Hey! I’ve just considered a huge piece of the Kris Bryant puzzle we’ve totally been avoiding, either consciously or unconsciously: the money.
At the beginning of this saga, I had held out the slightest bit of hope that the Cubs might consider moving Bryant in coordination with using the projected $45-$50M in savings over the next two years on one of the big free agents this winter.
But now, with so many of the highest quality free agents off the board – and, let’s be honest … the Cubs’ increasingly obvious financial intentions – the money is a bit of a different conversation. Maybe a very different conversation.
Namely: Shouldn’t the Cubs be willing to include money in a deal for Kris Bryant if it helps improve the package/return? Obviously, that’s not really an issue for every team, but if it made the difference in the return in a really fundamental way? And if the Cubs aren’t gonna spend the savings anyway? At least use some of the funds for *something.*
Make no mistake, they should absolutely be pushing for an enormous return anyway (indeed, I believe they are, based on the wonderful reports of the Cubs’ asking price being absurdly high), I’m more-so talking about when push comes to shove … they can’t let money get in the way of a better return. That is all.
Sources: under the radar Marlins met with free agent OF Yasiel Puig in San Diego. Looking for impact OF bat on relatively short term. Also met while there with agents on Avisail Garcia and Corey Dickerson (and possibly other outfielders)
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 13, 2019
Puig suggested in meeting to Marlins he’d like to play again for Don Mattingly (and of course Derek Jeter). He’d also like to play near his Miami home. Was plus he trekked to San Diego for confab. Dickerson, Calhoun among others under consideration. Avisail might be a tad pricey.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 13, 2019
Kole Calhoun is yet another free agent outfielder Marlins are considering
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 13, 2019
At the Winter Meetings, a source indicates the Twins & Marlins discussed a potential deal that would send Miami SP Elieser Hernandez to Minnesota for OF Jake Cave.
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) December 13, 2019
The additions of Jose Peraza and Jonathan Arauz make it seem very unlikely Brock Holt will return to the Red Sox. Seems as though Sox are going to have a 2B competition in spring training with a ton of guys in the mix.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) December 12, 2019
I don’t think this changes the #Mets looking to get rid of some or all of Jed Lowrie’s $ .
Combined with some level of $ saved from this Cespedes settlement ..
There has to be more upgrades coming. They aren’t done.
— Joe DeMayo (@PSLToFlushing) December 13, 2019
The Astros and Mets conversations about a Carlos Correa trade were active from November until this week, but fizzled, at least for now, before the end of the winter meetings, per sources.
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) December 13, 2019
Free agent LHP Brett Anderson has officially been signed to a 1-year contract. Anderson went 13-9 with a 3.89 ERA in 31 starts with Oakland in 2019. His 13 wins marked a career high. pic.twitter.com/A8dBDLQt60
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) December 13, 2019
Rival executives believe #SFGiants’ Brandon Belt would be ideal fit with #Brewers. Would give Milwaukee everyday 1B, an additional left-handed bat in lineup. Unclear if two sides have talked. One potential obstacle: Belt owed $32 million over next two seasons.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) December 13, 2019