Morning Update - 1/20/2021
Jays get their superstar and a top reliever, the Angels pick up a SP, & more.
Good morning.
It’s January 20th, and here’s everything that happened in the world of baseball from 5 PM EST yesterday to 9 AM EST today.
The Most Important Thing
The Jays have been rumored all offseason to be looking to make a huge splash. Mark Shapiro said they were going after the top available players. And now — it comes to fruition. George Springer is headed to the Blue Jays. The deal, which is the largest in Jays’ history, is for $150 million over six years.
Everything Else
In addition to Springer, the Jays also came to agreement with top reliever Kirby Yates. Yates is guaranteed $5.5 million, per Ben Nicholson-Smith, and could get an additional $4.5 million in incentives and appearances.
Toronto may not be done. Reports last night were that they were still trying for OF Michael Brantley.
Ken Rosenthal reports LHP Jose Quintana has agreed to a one year deal with the Angels. Quintana pitched only ten innings last season, posting a 4.50 ERA.
The Red Sox signed RHP Zac Grotz to a minor-league deal, per Chris Cotillo. The 27 year old has pitched 24.2 relief innings over the last two seasons with Seattle.
Jon Heyman says the Mets were “in pretty strong” on utilityman Kike Hernandez. Hernandez played all over the field for the Dodgers last year, batting .230/.270/.410 over 148 PA. Heyman says it’s unclear where things stand now given the firing of newly hired GM Jared Porter.
Another Mets target that could be up in the air after the Porter firing: RHP Trevor Williams. Williams was non-tendered by Pittsburgh.
Also according to Heyman - the Dodgers are one of many teams in on SS Marcus Semien.
Twenty-four teams were represented at the showcase for RHPs Anibal Sanchez and Julio Teheran. Per Heyman: “They did well enough that deals shouldn’t be far off.”
LH reliever Aaron Bummer is 100% full-go and in a good place for Spring Training, per Scott Merkin.
The Twins have expressed interest in bringing back utilityman Marwin Gonzalez.
Manager Tommy Lasorda was memorialized at a private service at Dodger Stadium.
RHP Chris Devenski agreed to a deal with the Diamondbacks. Devenski has spent his entire five year career with Houston and was an all-star in 2017.
Posts With Your Toast
MLB Network remembers the life of Don Sutton.
Rob Longley says the Blue Jays knocked it out of the park with the Springer signing.
Craig Edwards says the Yankees raise their ceiling with the acquisition of Corey Kluber.
David O’Brien on what arbitration means for Mike Soroka & Dansby Swanson.
Roch Kubatko on what Baltimore should do about their DH. Also in this one: OF Anthony Santander is drawing trade interest and Miami could be an option.
Rick Hummel answers some questions on the Cardinals, including whether they should move Jack Flaherty for a hitter.
Matt Gelb on the Phillies eyeing a higher payroll and late “winning” push in a buyer’s market.
Jim Margalus says the White Sox let another premium RF pass them by.
Archie Bradley doesn’t care when he pitches, but he does care who he pitches to.
Random Baseball Rewind
In remembrance of Don Sutton, here’s his Hall of Fame speech:
Foul Tips
Brian McTaggert on an Astros fan who had a big mustache, but a bigger heart.
Roch Kubatko on the two year anniversary of the passing of his father - and questions he’d ask about the Orioles.
God bless and good day!