Jars and catchers have already signed up for MLB’s spring training, and we are working methodically towards Grapefruit and Cactus League. Despite the relatively late hours, we still have a semi-steady off-season stock to address. Speaking of which, here’s your Tuesday dose of MLB rumors.
NL East enlargement talk
According to Fernando Tatis Jr. ‘s $ 340 million contract extension with the Padres has shifted the focus to other young to young players who could be candidates to re-sign at their current clubs. Recent examples come to us from the National League East. First, there is Juan Soto of the Nationals, who thanks to his youth and the tremendous level of production so far looks directly comparable to Tatis:
Although Soto is not at the level of Tatis in terms of defensive value and base run, he is still a 22-year-old with a career OPS + of 151. He also has a slightly longer service than Tatis does, which means that he plans free agency after the 2024 season. Any kind of expansion that extends to the free agency timeline will almost certainly exceed $ 300 million. Given Soto’s tremendous skills, the Nats would be wise to pursue such an agreement.
Also on the DC front, the shortstop Trea Turner sounds completely open to connecting the Nats in the long run:
Turner, who is going after his 28-year-old season, has developed into a very useful hit on the board, while also defending his position well and adding value to the base. He is eligible for free agency after the 2022 season, but there appears to be a mutual interest in keeping him in Washington.
Now for the Mets:
Conforto, who turns 28 on March 1, is a Mets lifer who has had a tremendous OPS + of 134 since his breakout season of 2017. As the Mets are well positioned to fight the midterm, include Conforto, who his running year would be wise. Luckily for the Mets, he sounds like he wants this to happen. The question is whether the Mets can do anything while also concentrating a lot of organizational energy on signing Francisco Lindor to an expansion. Develop!
Giant character Scott Kazmir
Thirty-seven-year-old leftist Scott Kazmir has not beaten the majors since 2016, but he is trying to get back with the Giants, who according to ESPN’s Buster Olney signed him on Tuesday on a minor contract. The deal includes an invitation to a major league camp. For his career, Kazmir owns an 4.01 ERA with a 2.36 K / BB ratio over parts of 12 major league seasons. Along the way, Kazmir was a three-time All-Star. The back of the Giants’ rotation is currently in motion, and Kazmir will undoubtedly get every chance to return to the majors after an absence of almost five years.