MLB Winter Meetings: Day 4 News and Rumors

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.

https://twitter.com/jonmorosi/status/1329535254495956992

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.

https://twitter.com/SethTweets/status/1337094445246758912

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 https://twitter.com/Feinsand/status/1337127392490496000
  

• 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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