Latest news and rumors: Heyward trade talk, Machado meetings and more |
Cubs’ 2019 Opening Day: 101 days. Jason Heyward: Once again, rumors have surfaced about a potential trade between the Cubs and Giants with J-Hey’s name as a potential trade piece. Heyward still has a partial no-trade clause prohibiting him to be dealt to a total of twelve teams, unless he should consent. Beyond the Cubs and Jason’s circle, it is unknown if the Giants are among the twelve. Cubs’ top-ten prospects: Baseball America released their list of the Cubs’ top-ten prospects. In order: (1) Shortstop Nico Hoerner, (2) Catcher Miguel Amaya, (3) LHP Brailyn Marquez, (4) Outfielder Cole Roederer, (5) Outfielder Brennan Davis, (6) RHP Albert Alzolay, (7) RHP Paul Richan, (8) RHP Cory Abbott, (9) LHP Justin Steele and (10) Shortstop Aramis Ademan.
Machado meetings: After avoiding any meetings in Las Vegas, Machado’s schedule is now set for this week. Machado met with the White Sox in Chicago today, and will be flying out to New York to meet with the Yankees on Wednesday, then the Phillies on Thursday. There are still rumors of a fourth “mystery team” on Machado’s agenda, however, many are starting to speculate that this is just a ploy to help drive up prices. Yusei Kikuchi: The Japanese left-hander is going to be flying to Los Angeles to meet with several teams. Kikuchi has vowed to sign with an MLB team, but has given no indication of his preferences. Earlier rumors said that he liked the city of San Francisco- not necessarily the Giants- but the city itself. Angels: Angels now reportedly showing interest in free-agent catcher Yasmani Grandal. The Angels have also announced that their deal with Justin Bour is a one-year, $2.5M deal, with an additional $500k in possible incentives. Giants: Rumors circulating that new Giants’ GM Farhan Zaidi is open to trading with his former Dodgers, perhaps for Yasiel Puig. There’s been something of a trade embargo between SF and LA, as the two teams have traded only three times with each other since 1953. Indians: Cleveland has acquired minor league infielder Andruw Monasterio from The Nationals as the player-to-be-named in order to complete the Yan Gomes trade. Marlins: Miami has reportedly reached out to free-agent RHP Bud Norris. Mets: Now that the Mets have reached an agreement with catcher Wilson Ramos, speculation says they have now likely aborted pursuing JT Realmuto. Nationals: Washington has reportedly had a pair of “brief” meetings with Josh Bell’s representatives. There is reportedly mutual interest between Bell and the Nationals, although his agent says they also looking “closely” at other potential deals. Pirates: Pittsburgh now also showing interest in shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. Rangers: Texas went on a bit of a spending spree today, signing LHP Zac Curtis, RHP Matt Bush, RHP Tim Dillard and infielder Chase d’Arnaud all to minor league deals with invites to spring training. Both Bush and Curtis were non-tendered by Texas on November 30th. White Sox: The Sox will shut down top-prospect Eloy Jimenez, who has been playing in the Dominican Winter League. Jimenez suffered a quad injury, and the Sox are taking no chances, as they expect the outfielder to make his major league debut in 2019. Jimenez was a top Cubs’ prospect but was traded to the South-Siders as part of the deal that brought Jose Quintana to the Cubs. Yankees: New York has designated LHP Parker Bridwell for assignment.Cubs’ news and notes
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