Evening Update - 1/20/2021
Brantley signs with Toronto, then he doesn't, then he goes back to Houston, Bauer & the Dodgers may have mutual interest, & more.
Good evening.
It’s January 20th, 2021, and here’s everything that happened in baseball from 9 AM EST to 5 PM EST.
What You Missed While Working
How it started:
How it progressed:
How it’s going:
Though it was originally reported earlier in the day that the Blue Jays had officially picked up another quality free agent in Michael Brantley, Mark Feinsand provided a correction that the deal was not done, but close. Then, in the 4 PM EST hour, Mark Berman reports that Brantley is in fact returning to the Astros on a two-year, $32 million deal.
Can’t win ‘em all, Toronto.
Everything Else
Uh oh. The Dodgers are monitoring the market on SP Trevor Bauer, according to Jeff Passan.
The Phillies are believed to be offering $110 million for C JT Realmuto, per Jon Heyman.
Heyman also reports that Toronto also has an offer out to RP Brad Hand, and may still be in on him. They’re also considering signing a starting pitcher. Robert Murray says the Angels are also a suitor for Hand.
More from Heyman: The Dodgers would love to bring back 3B Justin Turner. They’ve given him a chance to look around in the market but would love him back.
The Tigers are showing interest in C Jason Castro, says Jon Morosi. Castro spent two season in Houston with now-Detroit manager AJ Hinch.
37 year old C Russell Martin is keeping open the possibility of playing in the future, but isn’t planning on signing with a team to begin the 2021 season.
The Rockies signed OF Nick Longhi to a minor league deal, per Alex Speier. Longhi has yet to reach the majors and has spent his time in the minors with the Red Sox and Reds affiliates.
Wade Davis has signed a minor league deal with Kansas City, per Alec Lewis. Davis pitched for the Royals from 2013-2016, making the All-Star game in each of his last two seasons there. Heyman says the deal is $1.25 million if he makes the club and $1.125 million in incentives.
The Yankees signed 6’8 RHP Stephen Ridings to a minor league deal.
Tigers released RHP Wirliel Rangel.
Cardinals released 2B Elvin De Jesus, SS Carlos Arci,a OF Endri Salas, and OF Fernando Brazoban
Cubs released LHP Matt Dermody.
Reds LHP Jerry D'Andrea retired.
Evening Reading
Take time to watch this: Jeff Passan takes a flame-thrower to Craig Carton for his criticism of Passan’s handling of the Jared Porter story. Here’s Zach Braziller with more backstory.
John Shea says new Giants starter Alex Wood fits their need and speaks their language.
Joel Sherman says it’s on Sandy Alderson to lead the Mets from the Jared Porter disaster. David Lennon says the quick firing of Porter is a refreshing change for the Mets. Bob Nightengale writes the Mets thought they had found the right man in Porter. Wrong.
Jim Salisbury on the Phillies scouting Anibal Sanchez & Julio Teheran.
Jake Malihot on the Blue Jays taking a chance on RP Kirby Yates.
HOFer Ivan Rodriguez says it looks like Yankees C Gary Sanchez doesn’t enjoy baseball right now.
Nick Selbe looks at how good the remaining all-free-agent team would be. There’s still a ton of talent up for grabs.
Marc Topkin looks at the Rays roster four weeks from camp.
RP Liam Hendricks calls new teammate Adam Eaton “a little gnat at the plate.”
David Schoenfield on if the Springer signing will pay off for the Blue Jays. Keith Law says Toronto finally acted their size as a large-market team.
Mike Petriello on where the Yankees can find their next LH bat.
Matt Snyder on why baseball could have an empty 2021 HOF class, but not an empty ceremony.
A Podcast For The Drive Home
The guys at Talkin’ Baseball break down the Blue Jays recent moves.
David Sampson on the Mets issues & the Springer signing.
Random Baseball Rewind
In honor of today’s inauguration, here’s a story on how the first pitch became a presidential tradition. Additionally, check out some of those first pitches:
God bless and have a good evening!