Evening Update - 1/13/2021
The Jays and Mark Shapiro agree to an extension, Corey Kluber impresses in front of nearly 25 teams, & more.
Good evening.
It’s January 13th, 2021, and here’s everything that happened in baseball from 9 AM EST to 5 PM EST.
What You Missed While Working
The Blue Jays and President/CEO Mark Shapiro agreed to a five year extension today. Shapiro arrived in Toronto in November 2015. During that time, the Jays have amassed a 337-371 record for a .476 winning percentage. 2020 was their first winning season since 2016. The Jays have been rumored to be aggressively pursuing top free agents this offseason. Shi Davidi had this to say on the Jays future:
“Most pressing among them for the Blue Jays are whether they will be able to play in Toronto next season, if fans will be allowed in the Rogers Centre, what their payroll will be and how they’ll be able to sell a situation more uneven than any of the other 29 clubs to free-agent targets. Not to mention how to improve a club that went 32-28 in the abbreviated season before getting bounced in two games by the American League champion Tampa Bay Rays.”
Read that full story here.
Everything Else
Nearly 25 teams showed up to Corey Kluber’s showcase in Florida today, and reportedly came away impressed. Jeff Passan says a strong market is expected for Kluber, whose fastball sat 88-90 during the workout.
Even after making several big splashes this offseason, the Padres aren’t done. Ken Rosenthal says they are doing background work on multiple free agent starting pitchers, notably Masahiro Tanaka.
Also in the Rosenthal piece, he says free agent C JT Realmuto “is a fit for the Astros, at least from a baseball perspective. But the quality of the draft picks the team would sacrifice for signing Realmuto, or any other free agent attached to a qualifying offer, likely will be severe enough to limit the club’s interest, if not eliminate it entirely.”
Marcell Ozuna’s market has begun to take shape in recent days, says Jon Morosi. Both AL and NL teams are interested despite the uncertainty regarding the DH in the National League. Some teams are ok with Ozuna as an everyday LF.
Adam McCalvy reports the Brewers are bringing back utility man Jace Peterson on a Minor League deal with an invitation to big league camp. Peterson has spent seven years in the majors, spending time with five different clubs.
RP Brandon Kline announced his retirement from baseball. Kline pitched the last two seasons in Baltimore, posting a 5.48 ERA in 46 innings.
John Blake says the Rangers have agreed to terms with RHP Justin Anderson on a two year minor league contract that includes a spring training invite. Anderson underwent TJS in July 2020.
Two longtime Rays staffers are leaving for jobs elsewhere.
37-year-old Cole Hamels intends to pitch this season but has yet to schedule a throwing session. The Giants are among the clubs to show preliminary interest.
Mariners signed OF Dillon Thomas to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Thomas has yet to appear in the major leagues.
Pitchers Steve Cishek and Anthony Swarzak were also at the pitching showcase of Corey Kluber today.
Evening Reading
Joel Sherman says the Mets can flex their muscles in a different way if they want Corey Kluber.
Brittany Ghiroli and Eno Sarris say MLB’s pine tar problem isn’t as easy as it looks.
RJ Anderson looks at 10 big names on the trading block before the 2021 season.
Ben Clemens looks at the cost and benefits of six man rotations.
Tim Dierkes asks: Does Trevor Bauer has a case for Gerrit Cole’s AAV?
Derrick Goold says NL Central clubs are busy making moves, but going nowhere.
Roch Kubatko wonders what the Oriorles will do with OF prospect Heston Kjerstad in 2021. Kjerstad was unable to report to the O’s alternate site last year due to a non-sports medical issue.
Yoan Moncada feels ready to rebound after a 2020 season ravaged by COVID-19.
Buster Olney on how the Astros are viewed one year after their cheating scandal.
Daryl Van Schouwen says the Hendricks signing makes the White Sox the talk of the town. Beyond the Box Scores says the signing cements the White Sox as the favorite in the division.
Alex Espinoza says A’s fans should be excited about C Sean Murphy’s sophomore season.
Will Scott Rolen make it to the HOF? MLB.com discusses.
A Podcast For The Drive Home
Check out Effectively Wild’s podcast on the confounding free agent market.
Random Baseball Rewind
God bless and have a good evening!