Welcome in today, guys. We got a fair amount of news to go through today, and some captured more headlines than others. As always, thank you guys for joining me today; let's slide on in today!
League News
-CY Finalist Trevor Bauer rejected the Qualifying offer her got from the Reds and will become a free agent. This move is no surprise, and Bauer had a career season and showed he is the best SP available on the market that isn't the strongest at SP. The other QO are JT Realmuto, Marcus Stroman, DJ LeMahieu, George Springer, Kevin Gausman; Bauer has been strongly linked to the Mets, Yankees, and Blue Jays thus far. Bauer also has a strong chance and a strong link to the SF Giants, and they could be willing to give him a 5Y 150MIL deal.
-There might be something happening in Colorado as now 8x Gold Glove winner in as many years Nolan Arenado wants to play for a winner in 2021. "If that's in Colorado, that's great," said Arenado. The pressure is on for the Rockies to either land some big fish in free agency or Trade Arenado now to a team like the Dodgers or another high-end contender and gets value back for him. I think a trade is the most likely scenario at this point.
-Free Agent DJ LeMahieu has been linked to the Blue Jays so far in free agency. I love the fit here. With Biggio, Bichette, Vald Jr., DJ would be an excellent fit for this club. Speaking of the Jay's, Vlad Jr. has reportedly lost 32ILB since the end of the season, and the Jays and Vlad Jr. are committed to him being their 3B.
-Free Agent Rick Porcello has been linked to the Tigers, and I like the fit for a possible reunion. Another reunion down the road is Justin Verlander returning to Detroit in 2022 with AJ Hinch.
-As of 11/5, the Red Sox have narrowed the managerial search down to 2. Alex Cora and Phillie's exec Sam Fuld. As of the morning of 11/6, Boston has hired 2018 World Series Champion Manager Alex Cora to be the club's next manager. Let the Boston and Springer, Brantley, Reddick, Osuna, and many more officially begin.
-Commissioner Rob Manfred is expected to pitch the idea of a neutral site for the World Series from now on at the owner's meeting. This is a terrible idea as the home team and hometown advantage is enormous in the world series. We have seen time after time that if the city faces any hardship, their team could bring hope back to their community—Boston Red Sox after the bombing, Astros after the Hurricane. No Manfred.
-SF Giants fan look out for OF prospect Marco Luciano in 2021. The kid has ridiculous power and a +glove. Yaz will have a partner in the OF very soon.
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In Free Agency news: The NY Mets are wasting no time filling their roster as they have signed 11 players to minor league deals. The list includes IF Jose Peraza, OF Mallex Smith, RP Arodys Vizcaino, RP Oscar De La Cruz, OF Johneshwy Fargas, IF Jake Hager, RP Harlo Gonzalez, C Bruce Maxwell, C David Rodriguez, IF Luis Carpi, and IF Mitchell Tolman. In other FA news: Pirates Re-Signed Andrew Susac. The Cardinals have stiff competition for their Free Agents as 2B Kolten Wong has heard from "at least six teams." At the same time, Yadi has heard from 3 other teams. Adam Wainwright has been linked to the Braves as well.
-Not a free agent piece of news, but still movement-related. The Indians are planning on trading SS Francisco Lindor before opening day 2021. The time is now more than ever as the Indians don't intend to sign Lindor to a long term deal. Lindor is coming off a year where he slashed .258/.335/.415 on the season. Lindor wasn't great, but the track record says otherwise.
In option news: Astros exercises P Brooks Ralleys option, Dodgers decline P Jimmy Nelson option, Marlins decline P Brandon Kintzlers option, Phillies declined P David Phelps option, D-Backs exercised P Merril Kellys option for 2021. Giancarlo Stanton has opted into his final seven years and $218MIl contract with the Yankees. Great for Stanton, not great for the Yankees as they will be stuck with him and hope that he can be on the field more than he has been so far in his time in the Bronx.
In injury news: Rockies activated OF Ian Desmond, OF David Dahl, P Peter Lambert, and Scott Oberg and are now on the 40-man roster.
Indians reinstated P Jefry Rodriguez from the 45day IL. The Rays activated Pitchers Jalen Beeks, Yonny Chirinos, Colin Poche, and Cody Reed from the 45day IL. Mariners started Mitch Haniger, C Tom Murphy, and P Andres Munoz from the 45day IL.
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