Phillies Optimistic About Landing Superstar(s)

According to Matt Breen of Philly.com, the Phillies are optimistic of their chances to land the services of either Manny Machado or Bryce Harper this winter.

If they could land both, it seems that they would only be able to sign one. In a situation like that, it seems that the Phillies would choose Manny Machado, whom they “seem to prefer.”

Philly has shown interest in both players all winter, but the returned interest seems to be questionable from both players, especially for Bryce Harper.

As for Manny Machado, the White Sox have brought in two of his best friends in brother-in-law Yonder Alonso and workout partner Jon Jay. With both teams reaching drastic levels of extra efforts to sign the star shortstop, it is only a matter of time before the star picks his new home.

Indians Scouting Deeper Into Padres’ Prospects

As per Jon Morosi of MLB.com, the Indians are scouting deeper into the Padres farm system.

Morosi reports that the “Padres are trying to acquire Kluber without giving up any of their top five prospects, as ranked by MLB Pipeline. To accomplish that, the club likely would need to part with multiple Major League players, with outfielders Manuel Margot and Hunter Renfroe among the options. The Indians are expected to obtain at least one outfielder if they trade Kluber, given their need for Major League depth at the position.”

He then goes on to add that “It’s also possible the Indians would insist the Padres include a young starting pitcher with Major League experience in a trade for Kluber, although San Diego club officials are reluctant to move left-handers Joey Lucchesi and Eric Lauer.”

Arenado Has Record Asking Price In Arbitration

First reported by The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, The Rockies superstar Nolan Arenado asked for a record $30 million in arbitration, to which the Rockies countered with $24 million, which would be a record for an arbitration contract. Even at a settlement of $24 million, Arenado would set a record for the highest salary for a player going through arbitration.

Arenado, 27, has one more season of club control before hitting the open market, where he will be staring straight at a $30-Million contract and will be the best player on the open market.

Friars Moving Myers To Outfield

According to Dennis Lin of The Athletic ,the Padres and Wil Myers mutually agreed to Myers moving back to the outfield in 2019. Myers has previously played the outfield for San Diego, appearing in 49 games in the outfield in 2018 and 248 in his career.

Myers had been experimenting at third base last season, but struggled there. This move also creates room for top prospects Fernando Tatis Jr. and Luis Urias to make impacts on the Major League roster as soon as next season. Myeres have five seasons left on his contract.