MLB Hot Stove Rumors 2023

11:31 AM EDT, Thu March 30, 2023

Mets’ Omar Narvaez to catch Max Scherzer on Opening Day

Omar Narvaez, a free-agent signing in the offseason, will be behind the plate catching Max Scherzer for the Mets' Thursday’s opener vs. the Marlins.

New York Post

NL East 2023 preview: Mets, Phillies, Braves fight for first

The Phillies are getting overlooked in the NL East, which is hard to believe considering they were in the World Series last year and were among the most active teams in the free-agent market.

Bleed Cubbie Blue

Reflections on the cusp of the Cubs’ 2023 season

Photo by @WillByington / www.willbyington.com Things are going to be better. Count on it. I’m thinking about a baseball team. It had been a while since this team had won a World Series, and though they had made a few postseason appearances since, they’d fallen short of repeating as winners of that championship. They had a number of homegrown stars who eventually did help them win that elusive World Series title, but over time, the team grew stale and many of those stars stopped producing and were traded away or departed as free agents. In the offseason, they signed...

South Side Sox

Today in White Sox History: March 29

Unfortunately, Ed Stroud did not have a successful second run with the White Sox. | Louis Requena/MLB via A minor swap — and a snowstorm 1971 After eight years of very pedestrian play at first base on the South Side, Tommy McCraw is dealt to Washington for outfielder Ed Stroud. McCraw and Stroud were both early-1960s amateur free agents signed by the White Sox, only Stroud had been dealt four years earlier to the Senators and was now making his way back to the South Side. McCraw’s White Sox peak came in the storied/infamous 1967 season, with a 2.5 WAR year that...

Lookout Landing

If it all goes wrong

Photo by Steph Chambers/ Mariners hit the iceberg To have been a Mariners fan these past two decades is to understand, deep inside, in the marrow, what it is for baseball to go wrong. Last year’s success doesn’t take away that knowledge. We’ve seen it. For twenty years, we saw the titanic expectations set by the 2001 team meet the RMS Titanic’s fate. We didn’t just see it. It was a game every day, for six months, for twenty years: We lived it, watching the USS Mariner hit that iceberg over, and over, and over again. We’ve seen it go wrong by major free agent...

Minneapolis Star-Tribune

MLB free agent watch: Ohtani leads possible 2023-24 class

Shohei Ohtani watch is on. Not Ohtani’s home runs or strikeouts or any of his magnificent numbers from the field. Nothing like that. It’s all about how much his next contract will be worth. Ohtani is among a group of players going into their final season before they are eligible for free agency. There is still time for signatures and press conferences before opening day, but history shows a new contract becomes less likely once the real games begin. The list of impending free agents also includes Aaron Nola, Matt Chapman, Teoscar Hernández, Ian Happ and Julio Urías.

Brew Crew Ball

Keston Hiura clears waivers, outrighted to minors

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports Hiura will start his 2023 season in Nashville Utility man Keston Hiura cleared waivers and will be outrighted to AAA Nashville, according to reports on Tuesday afternoon. Keston Hiura is staying with the Brewers. He cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Nashville. It is his first career outright assignment, so he can’t yet elect free agency.— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) March 28, 2023 As Adam McCalvy notes in his tweet, Hiura cannot elect free agency as this is his first career outright to the minors. If Milwaukee were to...

Royals Review

Know your enemy: The Detroit Tigers

Photo by Steph Chambers/ One last ride for Miggy. The Detroit Tigers began their rebuild about the same time as the Royals, and after a 77-win 2021 season, it looked like they were on a faster trajectory. But despite some big free agent signings, the Tigers slumped back to the bottom of the standings with the Royals last year. Like the Royals, they now find themselves with a new executive in charge, counting on improvement from a lot of young players, with not much expected help from a thin farm system. The Tigers took a much different direction this off-season under...

Bless You Boys

Tigers Player Preview: Eric Haase ready for a larger role in Detroit

Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports This could be the best year of Eric Haase’s career if he can put everything together. For the first time in years, the Detroit Tigers didn’t bring in a new free agent catcher over the offseason, so that means it’s Eric Haase leading things behind the plate in his third season in the Motor City. That doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll end up starting the most games behind the plate, however. Haase has never played more than 110 games for the Tigers in a season, but this could be the year that Detroit leans on him the most. It all...

NESN.com

Six Biggest Questions Facing Red Sox To Begin 2023 Season

The Boston Red Sox might just enter the 2023 season with more questions than answers, which certainly helps with this exercise. The Red Sox spent the majority of their offseason re-tooling their roster while seeing notable contributors from their last World Series run in Xander Bogaerts, J.D. Martinez and Nathan Eovaldi depart in free agency. […] The post Six Biggest Questions Facing Red Sox To Begin 2023 Season appeared first on NESN.com.

Bless You Boys

Tigers player preview: Jonathan Schoop badly needs a rebound

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports So far this spring, things haven’t been very encouraging, but it’s hard to judge a veteran player in spring training. One player who has flown under the radar this spring is one who really needs to start making some noise. Second baseman Jonathan Schoop is coming off a very rough year offensively and headed for free agency. Hopes for a good season and another solid payday are at stake for the player. For the team, there’s no long term commitment to worry about should he prove unable to turn things around. They won’t be impatient, but...

Bleed Cubbie Blue

Cubs, Nico Hoerner agree on 3-year, $35 million extension

Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports The deal will keep the Cubs infielder in Chicago through the 2026 season There was some good news tonight about a Cubs fan favorite. Second baseman Nico Hoerner and the Chicago Cubs are in agreement on a three-year, $35 million contract extension, sources tell ESPN. Deal buys out one year of free agency, but Hoerner still will hit the market at 29. Final two arbitration years priced ~$15M and FA year at ~$20M.— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 28, 2023 Hoerner, the Cubs’ first-round pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, had previously agreed...

Bless You Boys

What would make a successful 2023 season for the Detroit Tigers?

Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports More than their win-loss record, these are the keys elements that need to go right for this to be a successful season. Let’s be frank with each other: the Tigers were a real disappointment last season. After an offseason filled with hyped up free agent signings and dreams of young players taking the next steps in becoming high quality major leaguers, April through September brought injuries, poor performance, and disappointment with only occasional glimpses of hope for better days to come. After years of failure, they fell on their faces...

Cardinals betting on healthy seasons from Jack Flaherty, Steven Matz to lift rotation

The Cardinals did not make a big-name free-agent starting pitching addition this winter, and they'll rely on heavily on Jack Flaherty and Steven Matz.

Fish Stripes

2023 Marlins Season Preview: Eury Pérez

Photo by Jasen Vinlove/Miami Marlins/ What could Pérez potentially look like once he makes his highly anticipated arrival to The Show? RHP Eury Pérez Eury Pérez, 100mph Fastball & 91mph Changeup. pic.twitter.com/WBPCfoILK4— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) February 26, 2023 Signed as an international free agent (July 2019). Made professional debut for Low-A Jupiter (May 2021). Placed on the seven-day injured list with arm fatigue (August 2022) Ranked Major League Baseball’s #7th overall prospect by Baseball America and and #13th overall by MLB Pipeline (2023...

Hey, Big Spender: The Cardinals must hurdle some high-dollar rivals in the National League

The Mets are one of four National League teams to guarantee more than $300 million this past winter to free agents

Fish Stripes

Offishial news, 3/24/23: Battle for final roster spot; Hoskins tears ACL

Danis Sosa/Fish Stripes Today’s Marlins news roundup also includes the updated value of the franchise as estimated by Forbes. Marlins Podcast Episodes According to Craig Mish and Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Marlins are “leaning toward” an Opening Day roster construction that includes both Bryan De La Cruz and Jesús Sánchez and only one of Yuli Gurriel and José Iglesias. The veteran non-roster invitees can opt out of their minor league contracts on Saturday and become free agents if they’re not selected. Their report adds that Johnny Cueto...

Bluebird Banter

Happy Birthday: Dustin McGowan and Dirk Hayhurst

Photo by A Marlin/ Two of my favourites have birthdays today. Dustin McGowan turns 41 today. Dustin was a first-round pick back in 2000, 33rd overall. Although not the Blue Jays' first first-round pick, we had the number 18 pick that year, and we chose Miguel Negron, an outfielder who never made the majors, having a career line of .263/.326/.358 in 1019 minor league games. Dustin was a supplemental pick for the loss of free agent Graeme Lloyd. Dustin was doing well, in the minors, until needing Tommy John surgery early in the 2003 season. He was called up to the Blue...

Lone Star Ball

Jacob deGrom named Opening Day starter

Photo by Christian Petersen/ The Texas Rangers have announced that Jacob deGrom will be the team’s starting pitcher on Opening Day Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom will be the Opening Day starter, the team announced today. The Rangers open the season at home on March 30, 2023, against the Philadelphia Phillies. Game time is 3:05 p.m. Central. deGrom being named as the starter isn’t really a surprise — he is widely considered the best pitcher in baseball when he is healthy, and the Rangers landed him early in free agency with a 5 year, $185 million deal to head...

Purple Row

Wednesday Rockpile: What can Jurickson Profar bring to the table?

Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Colorado Rockies news and links for Wednesday, March 22, 2023 Over the weekend the Colorado Rockies once again dipped into the well of free agency to replace an injured player, this time signing Jurickson Profar to a one-year deal and giving him the opportunity to be the everyday left fielder and potential leadoff man. So, as is always the case with signing a veteran free agent, what exactly can he bring to the table for the Rockies in 2023? Road to the Rockies First, let’s look back on Profar’s big-league career, as was...

NESN.com

Two Red Sox Players Named To WBC All-Tournament Team

The Boston Red Sox weren’t only well represented at the 2023 World Baseball Classic, they also had some standout contributors for their respective teams. Red Sox newcomer Masataka Yoshida, who was Boston’s prized free-agent signing this offseason, was chief among them as he put together stellar performances throughout the tournament to help lead Japan to […] The post Two Red Sox Players Named To WBC All-Tournament Team appeared first on NESN.com.

Purple Row

State of the Position, 2023: Ownership

Consistency is key—unless you’re Rockies ownership It all just has a Sisyphusian feel to it at this point. The Rockies play their season and finish somewhere between last and almost-last in the division, but not so bad as to prompt any intense soul searching. Dick Monfort sends his letter to fans, demonstrating his own personal devotion to the team and avoiding any excuses for the poor results. He promises improvement. Meanwhile, across town, another franchise is celebrating if not outright success, at least a bit of excitement. The offseason plays out with free agent...

Call to the Pen

Bold predictions: 5 MLB stars who could be traded this season

The 2023 MLB trade deadline is months away, already, we know some of the players who could be available for trades this season. That partially comes from the contracts that each player has (since hundreds of players will be free agents in the offseason) but also, from preseason projections for each team. Some teams will […] Bold predictions: 5 MLB stars who could be traded this season - Call to the Pen - Call to the Pen - A Major League Baseball Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More

Lone Star Ball

Profar to the Rockies, per reports

Photo by Mary DeCicco/WBCI/MLB Photos via Jurickson Profar is headed to the Colorado Rockies on a one year deal, per reports MLB Rumors: Jurickson Profar has agreed to a one year deal with the Colorado Rockies, per reports. The free agent outfielder is reportedly getting $7.75 million guaranteed, with another $1 million in plate appearance incentives. Profar, 30, was the last free agent of note left standing. Profar opted out of the final year of a three year deal he had signed with the San Diego Padres, which would have paid him $7.5 million for the 2023 season. ...

Purple Row

Rockies to sign Jurickson Profar

Photo by Yung Chuan Yang/ Profar adds a new option in left field after playing for the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic The Colorado Rockies have agreed to terms with free agent outfielder Jurickson Profar on a one-year $7.75 million contract with incentives that could push the deal to $8.75 million according to Jon Heyman. Danielle Allentuck of The Gazette reports that the deal is still pending a physical and that Profar is not currently in the country and it may take a few days to sort everything out. Jurickson Profar goes to Rockies. $8.75M total package...

Call to the Pen

Phillies fans and Red October atmosphere big for free agent signings

In Philadelphia, there are four things that the people of city know: freedom, disappointment, the drive to succeed, and sports. The people of Philadelphia eat, breathe and sleep sports. Their blood is a mix of midnight green, blue and gold, orange and black, pinstripe red, and, of course, the colors of freedom (red, white, and […] Phillies fans and Red October atmosphere big for free agent signings - Call to the Pen - Call to the Pen - A Major League Baseball Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More

Cincinnati.com

Reds reliever Alex Young is making the case for a roster spot

Reliever Alex Young, who signed a minor league free agent, has a strong changeup and could give the Reds another left-handed reliever.

Bless You Boys

2023 Tigers player previews: Spencer Torkelson is off to a good start this spring

Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports The smart money is all betting on Torkelson to improve. The fans want to see it before they believe it. Despite a generally positive spring camp so far for the Detroit Tigers, a quiet offseason in terms of free agents and the pervasive fear surrounding Spencer Torkelson have harshed the vibe, as it were. Concern is justified, but the miserable pessimism has gotten a bit out of hand in some quarters. What’s the point of drafting elite prospects if people are ready to give up on them after a season? Fortunately, the first baseman has shown...

MLB.com FastCast: Tigers sign Josh Harrison - 2/20/19

The baseball world's attention focuses on Bryce Harper's free agency, plus Josh Harrison agrees to a one-year deal with the Tigers About Major League Baseball: Major League Baseball (MLB) is the most historic professional sports league in the United Stat

Adam Pellerin and Nick Cafardo break down Red Sox Spring Training

NESN's Adam Pellerin and Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo analyze Matt Barnes as a closer, Craig Kimbrel's future and what moves the Red Sox could make with different free agents around the MLB.

MLB.com FastCast: Angels sign closer Allen - 1/18/19

The Angels add free-agent closer Cody Allen, Avisail Garcia officially joins the Rays, plus the Manny Machado rumor mill keeps churning About Major League Baseball: Major League Baseball (MLB) is the most historic professional sports league in the United