyers.

 

Both Baddoo and Wells will be immediately added to the active roster of their respective teams. If the Tigers and/or Orioles do not choose to add either player to their active roster, they must assign the player to waivers and offer them back to the Twins for $50,000.

 

Around the Water Cooler

• Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported that the Rays are trading first baseman Nate Lowe along with prospect Jake Guenther and a player to be named to the Rangers. In exchange Tampa Bay will receive C/OF Heriberto Hernandez, infielder Osleivis Basabe, and outfielder Alexander Ovalles. Lowe played in 21 games for the Rays in 2020, batting .224

• The Phillies are expected to hire Dave Dombrowski as their next President of Baseball Operations according to sources. Dombrowski has served in a variety of roles across the league over the years, most recently as President of Baseball Operations for the Red Sox from 2015-2019.

Food for Thought:

• Reports early in the week reported that the Twins had shown interest in Adam Duvall, Joakim Soria, and Kiké Hernandez. While there's no doubt that this is true, nothing came to fruition during the winter meetings. When/if will deals be made?
• The White Sox came to play for the 2020 winter meetings. How do their transactions impact AL Central projections?
• Dodgers standout Justin Turner has been a recent conversation starter as the full-bearded infielder goes through free-agency. Where will he land?

​

 

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[ashbury]

The Rays-Rangers trade looks like Tampa Bay adjusting their prospect pool toward greater positional flexibility. No pitchers among the 5 players on the move.

[David Youngs]

Agreed. Lowe is the only player in the deal with MLB experience. 

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

Glad for Tyler Wells to get a chance. Hope he stays healthy.

[mikelink45]

Am I the only Twins Fan who looks at Bauer and thinks his asking price is ridiculous and that he is over rated?  Great partial year in 2020, but 2 - 5 and an era of 6.39 in 2019 with the Reds. 75 64 3.90 for nine years!  This is not a HOF pitcher and chasing him leaves a big financial headache. 

[David Youngs]

I definitely see your point Mike. I think that Bauer has a few more good years but don't know if he's necessarily a "long term fix." He's an elite 2020 pitcher but not sure if he's an elite career pitcher like Kershaw, Verlander, or Scherzer. For some teams his recent success might be overly attractive but I'd like to see the Twins invest in someone that may have a greater chance of prolonged success. I guess we'll find out!

[TopGunn#22]

Hey !  The Rays don't have a 1B-man !!

Time to put a deal together with the principles being Sano and Blake Snell.

Come on Tampa Bay! 
You really want that prodigious power,

Don't You !! 

[jrod23]

 

Hey !  The Rays don't have a 1B-man !!

Time to put a deal together with the principles being Sano and Blake Snell.

Come on Tampa Bay! 
You really want that prodigious power,

Don't You !! 

 

Just as Pedro Cerrano's bat likes fast balls; I like this idea verra-much.

[David Youngs]

Sources say that the Blue Jays are making serious inquires on veteran RHP Ricky Vaughn.

Just as Pedro Cerrano's bat likes fast balls; I like this idea verra-much.

 

[jrod23]

I was happy for Baddoo for getting picked up by the Tigers and getting a shot on a young squad.  When it comes to starting pitching, how did we not hold on to Tyler Wells?  At least let him gain some value again after Tommy John and offer him in trades.  He held much more value to our team taking up a 40-man spot than just letting him get picked up by somebody for nothin (essentially).  Maybe the former pitcher of the year would actually get back to where he was.  In the long run, would we have blinked twice holding onto Ober, Wells, and Balazovic instead of Ober, Balazovic, and Rortvedt?  Who knows I guess.  I just thought that solid pitching was worth more than our second highest rated catching prospect.

[dxpavelka]

 

Am I the only Twins Fan who looks at Bauer and thinks his asking price is ridiculous and that he is over rated?  Great partial year in 2020, but 2 - 5 and an era of 6.39 in 2019 with the Reds. 75 64 3.90 for nine years!  This is not a HOF pitcher and chasing him leaves a big financial headache. 

no

[DocBauer]

Losing Wells was a huge surprise considering post surgery and not pitching for some time. Doubt he sticks and is probably offered back. Has a chance to stick as the last man in the pen if they want to hold on to him.

 

Was actually equally surprised by Baddoo. Tremendous talent but young, post surgery and hasn't seen the field in 2yrs. Applaud Detroit thinking outside the box, but are they reaĺy thinking they can carry him for a season? Are they somehow thinking they can carry him via the injured list? I don't get it. I think he is also offered back.

 

Hernandez, yes, but don't overpay. NICE ballplayer, but let's not inflate his value due to postseason heroics. Career OPS is not great. Really great 10th man option. Allows for an additional infield option such as Frazier or Gyorko to really deepen the bench for an extra $3M-ish deal.

 

Yes, again, to Soria, along with Clippard and Yates or Bradley for a combined $11M. Would be a potentially great haul for the pen!

 

Duvall? Why? Because he bats RH? Nice player. But you still face mostly RH pitching. The Twins ineptitude against LH pitching is a weird combination that I wouldn't overreact to. Why would you spend $ to block Kirilloff, Rooker and Larnach unless you see him as a DH alternative???

[Jacksson]

The interest in Duvall is all about connections.

Amazing talent in Adam's Family.

Fester's pitching is electric.

Gomez' bat is explosive.

Pugsley is working hard at training.

[shimrod]

I'm all in favor of keeping the "ageless slugger" in MN, if that were an option. Not interested in keeping the actual aging slugger. Things that cannot go on forever do not.

 

I don't want to see DH become a black hole in the lineup as we try to distinguish between a slump and a decline. Age related decline in sports is on the same curve as bankruptcy. 

 

Cruz may well have another full season in him, but finding out if it's 2021 is not a gamble I'd take with a contending team. 

[ashbury]

Applaud Detroit thinking outside the box, but are they reaĺy thinking they can carry him for a season? Are they somehow thinking they can carry him via the injured list?

The IL can help soften the burden of carrying a player who can't yet contribute, but not entirely eliminate it. From MLB.com's glossary: "A Rule 5 Draft pick can be placed on the Major League injured list, but he must be active for a minimum of 90 days to avoid being subject to the aforementioned roster restrictions in the next campaign." I believe there might be exceptions for cases of major injury that overlaps the end of one season and the start of the next, but that second season must involve the player being on the active roster to complete the 90 day minimum (and maybe those exceptions became viewed as loopholes and have been eliminated because I couldn't actually find mention of them anymore).

 

[AceWrigley]

It doesn't seem fair to a team if a player is long-term injured yet accrues the time required to be available to be drafted away by another team. But I guess it affects all teams equally as the Twins did have the opportunity to protect players from being exposed to the Rule 5 Draft. It must be kind of weird for the player too if he is still in rehab or recovery as he changes teams and team coaching/medical staffs.

[ashbury]

It doesn't seem fair to a team if a player is long-term injured yet accrues the time required to be available to be drafted away by another team. But I guess it affects all teams equally as the Twins did have the opportunity to protect players from being exposed to the Rule 5 Draft. It must be kind of weird for the player too if he is still in rehab or recovery as he changes teams and team coaching/medical staffs.

From my perspective as a fan of a team, my first instinct is to feel the same way. Over the course of several years discussing such moves here, I've had impressed on me that certain roster rules like waivers and Rule 5 are intended for the benefit of the minor league player, and so I've become a little more philosophical about it.

 

_{^{/ It still bothers me when I can't reason out a tangible benefit to the player, though - such as repeated waiver claims and re-waivers that result in the player becoming simply a minor leaguer in some new organization.}}

[kenbuddha]

 

_{^{/ It still bothers me when I can't reason out a tangible benefit to the player, though - such as repeated waiver claims and re-waivers that result in the player becoming simply a minor leaguer in some new organization.}}

I'd guess one tangible benefit to the player is that they are required to be on the MLB roster the entire season, therefore, they get paid MLB league minimum which for some of the rule 5 guys may be the only time they get paid.

[ashbury]

I'd guess one tangible benefit to the player is that they are required to be on the MLB roster the entire season, therefore, they get paid MLB league minimum which for some of the rule 5 guys may be the only time they get paid.

Rule-5, I agree. My side comment was limited to the waiver machinations.

 

[Trov]

I wonder what the offer to Yadi was.  If he is looking for 10 mil.  I doubt he will be the last player to be upset with the offers made.  Teams are cutting payroll next year.  They report they lost a ton of money this year, and will lose more next year.  

 

Players will have to understand that only the top top guys are going to get big deals.  The rest are going to have to settle for less or be done.