We’re in the thick of the Winter Meetings now, and moves are actually happening (Didi Gregorius just signed with the Phillies and Kevin Gausman is heading to San Francisco (more on that below)).
But with limited financial flexibility and a 1-2 week estimate on Kris Bryant’s service time grievance, the Cubs may not be in a position to act just yet … unless of course they can come together on an extension for their MVP third baseman. I, uh, probably wouldn’t hold your breath on that one, but you can hold out hope. Rebellions are built on hope or something like that.
Here’s the latest from the Winter Meetings …
Kevin Gausman is signing with the San Francisco Giants on a one-year, $9M deal with an extra $250K available for 18, 22, 26, and 30 starts (i.e. up to a $10M deal if he’s a full-time starter). The deal makes sense for Gausman, who’ll get a chance to reestablish himself as a starter, but he sure made a heck of a lot of sense as a reliever and for the Cubs. My guess is that he had plenty of offers to pitch out of the bullpen, but precious few like the one the Giants gave him (legitimately good money and an actual opportunity to start – particularly on a team that might flip him to a contender).
(So much for that “middle of the rotation pitcher for $4-$5M, eh?)
The Giants didn’t stop there, though. According to multiple reports, they’ve also basically just bought a prospect – 21-year-old middle infielder Will Willson (15th overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft) – by also taking Zack Cozart and his remaining salary ($12.67M) in a trade with the Angels. That deal, as Fabian Ardaya points out, could be critical salary relief for the Angels’ other pursuits this offseason.
It also obviously opens up a spot at third base for someone like … Anthony Rendon:
Or perhaps Josh Donaldson:
The Angels have been somewhat of a late-entry into the 3B/Rendon market, but their interest has been reported multiple times over and they did just open up a spot at third base. If they don’t end up with one of Rendon, Donaldson, or someone less-expected like Kris Bryant – at this point – it would be a little surprising, particularly if they don’t land Gerrit Cole.
Sticking with Rendon for a minute, Jon Heyman reports that the Braves have indeed checked in on the free agent third baseman, but found the waters (i.e. the price) “a tad deep.” How deep are we talking? Well, if you can believe Boras, very deep and plenty long: “Every club has him in an appropriate level, in the seven-year range. It’s pretty consistent.” If Scott Boras is happy about the level and type of interest in his superstar free agent at the Winter Meetings, owners better feel scared.
Relatedly, Jim Bowden (who’s not always the most consistent source) seems to indicate that the Braves found the asking price on Kris Bryant equally intimidating:
For what it’s worth, the Braves have also been reported to have some interest in a trade for Francisco Lindor, but the Indians were apparently asking the Dodgers for Gavin Lux in return for Lindor, so if the Braves thought the price was high on Bryant … it’s high everywhere. If they’re being honest, it might be Josh Donaldson or bust for them, and they may not have the financial might to thwart off their competition even there. So, then, I tend to think they’re not “out” on Bryant.
Circling back to Cole … The Angels were initially (still are?) the favorites for Cole, and are apparently scheduled to meet with his agent, Scott Boras, again today. If that meeting is the second regarding Cole, it could mean that things are progressing to the next level. With that said, Scott Boras is out there telling the media there are not one, but TWO mystery teams in on Gerrit Cole, which … okay. It’s kinda weird when the player’s own agent says there are mystery teams, eh? Like … you know all the teams. They’re not a mystery to you. OR ARE THEY THAT MYSTERIOUS?!
Boras has said other things lately, too, including the fact that the White Sox have been “very aggressive in talks and are showing a real intent” to add to their young core. The White Sox certainly have been aggressive this winter – landing Yasmani Grandal on a big deal and just missing out on Zack Wheeler, despite boasting the biggest offer – so it’s no surprise to see them continue to push. Their most realistic targets include some outfield types in free agency – like Nicholas Castellanos or Marcell Ozuna – or, perhaps a trade target like Nomar Mazara.
The Marlins have shown interest in Mazara, as well.
The White Sox could also be looking for some relief help, according to Jon Morosi, apparently in the form of Craig Stammen, who’s also drawing interest from the Blue Jays, Cardinals, and Padres (among others).
Lastly, a note from the controlled pitching trade market:
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