MLB Rumors: Yankees on Corey Kluber; Blue Jays in search of a big name after missing DJ LeMahieu



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The big news for Friday is that the Yankees have reportedly agreed to agree with infielder DJ LeMahieu on a six-year, $ 90 million contract that will bring him back to the Bronx. It’s a major name on the board, but that doesn’t stop the constant stream of hot cooker rumors. Speaking of which, here’s what’s buzzing around the MLB for Friday.

Veteran right-hander / two-time Cy Young winner Corey Kluber recently pitched for the teams and obviously has helped the market for his services with his performance. Given that Kluber will likely end up signing a one-year ‘pillow’ contract that will give him a chance to prove he can stay healthy and move closer to his former level of performance, several teams are likely to be interested. . Among these teams are the Yankees:

The Yankees definitely need a turning aid behind ace Gerrit Cole. Masahiro Tanaka, James Paxton and JA Happ are all free agents, and there is of course no guarantee that they will return for next season. Additionally, the Yankees prioritize staying below or in the range of the luxury tax cutoff, and Kluber’s likely modest salary will help to that end.

Kluber, 34, has barely pitched at all in his one and possibly only season with the Rangers due to shoulder issues. The previous season, a broken forearm limited Kluber to just 35 2/3 innings largely ineffective with Cleveland. That said, Kluber isn’t far from pitching at an ace level, and as recently as 2018 he was among the best starting pitchers in baseball.

Blue Jays look to make a splash after DJ LeMahieu returns to Yankees

The Blue Jays have reportedly gone to great lengths to sign LeMahieu, but as noted above he is returning to the Bronx on a six-year contract. However, that doesn’t mean they are giving up on adding a real needle motor this offseason. Here’s this from Jon Morosi:

Right-hander and defending NL Cy Young winner Trevor Bauer, receiver JT Realmuto and outfielder George Springer are the biggest free agents out there, and the Blue Jays have legitimate designs on one of them. Each of them is almost certainly going to order a nine-figure contract, but that apparently isn’t scary in Toronto.

The Jays are wisely in buy mode following a return to competition in 2020. In that abridged season they won with a clip of .533 and returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2016. They feature a young core. impressive and forehead The office seems poised to continue adding useful veterans to the roster through free agency. Considering the number of teams refusing to make it through this winter, it’s a good time for such an approach.



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