MLB rumors: Mets and Pete Alonso will speak extension, Twins to chop payroll, Angels arrange intriguing interview

MLB’s Normal Supervisor Conferences rapidly observe the World Collection annually and precede free company, that means it is a time for dialogue and laying a basis for what’s probably to come back within the offseason. This time round, they received a bit explosive with the Cubs hiring supervisor Craig Counsell, provided that they already had a supervisor in David Ross and Counsell was anticipated to both take the Mets job or keep in Milwaukee. 

The Padres, Astros, Angels and Brewers have vacancies at supervisor. 

Previous that, the rumor mill has began churning. Let’s get to it for Wednesday. 

Mets to speak extension with Alonso

Mets first baseman Pete Alonso is beneath staff management for another 12 months till hitting free company. Absent an extension, what meaning? Commerce rumors! 

The Mets seem wanting to keep away from that, nonetheless. “We will have these conversations,” membership president David Stearns mentioned (through SNY). 

The perfect guess right here is the Mets and Alonso get one thing finished except one facet does not need that to occur deep down. The Mets have very deep pockets and Alonso is a homegrown star. He is coming off a season the place he hit 46 homers with 118 RBI. He solely hit .217, however nonetheless managed an OPS+ of 122 because of his energy and first rate on-base proportion. Absolutely the Mets would favor that common again up within the .271 vary like in 2022, however he is nonetheless a recreation changer along with his energy. He has the highest two and three of the highest six particular person dwelling run seasons in Mets historical past. He additionally has one of the best and three of the highest six RBI seasons. 

Twins to trim payroll in 2024

The Twins received the AL Central and superior to the ALDS final season, dropping that sequence in 4 video games to the Astros. Going by playoff efficiency, it was their greatest season in many years (their win in opposition to the Blue Jays in Wild Card Collection Recreation 1 was their first postseason victory since 2004). The payroll final season was $154 million, however it may be dialed again this coming season, per The Athletic. The expectation is it will be someplace between $125-$140 million. 

What occurred? Effectively, the TV deal bubble has gotten to them. The Twins’ native TV take care of Bally has expired they usually made $54.8 million from that final 12 months. Given the overall local weather round TV/streaming offers today, it is tough to see any deal coming even near $50 million a 12 months transferring ahead, in order that’s a income adjustment. 

This doesn’t suggest we should always count on to see the Twins trying to commerce extremely compensated gamers, nonetheless. Joey Gallo’s $11 million comes off the books, together with $4.5 million from Michael A. Taylor and $7.5 million from Tyler Mahle. Sonny Grey is a free agent and made $12.7 million final 12 months. Kenta Maeda made $3.12 million. 

Proper now, Baseball Reference estimates (with arbitration raises and pre-arbitration salaries) that the Twins at present sit at $137.6 million in participant payroll. Ought to they select to make a run at bringing again Grey, for instance, they might most likely pull off a salary-reducing commerce or two. They don’t seem to be in dire straits. 

Astros managerial search consists of Espada

Joe Espada has been the Astros’ bench coach since 2018 and has interviewed for the supervisor job with groups such because the Rangers and Cubs through the years. Thus far, he is by no means been employed because the supervisor, however now may be his likelihood. With Dusty Baker having retired, the Astros have a gap and Espada has interviewed for the job. Astros common supervisor Dana Brown would not name Espada a “main candidate,” however he positive appears like the favourite, through The Athletic.

Angels interview Washington for supervisor job

Will “Wash” get one other shot at managing within the AL West? Presently, Ron Washington is the third-base coach and infield guru with the Braves. He is broadly thought-about some of the invaluable coaches in baseball, however he hasn’t gotten one other likelihood on the high job since he managed the Rangers from 2007-14. 

The Angels are set to interview him for his or her managerial opening, in line with Sam Blum. 

Earlier than he managed the Rangers, the ballclub had solely been to the playoffs thrice he took them there thrice. Earlier than he took the job, that they had by no means received the pennant and he received two. There’s sufficient monitor report right here to contemplate hiring him an incredible choice.