Jon P. Morosi reports that the Phillies are among the teams interested in free-agent left-handed reliever Jake McGee who has a connection with their new manager. McGee, who posted a 2.93 FIP and 1.099 WHIP in 62 appearances for the Rockies this season, was teammates with Gabe Kapler when they were with the Rays in 2010.
According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, after some deliberation, the Rays will soon launch their offseason mission of trading at least a couple of veterans to reduce payroll and that will include their star Even Longoria if the price is right. Longoria is signed for $13.5 million in 2018, and has $94M through 2023 remaining on his contract. Longoria, 32, saw his wRC+ dip to 96 last season after averaging 125 over the previous five seasons.
Closer Alex Colome is also expected to be dealt as well and should draw lots of attention. After collecting 37 saves in 2016, Colome bested that with 47 saves last season, although his walk rate went up and his strikeout rate went down. Still, the 28 year old righty, posted a 3.37 FIP and 1.200 WHIP for the Rays in 2017.
Lorenzo Cain, who the Mets are reportedly targeting, is also drawing interest from the San Francisco Giants and the Toronto Blue Jays who both need a center fielder more than the Mets do. Cain brings a solid defensive package and despite a dip in his DRS, he still ranked ninth among all center fielders. His offense is way above average at his position and even top five in a few categories. He rejected his qualifying offer so he’ll cost someone a pick.
So far, the Orioles have yet to reach out to Manny Machado and Adam Jones about signing an extension. When GM Dan Duquette was asked about it at last week’s GM Meetings, he deflected by saying he had more pressing concerns abut meeting payroll this season. Machado could make $17.3 million in arbitration, before hitting free agency after the 2018 season. Meanwhile Jones, will earn $17 million in the final season of the $85.5 million deal he signed in 2012.
