MLBits: Alvarez Signs, Capps Surgery, Olt Waivers, the Jason Heyward Trade That Wasn’t

Mar 08, 2016

News from around the league …

The Baltimore Orioles have agreed to terms with former Pirate first baseman Pedro Alvarez. The deal is reportedly worth just $5.75 million, with roughly another one and a half million in incentives. Alvarez, 29, is a relatively poor corner infielder, but has hit 111 home runs over the past four years and is still relatively youthful. Still, as Luis recently wrote, teams just aren’t paying as much for pure home run ability (without more) as they have in the past. Alvarez will be used primarily as a DH – along with Mark Trumbo – in Baltimore.

Dr. James Andrews is at it again (he must be stopped!), this time with Marlins reliever Carter Capps, who will undergo Tommy John Surgery today. You might remember Capps as the pitcher with the unusual “hop off the mound” delivery, but Capps was also one of the most successful relievers, in 2015. Last season, he acquired 1.3 WAR in just 31 innings of work thanks to a an unfathomable 49.2% strike out rate. He finished the year with a 1.16 ERA (1.10 FIP).

[adinserter block=”1″]

As we recently learned, Cardinals shortstop Johnny Peralta may be out 2-3 months after an MRI revealed a torn ligament in his left thumb, suffered while fielding a ball on Saturday. For candidates to replace Peralta, the Cardinals are looking at Jedd Gyorko, Greg Garcia and Aledmys Diaz. The latter of which strikes Jeff Sullivan as the best overall option. He can, after all, literally tear the cover off the ball.

It almost feels like some are dismissing the Pirates in the Central this offseason, given the presence of the Cubs and Cardinals, but they should have two very promising reinforcements coming by midseason. Although the rotation is full right now (though the back-end looks weak), both Jameson Taillon, 24, and Tyler Glasnow, 22, will be in AAA to begin the season, waiting to make their mark on MLB.

On Sunday, the Chicago White Sox designated (former-Cub) Mike Olt for assignment, and it was thought to be the end of his time in Chicago. But, Dan Hayes reports that Olt has cleared waivers and has been outrighted to AAA Charlotte. He will reportedly stay in big league camp and continue working his way into the Major Leagues with the White Sox.

The St. Louis Cardinals have sold a majority interest in their AAA affiliate, Memphis Redbirds to Peter Freund, a principal owner of Trinity Baseball Holdings. Freund, who also owns the Class-A affiliate of the Phillies and the Single-A affiliate of the Yankees, reportedly sought out the Cardinals, who were not otherwise shopping the team. The Redbirds will continue to operate as the Cardinals affiliate and the latter will retain a minority stake in the team.

[adinserter block=”2″]

The Players’ Tribune is an excellent publication that provides an outlet for MLB players to write articles – long or short – on any topic or issue close to their heart. The most recent piece is about addiction. It comes from Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia and it is well worth your time. It’s easy to forget how human these athletes really are, but it’s important to remember just that.

Wow… It’s always fun to hear about trade talks that didn’t end up happening, because you can learn a lot about relative player valuation right from the source. I wonder if the Cubs would have ever had a shot at Jason Heyward in free agency if this had happened:

Right before heyward was traded for shelby miller a winter ago, word is yanks tried hard for heyward and andrelton simmons

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 8, 2016

Heyward said he'd heard many times the yanks were close to getting him in 14-15 winter. Others recalled 5-for-5 blockbuster

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 8, 2016

Heyward/simmons/carpenter/bj upton/c Johnson for severino/judge/banuelos/clarkin/sanchez said floated. Nyy didnt pull trigger

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 8, 2016

written by

Michael Cerami

Michael Cerami began covering the Chicago Cubs for Bleacher Nation as a part-time contributor in 2015. One year later, he joined Bleacher Nation full-time, covering the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball. Today, Michael runs Bleacher Nation, contributing as a writer (Cubs, MLB) and an editor for all sections of the site, including the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks, as well as MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL. In 2019, Michael was the co-host of NBC Sports Chicago's Cubs Post-Game Show Outside the Ivy. You can find him on Twitter/X @Michael_Cerami

more cubs news

Chicago Cubs

Now We Know Why Ian Happ Was Removed Mid-game

In the top of the seventh inning of today's 8-3 win over the Miami Marlins, Alexander Canario trotted out to left field in place of Ian Happ. At first, we thought (or maybe just hoped) that Craig Counsell was giving...

Michael Cerami

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 8, Marlins 3 – April 19, 2024

And just like that the Chicago Cubs are the first team in the NL Central to reach 12 wins! They're not technically in first place yet because the Brewers (11-6) have played fewer games, but we're talking about a matter...

Michael Cerami

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson with Back-to-Back Slick Defensive Plays

With a lefty Marlins starter on the mound this afternoon, Nico Hoerner lead off today's game for the Chicago Cubs. And he did it in style, ripping a leadoff double to the left-center field wall, before coming into score a...

Michael Cerami

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Pre-Gamin’: Marlins at Cubs – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

*The Cubs were rained out yesterday, but today? Today, we've got a Friday 1:20 start at Wrigley Field, and that means all is right in the world. Before you take a look at the Cubs lineup against Miami, check out...

Michael Cerami

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

MLBits: The White Sox Might be the Worst Team Ever, What Games I’m Watching this Weekend, More

Happy Friday! Well, for everyone except for the pilots who were supposed to be manning the Colorado Rockies flight last week but instead allowed a member of the Rockies coaching staff to hop in the pilot's seat for a fun...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Can I Interest You in a Positive Injury-Update on Justin Steele?

Justin Steele, arguably the single most irreplaceable player on the Chicago Cubs 2024 roster, went down with a hamstring injury just 4.2 innings into his Opening Day start against the Rangers on March 28. In his place, the Cubs sixth...

Michael Cerami

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

FAA Reportedly Investigating How a Passenger on Colorado Rockies Team Flight Was Seen Accessing the Cockpit

If you do this job long enough, it's really wild to see the range of topics that can somehow become attached to sports. That is to say, I did not envision myself at some point writing about flight safety, cockpit...

Brett Taylor

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Farm Report | April 19, 2024: Kevin Alcántara is Heating Up!

The Iowa Cubs were rained out, but the rest of the farm was in action, and so was Kevin Alcántara, who picked up four hits and now has seven in his last three games as he breaks out of an...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

It’s Not Kyle Hendricks Last Chance (But…), Ben Brown, Jameson Taillon, and Other Cubs Bullets

Well, the rain stole one from us yesterday, which is a blessing and a curse. On the bright side, the bullpen gets an extra day of rest (on top of the day Hayden Wesneski bought them). But on the flip...

Michael Cerami

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs Are Not Stealing Bases So Far This Year

The Chicago Cubs are against theft. Of bases: https://twitter.com/codifybaseball/status/1781046629103231339 The Chicago Cubs this year have stolen just three bases, the fewest in all of baseball. Dansby Swanson has stolen two bases, Nick Madrigal has stolen one. That's it. I don't...

Brett Taylor

Apr 19, 2024

How to Watch

Diamondbacks vs. Giants: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Arizona Diamondbacks (9-11), led by Ketel Marte, visit Michael Conforto and the San Francisco Giants (9-11) at 4:05 PM ET on Saturday.Keep reading to see how to watch the Arizona-San Francisco matchup below.When is Diamondbacks vs. Giants and when...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

How to Watch

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

On Saturday, Gavin Stone will start for the Los Angeles Dodgers (12-9) against Jose Butto and the New York Mets (10-8), with first pitch scheduled for 4:05 PM ET at Dodger Stadium.Keep reading to see how to watch the Los...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

How to Watch

Cardinals vs. Brewers: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

On Saturday, Miles Mikolas will start for the St. Louis Cardinals (9-10) versus D.L. Hall and the Milwaukee Brewers (11-6), with first pitch scheduled for 2:15 PM ET at Busch Stadium.If you're planning on watching this game, keep reading for...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

How to Watch

Cubs vs. Marlins: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

On Saturday at 2:20 PM ET, Michael Busch and the Chicago Cubs (12-7) take on Luis Arraez and the Miami Marlins (4-16) at Wrigley Field.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on how to watch Chicago take on Miami...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

How to Watch

Twins vs. Tigers: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

Bailey Ober will take the mound for the Minnesota Twins (6-11) when they host starting pitcher Reese Olson and the Detroit Tigers (10-9) in a series opener on Saturday, with first pitch at 2:10 PM ET.Keep reading to find out...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Yankees vs. Rays: Live Stream or on TV

The New York Yankees (13-6), led by Juan Soto, host Isaac Paredes and the Tampa Bay Rays (11-9) at 1:05 PM ET on Saturday.Find out how to watch the New York-Tampa Bay matchup below.When is Yankees vs. Rays and when...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

How to Watch

Reds vs. Angels: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Cincinnati Reds (9-9), led by Spencer Steer, host Mike Trout and the Los Angeles Angels (9-10) at 6:40 PM ET on Saturday.See how to watch the Cincinnati-Los Angeles matchup below.When is Reds vs. Angels and when does it start?This...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

How to Watch

Guardians vs. Athletics: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

In a series opener on Saturday, Logan Allen will take the mound for the Cleveland Guardians (13-6) against Alex Wood and the Oakland Athletics (8-11), with first pitch scheduled for 6:10 PM ET at Progressive Field.Keep reading to find out...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

How to Watch

Mariners vs. Rockies: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

On Saturday, Mitch Haniger and the Seattle Mariners (9-10) play Ryan McMahon and the Colorado Rockies (4-15), with first pitch scheduled for 8:10 PM ET at Coors Field.Keep reading to find out all the details on how to watch Seattle...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Orioles vs. Royals: Live Stream or on TV

Corbin Burnes takes the mound for the Baltimore Orioles (12-6) when they visit starting pitcher Cole Ragans and the Kansas City Royals (12-7) at 7:10 PM ET on Saturday.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on how to watch...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

MLBits: Alvarez Signs, Capps Surgery, Olt Waivers, the Jason Heyward Trade That Wasn’t

Read More

more cubs news

Latest News

more cubs news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular