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It’s the day before spring training. The first wave of pitchers and receivers will report to camps in Arizona and Florida on Wednesday, and, in less than two weeks, the Cactus League and Grapefruit League seasons will begin. Real live baseball is coming. Here are the last rumblings of the hot stove.
Cubs shoot down Bryant / Mets trade talks
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer shot down recent reports linking the Mets to third baseman Kris Bryant. Here is what Hoyer said, via Jordan Bastian of MLB.com:
“That’s what I’m saying (reporting is incorrect). Yeah, I mean, I think I would say that … We’ve been involved in a lot of rumors this year that were, some were just completely inaccurate, and then I would say that some were just exaggerated – the seriousness of these discussions. Certainly the teams called us and we had discussions. But as far as active discussions go, things are quiet at the moment. I said, they were for sometimes. ”
Bryant will earn $ 19.5 million in 2021, his final season in team control before becoming a free agent. He’s been a popular name on the business rumor circuit all winter long, but that salary and his 2020 season drop (0.644 OPS) made it difficult to find a business partner. Chicago’s best bet is to hope that Bryant bounces back and can be traded at the deadline.
In other Cubs news, Hoyer confirmed that the team “are not currently engaged in any business talks,” although he said they may sign a reliever from an MLB contract soon. There are five relievers among our top 60 unsigned free agents: Trevor Rosenthal (No 38), Shane Greene (No 46), Trevor Cahill (No 53), Tyler Clippard (No 58) and Tony Watson (No 59).
Phillies invite Mathis and Herrera to spring training
The Phillies signed a contract with veteran wide receiver Jeff Mathis in a minor league, the team announced Tuesday. MLB Network’s Jon Heyman Reports Mathis will earn a base salary of $ 1.8 million at the MLB level. The 37-year-old will compete with Andrew Knapp for the position of backup receiver behind JT Realmuto. Three years ago, our RJ Anderson introduced Mathis, who is entering his 17th MLB season despite being one of the worst hitters in history.
Also on Tuesday, the Phillies announced that center fielder Odubel Herrera has been invited to spring training as a non-40 roster. Herrera, 29, hasn’t played since May 2019, when he was suspended the rest of the season under MLB’s domestic violence policy. Philadelphia removed him from their 40-man roster last offseason, although the club still owe him $ 10.35 million in 2021 under the contract extension he signed in December 2016. He is unlikely to play any meaningful games for the Phillies again.
The Pirates have reached a deal with southpaw Tyler Anderson on a far-reaching deal, by Ken Rosenthal of Athletic.
Anderson, 31, is the first free agent to join the Pirates with an MLB contract this winter. He spent last year with the Giants, appearing 13 times and posting a 98 ERA + and a 1.64 put-out ratio in 59 innings.
Anderson threw three throws more than 15% of the time in 2020: a 90mph fastball, an 80mph shift, and an 85mph cutter. He’s likely to claim a spot in the remade Pittsburgh rotation.
Brewers (also) sign Anderson
The Pirates weren’t the only central team to add a pitcher named Anderson on Tuesday. The Brewers have agreed to a one-year deal with Brett Anderson that will pay him $ 2.5 million, by Jeff Passan from ESPN.
Anderson, 33, posted an ERA + of 108 and a strikeout ratio of 3.20 in 10 starts for the Brewers last season. He was fourth on the Milwaukee staff with 47 innings pitched.
Anderson looks likely to claim a spot at the back of the Brewers’ rotation. Milwaukee also has Brandon Woodruff, Corbin Burnes, Josh Lindblom, Adrian Houser, and Eric Lauer to find roles.
Yankees sign Chirinos
The Yankees signed veteran backing Robinson Chirinos for a minor league contract, reports Ken Rosenthal from Athletic. MLB Network’s Jon Heyman adds Chirinos will earn $ 1 million at the MLB level with an additional $ 500,000 in bonuses. He is currently third on their capture depth chart behind Gary Sanchez and Kyle Higashioka.
Chirinos, 36, produced a .475 OPS in 82 field appearances with the Rangers and Mets in 2020. He is one year off hitting .238 / .347 / .443 with 17 homers as the main receiver for the AL Astros champion. Chirinos has never been a highly regarded defender behind plate so if he doesn’t strike his value to his team is limited.
Pujols undecided about the future
Future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols is undecided on his future beyond 2021. He is entering the final season of his 10-year, $ 240 million contract with the Angels, but even if the National League adopts universal DH in 2022, Pujols believes he is struggling to find a place on the list given his attack. below average lately. years. Pujols needs 84 hits to pass Paul Molitor and take exclusive possession of 10th place on the all-time roster.
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