Morning Update - 2/3/2021
Chris Archer returns to Tampa Bay, Nelson Cruz resigns with the Twins, & more.
Good morning.
It’s February 3rd, 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
Two-time All-Star Chris Archer has agreed to a one-year, $6.5 million deal to return to the Tampa Bay Rays. Some incentives could increase the value of the deal slightly.
Archer spent his first 6+ major league seasons with the Rays, before being traded to the Pirates in July 2018. He missed last season after undergoing thoracic outlet surgery.
Everything Else
As expected, DH Nelson Cruz will return to the Twins. The deal is for one year and $13 million.
LHP Francisco Liriano will sign a minor league deal with the Blue Jays, per Rob Longley. Liriano will make $1.5 million if he makes the major league club, plus incentives.
LHP Andrew Chafin has agreed to a deal with the Cubs, per Zach Buchanan. The deal includes a mutual option, reports Mark Feinsand. More from Feinsand: “Chafin will earn $2.25 million in 2021. The mutual option is worth $5.25 million with a $500K buyout. He also has $500K in incentives each season ($125K for 50, 55, 60, 65 games pitched). So the total guarantee is $2.75 million if the option isn't picked up.”
The three teams that were rumored to be in on Yasiel Puig - Marlins, Yankees, & Royals - are not interested, says Jon Heyman.
RHP Kyle Barraclough will sign a minor league deal with the Yankees, reports Jon Morosi. He last appeared in the majors in 2019.
Morosi also reports RHP James Sherfy will sign a minor league deal with the Giants that includes a camp invite. Sherfy also last appeared in the majors in 2019, posting a 5.89 ERA in 17 appearances with Arizona.
In his piece on the Nelson Cruz signing, Dan Hayes mentions that the Twins are interested in the services of RHP Alex Colome, who served as the White Sox closer each of the last two seasons.
OF Michael Conforto is hoping contract discussions with the Mets pick up soon.
LHP Wade LeBlanc is returning to the Orioles on a minor league deal with a camp invite. His deal will be for $700k if he makes the major league club.
The Angels/Orioles swap of RHP Alex Cobb for 2B Jahmai Jones is official. The Angels will pay $5 million of Cobb's $15 million salary, some of which is deferred.
Posts With Your Toast
Must read: Andrelton Simmons opened up to Jeff Fletcher on depression and thoughts of suicide.
Highlights from Nolan Arenado’s introductory press conference with the Cardinals.
Alex Speier wrote on Dustin Pedroia’s final game, a humble exit on a AA diamond in Portland.
Keegan Matheson on how Marcus Semien fits in with the Blue Jays’ young core.
Stephanie Apstein says for MLB owners, playoff money trumps health and safety.
Paul Sporer with starting pitcher rankings for 2021.
1B Luke Voit loves the Yankees’ offseason moves, relays Dan Martin.
Jim Bowden opines that the Nolan Arenado trade was actually more of a heist.
Roch Kubatko wonders if the Orioles have other trade chips on the table.
Random Baseball Rewind
Foul Tips
Grant Jackson, the winning pitcher in game 7 of the 1979 World Series, has passed away from COVID complications. He was 78.
Jason Mackey talked with former Pirates on Jackson. “He never got enough credit.”
Max Rieper looks back at the baseball career of Patrick Mahomes.
God bless and good day!