Morning Update - 2/11/2021
Benintendi traded to the Royals, prospects to Mets & Red Sox, & more.
Good morning.
It’s February 10th, 2021 and here’s everything that happened in the world of baseball from 5:00 PM EST yesterday to 9:00 AM EST today.
The Most Important Thing

After rumors swirled all evening and details slowly trickled in, the three-way trade that sends OF Andrew Benintendi from the Red Sox to the Royals was finalized.
The Killer B’s of Benintendi, Bradley Jr, and Betts are now all gone from Fenway. Benintendi, with a career WAR of 9.8 after a disastrous 14 games in 2020, will be moving on to Kansas City.
Christoper Smith gives insight on Franchy Cordero and Josh Winckowski, who are heading to Boston.
Everything Else
Andy Martino reports he’s hearing the Mets have been trying to find takers for the contracts of RHPs Jeurys Familia & Dellin Betances.
RHP Matt Shoemaker is weighing multiple offers with a decision potentially coming this week, per Ben Nicholson-Smith. Shoemaker had a 4.71 in six starts last season with the Blue Jays.
RHP Alejandro Mateo will sign a minor league deal with the Chicago White Sox, per JP Hoornstra.
RHP Walker Buehler and the Dodgers avoided arbitration by agreeing to a two year, $8 million contract, per Ken Rosenthal.
The Red Sox signed C Chris Hermann to a minor league contract with a spring training invite, per Chris Cotillo.
RHP Joel Ayamps has been claimed off waivers by the Blue Jays, says Chris Cotillo. Ayamps was designated for assignment by the Red Sox last week.
Albert Almora’s one year, $1.25 million deal with the Mets is now official. To make room for Almora, the Mets designated RHP Corey Oswalt for assignment.
RHP Chaz Roe will have a pitching showcase for a few teams this weekend, per Robert Murray. Roe has a 3.82 career ERA.
RHP Shun Yamaguchi has been designated for assignment by the Blue Jays, says Hazel Mae.
Minor League Baseball loaned $500,000 to keep a New York-Penn League team afloat.
Posts With Your Toast
Entering his 17th season, retirement is not on the mind of DH Nelson Cruz.
Mike Petriello on the future Hall of Famers you’ll see in 2021.
Ben Clemens writes that in regards to the bullpen, the Giants were just throwing darts this offseason.
Matt Breen on the Phillies trying Scott Kingery again in Gabe Kapler’s utility role.
Jayson Stark on four big NL pitching moves that made a deep impact.
Mike Petriello on why projections are low on the Braves.
The Tigers hope slugger Renato Nunez can fill a void at first base, writes Chris McCosky.
Random Baseball Rewind


Billy Coniglario, former outfielder and brother of Tony Conigliaro, passed away at age 73. Here’s his SABR BioProject biography.
Foul Tips
David Lennon says it’s hard not to be a fan of Governor Cuomo’s stadium re-opening plan.
God bless and good day!