Mike Scioscia plans on Huston Street, Cam Bedrosian and Andrew Bailey competing for the closer job in spring training.
Robert Stephenson will compete with Cody Reed for the fifth spot in the Reds’ rotation in spring training
With Mark Trumbo a candidate to join Ian Desmond in Colorado, the Rockies may soon have a surplus of quality position players.
The odds of Charlie Blackmon getting traded have perhaps increased since his name hit the rumor mill before the Rockies agreed to a five-year, $70MM deal with Desmond.
The Rockies are also inquiring about Brad Ziegler
With Ivan Nova perhaps set to leave Pittsburgh as a free agent and 2016 innings leader Jeff Locke, the Pirates have checked in on a few other starters – including Doug Fister, Jorge De La Rosa, Derek Holland and Jake Odorizzi
The Mets would like to trade Jay Bruce, but remain adamant they receive a player in return who will help them, rather than just a fringe prospect and relief from Bruce’s 2017 salary
Dansby Swanson’s bat control, speed, strike-zone recognition, high average and on-base percentage make him a better fit for the second spot than free-swinging Adonis Garcia, who performed admirably in the role last season despite being miscast. Snitker wants to bat Garcia lower in the order, giving him more chances to drive in runs.
The Orioles believe they need a stopgap before their prospect catcher of the future, Chance Sisco is ready. Duquette is unclear when Sisco will be ready to handle the responsibilities of being an every-day catcher.
Names on their list include Welington Castillo and Nick Hundley. The team has also sent out feelers on Kurt Suzuki and Chris Iannetta.
Todd Frazier will be a free agent after next season, and there should be plenty of teams interested in a 40-homer player who can field. The Los Angeles Dodgers are one, should they lose Justin Turner in free agency.
Bryan Price said Jose Peraza should get playing-time priority over Odubel Herrera, although GM Dick Williams said both youngsters need to get time.
The Rockies are intent on making Desmond their first baseman. They like his athleticism and think he can thrive at Coors Field.
Astros’ top pitching prospect, Francis Martes, is also one of their biggest trade chips this winter, and will probably reach the majors this season at 21. The hard-throwing Dominican right-hander posted a 3.30 ERA in 125 1/3 Texas League innings last season and a 3.22 ERA in 22 1/3 innings of the recently completed Arizona Fall League.
Astros manager A.J. Hinch is pretty set on keeping George Springer in the leadoff spot after he assumed lead off duties from Jose Altuve late last May and spent the rest of the season atop the Astros’ order. His AVG/OBP was .261/.359 with a .457 slugging percentage. He also struck out 178 times compared to 88 walks.
The Royals now have five outfielders after acquiring Jorge Soler.Lorenzo Cain and Jarrod Dyson have both received degrees of interest this week.
With the July trade of Eduardo Nunez and the decision to cut ties with Trevor Plouffe, Miguel Sano should see regular playtime at third base. Sano hasn’t played more than 72 games at third in a season, including the minors, since injuring his throwing elbow in October 2013.
The only way the Giants could take on J.D. Martinez is by moving a player with a similar salary, according to general manager Bobby Evans.
Dexter Fowler will require a commitment of years that could pay him premium dollars as he reaches his mid-30s and perhaps when he’s no longer a center fielder. He has reportedly been pursued by Toronto as well. He would cost a financial commitment and the loss of a first-round pick in 2017. The Cardinals have payroll space but are aware the contract might be a year longer than they want, more dollars than they prefer.
If Wilson Ramos returns to form when he returns around the All-Star break, the Rays will have 1½ seasons of the best available catcher at a max price of $18.25 million
Adam Eaton can hit left- and right-handed pitching, he can hit-and-run, hit to all fields, run deep counts, bunt, hit according to the situation and bat in almost any spot in the lineup, including No. 1 or 2.
Can he “switch” to center? Well, his monster WAR numbers have been compiled in a career in which 71 percent of his starts have been in center field. He’s not switching. He’s returning.
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