Welcome to the final Matrix Reloaded earlier than pitchers and catchers report! This time subsequent week, spring coaching camps can be almost full, with full squad exercises beginning no later than February 18. Who precisely can be collaborating in these exercises continues to be fluid, however this previous week was a busy one which supplied lots of new data for me so as to add to the offseason omnibus. Right here’s what occurred.
Marquee Signings
Mets Signal Pete Alonso for Two Years, $57 Million
• Michael Baumann’s Write-Up of the Deal• Up to date Roster Projection• Up to date Payroll Projection
Impact on the Mets
Bringing the Polar Bear again locks in all 9 of the Mets’ beginning spots barring any shocking strikes or accidents. With their rotation and bullpen additionally seemingly full, I’d count on this to be their final main transfer of the offseason at any place, although they nonetheless may do just a few issues on the margins.
The Mets have tried to commerce Starling Marte, and so they’re reportedly prepared to pay down a few of his $19 million wage to maneuver him, nevertheless it’s unsurprising that groups aren’t actually biting. Marte is coming off back-to-back lackluster seasons and his worth as a fielder has completely tanked. Different “extra” gamers the Mets may look to deal embody righty starter Paul Blackburn, third baseman Brett Baty, outfielder José Azocar, and righty reliever Sean Reid-Foley.
Impact on Different Groups
The opposite group that (from the skin, not less than) appeared to be most strongly in on Alonso was the Blue Jays, however they all the time struck me as one thing of an inelegant match. They both would’ve slid Vladimir Guerrero Jr. again over to 3rd or made Alonso, who’s all the time been a full-time first baseman, their main DH. Trying to lure Alex Bregman would make for a a lot cleaner slot in Toronto, nevertheless it’s unclear how prepared or in a position the Jays can be to swing the six- or seven-year deal that Bregman is looking for. On a Bleacher Report stream, Jon Heyman named the Cubs as the present favorites for Bregman, however by how a lot can be unclear.
Impact on Related Gamers
Alonso’s short-term deal doesn’t actually have an effect on what Bregman will in the end get. Heyman reported final week that the third baseman has a “profitable” six-year provide on the desk, together with an opt-out after the primary yr. Bob Nightengale reported on Thursday that Bregman “nonetheless has no real interest in a short-term contract.”
Tigers Signal Jack Flaherty for Two Years, $35 Million
• Dan Symborski’s Write-Up of the Deal• Up to date Roster Projection• Up to date Payroll Projection
Impact on the Tigers
Flaherty’s return offers the Tigers a robust no. 2 starter to fit behind all-world ace Tarik Skubal and units up a doozy of a contest for the final one or two rotation spots behind Skubal, Flaherty, and Alex Cobb. Reese Olson seems to be a near-lock for that fourth spot, coming off 22 begins (112 1/3 innings) with a 3.53 ERA, 3.17 FIP, and three.64 xERA.
As such, there may find yourself being only one spot for high prospect Jackson Jobe, veteran Kenta Maeda, Casey Mize, Ty Madden, Keider Montero, and Matt Manning.
Impact on Different Groups
Flaherty was the perfect remaining starter out there, however as a result of each his market and supreme deal have been fairly underwhelming in comparison with what different starters signed for earlier within the offseason, it’s unclear what number of groups are nonetheless considering including high-upside pitchers to bolster their rotations. Nick Pivetta is the lone free agent choice who suits that billing, however the commerce market options loads of engaging pitchers, similar to Dylan Stop, Michael King, Luis Castillo, and Erick Fedde.
It’s additionally value contemplating that Flaherty’s deal could have been extra of a mirrored image of the person pitcher than the market. As Michael Rosen wrote in mid-January, “The new marketplace for starters and the comparatively cool marketplace for Flaherty recommend that, not like the remainder of the nominal ‘front-end’ beginning pitchers on the high of the market, one thing about him scares groups.” On the floor, Michael famous, groups have been in all probability a bit hesitant as a result of Flaherty’s final wholesome and efficient season earlier than final yr got here in 2019. Past that, although, Michael pointed extra particularly to Flaherty’s fastball because the supply of concern for his suitors. These different pitchers I discussed don’t include the identical yellow flags, so groups might be extra prepared to spend the cash or prospect capital to amass certainly one of them. I assume we’ll have to attend and see.
Impact on Related Gamers
Flaherty’s below-expectations contract will not be excellent news for Pivetta, who’s three years older than Flaherty and was saddled with a qualifying provide, which Flaherty was ineligible to obtain. Jon Heyman of the New York Submit reported final week that there are 10 groups considering Pivetta, although we’ve solely publicly heard about three, marked on the Matrix in blue: the Blue Jays, the Mets, and the Reds. Two of these groups have added different beginning pitchers since their curiosity in Pivetta was reported; Toronto signed Max Scherzer on January 30, whereas in December New York re-signed Sean Manaea and introduced in Griffin Canning. Cincinnati’s curiosity was reported after the group traded for Brady Singer, however Pivetta doesn’t seem to be an incredible match for the Reds. The Nice American Ballpark is a troublesome house stadium for fly ball pitchers like Pivetta.
The difficulty with Pivetta’s qualifying provide is that not solely does it make groups extra cautious of signing him on the whole, nevertheless it additionally makes him much less interesting on a short-term deal. Principally, groups aren’t going to wish to surrender their draft decide and no matter wage they comply with pay for a participant who is just going to be round for one season. Understanding this, it appears doable that he nonetheless may get the three-year, $45 million median prediction (on the Whole Spending Projection web page), particularly if there actually are double-digit groups considering his providers.
Righty-Hitting Outfielder Signings
Twins Signal Harrison Bader for One 12 months, $6.25 Million
• Ben Clemens’ Write-Up of the Deal• Up to date Roster Projection• Up to date Payroll Projection
Impact on the Twins
Probably the most evident want for the Twins (apart from cash falling from the sky) was so as to add a right-handed hitting outfielder to stability out lefty bats Trevor Larnach and Matt Wallner, and so they obtained their man in Bader. The defensive stalwart was truly worse in opposition to lefties final yr (70 wRC+ in comparison with 93 in opposition to righties), however traditionally he’s leaned the opposite course (109 wRC+ in opposition to southpaws for his profession, 84 in opposition to righties).
Bader’s true calling is his aforementioned sturdy protection; whereas he hasn’t performed a place apart from heart since 2018, the considered him enjoying subsequent to Byron Buxton late in video games to assist lock down wins is sort of interesting. He can even get Buxton off his toes up the center with out the Twins having to surrender a lot, if something, on protection. The Twins may hypothetically begin Buxton in heart in opposition to righties with one other participant DHing, and have Buxton DH in opposition to lefties with Bader in heart.
Diamondbacks Signal Randal Grichuk for One 12 months, $5 Million
• Leo Morgenstern’s Write-Up of the Deal• Up to date Roster Projection• Up to date Payroll Projection
Impact on the Diamondbacks
Regardless of dropping Christian Walker to the Astros, Joc Pederson to the Rangers, and Josh Bell to the Nationals, baseball’s highest-scoring offense in 2024 seems primed to be proper across the high of the listing once more in 2025. As an alternative of platooning with Pederson at DH, Grichuk ought to platoon with Pavin Smith, who had a mini-breakout in 158 plate appearances final yr.
All 9 of Arizona’s beginning spots look locked in except there’s a commerce, so the Diamondbacks are simply left to determine on their backup catcher — both Jose Herrera, René Pinto, or Adrian Del Castillo — and their two different bench gamers. Six infielders — Garrett Hampson, Ildemaro Vargas, Blaze Alexander, Jordan Lawlar, Tim Tawa, and Grae Kessinger — are combating for one spot, and three outfielders — Alek Thomas, Jorge Barrosa, and Cristian Pache — are competing for the opposite.
Pirates Signal Tommy Pham for One 12 months, $4.025 Million
• Jay Jaffe’s Write-Up of the Deal• Up to date Roster Projection• Up to date Payroll Projection
Impact on the Pirates
Pham offers the Pirates one other bat, together with veteran free brokers Andrew McCutchen, who signed what’s change into his annual one-year, $5 million contract with Pittsburgh, and Adam Frazier, in addition to commerce acquisition Spencer Horwitz. That mentioned, Pham isn’t precisely the impression bat the Pirates wanted to supply run help for a rotation fronted by top-of-the-line pitchers in baseball. At this level I don’t suppose an impression bat is strolling by means of that door, so Pirates followers must accept watching Pham platoon in proper area with Joshua Palacios, or maybe one other lower-tier addition like Alex Verdugo, in whom they’ve expressed curiosity.
Orioles Signal Ramón Laureano for One 12 months, $4 Million
• Leo Morgenstern’s Write-Up of the Deal• Up to date Roster Projection• Up to date Payroll Projection
Impact on the Orioles
Saying the Orioles’ outfield is jam-packed can be an understatement. Tyler O’Neill, Cedric Mullins, and Colton Cowser would be the starters in opposition to righties, with Laureano more likely to fill a platoon position in opposition to lefty pitching. Ryan O’Hearn must be the beginning DH in opposition to righties, which leaves only one spot on the bench for Heston Kjerstad, Dylan Carlson, and Daz Cameron, who’s out of choices.
The lefty-swinging Kjerstad definitely deserves an extended look coming off a 116 wRC+ in 114 plate appearances (regardless of not pulling a single fly ball to proper area!), however a commerce may be essential to open up common enjoying time for him. If Baltimore decides to maneuver somebody, O’Hearn or first baseman Ryan Mountcastle seem to be the obvious candidates.
Impact of Their Signings on Different Groups
The 4 signings above all occurred in a 48-hour span and really shortly and dramatically shortened the listing of obtainable righty hitting outfielders who’re not less than able to enjoying heart area. Enrique Hernández is the perfect remaining participant to suit that standards, and he comes with the added potential to play throughout the infield, too. Michael A. Taylor and Kevin Pillar can all play up the center with various ranges of competence, and Mark Canha is a pleasant bat however hasn’t performed any heart area within the final two seasons. The commerce market has Luis Robert Jr. as its jewel.
Impact of Their Signings on Related Gamers
The entire free agent outfielders talked about above will seemingly find yourself signing for lower than what Bader earned. It’s doable that Canha and Hernández get contracts that fall someplace within the vary that Pham, Grichuk and Laureano obtained, however Taylor and Pillar would possibly to should accept minor league offers.
Infielder Signings
Angels Signal Yoán Moncada for One 12 months, $5 Million
• Up to date Roster Projection• Up to date Payroll Projection
Impact on the Angels
If there aren’t any accidents, the Angels in all probability have all 13 place participant spots locked up, although it’s value noting that Zach Neto’s offseason shoulder surgical procedure may trigger him to overlook the beginning of the season. In that case Kevin Newman would play brief.
Moncada has performed third base completely since 2019, so not less than in the beginning of the season, the Halos have two starting-caliber third basemen. That mentioned, each Moncada and Anthony Rendon have spent appreciable time on the injured listing in recent times, so having depth on the place isn’t a foul factor. As issues stand, RosterResource initiatives Rendon to be the beginning third baseman and Moncada to platoon in opposition to righties at DH, with offseason acquisition Jorge Soler enjoying proper area. On this case, Jo Adell would play proper area in opposition to lefties, with Soler sliding to DH. I nonetheless count on Soler to finish up at DH most of the time, simply because he actually shouldn’t play the sector a lot. Rendon may additionally platoon with Moncada at third or the lefty-hitting Nolan Schanuel at first, a place he’s by no means performed as knowledgeable, as a method for the Angels to present Adell common enjoying time in proper area. Then once more, the Angels won’t have this lineup crunch for lengthy. Rendon has been damage for greater than half of each season since 2021.
Impact on Different Groups
I suppose the Angels may open up some enjoying time by buying and selling certainly one of their trio of returning non-Mike Trout outfielders, both Adell, Taylor Ward, or Mickey Moniak. However I don’t suppose that’s going to occur right here, not less than not in response to the Moncada signing. Actually, the Angels introduced in Moncada as insurance coverage for Rendon. Enjoying time has a method of sorting itself out. Different groups must look elsewhere for an outfielder, and if they need a 3rd baseman not named Bregman, their free agent choices are restricted to Jose Iglesias, Paul DeJong, Luis Urías, and Miguel Sanó.
Impact on Related Gamers
Coming off his resurgent (albeit BABIP-fueled) season with the Mets, Iglesias seemingly has his sights set on properly greater than $5 million. We haven’t heard a lot about his market. I believe $5 million sounds about proper — if not a little bit low — for DeJong, who popped 24 homers with a 95 wRC+ final season, each his finest marks since 2019. I’d be stunned if Urías was capable of finding a significant league deal, and much more stunned if Sanó did.
Lefty Aid Pitcher Signings
Twins Signal Danny Coulombe for One 12 months, $3 Million
• Davy Andrews’ Write-Up of the Deal• Up to date Roster Projection• Up to date Payroll Projection
Impact on the Twins
Minnesota’s best-in-baseball bullpen projection simply obtained a little bit bit higher with the return of Coulombe, who pitched for the group from 2020-22 earlier than being traded to Baltimore.
The lefty with three distinct fastballs and two distinct breaking balls will give the Twins a distinct look alongside laborious throwing righties Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, Brock Stewart, and Jorge Alcala. Funky righty Michael Tonkin (who’s out of choices) and Rule 5 decide Eiberson Castellano may spherical out the bullpen so the Twins can maximize their 40-man depth with out exposing anybody to waivers, however Ronny Henriquez (additionally out of choices), Justin Topa, Kody Funderburk, and Louie Varland can be within the thick of the competitors as properly.
Yankees Signal Tim Hill for One 12 months, $2.85 Million
• Davy Andrews’ Write-Up of the Deal• Up to date Roster Projection• Up to date Payroll Projection
Impact on the Yankees
The Yankees had precisely zero lefty relievers on their 40-man roster previous to re-signing Hill, so whereas he received’t gentle up the radar gun or strike many hitters out, he’ll play a key position for New York as soon as once more. This general shortage of left-handed pitchers although doesn’t imply the Yankees will battle in opposition to lefty batters within the later innings. New nearer Devin Williams neutralizes lefties together with his signature airbender changeup, and setup man Luke Weaver additionally depends on a changeup to retire lefties. In the meantime, Fernando Cruz, whom the Yankees acquired from the Reds, and Mark Leiter Jr. throw splitters to maintain lefties at bay.
The Yankees presently have six beginning pitchers for his or her massive league roster, although Marcus Stroman may find yourself within the bullpen as long as he doesn’t get traded. Assuming he stays, there’ll be seven spots for conventional relievers, and a minimal of 5 are accounted for by Williams, Weaver, Cruz, Hill, and Leiter. That leaves two openings for the likes of Ian Hamilton, JT Brubaker, Jake Cousins, Scott Effross, Roansy Contreras, Yerry De Los Santos, and Yoendrys Gómez. Brubaker, Contreras, and Gómez are out of choices. Jonathan Loáisiga, presently recovering from elbow surgical procedure, ought to be capable of assist out by midseason.
Impact of Their Signings on Different Groups
The free agent pool has misplaced two intriguing lefty relievers, however there are nonetheless southpaws aplenty. Scott Alexander posted the bottom ERA (2.56) and highest grounder charge (60.0%) final yr of any remaining free agent reliever with not less than 25 innings of labor; Ryan Yarbrough led all main league relievers with 98 2/3 innings; Jalen Beeks retooled his pitch combine to considerably rebound from a foul 2023; and Andrew Chafin has an extended monitor document of being someplace between serviceable and dominant. There’s additionally Drew Smyly, Will Smith, Brooks Raley (who hopes to be again from Tommy John surgical procedure in July), and others.
Impact of the Their Signings on Related Gamers
The $1.5–$3 million vary that Hill and Coulombe — in addition to earlier signees Tim Mayza, Justin Wilson, and Hoby Milner — obtained feels about proper for all however one of many lefties named above. Raley will seemingly get a back-loaded two-year contract coming off his harm rehab.
Trades
Cubs Purchase Ryan Brasier, Money (quantity not but reported) from Dodgers for PTBNL or Money
• Up to date Cubs Roster Projection• Up to date Cubs Payroll Projection• Up to date Dodgers Roster Projection• Up to date Dodgers Payroll Projection
The place the Cubs Go From Right here
Kyle Tucker will get all of the headlines, however the Cubs have finished lots of work revamping their bullpen this offseason, too. Brasier, Ryan Pressly, Caleb Thielbar, and Eli Morgan are all newcomers; of these 4, solely Morgan could be optioned. Anticipate the opposite three to be within the Opening Day bullpen, together with Porter Hodge, Tyson Miller, and — if he’s not within the rotation — fellow newcomer Colin Rea. There’ll be at most three extra spots up for grabs and lots of arms battling for them, together with Morgan, Julian Merryweather, Keegan Thompson, Nate Pearson, and Luke Little, amongst others.
The place the Dodgers Go From Right here
There’s nothing else for the Dodgers to do right here, as Brasier had been DFA’d.
