Option decisions are coming in left and right -- Brendan Ryan exercised his $1MM player option, Yankees bought out Andrew Bailey. Astros bought out Chad Qualls' $3.5MM option for $250K.

Actual transactions! How we've missed thee. Let's chat.

03/11/2015 20:05
Linkedin

Steve Adams

Bc28af6f750004729474ccbb403bd0ee?d=identicon

Scott

Sox going to pick up option on Ramirez ? Also see them adding any big names ?

Seems like his first half and the reasonably affordable nature of the option will get it picked up. Alexei's overall batting line looks awful, but he hit .282/.329/.426 from July through season's end, and there's not much out there at SS anyway. It boils down to a one-year, $9MM decision on him, since the buyout's $1MM anyway. I think he stays.

03/11/2015 20:08
Linkedin

Steve Adams

As for big names with the ChiSox, I like them for David Freese and possibly Matt Wieters.

03/11/2015 20:08
Linkedin

Steve Adams

A286fe987909ab3078c3f60b853f5c30?d=identicon

Matt E

Bigger FA deal: Cespedes or Upton?

They'll be closer than we thought a month ago due to a slight bit of concern around Yoenis' shoulder, probably. I still think Cespedes gets it, but we've been kicking this around as a staff, and I believe I'm in the minority.

03/11/2015 20:09
Linkedin

Steve Adams

06833d2f08d1834fb34af7320b34c106?d=identicon

BMarkham

The Cardinals should QO Lackey right? Any Word on whether they will?

They should. It's a no-brainer. I fully expect them to, but they haven't indicated yes or no yet.

03/11/2015 20:10
Linkedin

Steve Adams

Ba0e0cde1bf72c28d435c89a66afc61a?d=identicon

Sam

When do teams start announcing QO?

Decisins due Friday. We'll know everything by then.

03/11/2015 20:13
Linkedin

Steve Adams

List of some important offseason dates here: http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2015/11/mlb-offsea...

03/11/2015 20:13
Linkedin

Steve Adams

72925fbfa73396839793f10c2763ab8c?d=identicon

Brian S

If Wieters leaves Baltimore, do they stick with Joseph behind the plate?

I'd expect a Joseph/Clevenger pseudo-platoon, yeah. They have other, bigger issues. Namely the rotation and corner outfield.

03/11/2015 20:14
Linkedin

Steve Adams

129a4c74489efb9c7bbc146d0e3f4dbc?d=identicon

Hopeful Cardinals fan

Your gut feeling about Heyward and the Cardinals??? Does he resign there?

I don't think so, no.

03/11/2015 20:14
Linkedin

Steve Adams

2415970cee19fb4afcc6244b98496cf7?d=identicon

Big Jim

Hello, what is the likelihood Toronto resigns prices

Virtually nonexistent, I'd say. They'd need to add $100MM or so to the biggest contract they've ever given out, and Jays ownership hasn't shown the willingness to spend at that level. They're not cheap -- they have a large payroll -- but that type of investment isn't in their history.

03/11/2015 20:15
Linkedin

Steve Adams

D52e32f3a96a64786814ae9b5279fbe5?d=identicon

James

Would Castro + Prospects for Gardner make any sense for either club?

All depends on the "prospects" involved, but Gardner has worlds more trade value than Castro, in my eyes. It's not even close.

03/11/2015 20:16
Linkedin

Steve Adams

1c0a11cc4ddc0dbd3fa4d77232a4e22e?d=identicon

Aaron

Would Baltimore be interested in a Nick Markakis reunion? Not sure if Atlanta wants to trade him but the are rebuilding....

The Braves signed him while they were rebuilding and are now closer to contention than they were at the time of the signing. It'd be a complete 180 for them that doesn't sound particularly logical. (Though I still don't get why they signed Markakis)

03/11/2015 20:16
Linkedin

Steve Adams

D33157768591861a97c5a5b24d825ad9?d=identicon

EarlyMorningBoxscore

I know the season JUST ended but top 50 predictions soon, possibly?

Friday. Again, we just announced all kinds of dates for our content and for offseason events:

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2015/11/mlb-offsea...

03/11/2015 20:17
Linkedin

Steve Adams

4fb845c67d91bcb3178498fc6fe1fedc?d=identicon

Diego

Any chance the Angels go after Ben Zobrist

Sure, but they'll be joined by some 15-20 teams in that pursuit. I don't think he goes there.

03/11/2015 20:18
Linkedin

Steve Adams

2fc1c0beb992cd7096975cfebf9d5c3b?d=identicon

Bob

Where does Alex Gordon end up and for how much\long?

I have him going back to KC right now, but if Jon Heyman's correct that the Royals were hoping to get him on a "hometown discount" three- or four-year type of deal, then he can kiss them goodbye. I think five years in the $105MM range for Gordon. He'd make an interesting replacement for Heyward in St. Louis, considering he's more or less just an older version of J-Hey.

03/11/2015 20:19
Linkedin

Steve Adams

6153e02bf67aa1bcfa34168d62e9da3c?d=identicon

Denny

Are the Pirates in on Byung Ho Park? What are potential suitors?

They are but I don't think they'll win the bidding. Lots of teams with deeper pockets, and the posting fee alone could be $10MM+ this time around.

03/11/2015 20:20
Linkedin

Steve Adams

F8d623a78c27641412debac4080ece7a?d=identicon

Joey

Nolan Arenado for Carlos Carrasco. Who hangs up first?

Rockies don't trade Arenado for only Carrasco. Not underselling Carrasco, just saying Arenado's a monster.

03/11/2015 20:20
Linkedin

Steve Adams

53cfbe4334e1550bd5201dfffb627317?d=identicon

Casey

Justin Morneau a good fit for the A's? Assuming they non-tender Ike Davis and still need someone to fill in until Olson is ready

Yeah I can see that. I think I have him penciled in for Baltimore with Davis signing elsewhere in my list of predictions at the moment, but it's not final, and I did kick around the A's for him. An AL club where he can spend some time at DH and be platooned seems like the best fit for Morneau.

03/11/2015 20:21
Linkedin

Steve Adams

Cbddac4eccfd5b376d8498b478589a75?d=identicon

Edwin

Do you see the twins trade nolasco?

I'm sure they'll try -- it's just a matter of finding a bad contract they can line up with. Preferably one at shortstop or catcher. Tim Dierkes suggested some kind of Nolasco/Jose Reyes framework that at least makes some sense, though there'd need to be other elements in play there.

03/11/2015 20:23
Linkedin

Steve Adams

36edebe52b77128710151a2b264c3c80?d=identicon

MLH

What would it take to bring Archer and Kiermaier to the Cubs? Could they get the 2 of them for Baez, Edwards, Volgelbach + parts or does the deal begin with Schwarber + Edwards + Voglebach?

Schwarber+Edwards+Vogelbach doesn't even get those two. You want them, I'd start with Bryant or Russell, which

03/11/2015 20:24
Linkedin

Steve Adams

Schwarber+Edwards+Vogelbach doesn't even get those two. You want them, I'd start with Bryant or Russell, which

03/11/2015 20:24
Linkedin

guest

Whoops. as I was saying.........

...which, of course, is almost assuredly not happening.

03/11/2015 20:24
Linkedin

Steve Adams

Becf23e58a3195d36be19bbde8442ff4?d=identicon

GoBlue42

The consensus seems to be that Greinke comes back to LA on a larger deal due to their deep pockets, but doesn't handing out a huge contract to a 31 year-old pitcher contradict everything Friedman and co. have done since coming on board? They've passed on Lester, Shields, Scherzer in FA and Price, Cueto, Hamels around the deadline, and have stressed getting younger and more cost-effective.

Yeah, it kind of does, but Greinke's also better than all of them, with the exception of Scherzer. He'll cost less than Max though, too.

FWIW, I'm the only one of the seven MLBTR writers who currently has Greinke going elsewhere, I think, and I can 100% see the Dodgers paying top dollar (Lester-ish money) to keep him around. He's not going to get to $200MM simply due to age.

03/11/2015 20:26
Linkedin

Steve Adams

717f0ed18735080bc25789cd687565c3?d=identicon

Jeff Luhnow

Does Chris Davis make sense for us? We have $$ to spend!!

Yeah he does, though you'd really be piling up on the K's then. I still think it's a reasonable fit and have considered the option. I've seen Houston reporters indicate they don't think the 'Stros will be on that caliber of free agent though. Doesn't mean they won't... plans change all the time.

03/11/2015 20:27
Linkedin

Steve Adams

40d18d5a7ae85f9597a40f1306041fd1?d=identicon

Sean

Teheran for Soler..who Has more value?

Soler.

03/11/2015 20:27
Linkedin

Steve Adams

Ba0e0cde1bf72c28d435c89a66afc61a?d=identicon

Sam

Should Rockies try to extend Nolan Arenado this offseason?

Sure, but he's a Scott Boras client hitting at Coors Field, and he's already going to start getting paid. Don't think there's much of a chance, but no reason not to at least kick the tires.

03/11/2015 20:28
Linkedin

Steve Adams

4d236810821e8e83a025f2a83ea31820?d=identicon

Brian

Do Dbacks end up with an ace like Sonny Gray?

I think the best pitcher on the D-Backs next season's going to be Patrick Corbin, and if they add another top arm, Samardzija/Zimmermann/Maeda are more likely than trading for Gray, who will be incredibly difficult to pry away from Oakland.

03/11/2015 20:29
Linkedin

Steve Adams

3b98e2dffc6cb06a89dcb0d5c60a0206?d=identicon

AA

Opinion on 2/24 for Fister? Or he is a lock to look for a 1 year deal in a pitcher friendly park?

If he's taking a two-year deal I think it's less than that. I have him around 1/10 on a one-year deal, personally, but maybe he wants to max out and go 2/16 or 2/18 or something -- that's possible. There's just no pitching on next year's market, so if you're considering a one-year make-good deal as a pitcher, now's a better time than ever.

03/11/2015 20:30
Linkedin

Steve Adams

9facbf452def2d7efc5b5c48cdb837fa?d=identicon

joker

have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight ?

I have not. But you should see me after a few drinks at weddings. It's a sight to behold.

03/11/2015 20:31
Linkedin

Steve Adams

011a3267ccedda60ca343ef0e68e5c2e?d=identicon

Lyle

Outside of pursuing Mike Leake, what else do you think the Giants end up doing?

They'll be in on the top names like Greinke, Price, etc. I also kind of like them as a fit for Dexter Fowler, though that presents some issues since they have Pagan around as well, to say nothing of Jarrett Parker and Mac Williamson waiting in the wings for OF at-bats.

My initial landing spot for Greinke was in San Francisco, though I don't know that I'll stick to that. I just think they'll add some form of bigger starter than Leake. Zimmermann's possible, too.

03/11/2015 20:33
Linkedin

Steve Adams

Ad0b9b3d3b643570a97d3c9ae7008b31?d=identicon

ATX Halo

Who do Angels target for 3B if not Freese?

Daniel Murphy or a trade. Trevor Plouffe, Yunel Escobar, Jed Lowrie, Luis Valbuena -- there are options out there.

03/11/2015 20:34
Linkedin

Steve Adams

0bc24d6453cd7013f80f2a3a700ac703?d=identicon

Fernando

Can Chase Utley still be an everyday 2B at his age? Where do you see him going?

I doubt he's an everyday guy, no. Pick a team that needs some help at a few infield positions. I haven't thought about it much. Yankees maybe? White Sox?

03/11/2015 20:35
Linkedin

Steve Adams

E316b93d9f513a89ab381ef31851c2b9?d=identicon

KDavis

Napoli and Lewis stay in Texas with Gallardo not accepting QO? See anything else for Rangers?

Think I presently have Steve Pearce going there over Napoli. GET EXCITED!

I can see Texas playing for some more notable rotation arms, though. Maybe some kind of outfield bat -- De Aza type. Bullpen arms.

03/11/2015 20:37
Linkedin

Steve Adams

2d57c634561d9962642f4a29d413d9f8?d=identicon

Cubs

Price or two pitchers at 15 mill a year

I'd rather diversify the risk and go with the two mid-tier arms. I can see the Cubs making a legitimate play for Price though, even though I prefer the tactic of them signing Lackey and trading for Ross or something.

03/11/2015 20:38
Linkedin

Steve Adams

3c9bc4bcbd38b92c35b2fc775bf29c0d?d=identicon

Anonymous

Does Fister make sense to Seattle on a 1 yr?

Yeah. Fister to any big park on a one-year deal works for me. Oakland, Detroit, Pittsburgh, KC.

03/11/2015 20:38
Linkedin

Steve Adams

3f816a388569d5a30f20546196aaabd6?d=identicon

les

is vogelboch,villueneva,kinney and Hendricks enough for grey

"Hey A's, we'll give you all of our blocked spare parts for your pre-arbitration ace. Hello? Billy? Where'd you go? Hello? *Dial tone*"

03/11/2015 20:39
Linkedin

Steve Adams

2ad4448dbf594514d37c307b3a374e2c?d=identicon

willy9

where does Estrada sign and for how much

I'm pegging him to stay in Toronto around 3/30 right now.

03/11/2015 20:40
Linkedin

Steve Adams

230d3b2452c6b7e32b74b2beae943a49?d=identicon

Sunshine

Teheran for Avi Garcia? Who hangs up first?

I wouldn't give up anything of value for Avi Garcia, and Teheran has some value.

03/11/2015 20:40
Linkedin

Steve Adams

61409aa1fd47d4a5332de23cbf59a36f?d=identicon

John

Ryan Madson = 2 years/$8MM?

I think he can get two at a bit higher price than that. Neshek got 2/12 with less of a track record. Madson has the injury history, but he looked great this season and has the previous pedigree. 2/12 seems attainable to me, or at least 2/10.

03/11/2015 20:41
Linkedin

Steve Adams

F1cd318e412b5f7226e5f377a9544ff7?d=identicon

Kevin

Do you think the Dodgers trade Yasiel Puig?

I don't.

03/11/2015 20:42
Linkedin

Steve Adams

40687c8206d15373954d8b27c6724f62?d=identicon

Jack

Favorite type of pizza?

People will think I'm making this up.

Jalepeno, pineapple and green olive. Spicy, sweet, salty -- it's awesome.

03/11/2015 20:42
Linkedin

Steve Adams

9ad18f11d667dca8accf2d29a9187e47?d=identicon

Aroldis Chapman

Is there anyway that the Giants trade for me?

I don't love the idea of any team trading for one year of Chapman at a huge price. And it seems like if anyone does it, Arizona and the Yankees are the likelier clubs. But trading for one year of a crazy expensive reliever, no matter how good, just seems like a poor strategic plan.

03/11/2015 20:44
Linkedin

Steve Adams

61409aa1fd47d4a5332de23cbf59a36f?d=identicon

John

Cueto, Price, Grienke. Which one will not get over 125 million?

Price and Greinke are absolute locks to do so. Cueto, I can see around $125MM but possibly slipping into the $110-115MM range also.

03/11/2015 20:45
Linkedin

Steve Adams

D54b3c8fcd5ba07e47b400e69a287966?d=identicon

Jim

any thoughts on dusty?

That whole situation was an unmitigated disaster, and it's embarrassing for the Nats to have offered Bud Black, of all managers, a one-year $1.6MM deal. Offering any outside managerial hire that figure is a slap in the face.

I don't like the Dusty hire, but he's a good communicator and his players love him. That's what the Nats need after the Williams debacle. I just don't think his in-game tactics will be particularly progressive, and I expect his bullpen management to be similar to Williams. They didn't really have anywhere to go but up, though.

03/11/2015 20:47
Linkedin

Steve Adams

5ca49fbfb5ba90d2927d7f85f07ad74d?d=identicon

Billy

Potential Pirates first base targets this off-season? Or do the stick with Alvarez?

Won't be Alvarez. Lind, Morneau, maybe the new market entrant -- Dae-ho Lee. They need a change, but no one that's going to break the bank, of course. Logan Morrison might make sense too as a platoon guy.

03/11/2015 20:48
Linkedin

Steve Adams

Cbddac4eccfd5b376d8498b478589a75?d=identicon

Edwin

Do see the twins trade for Shields?

Only if the Padres are taking Nolasco back in the deal, but there'd be tons of moving parts to that deal and I don't consider it all that likely in a general sense.

03/11/2015 20:49
Linkedin

Steve Adams

Defba617ebff177c47d8d6563a42cf6d?d=identicon

Danny

Mark Melancon for Edwin Encarnacion. Who says no?

Blue Jays. Not even close.

03/11/2015 20:49
Linkedin

Steve Adams

3e4649d2f622d9523503e489c7ccab48?d=identicon

Unclejesse40

what could the Royals get back in a Kendrys Morales trade this off season?

Why are they trading Morales when the aim is to contend in 2016 and he's signed at a reasonable rate? He's a DH only, so it's not like some team's gonna clear the farm for one year of him. Just keep him.

03/11/2015 20:50
Linkedin

Steve Adams

01d4848202a3c7697ec037b02b4ee4e8?d=identicon

Gary

Buehrle to the Chi Sox?

I think he'll retire, but there are some in the Sox writing community who seem to think that's possible. Would be a good story if he went there for a farewell tour. Even if he hangs it up this winter, a one-day contract to retire with the ChiSox would be cool.

03/11/2015 20:51
Linkedin

Steve Adams

Ffceb024019496f53355a89c98cca4af?d=identicon

Matt M

Tim Lincecum 2/18M to the Phillies?

In no way does Tim Lincecum get $18MM this winter. Plus if he's looking to rebuild value, Citizens Bank isn't the best spot to do it.

03/11/2015 20:52
Linkedin

Steve Adams

981700b2c974f1d07f58543c2cbbd794?d=identicon

Fredi Gonzalez

Is there a chance that the we go after any KBO players (like Son)?

I've talked to scouts and those with ties to KBO who feel like Son is a fourth OF at best and just plain not a Major Leaguer at worst, so I don't know if I'd be too anxious for them to jump into that market.

03/11/2015 20:53
Linkedin

Steve Adams

Powered by Dilmot