Sox Interested In Castellanos

According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the White Sox are interested in former Cub and Tiger, Nicholas Castellanos. Jon Heyman of MLB Network also notes the Sox are in serious pursuit of designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion.

Castellanos, 27, originally came up with the Tigers as a third baseman, but turned out to be one of the worst defensive third basemen of all-time, and made the switch to the outfield. In just over 4,400 innings at third base for his career, he posted a -64 DRS. He wasn’t much better in the outfield, posting a -36 DRS in over 2,600 innings.

Morosi also reported that the White Sox owe roughly $100 million in payroll already in 2020 and have room to add on more. They’ve already locked up Jose Abreu, signed Yasmani Grandal, Gio Gonzalez, and Dallas Keuchel, and reportedly made large offers to multiple starting pitchers. The North Siders are showing their willingness to spend big.

Tribe Brings in Hernandez 

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Indians and Cesar Hernandez have agreed to a one-year deal worth $6.25 million. Hernandez spent the earlier part of his career in Philadelphia as their starting second baseman. Hernandez was non-tendered earlier in the offseason after he was expected to see a significant pay raise in arbitration.

Hernandez joins an infield with Francisco Lindor, Carlos Santana, and Jose Rameriz. The Indians projected starting infield is currently all switch-hitters, which would be the first of its’ kind in Major League history.

Jeter Reels In Old Friend

According to Jesse Sanchez of MLB Network, The Marlins have signed former Yankee and Pirate catcher Francisco Cervelli. The veteran posted a 0.1 fWAR last season in limited time due to injury, but has posted as strong of a season as a 5.9 fWAR in 2015.

Cervelli has a long-standing history with concussions, which has put his time as a catcher in jeopardy. His connections to Derek Jeter run deep, considering Cervelli came up as a Yankee while Jeter was still the Captain.

Padres Add Pitching Depth 

The Padres have signed right-handed pitcher Pierce Johnson to a two-year, $5 million deal according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. The former Cubs top prospect returns stateside after posting a 1.38 ERA and striking out 91 batters in 58 2/3 innings over the past season in Japan.

The 28-year-old has a career 5.44 big league ERA in 44 2/3 innings.