Lukewarm Stove: Yankees Cooling on Machado/Harper? Greinke, Goldschmidt, Gomes, Astros, Cubs Pen, More

Although I’m very sad to hear about Adrian Beltre’s retirement from baseball – seriously, that guy was one of the best *and* most fun to watch players in the game and is a sure-fire Hall of Famer – I am tickled pink by this:

I hope Bartolo Colon – who is six years *older* than Beltre – plays forever and ever and ever. Now let’s talk about some rumors, while keeping tabs on the Cubs possibly picking up an arm from the Padres.

  • If you didn’t catch the rumor connecting the Cardinals to Paul Goldschmidt this morning, you’ll want to check that post out here. In short, thanks to some expiring contracts and the versatility of Matt Carpenter, the Cardinals might see 2019 as a good time to go all in and Goldschmidt, who’s firmly available, can be a huge part of that.
  • But they’re obviously not the only team interested, as Ken Rosenthal notes the Astros are also interested. And Jon Heyman recently jumped in suggesting that they might actually be the most logical fit. He also mentions the Red Sox, Phillies, and Brewers, but admits that each team’s existing plans for first base (Mitch Moreland, Rhys Hoskins, and Jesus Aguilar) are likely to stay put. Heyman also suggests that the Cardinals would prefer a left-handed hitter, but, like, I think Goldschmidt is good enough to neuter any lefty/right preferences. Heyman also writes that Zack Greinke is available, but $105M and a 15-team no-trade clause could make things tricky.
  • In case you missed it last night, the Mariners and Yankees got together on a deal sending starter James Paxton to New York centered around the Yankees top prospect, Justus Sheffield. But they weren’t the only teams interested down to the wire:
  • For comparison’s sake, Forrest Whitley is also a top pitching prospect, like Sheffield, but was ranked 8th overall according to MLB Pipeline (the top pitching prospect in the game) compared to 31st for Sheffield. That is a very, very big difference. Perhaps the Astros will turn their attention to Greinke, now, with the D-Backs willing to eat some of the money, or maybe they’ll just dip into free agency and try to retain Dallas Keuchel or go after someone like Patrick Corbin or Nathan Eovaldi.
  • More on this deal from Jon Morosi:
  • There’s a lot to unpack here, but one thing to note is that if the Cubs wind up in the market for a middle infielder, Segura could become available.
  • Also, on the Yankees: clearly, they are looking for middle infield help while Didi Gregorius heals up from Tommy John surgery, and Manny Machado is not the only option. Before the offseason began, Machado seemed destined to wind up in the the Bronx, but after some comments from Hal Steinbrenner on the hustle stuff and some other recent rumors, it sure seems like they’re cooling on him – or want it out there that they’re cool on him.
  • If the Yankees do back off of Machado, it’s impossible not to wonder if they’ll jump back in on Bryce Harper. According to MLB.com, the Yankees did have “internal discussions since the offseason began about the possibility of signing Harper to play first base, but one source described that scenario as ‘unrealistic’ – at least, for now.” And for what it’s worth, Morosi has heard that adding a big bat like Machado or Harper is less of a focus/priority then further augmenting the rotation. To that end, remember: the Yankees said they wanted two starters this winter. They just got one good one via trade, so I’d expect the next to come from free agency – Patrick Corbin or J.A. Happ are your best bets. Of course, it’s not like the Yankees can only afford to add one more big free agent …
  • At the New York Post, Joel Sherman discusses what it might take to pry Noah Syndergaard away from the Mets, whose owner recently implied that they’d only deal the talented starter if the deal was lopsided in their favor. Moreover, Sherman heard from scouts that many immediately competitive teams might shy away from the acquisition cost, given Syndergaard’s injury history. HOWEVER, he does say the Reds could be a willing partner and a deal around closer Raisel Iglesias and top prospect Nick Senzel could get the ball rolling. Senzel has his flaws, but is MLB Pipeline’s 6th best prospect overall and Iglesias is one of the better relievers in baseball (and has three more years of team control, same as Syndergaard). Perhaps if the Reds were closer to competing and had a replacement for Iglesias this would make sense, but giving up present talent *and* future talent for present talent when you’re not competitive … I just don’t see it.
  • That said, Sherman also mentions the Padres and that’s where I can see things happening. The Padres handed out a big deal to Eric Hosmer last season and have the best farm system in baseball. Their corner-turning didn’t quite go as expected, but I’m betting they’ll want to add very soon while Hosmer is in his prime. Sherman guesses that Fernando Tatis, the Padres’ top prospect, will be off the table in any such deal for Syndergaard, but correctly points out that they’d still have more than enough pieces to get something done. I’d keep an eye out for this, because it could make sense for both sides.
  • Rosenthal’s hearing stuff, as usual:
  • Gomes played in 112 games last season with just barely above average offensive contributions and fantastic defensive metrics (as he’s always had). Gomes was also one of the top pitch framers in baseball last season, so I suspect the Indians will have many suitors. I think it would be quite a stretch to say Gomes makes sense as a back-up for the Cubs, especially because of how much he’ll cost to acquire and in salary (but also because playing him behind Willson Contreras just doesn’t feel like maximizing anyone’s potential), but he is very much the mold of someone the Cubs would want to target. I’m guessing someone in need of a starting catcher would be willing to pay more than the Cubs, in the end.
  • Also: what in the world are the Indians doing? Why are they trying to trade all of their best players – including Corey Kluber – when they’re still clearly the class of the AL Central. Go for it at least one more year before you start this nonsense to save money, my word.
  • At The Athletic, Patrick Mooney uses discusses the potential changes to the Cubs’ bullpen over the winter and hits on the oft-rumored Andrew Miller and Zach Britton, each of whom make plenty of sense, and each of whom we’ve discussed previously at those links. But in addition to those two, Mooney has heard from an AL scout that the Cubs could try to sign someone like Cody Allen to a one-year deal loaded with performance bonuses (the former Indians closer is coming off a very down year), though he admits that a lot of teams would be open to that. Allen didn’t have his best season in 2019, but he strikes me as someone worth checking in on. In addition to those three free agents, Mooney writes that there is still mutual interest in retaining Jesse Chavez, but that it could be complicated by just how good Chavez was last year. A robust discussion on the state of the bullpen here at The Athletic.
  • Don’t forget that today’s roster deadline could mean even more movement in trades around the league.
  • written by

    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

    Justin Steele Injury Update: New Classification, MRI Tomorrow, IL Stint Coming? Steele and Counsell Speak

    A significant update on Justin Steele came from Craig Counsell tonight after the Cubs extra innings loss in Texas. In short: Yes, a stint on the Injured List is likely for Justin Steele. But we still don't know how severe...

    Enhanced Box Score: Rangers 4, Cubs 3 – March 28, 2024

    It took exactly one day for the Cubs' ace to sustain what may be a significant injury, for their closer to blow a save, for the umpires to significantly impact the outcome of a critical play (this time in the...

    OMG: Michael Busch Scored the 9th Inning, GO-AHEAD Run, Because He Just Never Stopped Running

    That was absolutely incredible. To all the little kids out there, when your coach tells you to never stop running, this is why. Rookie Cubs 1B Michael Busch (the guy the Cubs got from the Dodgers this offseason to be...

    Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Rangers – Lineups, Pitching Matchup, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    *SHORT COURTS: It's Time To Bring The Home Court, Home! Looking for a unique way to celebrate your athlete or team before you peruse the FIRST CHICAGO CUBS LINEUP of the Year? Don't miss out! For just one more week...

    The Cubs Are Among the Most Returning-y Teams

    I am still mostly incapacitated at the moment, so apologies for the short shrift on such an otherwise blessed day. In between pokes and prods, I wanted to share a chart I saw that was pretty interesting, even if unsurprising:...

    Maybe the Cubs Are the Favorites in the NL Central, After All?

    ESPN was the first to throw some love the Cubs way this week, with an overwhelming majority of their writers, analysts, and editors picking the Chicago Cubs to win the NL Central in 2024. But the love doesn't end there....

    The Season Begins, Love for Morel, Counsell’s Value, and Other Cubs Bullets

    You know where you want to spend your Opening Day morning? The hospital! Suffice to say, this is not how I imagined getting HYPED for the Cubs' opener. I guess I'll just have to think about all the possible lineup...

    Cubs vs Rangers: The First Series of the Year!

    Cubs vs Rangers — THE REGULAR SEASON IS HERE! Wake up and rejoice. Later tonight, the Cubs will begin their march toward October Baseball against the (reigning World Series champion) Texas Rangers in Arlington. Justin Steele is getting the nod...

    The 2024 Chicago Cubs for Dummies

    Boom. We made it. The offseason is over, and the Cubs regular season - and those elevated expectations - begins tomorrow. But in case you slept through the winter, I'm here to catch you up on everything you need to...

    I’m Expecting More This Year, Cubs — It’s Time to Start Winning

    There's no way around it: The Chicago Cubs did *not* have the offseason we hoped they might after making Craig Counsell the highest paid manager in MLB history. Not that they did poorly, mind you. Cody Bellinger, Shota Imanaga, and...

    Latest News

    Cavaliers vs. 76ers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Philadelphia 76ers (39-34) are 8-point underdogs against the Cleveland Cavaliers (44-29) at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Friday, March 29, 2024. The game starts at 7:30 PM ET on NBCS. The matchup's point total is set at 212.5.Our computer predictions...

    Heat vs. Trail Blazers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Portland Trail Blazers (19-54) will attempt to end an eight-game losing streak when they visit the Miami Heat (39-33) on Friday, March 29, 2024 at FTX Arena as heavy, 14-point underdogs. The contest airs at 8:00 PM ET on...

    Rockets vs. Jazz Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Utah Jazz (29-44) will try to end a seven-game losing streak when they host the Houston Rockets (37-35) on Friday, March 29, 2024 at Vivint Smart Home Arena as 7.5-point underdogs. The contest airs at 9:30 PM ET on...

    Bulls vs. Nets Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Chicago Bulls (35-38) hit the court against the Brooklyn Nets (28-45) as 5.5-point favorites on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 7:30 PM ET on NBCS. The matchup has an over/under set at 214.5 points.Before you place an informed wager...

    Suns vs. Thunder Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder (50-22) are 2.5-point underdogs against Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns (43-30) Friday, March 29, 2024 at Paycom Center. The matchup begins at 8:00 PM ET on KSBI. The point total is set...

    Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Minnesota Timberwolves (50-22) are 6.5-point underdogs when they host the Denver Nuggets (51-22) in a battle between the top two teams in the Western at Ball Arena on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 9:00 PM ET on ALT. The...

    Knicks vs. Spurs Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The New York Knicks (44-28) will try to continue a three-game win streak when they visit the San Antonio Spurs (17-56) on Friday, March 29, 2024 at AT&T Center as big, 10-point favorites. The game airs at 8:00 PM ET...

    Kings vs. Mavericks Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Dallas Mavericks (43-29) will look to Luka Doncic (first in the league scoring 33.9 points per game) when they try to beat De'Aaron Fox (eighth in the NBA with 26.5 PPG) and the Sacramento Kings (42-30) on Friday, March...

    How to Watch Diamondbacks vs. Rockies: Live Stream or on TV

    On Friday, Corbin Carroll and the Arizona Diamondbacks (1-0) take on Nolan Jones and the Colorado Rockies (0-1), with first pitch scheduled for 9:40 PM ET at Chase Field.If you're trying to watch this game, keep reading for streaming and...

    Guardians vs. Athletics: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Cleveland Guardians (1-0), led by Jose Ramirez, visit Brent Rooker and the Oakland Athletics (0-1) on Friday, with first pitch at 9:40 PM ET.Find out how to watch the Cleveland-Oakland matchup below.When is Guardians vs. Athletics and when does...

    more cubs news