Morning Update - 2/1/2021
MLBPA is expected to reject MLB's plan for a delayed start to the season, several weekend transactions, & more.
Good morning.
It’s February 1st, and here’s everything that happened in the world of baseball from 5PM EST Friday to 9AM EST today.
The Most Important Thing
Major League Baseball has submitted a proposal to the MLBPA to delay the start of the 2021 season. As Jeff Passan and others note, the proposal would be for a 154 game season, a 14-team playoff, and a universal DH. Spring training would begin on March 22nd with Opening Day arriving on April 28. The union is expected to reject the proposal, in large part due to language in the plan that gives Commissioner Rob Manfred greater power to cancel games and cost players money.
Everything Else
As you know by now, the Rockies traded 3B Nolan Arenado to the St. Louis Cardinals. Ken Rosenthal says the names the Rockies could receive (not official) include LHP Austin Gomber - not rated among the Cardinals top 30 prospects per MLB.com, 1B Luken Baker - #23 prospect per MLB.com, & OF Jhon Torres - #9 prospect per MLB.com. Additionally, the Rockies are sending somewhere in the $50 million range to the Cardinals in the deal. Rosenthal also says Arenado will be deferring money. Jon Heyman says the two teams are working to resolve how the offset to the $214 million owed to Arenado will work.
More from Rosenthal: Arenado will keep his opt-out clause after the 2021 season and gain an additional opt-out after the 2022 season. He will also be keeping his no-trade clause.
SS Didi Gregorius is returning to the Phillies on a two year, $28 million deal. The 30 year old amassed a 119 OPS+ last season and appeared in all 60 regular season games.
The Reds acquired SS Kyle Holder from the Phillies, says Jeff Passan. The deal is expected to be for cash considerations. Passan says Holder, who was a Rule 5 pick by the Phillies, could get a shot at the starting job if Cincinnati doesn’t go after a veteran. Jon Heyman says the Reds are still hoping to acquire Amed Rosario from Cleveland. Per C. Trent Rosecrans, the Reds have discussed a Willy Adames trade with the Rays and have at least checked in on Dee Strange-Gordon.
Dan Hayes says a one year deal between DH Nelson Cruz and the Twins is “now on the table.”
Though Masahiro Tanaka has signed with the Rakuten Golden Eagles in Japan, David Lennon relayed a quote from the SP that makes it seem like he will be back in MLB eventually. Tanaka says he has “unfinished business” in the US.
RH reliever Junior Guerra is signing a minor league deal with the Angels. Guerra was DFA’d by the Diamondbacks in December after pitching 23.2 innings for the club in 2020.
After spending his whole career with the Pirates, RHP Trevor Williams has agreed to a deal with the Cubs, says Jesse Rogers.
OF Steven Souza Jr. signed a minor league deal with the Astros, per Jon Morosi. Souza spent last season with the Cubs.
Though the Dodgers are still the heavy favorites to retain Justin Turner, per Jon Heyman, he has no shortage of suitors. Count the Braves among those who have checked in.
RHP Mike Foltynewicz has drawn interest from the Mets, Twins, Rays and White Sox after a recent throwing session at Georgia Tech, per Jon Heyman.
The Phillies traded LHP Cole Irvin to the A’s. Irvin has greatly struggled in his 19 major league appearances.
LHP Carlos Rodon is returning to the White Sox for $3 million, per Jon Heyman. Ken Rosenthal says the plan is for Rodon to compete with Reynaldo Lopez and Dylan Cease for the final two spots in the White Sox rotation. Top prospect Michael Kopech is likely to be held back initially.
OF Eddie Rosario agreed to a one year, $8 million deal with the Cleveland Indians. Rosario had spent his entire career with the Twins, after being drafted in the fourth round by Minnesota in 2010 and reaching the majors in 2015.
New Mets owner Steve Cohen is taking a break from Twitter amid the GameStop stock saga. Cohen says his family has received personal threats.
C Carlos Perez signed a minor league deal with the Athletics. Jon Heyman says Perez will make $650,000 if he’s in the majors.
LHP Hyeon-Jong Yang will pursue a MLB contract after ending negotiations with his KBO club, the Kia Tigers. Yang posted a 4.72 ERA in the KBO last season, one year after posting a 2.29 ERA.
Ken Griffey, Jr. has been named as Senior Advisor to the Commissioner. From MLB: “Griffey will consult with MLB on a number of issues, with a special emphasis on baseball operations and youth baseball development, particularly regarding improving diversity at amateur levels of the game.”
RHP Carl Edwards Jr. signed a minor league deal with the Braves, per Jon Becker. Edwards has pitched six years in the majors, posting a 3.54 ERA over 180.2 relief innings. He pitched 4.2 innings last season with Seattle before missing the years of the year with a forearm strain.
Jesse Rogers says a Jake Arrieta/Cubs reunion is “doubtful.” Reports are that Arrieta looked very good in his throwing session last week.
RHP Sam Gaviglio agreed to a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers, per Steve Adams. He will be in camp as a non-roster invitee. Gaviglio struggled in four appearances last season with Toronto.
INF Hanser Alberto has a minor-league deal with the Royals. Alberto hit .283/.306/.383 in 54 games last year with Baltimore.
Financials for 2B Cesar Hernandez’s deal with the Indians from last Tuesday: $5 million in 2021 with a $6 million club option for 2022.
The Angels hired David Haynes to be their Director of Player Procurement.
Minor league moves:
Tigers designated INF Sergio Alcantara for assignment.
Phillies designated RHP Ian Hamilton for assignment.
Braves release LHP Miguel Jerez & SS Luidemid Rojas.
Posts With Your Toast
Derrick Goold on the Arenado trade from a Cardinals prospective. Mark Kislza writes the Rockies made the dumbest trade in Colorado sports history. Adam Peterson on the Rockies trading their franchise player - again.
Kiley McDaniel ranks the top 25 prospects who have been traded this season.
Christopher Smith examines the Red Sox starting rotation depth.
Justin Mason with an ADP market report on relief pitchers.
Ben Clemens says Yoan Moncada still doesn’t swing enough.
Larry Stone wonders if Ken Griffey, Jr. can help make baseball cool again.
Random Baseball Rewind
Just for fun: Ty Cobb on the show “I’ve Got A Secret” from 1955:
Foul Tips
Tristan Cockroft on Nolan Arenado’s fantasy value away from Coors Field.
Ken Davidoff says MLB’s free-agent market storylines aren’t over yet.
Remembering the life of baseball writer & radio host Mel Antonen, who tragically passed away at age 64.
God bless and good day!