Morning Update - 2/4/2021
Twins pick up Alex Colome, King Felix is back, & more.
Good morning.
It’s February 4th, 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
One of the top relievers on the market is heading to Minnesota. Alex Colome, who amassed 42 saves over the last two seasons with the White Sox, will be moving to a division rival.
Lavelle Neal III notes that though Colome will close some games for the Twins, Taylor Rogers will too.
Everything Else
The Biden administration is pitching MLB to delay the season by one month, while getting players vaccinated for opening day, per Ken Rosenthal. The union “avoided hearing what the government representatives suggested to MLB.”
King Felix is back. The future HOFer has is signing a minor league deal with the Orioles, reports Jon Heyman. The deal will be for $1 million if Hernandez reaches the majors.
After trading superstar 3B to St. Louis, the Rockies are currently unwilling to discuss trades involving Trevor Story, notes Buster Olney. Story will be a free agent this fall.
OF Jackie Bradley Jr. is seeking a long-term contract, “perhaps beyond four years,” says Mike Puma. That seems highly unlikely.
Ben Nicholson-Smith & Shi Davidi report that the Blue Jays are considering LHP James Paxton and bringing back RHP Taijuan Walker. Walker pitched really well for Toronto after being traded last year from Seattle.
RHP Bryan Shaw agreed to a minor league deal with a spring training invite with the Indians, per Zach Meisel. Meisel also notes that Shaw posted a 3.11 ERA with Cleveland from 2013-17 and led the MLB in appearances during that time. He struggled in the years following in Colorado.
The Indians also signed RHP Heath Hembree to a minor league deal with a spring training invie. Jon Heyman notes the deal will be for $1.25 million plus incentives if he makes the major league club.
RHP DJ Johnson, who spent 2020 in Japan, also signed with Cleveland with invite to Major League camp, the team announced.
RHP David Robertson, returning from Tommy John surgery, will throw for teams at a showcase next week in Alabama.
OF Gerardo Parra agreed to a minor league deal with a spring training invite with the Nationals.
RHP Zack Littell has agreed to a minor league deal with the Giants, reports Susan Slusser. Littell struggled last season in Minnesota but had a 171 ERA+ in 2019.
INF Seth Mejias-Brean agreed with the Orioles on a minor league deal. Mejias-Brean has 33 PA in the majors with a .233/.303.500 line.
Posts With Your Toast
Pro baseball’s first black female coach, Bianca Smith, is bringing singular focus and drive to the Red Sox, writes Gerard Gillberto.
Roch Kubatko says the structure of the 2021 season is beginning to take shape.
Jessica Kleinschmidt on why Giants fans should be excited about Anthony DeSclafani.
Patrick Saunders notes angry Rockies fans want answers about the Nolan Arenado trade.
Mike Podhorzer on how leaving Coors Field will affect Arenado.
What we know (and don't know) about the start of MLB spring training, regular season and rule changes.
Random Baseball Rewind
Foul Tips
Anthony Castrovince on the player that no longer exists in baseball.
God bless and good day!