Lukewarm Stove: Castillo, Hamels, Lee, McCutchen, Acquiring Pitchers, Cuban Prospects

Mar 02, 2015

old stove feature Some early Spring rumor items to check off …

Welington Castillo status check: still a Cub. Nick Cafardo writes that there is interest in Castillo around the league, but this isn’t the time of Spring when deals are typically struck. We’ll get into game action, scouts will start doing their thing, rosters will begin sorting (by way of injury or performance concerns), and that’s when teams will get a little more aggressive, in terms of actually having dialogue. Until then, the Cubs will continue to proceed as though they are going to do the very unlikely, and carry three catchers into the season.

Cole Hamels status check: still a Phillie. But, for now, the Boston/Hamels rumors aren’t going away:

#Phillies exec kept close eye on #RedSox workout today. Watched Swihart, Betts, Cecchini, Marrero many others hit.

— Michael Silverman (@MikeSilvermanBB) March 2, 2015

This report from CSNNE adds that it’s still possible the Red Sox could make a move for Hamels before Opening Day, but there’s no urgency on their side.

The other Phillies ace that could be moved this year is Cliff Lee, about whom Jon Heyman writes here. Lee’s contract is going to be a real hurdle to a deal, though, given that he makes $25 million this year, and has a $27.5 million option for 2016 that he’ll almost certainly want guaranteed before he approves a trade (he can block trades to 20 teams, including the Cubs, and the 9 to which he cannot block trades are highly unlikely trade partners). That makes it really hard to see Lee being traded before midseason, once he shows he’s still the same guy he’s been, at which point the Phillies can hope that his contract suddenly looks almost attractive, given its short term.

Relatedly, Buster Olney hears that the Phillies continue to be unrealistic about the dollars involved in trying to deal their pricey vets.

We recently discussed two very intriguing Cuban pitching prospects, Yadier Alvares and Vladimir Gutierrez, each of whom is reportedly not going to be eligible to sign until the next IFA period, which opens July 2 (and in which the Cubs can freely spend once again … but watch out for the Dodgers). While that seems to still be the case for Gutierrez, it’s a little more unclear for Alvares, the pop-up, hard-throwing 18-year-old righty. Kiley McDaniel reports that Alvares may seek a special exemption to be eligible to sign in the current period (which would give him the flexibility to sign now, or wait until July 2; McDaniel suggests infield prospect Andy Ibanez may be considering waiting until July 2, so keep your eyes on that). Ben Badler today writes about the situation, noting that an exemption for Alvares is possible, but it would be a new step by MLB. There’s also an outside chance that Alvares and Gutierrez could wind up ineligible to sign until July 2, 2016. Long story short: these are great prospects, they may become available to the Cubs, so let’s keep following as it unfolds in the coming months.

The Pirates already have star outfielder Andrew McCutchen locked up for pennies through the 2018 season, when he’ll be 31, but they’re apparently open to extending him even further for a whole lot more money.

Mark Gonzales writes about the Cubs’ ability to pick up another front of the rotation starter via trade over the next 12 months or so, given the depth of their minor league talent.

written by

Brett Taylor

Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

more cubs news

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Roster Moves: Wisdom and Taillon Are Back, Wesneski and Mastrobuoni Are Out

Even with tonight's rainout, the Chicago Cubs are still making some roster moves. When Patrick Wisdom was removed (perfectly healthy) from the I-Cubs game in the 4th inning on Wednesday, we had an idea of what was coming next. When...

Michael Cerami

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Tonight’s Cubs-Marlins Game Has Been Postponed

The weather wasn't going to cooperate for Jameson Taillon's season debut, and tonight's Cubs-Marlins tilt has been postponed. The game will instead be part of a split-doubleheader this Saturday, with the first game at 1:20pm CT and the second at...

Brett Taylor

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

MLBits: Paul Skenes Could Make His MLB Debut Any Day (But Probably Won’t), Red-Hot Orioles, Houck’s Maddux, More

If you're into tracking young pitchers with star potential like I am—as I watch Jack Leiter's debut while typing this column—then you're probably itching to see Pirates top prospect Paul Skenes make his way to Pittsburgh sooner than later. While...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Back to Wrigley: Cubs vs Marlins – Series Preview

Cubs vs Marlins — Whew! The Cubs got through their first West Coast road trip of the year, and did so with a winning record (5-4) against the Padres, Mariners, and Diamondbacks. They definitely let a couple games slip out...

Michael Cerami

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Taillon Coming Back, Busch’s Integrity and Success, Bad News for the White Sox, Wicks, Hendricks, and Other Cubs Bullets

As the father of a toddler who was sick for an entire week — the same week Brett was out from his back surgery and the Cubs were playing almost exclusively late-night ballgames on the West Coast — I was...

Michael Cerami

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Farm Report | April 18, 2024: Caissie, Alcántara Go Yard, South Bend and Myrtle Beach Smoked, More

Kevin Alcántara hit his first home run of the season for the Tennessee Smokies last night, and Owen Caissie hit his first Triple-A home run for the Iowa Cubs as Iowa and Tennessee secured victories. The same can't be said...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cody Bellinger Sticking With Scott Boras

Given the way the offseason played out for super agent Scott Boras's top available clients - Cody Bellinger, Matt Chapman, Blake Snell, and Jordan Montgomery - you wouldn't be shocked to see some unhappiness behind the scenes. Did Boras overplay...

Brett Taylor

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

You’ll Be Even More Impressed with Hayden Wesneski, When You Hear What it Took to Get Him to Arizona

Hayden Wesneski was the hero of yesterday's finale and series-win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, coming in to clean up Jordan Wicks' (little) mess in the 5th ... and then tossing 4 shutout innings to save an over-used bullpen and help...

Michael Cerami

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Offseason Cubs Target Robert Stephenson Now Out for the Year

Hand up, I really wanted the Cubs to sign reliever Robert Stephenson this offseason. I felt like they could use one more impact arm (accurate), and I felt like Stephenson was one of the best available (about that ... )....

Brett Taylor

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Rays Closer Pete Fairbanks With a Wonderful and Brutally Honest Line About His Performance

Rays closer Pete Fairbanks has been an extremely effective reliever the last four years, posting a 2.66 ERA from 2020 through 2023, with a 34.8% K rate and worth 4.1 WAR. But things have started out much more rough for...

Brett Taylor

Apr 18, 2024

NBA Playoffs Odds - Mavs vs. Clippers 1st Round

NBA

2024 NBA Playoffs Odds: Mavs vs Clippers Odds to Win Series, Spreads, Lines

It's a first-round matchup with a history of fireworks! The Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers lock horns once again in the NBA Playoffs. This year marks the third time in five years these two teams meet in the opening...

Brian Twining

Apr 19, 2024

NBA

2024 NBA Playoffs Odds: Pacers vs Bucks Odds to Win Series, Spreads, Lines

The NBA Playoffs are here, and the Eastern Conference first-round ignites with a clash of styles. The Indiana Pacers, boasting the league's top-scoring offense, bring their high-octane attack to Milwaukee to face the experienced Bucks. Giannis Antetokounmpo's status adds further...

Brian Twining

Apr 18, 2024

How to Watch

Pirates vs. Red Sox: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

Quinn Priester will take the mound for the Pittsburgh Pirates (11-8) when they host starter Brayan Bello and the Boston Red Sox (10-10) on Friday, with first pitch at 6:40 PM ET.The article below will provide you with everything you...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

How to Watch

Padres vs. Blue Jays: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

On Friday at 9:40 PM ET, Fernando Tatis Jr. and the San Diego Padres (11-10) face George Springer and the Toronto Blue Jays (10-9) at PETCO Park.The article below will give you everything you need to watch San Diego play...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

How to Watch

Giants vs. Diamondbacks: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

Blake Snell will take the ball for the San Francisco Giants (8-11) when they host starter Jordan Montgomery and the Arizona Diamondbacks (9-10) on Friday, with first pitch at 10:15 PM ET.If you're planning on watching this game, keep reading...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Dodgers vs. Mets: Live Stream or on TV

Yoshinobu Yamamoto will take the ball for the Los Angeles Dodgers (12-9) when they host starting pitcher Sean Manaea and the New York Mets (10-8) on Friday, with first pitch at 10:10 PM ET.If you're planning on watching this game,...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

Picks

Minnesota Twins vs. Detroit Tigers Series April 19-21: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

On Friday, April 19 at 8:10 PM ET, a three-game series featuring the Minnesota Twins and the visiting Detroit Tigers will begin.Twins vs. Tigers Series Info Tigers @ Twins Time: Friday, April 19 at 8:10 PM ET Twins Starting Pitcher:...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

Picks

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Milwaukee Brewers Series April 19-21: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

A three-game series featuring the St. Louis Cardinals and the visiting Milwaukee Brewers will begin on Friday, April 19 at 8:15 PM ET.Cardinals vs. Brewers Series Info Brewers @ Cardinals Time: Friday, April 19 at 8:15 PM ET Cardinals Starting...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

Picks

Kansas City Royals vs. Baltimore Orioles Series April 19-21: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

The Baltimore Orioles will be on the road, opening a three-game set against the Kansas City Royals on Friday, April 19 at 7:40 PM ET.Royals vs. Orioles Series Info Orioles @ Royals Time: Friday, April 19 at 7:40 PM ET...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

Picks

Colorado Rockies vs. Seattle Mariners Series April 19-21: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

The Seattle Mariners are on the road, beginning a three-game series versus the Colorado Rockies on Friday, April 19 at 8:40 PM ET.Rockies vs. Mariners Series Info Mariners @ Rockies Time: Friday, April 19 at 8:40 PM ET Rockies Starting...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

Lukewarm Stove: Castillo, Hamels, Lee, McCutchen, Acquiring Pitchers, Cuban Prospects

Read More

more cubs news

Latest News

more cubs news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular