The Marlins’ top priority this offseason is to sell stability to their fans according to Joe Frisaro. It’s the only way they can convince Giancarlo Stanton to sign an extension to stay in Miami. Since Stanton was promoted to the big leagues in 2010, he has had five different hitting coaches and five different managers, writes Frisaro. New president of baseball operations Michael Hill and general manager Dan Jennings are in the hunt for position players to supplement a core of young stars like Stanton, Jose Fernandez and Chris Yelich.
The Nationals have re-signed right-hander Chris Young to a Minor League contract according to the team’s website. Young suffered a neck injury last season while pitching in the Nationals minor league system and didn’t pitch in the majors in 2013. Young, 35, was torched for a 7.88 ERA in seven Triple-A starts for the Nationals. He last pitched in the majors in 2012, when the righthander posted a 4.12 ERA in 20 starts for the Mets.
The Phillies are not done adding outfielders after signing Marlon Byrd to a two-year, $16 million contract last week. According to Ken Rosenthal, they would love to add Angels outfielder Peter Bourjos whom they have coveted for a long time. Rosenthal says that Bourjos is available and a perfect fit for the Phils. However, there’s a problem, the Angels want young, affordable starting pitching, and the Phillies are notably thin in that regard. To get Bourjos, the Phillies likely would need to be creative and involve a third team, writes Rosenthal.
The Braves are making every attempt to move Dan Uggla and willing to eat a portion of the $26 million he is owed over the next two seasons. They want a new face at second base and would like to trade for either the Rangers’ Ian Kinsler or the Angels’ Howie Kendrick. Another option they would consider is signing free agent Omar Infante. The Braves were not willing to “break the bank” for Tim Hudson believing his best days are behind him and that he is still damaged goods, according to beat writers.
