The off-season received a jolt Thursday evening when the Houston Astros added catcher Brian McCann from the New York Yankees and agreed to a deal with free agent outfielder Josh Reddick in the span of one hour.
Houston had been linked to several other big-name free agents, including Edwin Encarnacion, so their early aggression could produce an uptick in market activity. Here are some of the latest rumours from around the league…
Encarnacion drawing more interest within AL East
The New York Yankees are now looking more seriously at Edwin Encarnacion following their trade of McCann, Jon Heyman reports. A reunion with Carlos Beltran is also something the Yankees are interested in, he adds, and Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports sees that as a more logical outcome.
After years of dominating the top tier of the free agent market, the Yankees are now moving towards a younger, more cost-effective roster. This change in philosophy could continue to benefit them with the ascent of top prospects like Clint Frazier, Aaron Judge, and Gleyber Torres, so by the third and fourth seasons of a rich deal with someone like Encarnacion, the roster fit of a first-baseman or designated hitter could present real challenges.
Dodgers looking to Tigers, Twins for upgrade at second base
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Detroit Tigers have made contact on a potential deal involving second-baseman Ian Kinsler, Jon Morosi reported on Wednesday.
Kinsler, 34, is coming off one of his stronger offensive seasons with 28 home runs and an OPS of .831. He also picked up his first career Gold Glove at second base. Chase Utley, L.A.’s full-time second baseman in 2016, is now a free agent and turns 38 in December.
With the Tigers potentially looking to shed salary and rebuild their weak farm system, the combination of Kinsler’s on-field value and his team-friendly contract could net Detroit a valuable prospect. Kinsler is guaranteed $11 million in 2017 with a $12 million team option ($5 million buyout) for 2018.
One of Detroit’s primary targets is 21-year-old Cody Bellinger, Morosi added. A powerful left-handed bat who has played primarily at first base with a part-time outfield role in the minors, Bellinger hit 26 home runs between double-A and triple-A just one year after launching 30 at the advanced-A level. MLB.com ranks him as the Dodgers’ No. 1 prospect.
There’s a catch, though. The Dodgers are one of 10 teams on Kinsler’s limited no-trade list, and his agent Jay Franklin tells Ken Rosenthal that a contract extension would be necessary for Kinsler for accept a deal to one of those clubs.
Brian Dozier of the Minnesota Twins is another second-baseman the Dodgers have inquired about, Rosenthal notes. Dozier is due just $6 million and $9 million in his next two seasons before free agency and is coming off a career-best 42 home runs with an .886 OPS.
Update on Cespedes market
Yoenis Cespedes, who is likely to earn the richest contract among position players this off-season, is expecting to sign in early December according to Mike Puma. There are reportedly four teams interested, including the Mets.
After playing the past two seasons in New York, Cespedes recently opted out of the final two years and $47.5 million on his contract to hit the market. Cespedes posted his second season of 30-plus home runs in 2016, earning an All-Star nod and his first Silver Slugger.
Cespedes has already played for four teams in five seasons, and is linked to both the AL Cy Young and Rookie of the Year winners from the past week. Cespedes was dealt from Boston to Detroit for Rick Porcello in 2014, then moved on to the Mets at the 2015 deadline in a deal that included Michael Fulmer.
Marlins aiming big on the bullpen market
The Miami Marlins would “love” to sign free agent closer Kenley Jansen, Jon Heyman reports. With a thin market for starting pitchers, Heyman writes that the Marlins are considering going all-in on their bullpen instead.
Jansen set himself up for a significant payday last season, saving a career-high 47 games for the Dodgers with a 1.83 ERA and 13.6 strikeouts per nine innings. Miami already has a trio of strong bullpen pieces in Kyle Barraclough, David Phelps, and 2016 closer A.J. Ramos.
Castro’s free agent market heating up
Catcher Jason Castro is reportedly drawing interest from several teams, and Buster Olney reports that the Atlanta Braves are seriously involved.
Castro’s bat typically produces 10-plus home runs, but his offensive value is very limited with a .215 average and .291 on-base percentage over the past three seasons. His defensive value alone will make him a starting option for many teams, though, especially his pitch framing. This would fit logically with young starters Julio Teheran, Mike Foltynewicz, Aaron Blair, and Matt Wisler.
