NEWSLETTER
Hey! Did you hear the big rumor? The Cubs are totally definitely gonna trade Willson Contreras and Jason Heyward for Nolan Arenado, as well as Kris Bryant for prospects, before re-signing free agent outfielder Nick Castellanos in an effort to (1) get under the luxury tax in 2020, (2) set themselves up for 2021 and beyond, while (3) still competing this season. That’ll be so cool! I can’t wait! I’m definitely gonna hold my breath until all of that is done.Â
All jokes aside, I do think that would be something of a dream scenario for the Cubs, albeit one not particularly likely to actually happen. To put it differently, I’m sure the Cubs have legitimately checked in on each of those three components (heck – we more or less KNOW they have), but pulling off a plan of that magnitude with that many moving parts … it’s not happening.
(Can you imagine how hard Theo would want to dunk on Cubs Twitter if he did pull it off, though?)
Eric Thames' deal with the Nationals is for $3 million this year and has a $1 million buyout on a mutual option in 2021. Not sure the last time a mutual option was picked up by both sides, but it's been a long time, leaving this likely as a one-year deal for $4 million.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 6, 2020
Even after all their recent spending and signings, Nats are leaving offer on table to Donaldson and would welcome him to team. Doesn’t make them favorites but they have not completely given up. Rival Braves actually seen as likely favorite, Twins among those also in.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 7, 2020
Josh Donaldson remains in the picture for the #Nats, although the Atlanta #Braves certainly the clear-cut favorite to bring back the free-agent third baseman.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 6, 2020
Reliever Steve Cishek and the Chicago White Sox are in agreement on a one-year, $6 million deal, sources familiar with the agreement tell ESPN. The contract includes an option that could take the deal to a second year at $12 million total.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 7, 2020
Among the FA names the Marlins are considering in the pen : Pedro Strop, Brandon Kintzler, Hector Rondon. Others also. A veteran pen add still very much in play. The Marlins opening day closer is likely going to be decided in a Spring competition.
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) January 7, 2020
Jimmy Nelson’s 2021 option converts to a $5M mutual option ($500k buyout) with 60 IP or 40 games pitched in 2020, and can increase up to $9M based on 2020 innings.
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) January 7, 2020
Bottom line: Jimmy Nelson gets a chance to pitch for a winner, and he gets compensated if he proves healthy. Essentially, Nelson has a chance to earn what he would have made in arbitration with the Brewers had they opted to keep him.
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) January 7, 2020
