Evening Update - 2/5/2021
Bauer to Dodgers, Foltynewicz to the Rangers, & more.
Good evening.
It’s February 5th, 2021, and here’s everything that happened in baseball from 9 AM EST to 5 PM EST.
What You Missed While Working
Our national nightmare is finally over. Bauer’s decision has been made. After all indications yesterday (including a false report of a deal) that Bauer would be heading to NY to join the Mets, Bauer returns home to join the defending World Series champions for the upcoming season.
Everything Else
RHP Mike Foltynewicz will sign a one year deal with the Rangers, reports Kiley McDaniel.
The Braves are still the favorite to retain OF Marcell Ozuna, per Jon Morosi. Craig Mish reports a deal is not imminent, but it’s expected to be a multi-year deal. He also notes the Rays appear to still be involved.
Kolten Wong’s deal with Milwaukee is now official. Two years, $18 million with an $8 million club option for year three.
Brewers GM David Stearns told reporters that Keston Hiura will be moving to 1B for the upcoming season.
The Mets won their arbitration case against JD Davis, making his salary for 2021 $2.1 million, per Jon Heyman.
The Orioles won their arbitration case against Anthony Santander. He will also make $2.1 million as opposed to the $2.475 he was seeking.
Ji-Man Choi, however, won his case against the Rays. He will make $2.45 million in 2021, per Mark Feinsand.
Jordy Mercer will sign a minor league deal with a spring training invite with the Nationals, reports Jesse Dougherty.
The Twins claimed RHP Ian Hamilton off waivers from the Phillies.
After being designated for assignment last week by the Tigers, SS Sergio Alcantara was claimed off waivers by the Cubs.
Japanese RHP Hirokazu Sawamura has taken a flight to US to negotiate with ML teams, reports Sung Min Kim. The 32 year old has primarily been a reliever since 2015.
Jake Odorizzi is seeking a 3 year, $45 million deal, per Bob Nightengale.
Rockies have hired Flint Wallace as coordinator of pitching strategies, per Nick Groke.
The White Sox are adding Jerry Narron as a major league instructor, reports James Fegan. From the story: “Narron said that he sees his role as aiding catchers with the volume of information needed for game preparation (taking some of that burden away from pitching coach Ethan Katz), mechanical maintenance and working to prepare the cadre of young catchers on the 40-man roster for the majors.”
Among the Royals 29 non-roster invitees to spring training are their most recent first round picks, LHP Asa Lacy & SS Bobby Witt Jr.
The BBWAA voted to remove J.G. Taylor Spink's name from the organization’s highest honor for baseball writing. The award is now the BBWAA Career Excellence Award.
Evening Reading
Tim Britton examines the Mets’ long-term payroll.
Sean Doolittle was intrigued by a fresh start, writes Jesse Dougherty.
Kaitlyn McGrath on where Marcus Semien and Steven Matz slot in to the Blue Jays lineup.
Alex Bregman is eyeing a bounce-back season, writes Brian McTaggart.
Jeff Fletcher previews the Angels outfielders for 2021.
For the Mahomes family, athleticism began on diamond, writes Kelsie Heneghan.
Why the Cubs might need a big rebound from their 'core four' to keep them in contention in 2021.
Jay Jaffe on the top remaining free agent pitchers.
A Podcast For The Drive Home
Mike Ferrin joined Chuck Garfien on the White Sox Talk podcast, and he says Chicago can win the pennant.
Random Baseball Rewind
This was super neat:
God bless and have a good evening!