Cubs to talk extension with Baez
Javier Baez and the Chicago Cubs have started dialogue on a possible contract extension per Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times. While it is easy to see why the Cubs would want to sign the superstar shortstop, the timing of the report is interesting.
Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer recently made comments about making some changes to the roster via Jon Heyman of MLB Network. Signing Baez could be a way to soften the blow for the Chicago fan base if they decide to shop some of their other established players on the roster.
Yoshitomo Tsutsugo Posted by the Yokohama BayStars
The Yokohama Baystars of Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league have posted Yoshitomo Tsutsugo for major league teams to try and sign as reported by the Japan Times. He will have 30 days to sign with a MLB team with the BayStars receiving a release fee based on the size of Tsutsugo’s contract. The soon to be 28-year-old is recognized as one of the better sluggers of the NPB but questions about his defense and position may limit his suitors.
According to Craig Mish of the Fantasy Sports Network, the Marlins are expected to “have some level of interest” in Tsutsugo this offseason.
Volquez and Rangers working on minor-league deal
The Texas Rangers and Edinson Volquez are in talks on a minor league deal with an invite to spring training according to T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com. After an elbow injury nearly forced him to consider retirement, Volquez made a comeback last September pitching eight and a third innings out of the bullpen.
Shogo Akiyama will have choices
After the Toronto Blue Jays were said to have interest in Shogo Akiyama, Patrick Mooney of the Athletic is reporting that the Chicago Cubs have him “on their radar”. Arizona Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen has also acknowledged at the GM meetings that they are keeping tabs on the 31-year-old center fielder according to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic.
Unlike Yoshitomo Tsutsugo, Akiyama has nine years of service time making him a free agent available to sign without having to go through the posting system.
Brewers get their sidearmer
The Milwaukee Brewers have claimed Eric Yardley off waivers from the San Diego Padres. The sidearmed righty has limited experience in the MLB but has had success in the minors and will compete for a bullpen job with the Brewers.
Realmuto extension will take time
Payroll flexibility is likely holding up a contract extension between the Philadelphia Phillies and All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto reports Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports.
While both sides are interested in making a deal, keeping the team under the luxury tax is beneficial for both sides as they look to add to the roster in order to compete for a playoff spot in the tough National League East.
With the deals of Jake Arrieta and David Robertson both expiring after the 2020 season the Phillies could sign Realmuto to a one year deal for this season and then sign him to a separate extension that would begin with the 2021 season where they would have more money available for their payroll.
