Braves A Fit for Arenado?
Anthony Rendon signed a big deal to go to the Angels and free agent Josh Donaldson is reportedly looking for a four-year offer, this has teams shifting to potential alternatives and Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado could be available.
The Braves, looking to replace Donaldson if he signs with another team, have inquired on Arenado according to Jon Morosi of MLB.com. Morosi notes that the talks haven’t been active recently and Atlanta is way of the salary commitment.
Earlier this month, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reported that the Rockies were open to dealing Arenado and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that the Rangers are among teams that have talked to the Rockies.
White Sox Looking At Outfield Market
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB Network, the White Sox are not done yet. Seriously. He reports that the ChiSox are looking into the outfield market, and may have their eyes set on Yasiel Puig.
Puig began his career in Los Angeles with the Dodgers, where he was an instant success. He was traded to the Reds last winter and was then traded to the Cleveland Indians to finish out the season.
The White Sox seem to have touched almost every market currently available, considering they have signed two starters (Gio Gonzalez and Dallas Keuchel), catcher (Yasmani Grandal), infielder/designated hitter (Edwin Encarnacion), and traded for an outfielder (Nomar Mazara). Only thing they haven’t addressed so far is their bullpen.
Nats’ First Base Conundrum
The Nationals need a first baseman. Simple. Their starter from last season, Ryan Zimmerman, is currently a free agent, although there is every reason to expect the last remaining Expo will be re-signed. Same goes for Matt Adams, who has played first for the Nats in previous years and also some outfield. He was a disappointment in 2019, hitting only .226/.276/.465 in 111 games.
Jesse Dougherty of the Washington Post had reported the Nats’ interest in Justin Smoak before he signed on with the Brew Crew last week. Mark Polishuk of MLB Trade Rumors speculated about some potential replacements for the Nationals, including former Met Neil Walker, former Brewer and KBO star Eric Thames, and a few others.
Former Top Prospect Signs Overseas
According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, former Ray and Giant, Matt Moore has signed in Japan with the SoftBank Hawks for $3.5 million and a chance to make up to $6 million.
Moore was once considered to be a future ace for the Rays, but Tommy John Surgery would prove to change those plans. He threw just 10 innings last year for the Tigers, surrendering no runs in two starts and only allowing three hits. Moore was an eighth round pick in 2007.
The former No. 1 prospect in baseball had a combined 5.99 ERA between the 2017 and 2018 seasons.
Reds Favorite to Land Akiyama
According to a report by Nikkan Sports, the Reds are considered the favorite to land Japanese center fielder Shogo Akiyama and have a multi-year offer on the table.
Akiyama, 31, hit .303/.392/.471 with 31 doubles, four triples, 20 home runs runs, 62 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases during the 2019 season for the Seibu Lions. The left-handed hitter and right-handed thrower, hasn’t had an OPS lower than .800 over the past five seasons.
The Reds current projected outfield is Jesse Winker in left field, Nick Senzel in center field, and Aristides Aquino in right field.
