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We are a week into the exhibit schedule and Opening Day is less than a month away. Teams will invest the next a number of weeks getting ready for the routine season and settling their lineups. Trades and free-agent finalizings will occur prior to Opening Day. Take it to the bank. Here are the most recent rumblings.
Dodgers checking out upgrades following Lux injury
In the wake of Gavin Lux’s season-ending knee injury, the Dodgers are checking out possible upgrades, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman informed the Orange Country Register. For the time being, Los Angeles will slot Miguel Rojas in at shortstop with Chris Taylor the backup strategy. Here’s what Friedman stated about the club’s interest in outdoors additions:
“It’s difficult. It’s not the most natural time to make a trade,” Friedman stated. “So we’ll spend more time figuring out what’s possible. We’re not sure at this point and we’re trying to wrap our arms around the various profiles of a player and how it would fit. There’s been a domino effect of how guys are now going to spend time and what positions they are going to play and what that opens up and making sure our bench has the right balance. Those are all things we’re going to spend time getting into more detail on.” Â
We analyzed the Dodgers’ choices following Lux’s injury previously today. There’s very little readily available in totally free firm and the trade market shows up names like Paul DeJong (Cardinals), Isiah Kiner-Falefa (Yankees), and Taylor Walls (Rays). Friedman is not the type to make a knee-jerk relocation after an injury. The Dodgers may stick to Rojas and wait on the marketplace to establish in the summertime.
Yankees looking for capturing depth
The Yankees are seeking to contribute to their capturing depth, particularly a veteran with MLB experience, reports Newsday. New York has actually lost Josh Breaux (elbow) and Ben Rortvedt (aneurysm), their 2 Triple-A catchers, to injuries this spring. Austin Wells, their leading capturing possibility, has a damaged rib also. He was anticipated to start the season in Double-A and then go up to Triple-A.
Former Yankee Gary Sánchez and veteran Robinson Chirinos are the only significant catchers readily available in totally free firm. Chirinos played in 2015 with the Orioles and invested a long time with New York’s Triple-A affiliate in 2021. The trade market does not have much to provide beyond journeymen catchers like Sandy Leon (Rangers), Chad Wallach (Angels), and Tony Wolters (Twins).
Cubs thinking about lefty reducers
The Cubs are thinking about free-agent reducers, president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer informed The Athletic. Chicago signed 9 gamers to MLB agreements this offseason, consisting of reducers Brad Boxberger and Michael Fulmer. Here’s what Hoyer stated about the group’s bullpen search:
“There are still free agents out there, so I wouldn’t be shocked if we brought someone in,” Hoyer stated. “(Our pro scouting) group is always working. We’re generally done. But if someone came into camp, I wouldn’t be shocked, just because there are some players out there, in particular some relievers.”
The Athletic discusses seasoned lefties Zack Britton and Mike Minor as gamers of interest. FanGraphs approximates the group’s competitive balance tax payroll at $225 million, not far under the $233 million limit. That ought to suffice to sign a veteran reducer, though it would not leave much for in-season additions if the Cubs wish to remain under the limit.
Rangers indication Smith
The Rangers have actually signed lefty reducer Will Smith to a one-year agreement, the group revealed. It’s a $1.5 million warranty with another $2.5 million in possible perks, reports the New York Post. Smith and brand-new Rangers supervisor Bruce Bochy were together with the Giants from 2016-19. The 33-year-old southpaw split last season in between the Braves and Astros. Smith did not pitch in the World Series for Houston and he was ended their ALDS and ALCS lineups completely.
The Rockies have actually signed seasoned lefty reducer Brad Hand to a one-year agreement, reports The Athletic. He gets $2 million ensured with a club choice for 2024. Hand will held change southpaw Lucas Gilbreath, who suffered an elbow injury early in camp and is most likely to have Tommy John surgical treatment. Although he is no longer the boss he remained in his prime, the future 33-year-old Hand stays a proficient bullpener who works versus righties and lefties alike.
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