Since the new year, Jason Hammel has been connected to the Orioles, Rangers and Yankees, although the Orioles look less likely now than they did before adding Trumbo. Hammel also changed agents this winter; one imagines it’s been a frustrating offseason for him.
Matt Wieters could return to the Orioles to share time behind the plate with Welington Castillo is although that arrangement doesn’t seem to bode well for Wieters’ chances of landing a big free-agent contract in the future. Wieters has also been connected to the Angels.
Mike Napoli is most likely to resign with Texas, especially now that Mark Trumbo is no longer available. Texas has also recently been connected to Chris Carter
Greg Holland has been connected to nearly every team in baseball.. He is looking for a two-year deal with an opt-out after the first year
Brandon Moss has been connected to teams that no longer seem likely to sign him, such as the Orioles who re-signed Trumbo, Blue Jays who re-signed Bautista and Phillies who signed Saunders. The Rays are still a possibility for Moss, although they might prefer a right-handed hitter.
Baltimore Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette said
“Well, we’ve had the leading home run hitter in the American League on our club for the last four years. We aim to put a good team on the field every year. In 2017, we have an established club that made the playoffs, and we have a lot of the players returning.”.
Adam Ottavino was solid In his return last summer, but not dominating. He posted a 2.67 ERA with five blown saves in 12 chances. He has struggled against left-handed hitters throughout his six seasons in the majors. Last season:
Ottavino vs RH Batters 1.06 ERA .136 BAA
Ottavino vs LH Batters 5.40 ERA .256 BAA
Watch Jordan Zimmerman closely this spring. No pitcher this side of Justin Verlander, and perhaps no Tigers player will be as important to a Tigers surge in 2017 as Zimmermann. Without him pitching regularly and pitching well, the Tigers aren’t easily matching those 86 games they won in 2016.
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