Lukewarm Stove: Brewers in on Realmuto? The Padres Never Stop, Mets’ Relief Market, More

The San Diego Padres are not unlike the Mariners in that you always have to keep them in mind during transaction season. Padres General Manager A.J. Preller, like Jerry Dipoto, just loves making moves and those moves send out ripples of rumors throughout the league.

For example …

  • Even after signing Ian Kinsler to a 2-year, $8M contract earlier today, the Padres are not stopping their search for a starting-caliber third baseman to add to the infield. The plan, apparently, is to start the 21-year-old Luis Urias (MLB Pipeline’s #27 overall prospect) at short and Kinsler at second until Fernando Tatis Jr. (MLB Pipeline’s #2 overall prospect) is ready to come up. At that point, Kinsler will back up whomever the new third baseman is, as well as the two youngsters up the middle. Having a veteran like Kinsler around to help steer that young, but talented infield will probably prove quite wise.
  • The Padres have also begun to flash some interest in free agent starter Dallas Keuchel. Dennis Lin hedges his report, however, by explaining how Keuchel’s current asking price is prohibitively high (not just for the Padres, but most teams) and that his market is expected to last deep into the winter.
  • The White Sox appear to be on the verge of signing James McCann to a one-year deal earlier today (not officially announced yet, but seems to be done) and that’s fairly interesting, because it comes just two days after Bruce Levine mentioned that the Cubs and Sox were meeting with agents on catchers during the Winter Meetings. Perhaps the Cubs were also looking at McCann or perhaps this is a sign that the back-up catcher market is about to loosen up a bit. Like their rumored interest in Daniel Descalso, the Cubs backup catcher won’t be a sexy addition, but it’ll probably be a much-needed one.
  • According to Andy Martino, the Mets were choosing between Jeurys Familia and Andrew Miller, to one extent or another, but went with the former thanks to concerns over Miller’s durability. That’s a bit of a weird line of thinking, given that Miller is a 33-year-old, 6-foot-7, left-handed, strikeout artist, while Familia is a 29-year-old, 6-4, right-handed contact manager. The lesson here for Cubs fans is easy to understand: Miller used to be very good, but there are concerns about durability and effectiveness in the soon-to-be twilight of his career.
  • Jerry Crasnick has heard the Milwaukee Brewers could become players for J.T. Realmuto, suggesting that they were interested at the trade deadline and have reengaged this winter. We hadn’t heard much about them in this particular offseason, but such a bold move wouldn’t surprise me. Plus, the Brewers and Marlins were able to get together on a big deal for Christian Yelich last season, so both sides probably know each other’s system (and preferences) quite well.
  • With that said, the same MLB executive who fed him that info suggested that the Dodgers and Padres could both be good fits, as well, because of their catching prospects (Keibert Ruiz in LA and Francisco Mejia in San Diego). We know the Marlins have been anxious to land a catcher in return for Realmuto, perhaps one younger, cheaper, and under control for much longer, so this does add up a bit. Plus, the Padres and Dodgers minor-league systems are relatively stacked.
  • And finally, the San Francisco Giants are apparently interested in Blue Jays center fielder Kevin Pillar, despite the presence of center fielder Steven Duggar, because they are “intrigued by the idea of occasionally playing two center fielders at the same time in their massive ballpark” starting one guy in right field. One Giants’ source even went as far as to say “Right field at our place is just as hard as playing center field.”
  • Now, obviously it’s pretty easy to connect the dots to Jason Heyward, who can play center adequately and right field exceptionally (and whom the Cubs should arguably be interested in moving for salary relief), but I don’t know if we can go that far just yet. For one, the Giants are apparently looking for a righty to pair with the left-handed Duggar. And for another, Heyward’s defense in right field is excellent, but Pillar is arguably one of the top defenders in all of baseball. And finally, while Pillar and Heyward are both around the same age, Pillar is under control for just two more seasons via arbitration ($5.3M projected 2019 salary), where as Heyward is under control for five more seasons and due a total of $106M during that stretch. This is not an apples-to-apples thing, but it could be something interesting to keep an eye on. The Giants do have plenty of money, so maybe there’s something to be worked out (or maybe Albert Almora, a right-handed, defense-first center fielder, catches their eye at some point, too).
  • 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

    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...

    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...

    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...

    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...

    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...

    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...

    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...

    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...

    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 ... )....

    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...

    Latest News

    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...

    Pirates vs. Red Sox: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    On Friday, Bryan Reynolds and the Pittsburgh Pirates (11-8) open a series versus Jarren Duran and the Boston Red Sox (10-10) at PNC Park, with first pitch scheduled for 6:40 PM ET.If you're planning on watching this game, keep reading...

    How to Watch Padres vs. Blue Jays: Live Stream or on TV

    On Friday, Matt Waldron will take the mound for the San Diego Padres (11-10) versus Yariel Rodriguez and the Toronto Blue Jays (10-9), with first pitch scheduled for 9:40 PM ET at PETCO Park.If you're intending to watch this game,...

    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...

    Dodgers vs. Mets: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Yoshinobu Yamamoto will take the ball for the Los Angeles Dodgers (12-9) when they host starter Sean Manaea and the New York Mets (10-8) in a series opener on Friday, with first pitch at 10:10 PM ET.See how to watch...

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

    The Minnesota Twins will be hosting the Detroit Tigers for a three-game series, with the first matchup getting underway at 8:10 PM ET on Friday, April 19.Twins vs. Tigers Series Info Tigers @ Twins Time: Friday, April 19 at 8:10...

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

    In the opener of a three-game series, on Friday, April 19 at 8:15 PM ET, the St. Louis Cardinals are hosting the Milwaukee Brewers.Cardinals vs. Brewers Series Info Brewers @ Cardinals Time: Friday, April 19 at 8:15 PM ET Cardinals...

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

    On Friday, April 19 at 7:40 PM ET, a three-game series between the Kansas City Royals and the visiting Baltimore Orioles will get underway.Royals vs. Orioles Series Info Orioles @ Royals Time: Friday, April 19 at 7:40 PM ET Royals...

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

    The Seattle Mariners will be on the road, opening a three-game set against 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...

    San Diego Padres vs. Toronto Blue Jays Series April 19-21: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    The San Diego Padres will be hosting the Toronto Blue Jays for a three-game series, with the first matchup getting underway at 9:40 PM ET on Friday, April 19.Padres vs. Blue Jays Series Info Blue Jays @ Padres Time: Friday,...

    more cubs news