Place gamers will report back to spring coaching this week and, in just a few days, the Cactus League and Grapefruit League exhibition seasons will start. There are nonetheless loads of unsigned free brokers although, even with issues seemingly heating up round Blake Snell. Right here now are Monday’s sizzling range rumors.
Cubs haven’t but begun negotiating with Bellinger
Hypothesis a few potential reunion between the Cubs and Cody Bellinger persist, and whereas Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts acknowledged the 2 sides have had discussions Monday, he downplayed their seriousness. “There’s been some discussions but it surely hasn’t change into a negotiation but,” Ricketts instructed ESPN. We ranked Bellinger because the No. 3 free agent this offseason.
Apart from choosing up touted prospect Michael Busch to play first base, the Cubs haven’t carried out something to improve an offense that posted a league common OPS (as soon as adjusted for ballpark) in 2023. And that was with Bellinger having a season that earned him MVP votes. Reality be instructed, the Cubs might use Bellinger and one other hitter, ideally at third base.
Mariners have mentioned signing Chapman
The Mariners have at the very least internally mentioned the opportunity of signing third baseman Matt Chapman, studies the Seattle Instances. He would change Eugenio Suárez, who was traded away early within the offseason. Proper now Seattle has a Josh Rojas/Luis Urias platoon penciled in on the sizzling nook. We ranked Chapman the No. 4 free agent this offseason.
Chapman, 30, supplies energy and protection at third base, although his 2023 season was underwhelming. The Mariners missed the postseason by one sport final season and are at a degree on the win curve the place each further win they will usher in considerably improves their postseason odds. On paper, Chapman is an apparent match for the Mariners.
Ryu mulling return to KBO
Left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu is entertaining a proposal from the Hanwha Eagles, his former crew within the Korea Baseball Group, studies Yonhap Information. “Internally, we do have an overview of a deal. Ryu is contemplating it. We perceive he additionally has gives from major-league groups. Nothing is finalized at this level, and we’re ready for him to make his resolution,” an Eagles crew official mentioned.
Ryu, 36, pitched properly in 11 begins with the Blue Jays following Tommy John surgical procedure final yr. He performed seven seasons with the Eagles earlier than making the bounce to MLB and was top-of-the-line and hottest gamers in KBO. Ryu’s profession file in Korea is 98-52 with a 2.80 ERA in near 1,300 innings. We ranked Ryu because the No. 41 free agent this offseason.
Mets signal Voit
The Mets have signed 2020 MLB residence run chief Luke Voit to a minor league contract, the crew introduced Monday. Voit figures to compete with Mark Vientos and Ji-Man Choi for the DH spot in spring coaching. Since main the league with 22 residence runs through the 60-game pandemic season, the 33-year-old Voit has hit .229/.311/.400 with 33 residence runs in 225 video games for 4 groups.
Cubs signal Peralta, Smith
The Cubs have agreed to a minor-league take care of free agent outfielder David Peralta, per MLB.com. They’ve additionally agreed to a minor-league take care of Dom Smith, per Fansided.
Peralta, 36, hits left-handed and had an 81 OPS+ final season. He hit 30 homers and received a Silver Slugger in 2018, however he is far faraway from being that type of an impression bat, therefore the minor-league deal this late within the offseason.
Smith, 28, hit .254/.326/.366 (92 OPS+) with 21 doubles, 12 homers, 46 RBI and 57 runs in 153 video games for the Nationals final season.
Contemplate each organizational depth.
