Tim Anderson or Amed Rosario. It’s a thin free agent class, with Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Nick Ahmed and Kevin Newman

That's pretty thin; might the Giants be interested in an unproven prospect at SS?

Source: Cardinals adding Sonny Gray to revamped rotation
play

ESPN
Nov 27, 2023, 10:08

The St. Louis Cardinals have agreed to a deal with free agent pitcher Sonny Gray, according to ESPN and multiple reports.

Gray, 34, joins a revamped Cardinals rotation that also includes recent free agent additions Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson.



Gray is coming off a strong 2023 season with the Minnesota Twins. He finished second in AL Cy Young Award voting behind Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole and earned his third career All Star Game appearance.


The veteran right-hander made 32 starts, going 8-8 with a 2.79 ERA, striking out 183 batters over 184 innings.

Over 11 seasons with the A's, Yankees, Reds and Twins, Gray is 98-85 with a 3.47 ERA.

The Cardinals entered the winter seeking three starting pitchers to fill out a beleaguered rotation whose 5.08 ERA was the fifth worst in baseball. Gray joins a new-look rotation with holdovers Miles Mikolas and Steven Matz along with Lynn and Gibson. The Cardinals also have young left-handers Matthew Liberatore, Zack Thompson and Drew Rom who all started games to varying degrees of effectiveness last season.

St. Louis ranked 26th in starters' ERA last season and wasn't shy about the need to add to its rotation after trading Jack Flaherty and Jordan Montgomery during the season, combined with the retirement of Adam Wainwright.

St. Louis' poor pitching led to the team's worst full season (71-91) since 1990.

The agreement was first reported Monday by the New York Post.

Looks like the Cardinals are out of play for a possible Bieber trade.

Posting this article to show the type of prospects that Bowden is suggesting for starting pitchers.

Bowden: 6 big trades I’d like to see happen at MLB’s Winter Meetings

By Jim Bowden
3h ago

The Winter Meetings are always one of my favorite times of the year because of all the action and drama, as players land on new teams through signings, trades, waiver claims and the Rule 5 draft. However, for me, nothing moves the needle more than blockbuster trades and everything that comes with them as stars, prospects and money change hands in franchise-altering deals.



During this year’s edition of the Winter Meetings, which get underway Sunday, we could see several star- and even superstar-level players moved, including outfielder Juan Soto and starting pitchers Corbin Burnes, Tyler Glasnow, Shane Bieber and Dylan Cease, among others.

Regardless of how the trade market plays out in the coming week (and beyond), it’s fun to think about the possibilities. So, I decided to give you some trade ideas to discuss, debate and analyze. Please use the comments section to weigh in — rip the trades you don’t like and tell me which ones you do like. I also love it when readers suggest their own trade ideas.

Here are six trades I’d like to see happen next week at the Winter Meetings in Nashville, Tenn. Let’s go!

1. Yankees land Juan Soto from Padres
It’s time for the Yankees to make an uncomfortable trade and do what they hate doing the most: move some of their best prospects for a one-year rental. Why? Because trading for Soto would be a game-changer. Being able to put him ahead of Aaron Judge in the lineup would give the Yankees arguably the best offensive duo in the sport. Soto has always had the potential to change his approach and turn some of his high on-base percentage into 50-home run power, and the short right-field porch of Yankee Stadium and the protection of Judge behind him in the order would give him the opportunity to maximize his exorbitant talent. Also, the Yankees are a team that’s certainly capable of signing Soto to a long-term deal — at the time of the trade or later this winter — if he’s open to doing so before reaching free agency at the end of 2024.

The Padres need payroll flexibility and a reboot of sorts, and they should do well in a Soto trade even though they control him for only one more year. A package of one of the Yankees’ top outfield prospects — either Spencer Jones or Everson Pereira — plus shortstop Oswald Peraza and minor-league righty Chase Hampton should get the deal done for both sides. Of course, the Padres might prefer to have a couple of major-league pitchers such as Clarke Schmidt and Michael King included in the package. Either way, there are the makings of a deal here.



2. Orioles acquire Corbin Burnes from Brewers

The Orioles have the prospects to pull off a trade for Corbin Burnes. (Stephen Brashear / USA Today)
The Orioles won 101 games last season but weren’t able to get past the Rangers in the ALDS. I think it’s important they trade for a top-of-the-rotation starter if they are truly committed to trying to win a World Series championship in 2024. They have the farm system to make a trade of this magnitude without sacrificing their future. Burnes is the best trade target for them. The Orioles would control him for only one year, but that might actually be better for them because they should prioritize signing catcher Adley Rutschman, third baseman Gunnar Henderson and shortstop Jackson Holliday to long-term contracts before they start giving such deals to free agents. Burnes logged a 3.38 ERA over 32 starts this year and struck out 200 for the third straight season. He finished eighth in the National League Cy Young voting, his fourth consecutive year in the top eight, including winning the award in 2021.




To land Burnes, the Orioles could offer the Brewers their choice of outfielder Heston Kjerstad, outfielder Colton Cowser or first baseman/third baseman Coby Mayo, along with two less-touted prospects in left-hander Cade Povich and infielder Frederick Bencosme. That’s a strong package for one year of Burnes, but would be worth it for the Orioles if it brings a title to Baltimore.



3. Rangers add Dylan Cease from White Sox
The Rangers are trying to re-sign Jordan Montgomery, but if they’re not able to reach a deal with him they could pivot and trade for Cease. The right-hander posted a 4.58 ERA over 33 starts last season, with a whopping 214 strikeouts in 177 innings. However, he also had 79 walks and led the league for the second time in his career with 14 wild pitches. His best year was in 2022, when he went 14-8 with a 2.20 ERA and finished second in the American League Cy Young Award voting behind Justin Verlander. Cease will turn 28 later this month and is under team control for two more seasons. He’s coming off a down year, but if Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux can work his magic and improve Cease’s command and control, he could get back to being a Cy Young candidate.

In return for Cease, the Rangers could offer left-hander Cody Bradford, who went 4-3 with a 5.30 ERA this year in eight starts and 12 relief appearances in the majors. He also went 9-2 with a 3.63 ERA and 1.170 WHIP in 14 starts at Triple A. Bradford, 25, profiles as a solid third or fourth starter. Texas could also include center fielder Leody Taveras in the deal because outfield prospect Wyatt Langford appears to be major-league-ready, and his best spot for the Rangers will probably be in left field, which would allow them to move Evan Carter to center. Taveras hit 14 home runs and stole 14 bases last season while making significant defensive improvement throughout the year and ultimately playing at an above-average level in center. He is only 25 and has the tools to someday join the 20-20 club. To make the deal work for Chicago, the Rangers would also have to include a solid pitching prospect, and righty Josh Stephan could get this trade over the finish line. Stephan, 22, spent some time on the injured list this year but had a 2.30 ERA in 13 appearances (12 starts) between High A and Double A, with 78 strikeouts in 66 2/3 innings.

4. Reds pick up Tyler Glasnow from Rays

Trading for Tyler Glasnow would be a bold statement of intent by the Reds. (Jay Biggerstaff / USA Today)
The Reds are an ace away from winning the NL Central in 2024 and there is no better trade target for them than Glasnow. The Rays would prefer to trade him to an NL team and would like to get a young major-league-ready pitcher in return. Glasnow will be a free agent after next season. He went 10-7 this year with a 3.53 ERA and 162 strikeouts in 120 innings. Over his final 13 starts of the season, he went 8-4 with a 3.22 ERA and his elite stuff was back to pre-Tommy John surgery levels. Imagine if the Reds could open the season with a rotation of Glasnow, Andrew Abbott, Hunter Greene, Brandon Williamson and Nick Martinez, whom they agreed to a deal with this week. They have the young position-player talent, but that type of upgrade to the rotation would be significant.

To get Glasnow from the Rays, the Reds would probably have to start a package with Connor Phillips, who is one of their best pitching prospects, then add Tampa Bay’s choice of righty Graham Ashcraft or lefty Nick Lodolo, and finish it off with one of their third-base prospects, either Cam Collier or Sal Stewart. That’s a hefty price, but the Reds are ready to explode and if they land Glasnow, I could see them taking a huge leap like the Diamondbacks did this year and reaching their first World Series since 1990.




5. Braves make a move for Shane Bieber from the Guardians
The Braves tried to land Aaron Nola and Sonny Gray last month before the right-handers signed with the Phillies and Cardinals, respectively. Now, their best play might be to try to trade for a righty starter and Bieber could be a good fit — if his medical reports are to the Braves’ liking. Bieber logged a 3.80 ERA and 1.234 WHIP in 21 starts this year but missed time because of right elbow inflammation. He will be a free agent after next season.




The Braves could offer a package of pitching prospect Spencer Schwellenbach and middle infielder Vaughn Grissom. Schwellenbach, incidentally, was drafted by Cleveland in the 34th round in 2018 but did not sign and then was selected by Atlanta in the second round of the 2021 draft out of the University of Nebraska. He went 5-2 with a 2.49 ERA this year in 16 games between Low A and High A. The 23-year-old is slated to start next year at Double A and could come fast to the majors. Grissom can play second base, shortstop and left field and when fully developed profiles as a 15-home run, 25-stolen base type player. He was rushed to the big leagues in 2022 and over the past two seasons has slashed .287/.339/.407 in the majors with five home runs in 236 plate appearances and five steals. If that package doesn’t work, Atlanta could offer right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver straight up for Bieber or get a third team involved that has what the Guardians really need — a corner outfielder with power, something the Braves don’t have in their system.



6. Marlins get Eloy Jiménez from White Sox
The Marlins always seem to have enough pitching to win, but they never have enough offense. Last season they finished 26th out of the 30 teams in runs scored, 22nd in home runs and 19th in OPS and slugging percentage. They really could use an impact middle-of-the-order bat, which Eloy Jiménez could provide if he could just stay healthy. Jiménez hit .272/.317/.441 last season with 18 home runs and 64 RBIs in 456 at-bats. He’s signed through 2024 with team options for both 2025 and 2026. His 2024 salary is $13.8 million, his team option for ’25 is $16.5 million and his team option for ’26 is $18.5 million. (Both option years have a $3 million buyout.) From a team perspective, those figures are more than reasonable in this market if he can stay healthy and do what he’s capable of with the bat. The injury risk is real though: Jiménez, 27, debuted in 2019 and appeared in 122 games that year but has never matched that total. However, if he stays off the injured list, he’s capable of slashing .295/.358/.500, which he did in 2022 over 84 games, and could be a 25- to 30-home run, 100-RBI type bat.

The White Sox need to change the culture of their clubhouse, and moving Jiménez makes sense at this point. In return, the Marlins could offer shortstop Jacob Amaya (an above-average defender at short who this year slashed .252/.345/.407 with 15 home runs and 65 RBIs at Triple A), right-hander Karson Milbrandt (a third-round pick in the 2022 draft) and right-hander Jacob Miller (a second-round pick in the 2022 draft). The rebuilding White Sox land a solid young defensive shortstop and two good pitching prospects while moving Jiménez’s contract — that seems like the type of deal they should at least consider.

I read that story before and thought his Atlanta deal for Bieber sounded like one of those deals callers used to suggest to Pete Franklin:
"I'll give you lots of guys I don't want for one star. "
Why would Cleveland possibly traded for a middle infielder?? Perhaps Bowden forgets that BOTH teams have to agree to a trade.

And some teams have, I guess, unlimited to spend on e.g. backup catchers

The Houston Astros and catcher Victor Caratini agreed to a two-year, $12 million contract on Tuesday, according to multiple reports. Caratini can reportedly earn additional performance bonuses.

The 30-year-old Caratini spent the past two seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers and hit .259 with seven homers and 25 RBIs in 62 games this year as a backup to William Contreras. Caratini is a .236 career hitter with 38 homers and 171 RBIs in seven major league seasons with the Chicago Cubs (2017-20), San Diego (2021) and Milwaukee (2022-23).

Jon Morosi
@jonmorosi
·
4h
The Giants and Padres are active on center fielders, including free agent Harrison Bader.

Jung-Hoo Lee is of interest to both clubs. Credit to
@JonHeyman for his reporting on Lee's robust market.

Hey ! Hey ! Giants and Padres....GM Seagull here. Got an offer you can't refuse. Myles Straw and a bunch of dollars...free!!!!!


Call me.

Who is Yoshinobu Yamamoto? Age, stats and more to know about star Japanese pitcher moving to MLB

Bryan Murphy
December 12, 2023

[ ALL IS NOT LOST CLEVELAND !!! OHTANI MAY BE GONE BUT THEN THERE IS YOSHINOBU YAMAMOTO !!!!! ]

The MLB offseason has shifted its focus from one Japanese superstar to another.

All eyes were on Shohei Ohtani at the start of the 2023-24 offseason, as the two-way superstar was without a doubt the biggest free agent in MLB history to this date. After a tumultuous week following the Winter Meetings, the sweepstakes are over, and the Dodgers are the lucky winners after signing Ohtani to a 10-year, $700 million contract, the largest in MLB history.

With Ohtani off the board, teams are zeroing in on Yoshinobu Yamamoto, an ace pitcher from Japan who is making the jump from his home country to MLB.

There have been a plethora of Japanese stars to come over to North America over the years. However, Yamamoto is arguably the most intriguing Japanese prospect since Ohtani signed with the Angels ahead of the 2018 season.

With the Orix Buffaloes, Yamamoto accumulated a 1.72 ERA as a starter over seven seasons. He ended his NPB career by winning his third consecutive Pacific League Most Valuable Player Award, becoming only the third player ever to accomplish the feat. Yamamoto joined Mariners legend Ichiro Suzuki and right-handed pitcher Hisashi Yamada, a submariner who dominated the league during the '70s, in the elite company.

Yamamoto starred for Japan at the 2023 World Baseball Classic, helping the Japanese win the international tournament, while catching the eyes of quite a few baseball followers in the process. He will undoubtedly make a major impact in MLB — it's just a matter of where.

How old is Yoshinobu Yamamoto?

Yamamoto is 25 years old. He was born on August 17, 1998.

The ace is on the younger side of Japanese athletes coming over to North America. Last year, Mets pitcher Kodai Senga was 29 years old when he inked a five-year deal with New York, as was Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida when he agreed to a deal with Boston. In 2021, outfielder Seiya Suzuki signed with the Cubs at 27 years old. Ohtani was 23 when he signed with the Angels and turned 24 in the middle of his first MLB season.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto stats

Yamamato wasn't just a good pitcher in the NPB. He wasn't just a great pitcher. He was the league's no-doubt ace for three consecutive seasons, building one of the most impressive resumes in baseball.

The right-handed hurler led the NPB in wins, ERA and strikeouts three years in a row, resulting in Yamamoto earning three consecutive Eiji Sawamura Awards, which is Japan's equivalent to the Cy Young Award. The only other NPB pitcher to ever accomplish that feat was Masaichi Kaneda, a pitcher who was a dominant force in the '50s.

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BASEBALL / JAPANESE BASEBALL

Yakult slugger Murakami to earn ¥600 million again next year

Yakult Swallows slugger and MLB hopeful Munetaka Murakami on Tuesday signed for an estimated ¥600 million ($4.14 million) plus incentives for 2024, the second year of his current three-year contract.

The annual salary, one of the highest reported in Nippon Professional Baseball, remains unchanged from the last year after Murakami had a quieter year compared to his Triple Crown-winning 2022 season, posting a .256 batting average with 31 home runs and 84 RBIs. Murakami had a historic 2022 season in which he batted .318 with 56 home runs and 134 RBIs.

The Swallows have publicly promised to post their third baseman to MLB after the 2025 season when he will be old enough to negotiate as an international free agent and not be subject to the severe contract and signing-bonus restrictions placed on younger players.

In March, the 23-year-old Murakami, a two-time Central League MVP, contributed to Japan's third World Baseball Classic title.

Murakami, reacting to Shohei Ohtani's record $700 million, 10-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, said, "He's great. He makes me set higher goals. His performance makes us think we can succeed."

As for 2024, Murakami said, "I'll go for the Triple Crown again."

YOU MIGHT REMEMBER THIS BLAST TO TIE THE USA IN THE BASEBALL CLASSIC 1-1 IN THE SECOND INNING.
iF NOT OHTANI OR YAMAMOTO, WHY NOT MURAKAMI ??



https://youtu.be/-UFn3t__8jI

<

¥600 million ($4.14 million)

That means Ohtani's contract in Yen is 100 Billion. It sounds like a lot of money that way.

MLB Rumors: Clear favorite emerges in Yoshinobu Yamamoto sweepstakes

Yoshinobu Yamamoto's impressive career numbers in the NPB suggest he could be a Cy Young candidate in MLB, making him a coveted addition for the New York Yankees.


By James Nolan | 9:23 AM EST

Since Yoshinobu Yamamoto posted to MLB, almost every big market team has been interested. The 25-year-old pitching phenom could make a decision soon, and signs are pointing to a potential deal with a certain team.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports, the New York Yankees are the favorites to land Yamamoto. If this turns to fruition, the Bronx would be roaring. Rumors suggest he could pull in around $300 million, but the Yankees seem like they’re all in on returning as the evil empire with the recent moves.

The 25-year-old spent seven seasons in the NPB. He finished with a career 1.82 career ERA. Kodai Senga finished his NPB career with a 2.59 ERA. In his very first season with the New York Mets, Senga finished with a 2.98 ERA.

Yamamoto's NPB numbers indicate he could be a Cy Young candidate in MLB. He’s also entering the prime years of his career. The upside Yamamoto offers is exactly why every team wants him.

Yankees want Yamamoto and the 28th World Series

After trading for Juan Soto, the Yankees now have one of the most stacked lineups in all of MLB. Aaron Judge is a generational hitter, Giancarlo Stanton is a former MVP, and Anthony Rizzo is a former World Series champ.

Now think about New York’s rotation with Yamamoto in it. Gerrit Cole is coming off a Cy Young season. Pairing up those two at the front of the rotation would be lethal. If Nestor Cortes Jr. and Carlos Rodón get back on track, the Yankees will have four of the best pitchers in the American League in the same rotation.

It makes sense why General Manager Brian Cashman is intrigued by the idea of bringing in Yamamoto. The 25-year-old threw the second no-hitter of his career in September while the Yankees GM was in attendance. After the accomplishment, he reportedly turned to Cashman and said “Pay me.”

New York has a history of bringing in great Japanese players. Hideki Matsui, Masahiro Tanaka, and even Ichiro Suzuki all played in the pinstripes. The Yankees are one of the most prominent franchises in the entire world, so it would make sense why Yamamoto would be interested in going to the Bronx.

A few days ago, Cashman met with Yamamoto and his agents in California. They do have some heavyweight challengers in the sweepstakes for the 25-year-old. The Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, and Mets are all making plays.

Signing the Japanese phenom would propel the Yankees from playoff contenders to World Series contenders. They’re one of the most iconic franchises in sports, and they want to win again. Yamamoto could be the perfect addition to get one step closer to the 28th trophy.

<

Baseball: Ohtani joined Dodgers' pitch to Japan ace Yamamoto: report

2023/12/14

Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman were all present Tuesday for the Los Angeles Dodgers' pitch to Japanese free agent right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto at Dodger Stadium, according to The Athletic.

The Athletic reported the move Wednesday, citing four people familiar with the details of the meeting, after the Dodgers announced a 10-year deal with Ohtani, whose goal is to bring World Series parades to the streets of Los Angeles.

The 25-year-old Yamamoto is one of the most sought-after talents this offseason, having led Japan's Pacific League in four major pitching categories -- wins, ERA, strikeouts and winning percentage -- in each of the past three seasons.

"There was also his potential future catcher, Will Smith, but the most notable name was the newest Dodger," The Athletic said, referring to Ohtani.

Yamamoto's market "has jumped in recent weeks as he could be the rare $200 million pitcher (or higher) by the time he makes his decision this month."

Teams such as the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly vying for his services.

Yamamoto posted a 16-6 record with a career-best 1.21 ERA in 23 games this year en route to winning his third consecutive Pacific League MVP award.

He has a 70-29 career record with one save and a 1.82 ERA in 172 games over seven seasons, all with the Orix Buffaloes.

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Jeff Passan
@JeffPassan
·
2h
BREAKING: Right-hander Tyler Glasnow and the Los Angeles Dodgers are finalizing a five-year, $135 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Once the deal is complete, the trade of Glasnow and Manuel Margot from the Rays to the Dodgers for Ryan Pepiot and Jonny DeLuca will be official.

Probably going to defer a bunch of money to beat the luxury tax.

Is somebody still paying Bobby Bonilla?