Thames Signs with Nationals
The Washington Nationals have agreed to a one-year deal with Eric Thames worth $4MM that includes a mutual option with a $1MM buyout according to Britt Ghiroli of The Athletic and ESPN.com’s Jeff Passan.
Signing Thames continues the Nationals streak of adding veteran infielders on short-term deals. The Nationals will likely use Thames as a platoon player as he had a good 2019 vs righties (.254/.348/.529) capped off with 23 home runs in 346 at-bats, yet only took 50 vs lefties.
Iglesias Heads to Baltimore
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com is reporting that the Baltimore Orioles and Jose Iglesias have agreed to a one-year deal. The deal is for $2.5MM with a$500K buyout on a $3.5MM 2021 team option, Dan Connolly of The Athletic.
The slick fielding shortstop finally found a home for the 2019 season when he signed a minor league deal with the Cincinnati Reds, and it turned out to be a bargain for the team as Iglesias would turn in a 1.5 WAR season with a career high 11 home runs in 530 at-bats. Iglesias will take over the starting shortstop role for the Orioles as it is expected that Richie Martin, a 2019 Rule 5 draftee, will likely spend the majority of the year in Triple-A after struggling in the role last season.
Angels Looking for Starter
The Los Angeles Angels and Cleveland Indians have had discussions centered around right-hander. Mike Clevinger reports Jon Morosi of MLB.com. Talks have slowed down as it is believed that the Indians asked for Joe Adell the Angels top prospect and #5 on MLB Pipeline .
Clevinger, 29, is not eligible for free agency until after the 2022 season. After only making 5 starts during the first half of the 2019 season, Clevinger turned in a fantastic second half going 11-2 with a 2.30 ERA in 16 starts. With only a few names thought to be able via trade this offseason, Cleveland may have the best starter available in Clevinger and would expect to get a high talent package back in return.
Rangers Looking for Slugger
When the 2020 season begins the Texas Rangers will be opening a new stadium, Globe Life Field, and are in the market for a big free-agent splash to help with the festivities. The latest name to be linked to them is Nicholas Castellanos, who meet with the team recently according to Jon Morosi MLB.com.
Castellanos, 28, is said to have come out of the meeting with a favorable opinion of the Rangers. After losing out on Texas native Anthony Rendon, the team has been looking to find a right-handed power hitter and Castellanos versatility plays well on a team still trying to figure out what to do in right field after trading Nomar Mazara earlier this offseason to the White Sox.
