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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>MLB Trade Rumors</title> <atom:link href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://www.mlbtraderumors.com</link> <description></description> <lastBuildDate>Sat, 15 Mar 2025 05:00:05 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.5</generator> <item> <title>Rays Exercise 2026 Club Option On Yandy Díaz, Add 2027 Vesting Option</title> <link>https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/rays-exercise-2026-club-option-on-yandy-diaz-add-2027-vesting-option.html</link> <comments>https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/rays-exercise-2026-club-option-on-yandy-diaz-add-2027-vesting-option.html#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Darragh McDonald]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 15 Mar 2025 04:59:56 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Newsstand]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tampa Bay Rays]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Transactions]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Yandy Diaz]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/?p=844574</guid> <description><![CDATA[The Rays and Yandy Díaz have worked out a mini extension of sorts. The club announced that it has preemptively picked up his 2026 club option, which is valued at $12MM, while adding a club/vesting option for 2027. Díaz, an ACES client, would reportedly vest the ’27 provision at $13MM if he reaches 500 plate…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[The Rays and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/diazya01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Yandy Díaz</a> have worked out a mini extension of sorts. The club announced that it has preemptively picked up his 2026 club option, which is valued at $12MM, while adding a club/vesting option for 2027. Díaz, an ACES client, would reportedly vest the ’27 provision at $13MM if he reaches 500 plate appearances in 2026. If he doesn’t hit that vesting threshold, it would be a $10MM team option with no buyout. Back in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/01/rays-close-to-contract-extension-with-yandy-diaz.html">January of 2023</a>, the Rays and Díaz agreed to a three-year, $24MM extension with a club option for 2026. He had just had his first arbitration season in 2022 and he was set to go through the process twice more. That deal bought out those two final arb years and one free agent year, while the option gave the Rays the chance to extend their window of control with Díaz by yet another season. He made $6MM in 2023, $8MM last year and will be making $10MM this year. The 2026 club option was set at $12MM with no buyout. Over the course of the deal, Díaz has continued to hit, though the first year was far better than the second. In 2023, he hit 22 home runs and slashed .330/.410/.522 for a wRC+ of 163. His .367 batting average on balls in play was helping him out a bit, but he drew walks at a 10.8% clip and only struck out 15.7% of the time. Last year, his walk rate fell to 8.1% and he only hit 14 homers. His BABIP normalized somewhat to .314. The result was a .281/.341/.414 line and 120 wRC+. His defensive grades at first base also slid a bit. FanGraphs considered him to be worth 5.0 wins above replacement in 2023 but just 1.9 fWAR last year. Without details on the 2027 option, it’s difficult to assess what the trade-off is here. Díaz is now 33 years old and will turn 34 in August. The Rays could have waited to see how he performed in 2025 before picking up the 2026 option. By locking it in now, they’re getting a potential club option for the following season at a similar salary. Díaz is perhaps sacrificing a bit of future earning power, but the trade-off for doing so is that he’s guaranteeing himself another $12MM today. That would protect him against a further decline in performance during the 2025 season. Under his previous contract structure, a bad 2025 campaign would have led to his option being declined and him heading to free agency with no buyout. Now he has the $12MM already locked in. <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/TBTimes_Rays/status/1900635624027418985">Marc Topkin</a> of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tampabay.com/sports/rays/2025/03/14/rays-pick-up-yandy-diazs-2026-option-add-another/">The Tampa Bay Times</a> first reported the news and the contract terms. ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss></wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>32</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>No Extension Talks Thus Far Between A’s, Mason Miller</title> <link>https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/no-extension-talks-thus-far-between-as-mason-miller.html</link> <comments>https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/no-extension-talks-thus-far-between-as-mason-miller.html#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Anthony Franco]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 15 Mar 2025 04:54:45 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Oakland Athletics]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mason Miller]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/?p=844615</guid> <description><![CDATA[The A’s have handed out two of the largest extensions in franchise history in recent months. They inked DH Brent Rooker to a five-year, $60MM guarantee in January. Earlier this week, they finalized a seven-year deal with outfielder Lawrence Butler that guarantees $65.5MM. It’s possible that the Butler deal is the first of multiple A’s extensions in…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[The A’s have handed out two of the largest extensions in franchise history in recent months. They inked DH <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rookebr01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-15_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Brent Rooker</a> to a five-year, $60MM guarantee in January. Earlier this week, they finalized a seven-year deal with outfielder <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/butlela01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-15_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Lawrence Butler</a> that guarantees $65.5MM. It’s possible that the Butler deal is the first of multiple A’s extensions in Spring Training. General manager David Forst told Evan Drellich of The Athletic a couple weeks ago that the team had opened talks with a few players. With Butler signed, closer <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=millema03,miller005mas,miller001mas&search=Mason+Miller&utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-15_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Mason Miller</a> should arguably be the team’s top extension candidate. Miller told <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/FoulTerritoryTV/status/1900645610497220833">Foul Territory’s A.J. Pierzynski</a> on Friday afternoon that he’s open to talks but hasn’t heard from the team about the possibility. The A’s control the hard-throwing reliever for another five seasons. Miller will qualify for early arbitration as a Super Two player next winter. He’d go through that process four times unless he signs an extension. The A’s may not be eager to commit to a reliever, even one as dominant as Miller, whom they already have under control for a half-decade. There’s downside associated with the general volatility of relief pitching. Miller’s stuff is so exceptional that he’s a safer bet than almost any reliever to remain effective, but there’s more of a risk from a health perspective. He battled shoulder and elbow injuries and pitched fewer than 40 innings in the minor leagues. [Related Front Office Post: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/02/who-else-could-the-as-look-to-extend.html">Who Else Could The A’s Look To Extend?</a>] Forearm tightness wiped out most of his ’23 season and was the main reason the A’s moved him out of the rotation during the 2023-24 offseason. Miller stayed healthy last year aside from an incident where he fractured the pinkie on his left (non-throwing) hand, which reportedly occurred when he hit a training table in frustration after a poor outing. That’s presumably not a concern moving forward, but as baseball’s hardest thrower, he certainly puts a lot of stress on his elbow and shoulder. There have been a handful of extensions for relief pitchers in the 1-2 year service bucket. Miller would almost certainly look to set a new standard for that class if the A’s were interested in an extension. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/claseem01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-15_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Emmanuel Clase’s</a> five-year, $20MM guarantee is the current record. That deal, which was signed in April 2022, included a pair of $10MM club options to extend Cleveland’s control window by two seasons. Clase was coming an outstanding first full season, turning in a 1.29 ERA with 24 saves and 74 strikeouts in 69 2/3 innings. Miller struck out 104 hitters with a 2.49 earned run average over 65 frames last season. He went 28-31 in save chances. Clase’s deal is a three-year old precedent that has turned into an extremely team-friendly contract. Clase also wasn’t on track to reach Super Two status, which meant he was two years from arbitration and had a much lower earning power through that process. Arbitration salaries escalate annually, and Super Two qualification sets a higher baseline for future raises. Clase didn’t have Miller’s injury history, but the Cleveland closer had served a performance-enhancing drug suspension in 2020 that added a different risk to his profile. ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss></wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>6</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Jon Gray Suffers Wrist Fracture</title> <link>https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/jon-gray-suffers-wrist-fracture.html</link> <comments>https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/jon-gray-suffers-wrist-fracture.html#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Anthony Franco]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 15 Mar 2025 04:20:30 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Newsstand]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Texas Rangers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jon Gray]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/?p=844617</guid> <description><![CDATA[Rangers starter Jon Gray sustained a broken right wrist during this evening’s Spring Training appearance, manager Bruce Bochy tells Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News and other reporters. Gray was struck by a Michael Toglia line drive that had a 106.4 MPH exit velocity (video provided by Kennedi Landry of MLB.com). Bochy didn’t provide specifics…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Rangers starter <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/grayjo02.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jon Gray</a> sustained a broken right wrist during this evening’s Spring Training appearance, manager Bruce Bochy tells <a target="_blank" href="https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2025/03/14/texas-rangers-starter-jon-gray-leaves-game-vs-colorado-after-being-hit-by-line-drive/">Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News</a> and other reporters. Gray was struck by a <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/toglimi01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Michael Toglia</a> line drive that had a 106.4 MPH exit velocity (video <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/kennlandry/status/1900732433399771209">provided</a> by Kennedi Landry of MLB.com). Bochy didn’t provide specifics on a return timeline. Gray is obviously going to begin the season on the injured list and will probably be down for a while. It’s the worst of a handful of pitching injuries for Texas this spring. They announced just yesterday that presumptive fifth starter <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bradfco01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Cody Bradford</a> was going to begin the season on the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/cody-bradford-to-start-season-on-injured-list.html">injured list</a> after experiencing elbow soreness. An MRI came back clean, but the team is going to be cautious with any level of elbow pain. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mahlety01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Tyler Mahle</a> was scratched from his start earlier this week with forearm soreness. Imaging didn’t reveal any problems and he’ll begin throwing in the coming days. Still, that may require a season-opening IL stint — especially since Mahle just returned from Tommy John surgery midway through 2024. That placed a lot of emphasis on <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/degroja01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-15_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jacob deGrom</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/eovalna01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-15_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Nathan Eovaldi</a> and Gray to stay healthy. The season-opening rotation now likely comprises deGrom, Eovaldi, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rockeku01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-15_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Kumar Rocker</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/leiteja01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-15_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jack Leiter</a>. Mahle would round out the group if he can avoid the IL. They otherwise could push expected long reliever <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/dunnida01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-15_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Dane Dunning</a> back into the rotation or turn to veteran ground-ball specialist <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/housead01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-15_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Adrian Houser</a>, who is in camp on a minor league deal. Houser has tossed eight innings of two-run ball with three strikeouts and walks apiece this spring. He allowed a near-6.00 ERA over 69 1/3 innings for the Mets last season. The rotation’s durability is arguably the biggest question for Texas. deGrom and Eovaldi are 36 and 35, respectively. deGrom has made 35 starts over the last four years. Eovaldi has mostly been durable recently, but he has twice undergone Tommy John surgery in his career. Rocker underwent the same procedure in May 2023. He pitched fewer than 50 innings between the minors and his three-start MLB debut late last season. Texas will probably look to add minor league rotation depth as veterans opt out of contracts with other teams in the coming weeks. It’s less likely that they’ll make an MLB signing. The Rangers were clear all offseason that they wanted to keep their luxury tax payroll below the $241MM base threshold. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fangraphs.com/roster-resource/payroll/rangers">RosterResource</a> projects them around $236MM at the moment. Salary acquired in-season via waivers or trade would add to that on a prorated basis. It’d be a surprise if ownership approves going beyond the tax line to sign a free agent starter like <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/turnbsp01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-15_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Spencer Turnbull</a> or old friends <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=gibsoky01,gibson004kyl&search=Kyle+Gibson&utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-15_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Kyle Gibson</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lynnla01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-15_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Lance Lynn</a>. With less than two weeks until Opening Day, none of those pitchers are likely to be game ready for the start of the regular season. ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss></wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>25</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Sean Burke To Open Season In White Sox’s Rotation</title> <link>https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/sean-burke-to-open-season-in-white-soxs-rotation.html</link> <comments>https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/sean-burke-to-open-season-in-white-soxs-rotation.html#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Anthony Franco]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 15 Mar 2025 03:35:40 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Chicago White Sox]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jared Shuster]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jonathan Cannon]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Martin Perez]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sean Burke]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/?p=844610</guid> <description><![CDATA[White Sox manager Will Venable informed the beat this afternoon that rookie righty Sean Burke will be in the season-opening rotation (relayed by Scott Merkin of MLB.com). The former third-round pick joins Martín Pérez, Davis Martin and Jonathan Cannon as locks for the Opening Day starting staff. Chicago optioned lefty Jared Shuster, who had entered camp as a…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[White Sox manager Will Venable informed the beat this afternoon that rookie righty <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=burkese01,burke-001sea&search=Sean+Burke&utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Sean Burke</a> will be in the season-opening rotation (<a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/scottmerkin/status/1900629339437494518">relayed by</a> Scott Merkin of MLB.com). The former third-round pick joins <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/perezma02.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Martín Pérez</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/martida03.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Davis Martin</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cannojo02.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jonathan Cannon</a> as locks for the Opening Day starting staff. Chicago optioned lefty <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/shustja01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jared Shuster</a>, who had entered camp as a candidate for a rotation spot. The former first-round pick worked mostly in long relief last season but was building back up as a starter this spring. Venable suggested Shuster may move back to the bullpen in Triple-A (<a target="_blank" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/white-sox/2025/03/14/white-sox-right-hander-mason-adams-exits-game-with-sore-right-elbow">link via Daryl Van Schouwen of The Chicago Sun-Times</a>). The Wake Forest product allowed nine runs in seven innings. Pérez, who signed a $5MM free agent deal, has by far the most experience of anyone in Chicago’s rotation. Cannon, who worked to a 4.49 ERA over 124 1/3 frames, is the only returning pitcher who reached even 75 MLB innings last season. Martin returned from Tommy John surgery in the second half. He allowed 4.32 earned runs per nine over 50 innings down the stretch. That trio entered camp with rotation spots solidified. It was more in question whether Burke would break camp. The Sox called him up midway through September. He impressed over four appearances, working to a 1.42 ERA with 22 strikeouts in 19 innings. The Maryland product has tossed five innings of three-run ball with three strikeouts and walks apiece this spring. Burke fanned 31% of batters faced over 16 Triple-A starts last season. He also walked 13% of opponents, raising questions about whether he’ll have the necessary command to stick as a starter, but the Sox will see how his stuff plays against MLB hitters. Venable hasn’t committed to a fifth starter. With Shuster out of consideration, that job will probably fall to one of <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wilsobr02.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Bryse Wilson</a> or <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=smith-012sha,smith-019sha&search=Shane+Smith&utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Shane Smith</a>. Wilson is out of options and has plenty of experience working in long relief. He turned in a 4.04 ERA over 103 2/3 frames for Milwaukee last season; Chicago signed him to a $1.05MM deal after the Brewers non-tendered him. Smith is a Rule 5 pick out of the Milwaukee system. The 6’4″ righty started 16 of 27 Double-A appearances. He allowed 3.08 earned runs per nine with a near-30% strikeout rate over 87 2/3 innings. Smith has had a decent start to camp. He has fanned nine hitters over 6 2/3 frames, allowing four runs. Chicago shouldn’t have an issue keeping him on the MLB roster to gain his long-term contractual rights. Most Rule 5 pitchers work in low-leverage relief, at least to begin the season. An Opening Day rotation assignment would be rare, but that’s a reflection of the Sox’s lack of starting pitching depth. Non-roster invitee <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/dunnju01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Justin Dunn</a> could also be an option. He has managed eight innings of one-run ball this spring, but he only has two strikeouts against four walks. ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss></wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>9</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Rays Have Pitched Major Renovations/10-Year Lease Extension At Tropicana Field</title> <link>https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/rays-have-pitched-major-renovations-10-year-lease-extension-at-tropicana-field.html</link> <comments>https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/rays-have-pitched-major-renovations-10-year-lease-extension-at-tropicana-field.html#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Anthony Franco]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 15 Mar 2025 02:26:54 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Tampa Bay Rays]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/?p=844601</guid> <description><![CDATA[The Rays’ long-term home is in doubt after the team pulled out of plans for a $1.3 billion new stadium in St. Petersburg. The future is unclear, as St. Petersburg and Pinellas County officials have expressed frustration with Rays owner Stuart Sternberg. John Romano and Colleen Wright of The Tampa Bay Times report that the…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[The Rays’ long-term home is in doubt after the team <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/rays-will-not-move-forward-new-ballpark.html">pulled out of plans</a> for a $1.3 billion new stadium in St. Petersburg. The future is unclear, as St. Petersburg and Pinellas County officials have expressed frustration with Rays owner Stuart Sternberg. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tampabay.com/sports/2025/03/14/rays-pitched-plan-renovate-trop-stay-st-pete-through-2038/">John Romano and Colleen Wright of The Tampa Bay Times</a> report that the Rays, within the past month, have floated the idea of renovating Tropicana Field beyond the roof repair. Under that plan, the team, city and county would contribute an equal sum — reportedly $200MM each — for large-scale renovations of their longtime home park. According to the report, the Rays would have agreed to a 10-year lease extension to remain at the Trop through 2038 in that scenario. The city and county were not immediately keen on the idea. The Rays’ lease at Tropicana Field runs through 2028. It had initially been scheduled to expire in ’27, but it was extended by a year after hurricane damage left the stadium unplayable this season. The city, as lessor, is responsible for fixing the Trop after the hurricane ripped off its roof. The Rays are hopeful those repairs will be complete in time for the 2026 season. The city estimated the repair costs at $55.7MM. Clearly, a $600MM renovation would go far beyond that. It makes little sense for anyone involved to make that commitment for three years, so it’d necessarily be paired with a lease extension. St. Petersburg mayor Ken Welch said yesterday that he “(has) no interest in working with this ownership group” after their decision to pull out of the stadium deal. Regarding the idea of a lease extension, he told The Tampa Bay Times that the city is “looking at a number of options but I don’t want to talk about, at this point, this notion of a 10- or 15-year extension at the Trop.” Welch left the door open for reconsidering that idea in the future, saying he’d “talk with the council and with the community about the paths forward” once the Rays officially decline the current stadium deal. While the team has already made clear it’ll do so, the Rays need to sign an official termination letter on that project or wait for the bond approval to expire on March 31 (the date for the team to hit construction benchmarks to keep the public funding alive). Rays team president Matt Silverman reiterated yesterday that the team is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/silverman-rays-are-not-for-sale.html">not for sale</a>. He said they could reopen discussions with the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County after March 31. Silverman told Romano and Wright today that a lease extension at the Trop was also “one of many possibilities that has been discussed with the city and the county since the hurricanes.” The Rays have played at Tropicana Field since their founding in 1998. They will play this season at Tampa’s George M. Steinbrenner Field. ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss></wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>61</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Rockies’ Prospect Charlie Condon Sustains Non-Displaced Wrist Fracture</title> <link>https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/rockies-prospect-charlie-condon-sustains-non-displaced-wrist-fracture.html</link> <comments>https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/rockies-prospect-charlie-condon-sustains-non-displaced-wrist-fracture.html#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Anthony Franco]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 15 Mar 2025 01:08:29 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Colorado Rockies]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Charlie Condon]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/?p=844603</guid> <description><![CDATA[Rockies prospect Charlie Condon suffered a non-displaced fracture in his left wrist, reports Manny Randhawa of MLB.com. He’ll be in a splint for a month and will not resume baseball activities for six weeks. Condon will not require surgery, but this will delay his season debut until at least May. Colorado drafted Condon third overall…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Rockies prospect <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=condon000cha&utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Charlie Condon</a> suffered a non-displaced fracture in his left wrist, <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/MannyOnMLB/status/1900697089165980011">reports</a> Manny Randhawa of MLB.com. He’ll be in a splint for a month and will not resume baseball activities for six weeks. Condon will not require surgery, but this will delay his season debut until at least May. Colorado drafted Condon third overall last summer. The righty-hitting outfielder/third baseman was a candidate to go at #1 after a monster junior season at Georgia. Condon slugged 37 homers with a .433/.556/1.009 line against SEC pitching. Baseball America, ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel and Keith Law of The Athletic all ranked Condon as the top prospect in the class leading up to the draft. It registered as a slight surprise that he even got to the Rox at three. Cleveland took hit-first second baseman <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=bazzan000tra&utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Travis Bazzana</a> first, while the Reds went with righty <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=burns-008cha&utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Chase Burns</a> with the #2 pick. Condon’s professional career hasn’t begun as hoped. The Rockies assigned him to High-A Spokane. Condon hit .180 with 34 strikeouts and four walks in 25 games. He managed only one home run in 109 plate appearances. GM Bill Schmidt said last month that Condon was playing through a thumb injury. It’s a small enough sample that it’s not cause for too much concern, though the Rockies clearly anticipated he’d perform better after he obliterated the top college pitching in the country. Condon still ranks among the sport’s top 50 overall prospects at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.baseballamerica.com/players/21716-charlie-condon/">Baseball America</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6078454/2025/01/27/top-100-mlb-prospects-2025-keith-law/">The Athletic</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/insider/story/_/id/43549082/top-100-mlb-prospects-2025-kiley-mcdaniel-roki-sasaki-roman-anthony">ESPN</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mlb.com/milb/prospects">MLB Pipeline</a>. The wrist injury gets his first full minor league season off to a tough start. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mlb.com/news/charlie-condon-rockies-prospect-wrist-injury">Thomas Harding of MLB.com</a> writes that the injury occurred when he dove for a fly ball in a minor league Spring Training contest on Tuesday. ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss></wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>15</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Poll: Should The Blue Jays Have Offered Vladimir Guerrero Jr. $500MM?</title> <link>https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/poll-should-the-blue-jays-have-offered-vladimir-guerrero-jr-500mm.html</link> <comments>https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/poll-should-the-blue-jays-have-offered-vladimir-guerrero-jr-500mm.html#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Nick Deeds]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 14 Mar 2025 23:54:25 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[MLBTR Originals]]></category> <category><![CDATA[MLBTR Polls]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Toronto Blue Jays]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Vladimir Guerrero Jr.]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/?p=844534</guid> <description><![CDATA[Active extension talks between the Blue Jays and superstar first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. came to an apparent halt last month. The beginning of Spring Training, which Guerrero set as a deadline for negotiations, came and went without a deal. But that hasn’t stopped those negotiations from being a major topic of discussion around baseball…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Active extension talks between the Blue Jays and superstar first baseman <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/guerrvl02.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/02/vladimir-guerrero-jr-expects-to-reach-free-agency-without-extension.html">came to an apparent halt</a> last month. The beginning of Spring Training, which Guerrero set as a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/vladimir-guerrero-jr-sets-spring-training-deadline-for-extension-talks-with-blue-jays.html">deadline for negotiations</a>, came and went without a deal. But that hasn’t stopped those negotiations from being a major topic of discussion around baseball in the weeks since. Some of that publicity has been created by Guerrero himself; while extension negotiations are often played relatively close to the vest by both players and their clubs, Guerrero has been unusually candid about the negotiations throughout the process. His public comments have ranged from acknowledging back in December that the Jays had extended him a $340MM offer to his recent interview with ESPN where he suggested his asking price clocked in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/guerrero-asking-price-in-extension-talks-was-below-600mm.html">below $600MM</a> over at least 14 years. Earlier this week, it was <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/vladimir-guerrero-jr-sought-500mm-net-present-value-in-extension-talks.html">reported</a> that Guerrero set his asking price at a net present value of $500MM in negotiations with Toronto, whether the deal was a straight $500MM contract with no deferrals or a higher sticker price including deferred money that took the net present value back down to $500MM. The Jays reportedly did offer Guerrero about $500MM, but with deferrals that knocked the net present value down to the $400-450MM range, so the two sides were about $50-100MM apart in terms of NPV. It’s an interesting development, not only for the window it provides into Guerrero’s thinking with his final season prior to free agency just around the corner, but also because of how rare it is for a player’s asking price to be reported on so specifically. With reasonable confidence in the knowledge that Guerrero would have accepted a 14-year, $500MM contract offer from the Jays, the decision by Toronto not to offer Guerrero that deal is an especially interesting point of discussion. It’s easy to see why Guerrero would feel comfortable asking for that sort of contract. The slugger is coming off a superb season at the plate for the Blue Jays last year where he slashed .323/.396/.544 with 30 homers, a strikeout rate of just 13.8%, and a wRC+ of 165. The performance was good for a sixth-place finish in the AL’s stacked MVP race last year, and in terms of overall production was more or less a perfect replica of his 2021 campaign where he posted a 166 wRC+ and finished second in AL MVP voting behind <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/ohtansh01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Shohei Ohtani</a>. With two seasons of that caliber now under his belt, it’s impossible to argue against the fact that Guerrero is one of the league’s most explosive offensive talents. That lofty ceiling with the bat is made all the more tantalizing by his youth; Guerrero will play next year at just 27 years old, one year older than <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=sotoju01,soto--004jua&search=Juan+Soto&utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Juan Soto</a> is now. Soto stands as perhaps the best reason for Guerrero to feel emboldened to set his asking price at half a billion dollars. After all, the star outfielder’s combination of youth and offensive prowess allowed him to land a 15-year, $765MM deal with the Mets back in December. It’s the richest contract in the history of professional sports and completely shattered all contractual precedents. Unlike Shohei Ohtani’s own $700MM deal with the Dodgers, which has an estimated net present value of $461MM, Soto’s contract includes no deferred money. In that context, Guerrero setting his asking price at approximately two-thirds of Soto’s deal is understandable. After all, neither player contributes much in the field or on the basepaths, and when Guerrero is at his best he’s easily the closest comparison to Soto in the game in terms of age and overall offensive ability. The Blue Jays themselves clearly saw Soto as a player worth splurging on, as they were a finalist for his services. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/how-far-blue-jays-went-in-pursuit-of-juan-soto/">Ben Nicholson-Smith and Shi Davidi of Sportsnet</a> reported back in December that the Jays’ offer to Soto clocked in under $700MM, but that shows that Toronto has the financial wherewithal to make a massive offer and a willingness to put pen to paper on such a deal for a player relatively similar to Guerrero. As mentioned earlier, they also made a substantial offer to Guerrero that went beyond $400MM in terms of NPV. With that being said, the comparison isn’t without flaws. Guerrero is already more or less restricted to first base defensively, while Soto is capable of playing passable defense in the outfield corners and likely could theoretically move to first base in the future, as other corner outfielders like <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/harpebr03.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Bryce Harper</a> have done in the past. More important than either his slightly more versatile defensive skill set or the fact that he hit free agency one year younger than Guerrero will, however, is the fact that Soto is simply in a class all his own as an offensive talent with a career wRC+ (158) in the same ballpark as Guerrero’s aforementioned peak seasons. Setting Soto aside, there are valid reasons for concern when it comes to Guerrero. The slugger has shown a level of year-to-year volatility that could be difficult to stomach for a franchise cornerstone on what would be the second-largest contract in MLB history, and is just one year removed from a lackluster 2023 campaign where he posted a wRC+ of 118 with just 1.3 fWAR. One also doesn’t have to look very far to find first basemen who were comparable or even greater offensive talents than Guerrero at his age but saw their production take a nosedive in their early 30s. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/fieldpr01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Prince Fielder</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cabremi01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Miguel Cabrera</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pujolal01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Albert Pujols</a> stand out as the most obvious examples of the pitfalls that can come with offering even immense offensive talents franchise-altering contracts under the assumption they’ll remain productive into their mid-to-late 30s. Another consideration that must be taken into account from Toronto’s perspective is the club’s own prospects of near-term success at the big league level. The Jays, as presently constructed, feature an aging roster with plenty of holes and question marks that figure to only grow in the coming seasons as veterans like <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gausmke01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Kevin Gausman</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/berrijo01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jose Berrios</a> continue to age while pieces of the club’s core like <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bichebo01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Bo Bichette</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kirkal01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Alejandro Kirk</a> reach free agency. The club is coming off a fifth-place finish in the AL East last year and is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fangraphs.com/standings/playoff-odds">projected by Fangraphs</a> for a record of just 82-80, less than a full win ahead of the Rays for fourth place and behind the Yankees’ division leading projection of 86-76. If Toronto were to enter a rebuild in the near future after giving Guerrero a massive contract, they’d risk wasting the prime of their superstar’s career and returning to contention only when his best years are already behind him. If you were in the Blue Jays’ shoes, would you have signed on the dotted line to keep Guerrero in the fold on a 14-year, $500MM contract? Have your say in the poll below: <a name="pd_a_15187466"></a> <div class="PDS_Poll" id="PDI_container15187466" data-settings="{"url":"\/\/static.polldaddy.com\/p\/15187466.js"}" style="display:inline-block;"></div> <div id="PD_superContainer"></div> <noscript><a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/15187466">Take Our Poll</a></noscript><script type='text/javascript'> (function(d,c,j){if(!d.getElementById(j)){var pd=d.createElement(c),s;pd.id=j;pd.src='https://cdn.mlbtraderumors.com/wp-content/plugins/polldaddy/js/polldaddy-shortcode.js?ver=2';s=d.getElementsByTagName(c)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(pd,s);} else if(typeof jQuery !=='undefined')jQuery(d.body).trigger('pd-script-load');}(document,'script','pd-polldaddy-loader')); </script> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss></wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>82</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Parker Meadows Ruled Out For Opening Day</title> <link>https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/parker-meadows-ruled-out-for-opening-day.html</link> <comments>https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/parker-meadows-ruled-out-for-opening-day.html#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Darragh McDonald]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 14 Mar 2025 22:50:40 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Detroit Tigers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Javier Baez]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Parker Meadows]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Wenceel Perez]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/?p=844587</guid> <description><![CDATA[Tigers center fielder Parker Meadows won’t be ready by Opening Day, manager A.J. Hinch tells Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. Meadows has been having issues with the musculocutaneous nerve in his upper right arm, which the club can’t seem to activate at the moment. It seems to be a frustrating situation with little…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Tigers center fielder <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/meadopa01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Parker Meadows</a> won’t be ready by Opening Day, manager A.J. Hinch tells <a target="_blank" href="https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2025/03/14/detroit-tigers-parker-meadows-out-opening-day-nerve-injury/82400912007/">Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press</a>. Meadows has been having issues with the musculocutaneous nerve in his upper right arm, which the club can’t seem to activate at the moment. It seems to be a frustrating situation with little clarity. Hinch said earlier this week that they are trying to “wake it up,” referring to the nerve in Meadows’ arm. In the meantime, Meadows can do some things but can’t throw. He can take some swings, but with just one hand. Once his nerve is awoken, he’ll need to take some at-bats and get back into game shape. With <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/vierlma01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Matt Vierling</a> set to start the season on the injured list due to a rotator cuff strain, the Tigers will be down two outfielders to start the year. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/perezwe01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Wenceel Pérez</a> would be a logical fill-in with Meadows on the shelf but he has his own issue. Pérez has been dealing with some back tightness lately. The club announced today, per <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/evanwoodbery/status/1900639120516620404">Evan Woodbery of MLive Media Group</a>, that Pérez received a cortisone injection to address his lingering discomfort. The club still believes Pérez will be ready by Opening Day, per <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/cmccosky/status/1900643491845415019">Chris McCosky of Detroit News</a>, but it’s clearly not ideal for so many injuries to be occurring simultaneously. If Pérez is able to take over in center, he will be flanked by <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/greenri03.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Riley Greene</a> on one side. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/carpeke01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Kerry Carpenter</a> could perhaps be in the other corner. Carpenter once projected as the regular designated hitter but him taking the outfield more regularly could perhaps open more playing time for <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/torkesp01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Spencer Torkelson</a>, who is having a great spring. The Tigers signed <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/torregl01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Gleyber Torres</a> to man second base and then bumped <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/keithco01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Colt Keith</a> to first, squeezing out Tork. But he’s hit four homers in 12 games and could perhaps find himself taking some of those DH at-bats. Since Pérez is sort of a touch-and-go situation, the club will have to think about backup plans for center field. Greene could perhaps be an option there, with someone like <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/malloju02.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Justyn-Henry Malloy</a> stepping into a corner. They also have utility guys <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mckinza01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Zach McKinstry</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/i/ibanean01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Andy Ibáñez</a> on the roster. There’s also one other creative solution that is getting some consideration. Hinch tells <a target="_blank" href="https://bsky.app/profile/jasonbeck.bsky.social/post/3lkeicrwkzk2t">Jason Beck of MLB.com</a> that he is thinking about getting <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/baezja01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Javier Báez</a> some action in center. “I’m flirting with the idea of putting Javy out there and getting him a few reps,” Hinch said, “just in case something happens during the season where we end up with that need.” Báez has just 4 2/3 innings of outfield experience in his big league career, with all of that coming in the corners. He has primarily been a shortstop in his career but his offense has fallen off a cliff in three straight years. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sweentr01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Trey Sweeney</a> showed some potential at shortstop last year while Báez was out recovering from hip surgery. Perhaps there’s a scenario where Sweeney takes over the shortstop job for the long term and push Báez into something of a super utility role. As mentioned, Báez has primarily been a shortstop in his career. But he also has over 2,000 innings at second base, more than 600 frames at third, and brief showings at first and in the outfield corners. Adding center field to his repertoire would make him capable of playing anywhere except the battery. The Tigers are surely hoping their outfield can get healthy enough that they don’t have to consider such a scenario, but there’s no real harm in having it available to them. Petzold suggests an external addition could be considered if the injuries linger. There aren’t many notable free agents on the market right now but the end of spring always leads to a few players getting cut from other clubs. Players like <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pillake01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Kevin Pillar</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/thomptr01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Trayce Thompson</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jankotr01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Travis Jankowski</a> are currently in camp with other clubs as non-roster invitees. A few such players will end up back on the market soon if they don’t get roster spots on their current minor league deals. ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss></wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>30</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Offseason In Review: Milwaukee Brewers</title> <link>https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/offseason-in-review-milwaukee-brewers-17.html</link> <comments>https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/offseason-in-review-milwaukee-brewers-17.html#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Steve Adams]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 14 Mar 2025 22:05:03 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[2024-25 Offseason In Review]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Front Office Originals]]></category> <category><![CDATA[MLBTR Originals]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Membership]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Milwaukee Brewers]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/?p=844375</guid> <description><![CDATA[The Brewers followed a heartbreaking postseason exit with an offseason punctuated by the departure of a franchise shortstop, the trade of a star closer, and severe payroll restrictions from ownership. Major League Signings Jose Quintana, LHP: One year, $4.25MM Tyler Alexander, LHP: One year, $1MM Elvin Rodriguez, RHP: One year, $900K (plus $1.35MM club option…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[The Brewers followed a heartbreaking postseason exit with an offseason punctuated by the departure of a franchise shortstop, the trade of a star closer, and severe payroll restrictions from ownership. Major League Signings <ul> <li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/q/quintjo01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jose Quintana</a>, LHP: <a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/brewers-to-sign-jose-quintana.html">One year, $4.25MM</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=alexaty01,alexan001tyl&search=Tyler+Alexander&utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Tyler Alexander</a>, LHP: <a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/02/brewers-sign-tyler-alexander.html">One year, $1MM</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rodriel02.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Elvin Rodriguez</a>, RHP: <a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/01/brewers-sign-elvin-rodriguez-dfa-j-b-bukauskas.html">One year, $900K (plus $1.35MM club option for 2026)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=wolfra000gra&utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Grant Wolfram</a>, RHP: <a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/brewers-sign-grant-wolfram-to-major-league-deal.html">One year (split major league deal)</a></li> </ul> 2025 spending: $6.15MM Total spending: $6.15MM Option Decisions <ul> <li>RHP <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/montafr02.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Frankie Montas</a> <a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/11/frankie-montas-declines-mutual-option-brewers-outright-bryse-wilson-jake-bauers.html">declined</a> $20MM mutual option (Montas received $4MM buyout)</li> <li>1B <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hoskirh01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Rhys Hoskins</a> <a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/11/rhys-hoskins-exercises-player-option-with-brewers.html">exercised</a> $18MM player option</li> <li>Team <a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/10/brewers-decline-mutual-option-on-wade-miley.html">declined</a> $12MM mutual option on LHP <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mileywa01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Wade Miley</a> (Miley received $1.5MM buyout)</li> <li>Team <a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/11/brewers-decline-mutual-option-on-gary-sanchez.html">declined</a> $11MM mutual option on C <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sanchga02.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Gary Sanchez</a> (Sanchez received $4MM buyout)</li> <li>Team <a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/11/brewers-to-exercise-club-option-on-freddy-peralta.html">exercised</a> $8MM club option on RHP <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/peralfr01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Freddy Peralta</a></li> <li>Team <a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/11/colin-rea-clears-waivers-brewers-to-decline-club-option.html">declined</a> $5.5MM club option on RHP <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/reaco01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Colin Rea</a> (Rea received $1MM buyout)</li> </ul> Trades and Waiver Claims <ul> <li><a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/brewers-trade-devin-williams-yankees.html">Acquired</a> LHP <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cortene01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Nestor Cortes</a> and INF <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=durbin000cal&utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Caleb Durbin</a> from Yankees in exchange for RHP <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=willide03,willia005dev&search=Devin+Williams&utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Devin Williams</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/01/brewers-acquire-grant-anderson.html">Acquired</a> RHP <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=andergr01,anders006gra,anders007gra&search=Grant+Anderson&utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Grant Anderson</a> from Rangers in exchange for LHP <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=molina000mas&utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Mason Molina</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/11/rockies-acquire-owen-miller-from-brewers.html">Traded</a> INF <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=milleow01,miller001owe&search=Owen+Miller&utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Owen Miller</a> to Rockies in exchange for cash</li> </ul> Extensions <ul> <li>None</li> </ul> Minor League Signings <ul> <li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/canhama01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Mark Canha</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/margoma01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Manuel Margot</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bauerja01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jake Bauers</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/alfarjo01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jorge Alfaro</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jayty01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Tyler Jay</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/z/zimmebr02.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Bruce Zimmermann</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/garcide01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Deivi Garcia</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/n/nittovi01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Vinny Nittoli</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=liranz000jes&utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jesus Liranzo</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pannoth01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Thomas Pannone</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/olivaja01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jared Oliva</a></li> </ul> Notable Losses <ul> <li><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=willide03,willia005dev&search=Devin+Williams&utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Devin Williams</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/adamewi01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Willy Adames</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/montafr02.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Frankie Montas</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/reaco01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Colin Rea</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rossjo01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Joe Ross</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sanchga02.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Gary Sanchez</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=milleow01,miller001owe&search=Owen+Miller&utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Owen Miller</a></li> </ul> The Brewers didn't come right out and say it, but their early offseason activity was a portent for what became a glaring, obvious lack of financial resources for the baseball operations department. The decisions to decline pricey options on injured lefty <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mileywa01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Wade Miley</a> (who had Tommy John surgery in late April) and backup catcher <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sanchga02.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Gary Sanchez</a> didn't come as a surprise. However, many Milwaukee fans were surprised to see the team place righty <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/reaco01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Colin Rea</a> on outright waivers when he was a net $4.5MM call for them. The decision was perhaps justified originally when Rea cleared waivers and had his option declined, but the $5MM deal he eventually signed with the Cubs was larger than the net amount he'd have cost the Brewers to retain. The Brewers followed that with another somewhat surprising move to non-tender southpaw reliever <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/milneho01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Hoby Milner</a>, who was projected for a $2.7MM salary. The 34-year-old's 4.73 ERA was rocky, of course, but he posted terrific K-BB% numbers and had given the Brew Crew 129 innings of 2.79 ERA ball across the 2022-23 seasons. <div class="front-office-originals"> <img class="landing-logo" src="https://cdn.mlbtraderumors.com/wp-content/plugins/fv-traderumors-membership-landing/images/mlb/landing-logo.png" /> <h4>Unlock Subscriber-Exclusive Articles Like This One With a Trade Rumors Front Office Subscription</h4> <div class="benefit-badge"> <div class="landing-divider"></div> <div class="the-badge">BENEFITS</div> </div> <ul> <li>Access weekly subscriber-only articles by Tim Dierkes, Steve Adams, and Anthony Franco.</li> <li>Join exclusive weekly live chats with Anthony.</li> <li>Remove ads and support our writers.</li> <li>Access GM-caliber tools like our MLB Contract Tracker</li> </ul> <a href="/membership?ref=844375"></a> </div>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss></wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>15</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Reds Notes: Third Base, Steer, Singer</title> <link>https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/reds-rumors-third-base-gavin-lux-jeimer-candelario.html</link> <comments>https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/reds-rumors-third-base-gavin-lux-jeimer-candelario.html#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Steve Adams]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 14 Mar 2025 21:25:28 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Cincinnati Reds]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Brady Singer]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Gavin Lux]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jeimer Candelario]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Santiago Espinal]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Spencer Steer]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/?p=844547</guid> <description><![CDATA[The question of how the Reds will divide their playing time at third base has loomed large over camp. Some clarity was gained earlier this month when Noelvi Marte was optioned to Triple-A Louisville, but that still left several veterans vying for time at the position. Manager Terry Francona shed some light on the matter…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[The question of how the Reds will divide their playing time at third base has loomed large over camp. Some clarity was gained earlier this month when <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/marteno01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Noelvi Marte</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/reds-option-noelvi-marte.html">was optioned</a> to Triple-A Louisville, but that still left several veterans vying for time at the position. Manager Terry Francona shed some light on the matter this week when he told the team’s beat that <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/luxga01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Gavin Lux</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/candeje01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jeimer Candelario</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/espinsa01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Santiago Espinal</a> will all see time at the position (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.mlb.com/reds/news/gavin-lux-jeimer-candelario-santiago-espinal-in-reds-3b-mix">link via Mark Sheldon of MLB.com</a>). There won’t be a strict platoon, and all three players come with the benefit of being able to handle multiple positions. Lux figures to see some time at second base and in left field. Espinal can play anywhere in the infield. Candelario plays both infield corners. Francona praised Lux, who’s less familiar with the position than his two teammates, in particular and noted that he’s adjusted to the position well. It sounds as though the Reds won’t have a set third baseman or even a set two-man platoon at the hot corner, with pitching matchups and defensive preferences (depending on who the Reds send to the mound that day) all coming into play. The manner in which playing time at those other spots is divided up naturally hinges on the health of a versatile roster. One key player in that equation is infielder/outfielder <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/steersp01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Spencer Steer</a>, who’s been sidelined by discomfort in his right shoulder. Steer hasn’t appeared in an official spring game since Feb. 27, though Francona said over the weekend that the 27-year-old had shown “marked improvement” after being shut down for a bit. Steer is once again swinging a bat, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/mlb/reds/2025/03/13/cincinnati-reds-spencer-steer-injury-opening-day-lineup-still-a-possibility/82367362007/">writes Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer</a>, and he’s feeling no pain when doing so. He tells Wittenmyer he thinks being ready for Opening Day is a distinct possibility, though Francona took a more measured approach. While the skipper wouldn’t rule it out, he emphasized that they’re “going to do this right” and that Steer would only be on the roster if he’s fully healthy. A trip to the injured list would somewhat remarkably be the first IL stint for Steer in either the big leagues or the minors. He was drafted by the Twins out of Oregon in 2019 (and traded to Cincinnati in exchange for <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mahlety01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Tyler Mahle</a>). A healthy Steer will be all the more important now that <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stephty01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Tyler Stephenson</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/reds-tyler-stephenson-oblique-strain-injured-list.html">appears headed for the injured list</a>. Steer and Stephenson represent two of the Reds’ better hitters, both capable of hitting 20-plus homers and delivering offense 10 to 15% better than league-average. Steer can conceivably factor in at any of the four corner positions or second base. The team could still take the cautious route and place him on the injured list, but it’s notable that things are trending in an encouraging direction. On the pitching side of things, offseason acquisition <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/singebr01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Brady Singer</a> talked with MLB Network’s Mark DeRosa (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.mlb.com/video/brady-singer-on-trade-to-the-reds-terry-francona?q=Cincinnati%20Reds&cp=CMS_FIRST&qt=FREETEXT&p=1">video link</a>) about his surprise over being traded from the Royals to the Reds this offseason and detailed some changes he’s made to his repertoire this spring after working with the Reds’ staff. He also spoke highly of his early impressions working with a future Hall of Fame manager, Terry Francona. The incorporation of a cutter is of particular note, given that Singer has predominantly been a two-pitch starter to this point in his career. He’s thrown a sinker 51% of the time on a big league mound and a slider at a 41% clip. Singer has at time tinkered with a changeup, and he worked a four-seamer into the mix at an 11.6% clip last year, but he’s never thrown a cutter in the majors. Finding a usable third pitch could help Singer to combat his susceptibility to home runs; while he’s averaged a respectable 1.10 HR/9 in his career, he’s had a pronounced split between his rate at Kansas City’s spacious Kauffman Stadium (0.85 HR/9) versus his rate on the road (1.36). Moving to the sport’s most homer-friendly venue could prove difficult in that regard, but if the cutter proves effective, the more varied arsenal should help keep opponents off balance. ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss></wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>13</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Blake Walston To Undergo Tommy John Surgery</title> <link>https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/blake-walston-to-undergo-tommy-john-surgery.html</link> <comments>https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/blake-walston-to-undergo-tommy-john-surgery.html#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Darragh McDonald]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 14 Mar 2025 19:45:26 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Arizona Diamondbacks]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Blake Walston]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/?p=844569</guid> <description><![CDATA[Diamondbacks left-hander Blake Walston will undergo Tommy John surgery, manager Torey Lovullo tells Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports. The southpaw will therefore miss the entire 2025 season and likely a decent chunk of 2026 as well. Walston, 24 in June, was the 26th overall pick of the 2019 draft. His results as a minor league…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Diamondbacks left-hander <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/walstbl01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Blake Walston</a> will undergo Tommy John surgery, manager Torey Lovullo tells <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/alexjweiner/status/1900625920924545090">Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports</a>. The southpaw will therefore miss the entire 2025 season and likely a decent chunk of 2026 as well. Walston, 24 in June, was the 26th overall pick of the 2019 draft. His results as a minor league have been mixed. By the end of 2022, he had climbed as high as Double-A. Overall, he had 230 2/3 innings under his belt. He had a 4.25 earned run average, 27.7% strikeout rate and 8.3% walk rate. In 2023, he was promoted to the Triple-A Reno Aces, a club that plays in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. He has since tossed 214 1/3 innings at that level with a 4.62 ERA, 17.9% strikeout rate and 12.9% walk rate. He also made his major league debut in 2024, posting a 4.42 ERA in 18 1/3 innings. He spent a little over two months on the injured list due to left elbow inflammation, perhaps an omen for today’s news. Walston’s surgery is obviously not great for his development. As a former first-round pick and notable prospect in the system, spending a year on the shelf is a lost opportunity, when he would ideally be continuing to refine his craft. For the Diamondbacks and their pitching depth, they’re probably not so worried about the short term. Their current rotation mix is loaded. They have seven viable rotation candidates in <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/burneco01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Corbin Burnes</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/galleza01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Zac Gallen</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kellyme01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Merrill Kelly</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=rodried05,rodrig015edu&search=Eduardo+Rodríguez&utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Eduardo Rodríguez</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pfaadbr01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Brandon Pfaadt</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=montgjo01,montgo001jor&search=Jordan+Montgomery&utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jordan Montgomery</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/n/nelsory01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Ryne Nelson</a>. A few injuries throughout the season are inevitable but the Snakes also have <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jamesdr01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Drey Jameson</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/menacr01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Cristian Mena</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/diazyi01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Yilber Díaz</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/henryto01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Tommy Henry</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=elbis-000joe&utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Joe Elbis</a> on the 40-man roster. But Gallen, Montgomery and Kelly are each slated for free agency at the end of this season. Burnes has an opt-out chance after 2026. Rodriguez is only guaranteed through 2027. The club is surely hoping that some of their younger pitchers step up and get themselves in position to take over those jobs down the road. But in Walston’s case, he’ll be on ice for a year-plus. Once he’s healthy, he’ll then have to play catch-up and get himself back into the mix. ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss></wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>12</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Rafael Devers Reportedly Considered Asking For Trade</title> <link>https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/rafael-devers-reportedly-considered-asking-for-trade.html</link> <comments>https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/rafael-devers-reportedly-considered-asking-for-trade.html#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Darragh McDonald]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 14 Mar 2025 19:05:01 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Boston Red Sox]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Newsstand]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Alex Bregman]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Rafael Devers]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/?p=844558</guid> <description><![CDATA[The Red Sox made a big free agent splash by signing Alex Bregman, but it seems to have led to some unintended consequences. Rafael Devers has clearly not been enthused by the addition and Sean McAdam of MassLive reports that Devers even considered asking for a trade. Whether he actually asked for a trade or…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[The Red Sox made a big free agent splash by signing <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bregmal01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Alex Bregman</a>, but it seems to have led to some unintended consequences. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/deverra01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Rafael Devers</a> has clearly not been enthused by the addition and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2025/03/mlb-notebook-is-peace-at-hand-with-rafael-devers-or-just-a-temporary-truce.html">Sean McAdam of MassLive</a> reports that Devers even considered asking for a trade. Whether he actually asked for a trade or not isn’t known. He spoke to the media yesterday, saying that he had some private conversations with chief baseball officer <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/breslcr01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Craig Breslow</a> and manager <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/coraal01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Álex Cora</a>, but without going into detail about how those conversations went. He struck a conciliatory tone <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/rafael-devers-discusses-role-with-red-sox.html">yesterday</a>, saying that he will play wherever the team tells him to play, but he previously made it clear that he would prefer to stay at third base. When discussing the situation <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/02/devers-my-position-is-third-base.html">a month ago</a>, he insisted that he was a third baseman and intended to stay a third baseman. When he signed <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/01/red-sox-rafael-devers-in-agreement-on-11-year-332mm-extension.html">a mega extension</a> in January of 2023, Devers was promised he could be the club’s long-term third baseman. However, that promise was made under CBO Chaim Bloom, who is no longer with the club. The latest drama suggests the Breslow regime isn’t so committed to keeping that promise. Per McAdam’s report today, Devers was assured throughout this offseason that the speculation surrounding Boston’s interest in Bregman and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/arenano01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Nolan Arenado</a> were just speculative. Once Bregman signed, some believed that he would take over second base, with Devers staying at third. But more recently, Bregman has continued to line up at the hot corner during spring contests, making it seem as though a move to second base isn’t an immediate concern. Devers has been slow-playing his spring ramp up. He had some soreness in both shoulders last year and spent the winter trying to strengthen both of them. He came into camp a bit behind everyone else and has been taking part in some live BP and intrasquad games, but no official action yet. While no public declaration has been made, it certainly seems as though the plan is for Bregman to take over third base while Devers serves as the designated hitter. It’s always been expected that Devers would be moved off the hot corner, since he’s not a good fielder. He has tallies of -62 Defensive Runs Saved and -29 Outs Above Average in his career. Moving to first base or DH at some point has been seen as inevitable, but this seems to have arrived sooner than anyone anticipated, certainly sooner than what Devers had been promised a couple of years ago. While he shifted his public comments, it’s anyone’s guess if he has changed his private feelings on the matter. It will be a situation to watch throughout the season, as little is carved in stone. Bregman’s deal affords him opt-out chances after each year, so it’s possible he could be gone by November. Maybe Devers will be able to take his position again in 2026 but the club probably still considers him a liability there. His deal runs through 2033, so a move to first base or DH feels like his eventually destiny, but perhaps he can carve out a few more years at third before that becomes permanent. Notably, that deal does not afford him any no-trade protection. If the relationship between Devers and the front office is damaged beyond repair, they could freely trade him wherever they want without having to worry about his preferences. As noted by McAdam, the team isn’t going to publicly say anything if they are trying to trade Devers, since that would be bad for leverage. And there’s no indication that they have any plans on making him available. How the dominos fall over the rest of this year and into the future could have other impacts. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/casastr01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Triston Casas</a> projects as the club’s regular first baseman for now. <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/y/yoshima02.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Masataka Yoshida</a> is not a great defensive outfielder, which makes him another DH candidate. With Devers now perhaps moving off third, Yoshida might have to spend more time in the outfield next to <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/duranja01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jarren Duran</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/abreuwi02.shtml">Wilyer Abreu</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rafaece01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Ceddanne Rafaela</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=anthon000rom&utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Roman Anthony</a>. Prospect <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=campbe000kri&utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Kristian Campbell</a> is another outfield candidate but he can also play second base. Then again, the club has <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/storytr01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Trevor Story</a> at short with prospect <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=mayer-000mar&utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Marcelo Mayer</a> working into the middle infield mix. Given all those moving pieces, there are have been trade rumors surrounding Casas, Yoshida and Abreu over the winter. The idea of Devers being available never seemed to be a consideration but is perhaps a bit more feasible in light of the apparent souring of relations over the past month. If a Devers trade becomes a realistic possibility at some point in the future, it could also impact Arenado’s market. The Cards weren’t able to execute an Arenado trade this offseason but would probably try again at the deadline or in future offseasons. ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss></wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>298</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Mariners Release Neftali Feliz</title> <link>https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/mariners-release-neftali-feliz.html</link> <comments>https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/mariners-release-neftali-feliz.html#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Steve Adams]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 14 Mar 2025 18:09:37 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Seattle Mariners]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Transactions]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Neftali Feliz]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/?p=844562</guid> <description><![CDATA[The Mariners announced Friday that they’ve released veteran right-hander Neftali Feliz. He’d been in camp as a non-roster invitee this spring but is once again a free agent. Seattle also optioned righty Will Klein to Triple-A Tacoma and reassigned non-roster players Samad Taylor and Nick Dunn to minor league camp. Feliz, 37 in May, hasn’t…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[The Mariners announced Friday that they’ve released veteran right-hander <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/felizne01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Neftali Feliz</a>. He’d been in camp as a non-roster invitee this spring but is once again a free agent. Seattle also optioned righty <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kleinwi01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Will Klein</a> to Triple-A Tacoma and reassigned non-roster players <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/taylosa04.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Samad Taylor</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=dunn--000nic&utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Nick Dunn</a> to minor league camp. Feliz, 37 in May, hasn’t pitched in the big leagues since 2021 and has just four MLB frames to his credit since the 2017 season. The 2010 American League Rookie of the Year has spent the past few years pitching in the Mexican League and in the Dominican Winter League. He embarked on a comeback bid with the Mariners and pitched four official innings during Cactus League play, yielding three runs on six hits and no walks with one strikeout. During his three-year run in an extraordinarily hitter-friendly Mexican League, he’s pitched quite well. He’s pitched out of the bullpen for four different clubs and logged a 2.37 ERA with a 26.3% strikeout rate and 9.8% walk rate in 121 2/3 innings. He’s consistently pitched well with a pair of winter ball clubs as well. At his peak, Feliz averaged better than 96 mph on his heater — he sat 92-94 mph with his four-seamer in his final Mariners outing this spring — and fanned more than 28% of his opponents on the strength of a hearty 14.1% swinging-strike rate. Injuries, most notably including Tommy John surgery and ulnar nerve palsy, slowed his career. He posted a dominant 2.53 ERA with 87 saves and 12 holds in 241 2/3 frames through his age-26 season but has managed only 151 big league innings with a 5.16 earned run average since. Another club can now speculate on Feliz if his work in Mariners camp intrigued them, and it’s also feasible that he could return for a fourth year in Mexico, given the success he’s had there dating back to 2022. ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss></wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>21</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Trade Rumors Chat Transcript</title> <link>https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/trade-rumors-front-office-subscriber-chat-today-2pm-ct.html</link> <comments>https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/trade-rumors-front-office-subscriber-chat-today-2pm-ct.html#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Steve Adams]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 14 Mar 2025 17:12:44 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Front Office Originals]]></category> <category><![CDATA[MLBTR Originals]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Membership]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/?p=844556</guid> <description><![CDATA[MLBTR's Steve Adams hosted a live chat today, exclusively for Trade Rumors Front Office subscribers.   Unlock Subscriber-Exclusive Articles Like This One With a Trade Rumors Front Office Subscription BENEFITS Access weekly subscriber-only articles by Tim Dierkes, Steve Adams, and Anthony Franco. Join exclusive weekly live chats with Anthony. Remove ads and support our writers.…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[MLBTR's Steve Adams hosted a live chat today, exclusively for Trade Rumors Front Office subscribers.   <div class="front-office-originals"> <img class="landing-logo" src="https://cdn.mlbtraderumors.com/wp-content/plugins/fv-traderumors-membership-landing/images/mlb/landing-logo.png" /> <h4>Unlock Subscriber-Exclusive Articles Like This One With a Trade Rumors Front Office Subscription</h4> <div class="benefit-badge"> <div class="landing-divider"></div> <div class="the-badge">BENEFITS</div> </div> <ul> <li>Access weekly subscriber-only articles by Tim Dierkes, Steve Adams, and Anthony Franco.</li> <li>Join exclusive weekly live chats with Anthony.</li> <li>Remove ads and support our writers.</li> <li>Access GM-caliber tools like our MLB Contract Tracker</li> </ul> <a href="/membership?ref=844556"></a> </div>]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss></wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Tyler Stephenson To Begin Season On Injured List</title> <link>https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/reds-tyler-stephenson-oblique-strain-injured-list.html</link> <comments>https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/reds-tyler-stephenson-oblique-strain-injured-list.html#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Steve Adams]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 14 Mar 2025 16:16:29 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Cincinnati Reds]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Austin Wynns]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jose Trevino]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Tyler Stephenson]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/?p=844550</guid> <description><![CDATA[Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson has been diagnosed with a low-grade oblique strain and will open the 2025 season on the injured list, reports Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer. He underwent an MRI yesterday after experiencing discomfort in his back and side, and the imaging has revealed a strain. The team has not yet provided…]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[Reds catcher <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stephty01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Tyler Stephenson</a> has been diagnosed with a low-grade oblique strain and will open the 2025 season on the injured list, <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/GDubMLB/status/1900577826732229051">reports</a> Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer. He underwent an MRI yesterday after experiencing discomfort in his back and side, and the imaging has revealed a strain. The team has not yet provided an expected timetable for Stephenson’s return, though it’s not uncommon for players to require around a month to recover from even Grade 1 oblique strains. It’s a tough blow for the Reds to start the season. After a down season in 2023, Stephenson delivered a nice rebound effort in 2024, slashing .258/.338/.444 while popping a career-best 19 home runs. That marks four times in parts of five MLB seasons that the now-28-year-old former first-round pick has been comfortably above average at the plate. He’s a career .267/.343/.427 hitter, which is solid production for any position but especially for a catcher, where the majority of his peers are below-average bats with a more defensive-minded approach to the game. With Stephenson headed to the injured list, the door will open for offseason trade acquisition <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/trevijo01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Jose Trevino</a> to begin the season as Cincinnati’s starting catcher. The Reds <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/reds-to-acquire-jose-trevino.html">picked up Trevino in a trade</a> sending reliever <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=cruzfe01,cruz--005fer&search=Fernando+Cruz&utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Fernando Cruz</a> to the Yankees. While the 32-year-old Trevino isn’t much of a threat at the plate — career .236/.275/.362 batting line — he’s a premium defender who won a Platinum Glove as recently as 2022. The veteran’s throwing was uncharacteristically below-average in 2024, as he thwarted just 18.6% of stolen base attempts after sitting at 25.6% and 33.3% in the two prior seasons, respectively. However, Trevino is a plus framer who draws consistently excellent marks for his ability to block pitches in the dirt. He’ll probably hit at the bottom of the Reds’ order while Stephenson is on the mend. Stephenson and Trevino are currently the only catchers on the Reds’ 40-man roster, so they’ll have to make a move to add a backstop before the season begins. Veteran <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wynnsau01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Austin Wynns</a>, who appeared in seven games for Cincinnati last year, is in camp as a non-roster invitee and stands as the favorite to come up to the roster. Catchers <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=banfie000wil&utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Will Banfield</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=,trautw000mic&search=Michael+Trautwein&utm_medium=linker&utm_source=www.mlbtraderumors.com&utm_campaign=2025-03-14_br" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Michael Trautwein</a> have been in big league camp as well. It’s also possible that the Reds will scoop up a veteran backup option who opts out of a minor league deal elsewhere or grab a catcher off waivers, should anyone hit the wire as teams set their rosters in the latter stages of camp. ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss></wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>24</slash:comments> </item> </channel> </rss>