Evening Update - 2/17/2021
Spring training has arrived!
Good evening.
It’s February 17th, 2021, and here’s everything that happened in baseball from 9:00 AM EST to 5:00 PM EST.
What You Missed While Working
Spring training is here!
Lots of good info on several teams today. Let’s get to it.
Everything Else
Transactions
Jon Heyman updated the contract details for RHP Mark Melancon’s deal with the Padres: $2 million for 2021 plus a $1 million buyout on his 2022 option.
RHP Brandon Workman is signing with the Cubs in a deal that will guarantee him $1 million, per Patrick Mooney.
The Red Sox announced a trade of LHP Jeffrey Springs, RHP Chris Mazza, and cash to the Rays for C Ronaldo Hernández and INF Nick Sogard.
The Rays placed LHP Jalen Beeks on the 60 day IL.
RHP Oliver Drake is signing a major league deal to return to the Rays, reports Marc Topkin. Topkin notes Drake is expected to be ready around the middle of the season after suffering a flexor strain in last year’s ALDS.
The Rays have traded RHP John Curtiss to the Marlins for 1B Evan Edwards, per Ken Rosenthal.
LHP Tony Watson has signed a minor league deal with a spring training invite with the Philllies, per Todd Zolecki.
RHP Jake Arrieta’s one year, $6.5 million deal with a dual option for 2022 with the Cubs is now official.
RHP Jeff Brigham was placed on the 60 day IL by the Marlins to make room for OF Adam Duvall.
INF Brad Miller’s one year, $3.5 million deal with the Phillies is now official. RHP Seranthony Dominguez, recovering from Tommy John surgery, was placed on the 60 day IL by the Phillies to make room for Miller.
LHP Tyler Anderson’s one year, $2.5 million deal with the Pirates is now official.
LHP Jake McGee’s deal with the Giants is now official. 2 years, $7 million, with a club option for 2023. RHP John Brebbia, recovering from Tommy John surgery, was placed on the 60 day IL to make room for McGee.
The Red Sox placed C Kevin Plawecki on the COVID-19 IL.
LHP Kyle Ryan has been placed on the COVID-19 IL by the Cubs.
Trevor Bauer’s no-trade clause breakdown, per Bob Nightengale: “Can't be traded to the other league from opening day to the All-Star Game Can't be traded to the other league after the ASG if he's makes ASG or pitches 80 IP prior to the ASG Can't withhold consent to trade unless he's under consideration for Cy Young.”
The Nationals announced their non-roster invitees:
Same with the Yankees:
Chatter
The Mets have serious interest in RHP Taijuan Walker, reports Andy Martino. He says if Walker and the Mets do not agree, NY could pivot back to RHP Jake Odorizzi.
Notes from Cardinals President John Mozeliak: He can’t imagine any more signings on the major league level; RHP Miles Mikolas will be on a normal schedule.
Notes from Reds manager David Bell: He’s not ready to name a starting SS, but Dee Strange-Gordon will get opportunities there; The plan is to have lots of options at the closer position; The team has discussed other options but the plan for now is a 5 man rotation; RHP Lucas Sims had an MRI that was good, and he’s not far off from returning.
Notes from A’s manager Bob Melvin: RHP Frankie Montas is dealing with COVID-19; C Sean Murphy had a collapsed lung this offseason, but he could be ready for opening day.
Notes from White Sox GM Rick Hahn: 1B/DH Andrew Vaughn is very much in the mix to make the opening day roster; LHP Garrett Crotchet will open the season on the major league bullpen; Eloy Jimenez will be the primary LF; 2B Nick Madrigal is expected to be ready by early March after an October procedure on his left shoulder; Michael Kopech is in a good spot physically & mentally.
Notes from Mets manager Luis Rojas: RHP Noah Syndergaard threw a side session today and looked really good; guys that have versatility, like JD Davis, will be moved around the lineup.
Notes from Marlins manager Don Mattingly: Six man rotation is not likely to start the season but could happen at some point; there will be enough playing time for Garrett Cooper and Jesus Aguilar with Cooper playing some outfield; he discussed several guys for the closer spot, but Anthony Bass will likely get the most opportunities.
Notes from Yankees manager Aaron Boone: responded “we’ll see” when asked if Brett Gardner would be joining the team; he sees Clint Frazier as the team’s starting LF; he isn't planning on Kyle Higashioka being Gerrit Cole's personal catcher.
Notes from Orioles manager Brandon Hyde: RHP Matt Harvey is still taking his physical and isn’t at camp yet; a six man rotation is possible for the Orioles; LHP John Means “is in a good place and looked good throwing today.”
Notes from Rockies manager Bud Black: team is ready to move forward without Nolan Arenado; Garret Hampson is in the mix at CF but the position is currently open.
Diamondbacks C Stephen Vogt and prospect Luis Frías tested positive for COVID-19.
RHP Carlos Martinez told reporters he was “never 100%” last season after his battle with COVID-19.
Evening Reading
Britt Ghiroli with more startling accusations of sexual harassment within the Mets organization. In this piece she notes that last month the Mets quietly let go hitting coordinator Ryan Ellis.
More power rankings. This time, NBC Sports. As with SI, Dodgers are first and Pirates are last.
Jon Meoli breaks down the new Orioles pitchers at spring training and how they fit in.
Zach Buchanan with untold tales from Michael Jordan’s days in minor league baseball.
Anthony Castrovince with eight spring training storylines to watch.
Bill Plunkett says the Dodgers are taking the “super team” label into spring training.
Susan Slusser gives five questions facing the Giants entering spring training.
Meghan Montemurro on the last hurrah of the 2016 Cubs championship core.
A Podcast For The Drive Home
Jon Heyman and Tony Gwinn Jr. give baseball’s offseason winners and losers.
Random Baseball Rewind
God bless and have a great evening!