Morning Update - 2/12/2021

Feb 12, 2021

Good morning.

It’s February 12th, 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

Utilityman Marwin Gonzalez is heading to Boston. News over the last several days had many teams interested, but Gonzalez chooses to head to Fenway.

OF Nomar Mazara will sign with the Tigers. Mazara had a 64 OPS+ last season with the White Sox and a 92 OPS+ for his career.
OF Jon Jay will sign a minor league deal with the Angels, per Jeff Fletcher. Jay was bad last season in Arizona, to put it mildly - .160/.211/.240 in 57 plate appearances.
RHP Ken Giles will sign a multi-year deal with the Mariners, per Shannon Drayer. She notes the move is aimed for 2022, as Giles is coming off of November Tommy John surgery.
RHP David Robertson threw a pitching showcase for a majority of teams, notes Jon Heyman. Robertson touched 91 and appeared to be in good shape.
LHP Hyeon-jong Yang will reportedly sign with the Rangers. Yang had a 4.70 ERA last season in the KBO.
The Rays are having serious contract discussions with RHP Collin McHugh, per Marc Topkin. McHugh opted out of the 2020 season while recovering from an elbow issue.
INF Brad Milller is discussing a contract with the Phillies, reports Jon Morosi.
Daniel Alvarez Montes reports that OF Billy Hamilton has agreed to a minor league deal with a spring training invite with the Indians.
RHP David Phelp’s one year deal with the Blue Jays is now official. To make room, OF Derek Fisher has been designated for assignment.
Giants OF Luis Alexander Basabe cleared waivers and was outrighted to AAA Sacramento.
Jonathan Villar’s one year, $3.55 million contract with the Mets is now official. To make room for Villar, RHP Brad Bach was designated for assignment.

The Royals are betting Andrew Benintendi will bounce back, writes Tom Verducci.
Whether Kris Bryant stays or goes will be the biggest decision Jed Hoyer makes as Chicago Cubs president, writes Paul Sullivan.
Detroit adds some lineup insurance in Renato Nunez, says Jake Mailhot.
Jen McCaffrey on the flexibility Marwin Gonzalez can provide the Red Sox lineup.
Jason Mackey on the Pirates push to revamp scouting structure.
Juan Paez asks if Adam Duvall really is a good pickup for the Marlins.
Rowan Kavner on why Trevor Bauer chose the Dodgers.
Ben Axelrod projects Cleveland’s starting lineup ahead of spring training.
Erik Mauro writes the Cubs’ biggest failure this offseason comes at second base.
Jake Kaplan on the state of the Astros’ rotation.
Mark Powell explores how the Mets could acquire Matt Chapman.

I can’t get enough of old baseball on the radio. Here’s Red Barber calling a game in 1950 - Boston Braves @ Brooklyn Dodgers.

God bless and good day!