MLB reports: Rays available to trading Austin Meadows; Mariners have not approached Mitch Haniger about an extension

Saturday afternoon MLB made its most current proposition to the MLBPA and the union supposedly left not impressed. Thus, the owned-initiated lockout continues unabated. It’s uncertain when spring training will start, and at this moment, the start of the routine season remains in jeopardy too. 

Despite the work blockage, a couple of hot range news and nuggets have actually dripped in. Here’s the most recent.

Rays available to trading Meadows

In addition to Kevin Kiermaier, the Rays are likewise available to trading outfielder Austin Meadows, reports Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Fellow outfielder Manuel Margot might be on the block too. Kiermaier is getting in the last surefire year of his agreement, though he has a club choice for 2023. Margot will be a complimentary representative after 2022, Meadows after 2024.

Tampa trading Meadows, among the group’s leading players, would be absolutely nothing brand-new, as the club strongly moves gamers when they start to get pricey through arbitration to keep the minor-league system equipped. Realistically, the Rays might trade Kiermaier and Margot and Meadows, and still go out a strong outfield system including Randy Arozarena, Brett Phillips, and potential customers Vidal Bruján and Joshua Lowe. The Phillies, Red Sox, and Rockies instantly leap to mind as clubs that require outfield aid.

Mariners not yet thinking about Haniger extension

The Mariners have actually not yet revealed an interest in signing outfielder Mitch Haniger to an agreement extension, according to Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times. Haniger verified the club has actually never ever approached him about a long-lasting offer at the end of last season. The 31-year-old will end up being a complimentary representative after the 2022 season. Injuries have actually restricted him to 473 of 708 possible video games given that 2017.

On paper, Seattle has more outfielders than outfield areas. Haniger signs up with Jake Fraley, Jarred Kelenic, Taylor Trammell, and ultimately leading possibility Julio Rodríguez in the outfield mix. That stated, none of those gamers other than Haniger has actually played a complete MLB season, and in 2015 Kelenic revealed that even the most promoted potential customers can have a high knowing curve. With complimentary firm a year away, Haniger may now be more happy to play out 2022 and evaluate the marketplace instead of sign an extension. 

The A’s have actually signed Bay Area native Eric Thames to a minor-league agreement, reports Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle. The 35-year-old signed with the Yomiuri Giants in Japan in 2015, though he missed out on the majority of the season with an Achilles injury. Thames struck .203/.300/.317 with 3 homers in 140 plate looks with the Nationals in 2020.

At the minute Oakland has Seth Brown penciled into the DH area. Of course, the club is reported to be in payroll-slashing mode this offseason, and they might move gamers like Matt Olson and Chris Bassitt after the lockout. Thames has experience in the beginning base and would be a low-cost Olson replacement needs to the A’s move him. The minor-league agreement brings little danger and provides Oakland a possibility to assess Thames in spring training, whenever that takes place.