Evening Update - 2/4/2021

Bauer's agent says he's down to two teams, Robert Murray says he's in talks with the Mets, & more.

Good evening.

It’s February 4th, 2021, and here’s everything that happened in baseball from 9 AM EST to 5 PM EST.

What You Missed While Working

Robert Murray @ByRobertMurray

Sources: Mets in talks with free-agent pitcher Trevor Bauer.

Robert Murray reports the Mets are “in talks” with star free agent Trevor Bauer.

Jon Heyman @JonHeyman

Mets are engaged with Trevor Bauer. They expect to hear something — one way or another — in the next 24 hours or so. Situation is fluid but there’s hope. @ByRobertMurray tweeted that the sides are talking.

Jon Heyman @JonHeyman

Mets do have money. They pursued both JT Realmuto and George Springer and were willing to go $100M plus-plus w/either. Bauer is clearly the top player left on the market and would give the Mets almost co-aces (and maybe 3 once Thor came back) with deGrom, the best in the league.

Bob Nightengale notes the Mets made a formal offer of at least $30 million for 3-4 years around January 16th and are still the heavy favorites to land him. Mark Feinsand says to not count out the Dodgers. Bauer’s agent tweets the decision is “down to 2.”

Everything Else

• Mark Feinsand reports the Phillies and Cardinals are both active in the starting pitching market, with James Paxton, Taijuan Walker, & Jake Odorizzi are potential targets.

• The Blue Jays are promoting Casey Candaele to manager at AAA Buffalo and Cesar Martin is returning to AA New Hampshire, per Shi Davidi.

• The Cubs signed LHP Rex Brothers & RHP Joe Biagini to minor league deals.

• INF Tommy La Stella’s three year, $18.75 million contract with the Giants is now official. To make room for La Stella, the Giants designated OF Luis Alexander Basabe for assignment.

• The Indians announced several non-roster invitations to spring training: RHP Kyle Dowdy, RHP Nick Sandlin, C Gavin Collins, C Bo Naylor, INF Mike Freeman (re-signed to Minor League deal,) INF Tyler Freeman, & INF Owen Miller.

• Giants president Farhan Zaidi said "it's a possibility but it's not a certainty" that Brandon Belt is ready for opening day, notes Alex Pavlovic.

• John Sadak will be the new play-by-play man for the Cincinnati Reds.

• The Indians made the signing of OF Eddie Rosario official.

Evening Reading

• The Rockies are insisting the Nolan Arenado trade does not signal a rebuild. Ok.

• Matt Martell re-ranks potential landing spots for Trevor Bauer.

• Jim Bowden gives six teams who have had a great offseason and are now World Series contenders.

• Alex Avila is eager to work with the Nationals pitching staff, writes Mark Zuckerman.

• Danny Ambriano wonders if the Mets should pursue a trade for OF Charlie Blackmon.

• The Brewers hope to overhaul their infield defense with the addition of Kolten Wong.

• David O’Brien on how the DH could impact SP Mike Soroka.

• Keegan Matheson says the Blue Jays are entering the season with financial flexibility.

• Lindsey Adler says the best projected Yankees lineup is heavily right-handed.

A Podcast For The Drive Home

The guys at Ballpark Dimensions discuss all the latest trades & signings in baseball and interview Shakeia Taylor.

Random Baseball Rewind

SABR @sabr

New @SABRGames story: In 1889, teenage pitcher Jacob White Eyes of the Oglala Sioux tribe made his @MiLB debut in the integrated Middle States League, and pitched a one-hitter in a memorable pitchers' duel that summer: sabr.org/gamesproj/game… #SABR

God bless and have a good evening!