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The exhibition season is here. Nevertheless, there are still many big names on the board of directors of the independent agency, including the famous slugger Bryce Harper and his close Craig Kimbrel. This means that we have a good supply of hot steam in February. To give you an idea of what is happening on Saturday, we are here to gather all the notable rumors. As always, our free agent tracking tool is a great way to keep abreast of what has already happened on this front.
Let's finish the activity of the day here.
Indians sign Hanley
In a surprising move, the Indians signed Hanley Ramirez to a minor league contract, reports Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The Red Sox released Ramirez last May after hitting a disappointing average of .254 / .313 / .395 with six home runs in 44 games. His contract with Boston has expired after the season, so they are released financially. For the Indians, it's a low-risk signature. It is essentially a spring training audition without any conditions.
The Indians are basically organizing open auditions for their outfield right now, and although I doubt they've chosen Hanley, first baseman Jake Bauers has an off-field experience. That would leave the first goal and DH to Ramirez and Carlos Santana. There were also some discussions that Santana could play in the outfield, at least on occasion, which would have the effect of lengthening Ramirez's playing time. For now, Cleveland will take Hanley to camp and see what the 35-year-old has left in the tank.
Kimbrel is not going to stay out of the way
Despite information going in the opposite direction, Craig Kimbrel, reports autonomous players, will not be absent from the 2019 season so he does not receive a contract offer at his convenience. His agent, David Meter, issued a statement to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic:
Sitting in 2019 makes no sense for Kimbrel. He would return to the market the following year, while he had not started a competition in a year. There is no chance that his stock of free agent will increase under these circumstances. Kimbrel would be better off taking a one – year contract, earning a few million dollars, and then returning to the market.
Rumor has it that few teams would be interested in Kimbrel, which has recorded the highest number of rescues in its 30 seasons. The Red Sox, his former team, have publicly ruled out a return. Meanwhile, the Braves and Twins have shown interest. It is not clear if anyone else is involved or will be in the next few weeks.
Phillies, possible suitor for Keuchel
Much of the talk about the Philadelphia Phillies lately has focused on their pursuit of Bryce Harper. Harper is not the only free agent interested in Phils.
The Phillies remain on the contrary a potential for the southpaw Dallas Keuchel:
Keuchel has recorded a total of 106 ERA + over the past three seasons with an average of 173 rounds per pop. It no longer matches the mold sought by launchers – it has a fast low-spinning ball that does not impress on the radar gun – but it's an effective starter that could fit in the center of the rotation of A competitor without problems.
The Phillies have shown their willingness to spend money for their rotation. Last year, around the same time, they recruited Jake Arrieta and, more recently, they extended Aaron Nola's ace.
Martinez revives the cardinals
Jose Martinez has a habit of being the odd man in St. Louis, where his inability to play in defense has limited his chances of starting with the Cardinals. Although he has effectively served as a traveling rumor for most of the last seven months, Martinez is still with the Cardinals. On Saturday, he received a bonus after accepting a two-year contract worth more than $ 3 million:
It's not normal to call it an extension – the Cardinals have not had control of extra seasons, and Martinez will not qualify for free will at the conclusion of the deal – but this is meant to keep it in the United States rather than continue its efforts. more lucrative opportunities abroad.
Martinez has a career of 128 OPS + and last season scored 17 times in 590 games. It could be useful if and when the National League installs the designated hitter.
Winning contenders
With Harper still available, it has been easy to overlook the fact that there are still other independent management companies that deserve contracts. One of them is Denard Span.
Span, who will turn 35 in a few days, is apparently arousing more interest now that spring training is underway:
Last season, Span recorded 112 OPS + by dividing the season between Rays and Mariners.
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