Spring coaching is roughly two months away and 15 of our prime 50 free brokers stay unsigned. We’re nonetheless ready on the commerce market to select up too. Listed below are Saturday’s sizzling range rumors as we await one other spherical of signings and trades.
Purple Sox have curiosity in Martinez reunion
The Purple Sox have curiosity in a reunion with J.D. Martinez, according to the New York Post. They’re amongst a number of groups after the five-team All-Star. The Purple Six designated Eric Hosmer for task Friday and now have a gap at DH. Martinez didn’t play a single inning within the area in 2022 and, at age 35, he’ll doubtless stay a full-time DH going ahead.
Our R.J. Anderson ranked Martinez the twenty ninth greatest free agent this offseason. His underlying numbers (exit velocity, and many others.) remained robust, although Martinez hit solely .223/.288/.368 with eight house runs in his closing 84 video games this previous season. That plus his age will nearly definitely restrict him to a one-year contract. The DH-needy Mariners, Orioles, and Padres might even have curiosity in Martinez.
A number of groups pursuing Conforto
The Astros, Marlins, and Rangers are among the many groups concerned with free agent outfielder Michael Conforto, studies The Athletic. Agent Scott Boras informed reporters, including MLB.com, he’s searching for a “short-term (contract), most likely a few years with an opt-out,” for Conforto, who missed 2021 with a shoulder harm that ultimately required surgical procedure.
Texas has spent lavishly on the rotation this offseason however they badly want left area assist — their left fielders hit .186/.253/.256 in 2022 — and Houston is searching for a left fielder/DH to switch Michael Brantley. Conforto, 29, slashed .232/.344/.384 with 14 house runs in 125 video games in 2021, his final wholesome season. He damage his shoulder diving for a ball throughout an offseason exercise final 12 months.
Kepler drawing curiosity
Following the Joey Gallo signing, Twins outfielder Max Kepler is drawing lots of commerce curiosity, according to the New York Post. Minnesota now has 5 lefty hitting outfielders for the 2 nook spots and DH: Gallo, Kepler, Alex Kirilloff, Trevor Larnach, and Matt Wallner. Excluding Gallo, who was simply signed, Kepler is the oldest and costliest of the group, making him the plain commerce candidate.
Kepler, 30 in February, is owed $8.5 million in 2023 with a $10 million membership choice for 2024. His bat has plateaued at league common since a 36-homer season in 2019. He is a superb defensive proper fielder and it needs to be famous he is likely one of the most shifted hitters within the league. The brand new anti-shift guidelines might give Kepler’s bat a lift. The Dodgers, Giants, Mariners, and Yankees are among the many groups recognized to be searching for an outfielder.
Blue Jays might not commerce Jansen
The Blue Jays have been open to buying and selling catcher Danny Jansen for a beginning pitcher, however after signing Chris Bassitt, they are not sure to commerce Jansen, studies MLB.com. Toronto is deep in catchers — Jansen joins All-Star Alejandro Kirk and prime prospect Gabriel Moreno on the depth chart — which is why Jansen ranked amongst our prime commerce candidates on the outset of the offseason.
Free company has been picked clear of high quality catchers and the very best commerce candidate (Sean Murphy) has been dealt. If you need a viable on a regular basis catcher, Jansen is your greatest (solely?) choice, even because the Mets are reportedly purchasing James McCann. The 27-year-old is a strong defender and a 15-homer bat, and he comes with two years of group management. The Diamondbacks, Rays, and Purple Sox are among the many golf equipment that would use assist behind the plate.
