Good morning, hot stovers.
Yesterday was a busy day around baseball, especially with our Mets, who signed reliever Justin Wilson to a two-year, $10 million contract. However, we also got some juicy tidbits on some big stars.
Padres Pushing For Machado?
For a couple weeks, we heard there might be some mystery teams involved in the Manny Machado sweepstakes. One of those teams reared their head on Friday, as Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reported that the Friars are making a push for the stud infielder.
Machado, 26, along with Bryce Harper are the biggest names on the free agent market, though the market for them hasn’t moved beyond a snail pace.
Up to this point, the two clubs linked most to Machado have been the White Sox and Phillies, though there haven’t been any updates on that front in the last week or so.
Regardless of how serious the Padres are in pursuing the slugger, it adds an interesting twist to the saga.
Dodgers, Padres Pursuing Realmuto
One of the most talked about players this offseason by far has been Marlins’ catcher J.T. Realmuto. Earlier in the winter, the Mets were pulling for the All-Star catcher, but Miami’s asking price was astronomical. Then the division rival Atlanta Braves were in on the catcher, but talks on that front have all but stalled.
Jon Heyman of FanCred reports, however, that Realmuto might begin next season out west. The now very active Padres are said to be in on the slugger, as well as the potent Los Angeles Dodgers.
Realmuto, 27, survived the Marlins’ purge last winter where they traded away Giancarlo Stanton, Marcell Ozuna, Christian Yelich and Dee Gordon, but after playing the 2018 season in Miami, wanted a trade as well.
Wherever he goes, I’m sure I’m not the only one who can’t wait to stop hearing about all the rumors surrounding him. 🙂
Indians Re-Up With Oliver Perez
A familiar face!
Honestly, it’s amazing Oliver Perez is still in the game — and thriving, too!
Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reported Friday that the Indians have re-signed left-hander Oliver Perez to a one-year, $2.5 million deal.
The now 37-year-old pitched to a 1.39 ERA in 51 appearances for the Tribe in 2018 and held left-handed hitters to a .194/.215/.274 clip.
Perez has a $2.75 million club option that will automatically vest if he reaches 55 games pitched, Jon Heyman of FanCred reports and $3 million that will vest if he pitches in 60 games.
Other buzzings:
-The Oakland Athletics signed pitcher Marco Estrada to a one-year, $4 million deal.
-The Tampa Bay Rays agreed to a minor league deal with right-handed pitcher Casey Sadler.
-The Chicago Cubs inked reliever George Kontos to a minor league deal.
