NEWSLETTER
Given how many free agents and potential trade candidates remain available, we knew this week was going to be busy and rumor-filled from the start.
But I can’t say I expected a Cubs-Yu Darvish connection, a fresh Manny Machado conversation, and TWO Lukewarm Stoves before I sat down for dinner. But here we are …
trade market now appears to be holding up free agent market. lots of big names being mentioned in trades, though no certainty many of them will move: machado, mccutchen, abreu, cole, duffy, archer, longoria, avisail, colome, herrera, harrison, kipnis, hernandez, merrifield, etc.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 18, 2017
So among NYY SP options, 3 very distinct price ranges:
Corbin–FA after 2018, costly but not outrageous. D-Backs motivated seller.
Cole–FA after 2019, probably a lot more expensive than Corbin. PIT a motivated seller.
Fulmer–FA after 2022, very expensive, DET must be convinced.— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 18, 2017
The #STLCards have been pursuing #Bluejays 3B Josh Donaldson much stronger than #Orioles Manny Machado, perhaps in part because they'd have a much better chance to lock up Donaldson to long-term extension.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 18, 2017
There was industry speculation last week that Padres/Hosmer were talking in range of 6 years/$120m, but those parameters may have moved since then.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 18, 2017
It could be that Eric Hosmer's choices are down to this:
1. Heir to George Brett-type legacy in K.C., retired number, rebuilding situation, a healthy payday
2. Mentor for the Padres, rebuilding situation, more money (presumably).— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 18, 2017
Brett Taylor contributed to this post.
