Latest news and rumors: Cubs interest in Miller, Miggy retires, and more |
Cubs’ 2019 Opening Day: 109 days. Andrew Miller: Several players are likely to move at the winter meetings next week, and Miller’s name appears on that list. The Cubs have recently had talks with Miller’s people reportedly and with the recent news of Morrow being expected to start the year on the DL, Miller may be making more and more sense for Theo, Jed, and Company. Miller is expected to draw $9M over a two-to-three year deal even though Miller has had a diminished role as a closer since joining the Tribe. Miguel Montero: Former Cubs’ catcher, Miguel Montero has now said that he’s “pretty much retired.” Montero last took the field on April 5, 2018 for the Nationals and was released by the club on April 14. After sitting out nearly all season, Montero says he will be pursuing his career as an agent. Montero is the CEO for ZT Sports, which currently has seventeen clients.
Trevor Cahill: The former Oakland right-hander turned free-agent, is now said to be drawing attention from several teams. Jon Heyman of Fancred is reporting that “four to five teams” are interested in signing Cahill, making the thought of a multi-year deal a possibility. MLB Trade Rumors is predicting Cahill will sign a two-year deal for $22M. Josh Harrison: After being bought out by the Pirates, INF/OF Josh Harrison is drawing interest. The Astros, Giants, Nationals, Yankees, and Reds are all among the teams who have made inquiries at this point. Mike Napoli: After sitting out last year due to injuries to his right knee, veteran 1B/C Mike Napoli has elected to retire. Napoli had planned to make a comeback, but after weighing his options, the 37-year-old decided to hang it up for good. Yasiel Puig: Rumors are starting to circulate that the Dodgers could deal Puig this off-season, as early as during the winter meetings this week. Puig is reportedly “disgruntled and distrustful with Dodgers’ management” for limiting his playing time against left-handers and is said to be open to being traded. Braves: In pursuit of outfield help, Atlanta has made some calls, reportedly contacting the Mariners about Mitch Haniger and the D-Backs about Jose Peralta. Brewers: Milwaukee has signed former Angels’ right-hander, Deolis Guerra to a minor league contract with an invite to spring training. Cardinals: St. Louis president of baseball operations John Mozeliak says the Cards are in need of “immediate improvement” and aren’t done dealing yet. Goldschmidt was just the tip of the iceberg. St. Louis is said to be all-in on Harper if he drops his expectancy of a ten-year deal, and they remain engaged on free-agents Zach Britton and Andrew Miller. The Cards have also been in contact with Daniel Descalso’s camp about re-signing the former Cardinals’ utility-infielder. Dodgers: In addition to looking for a trade involving Puig, the Dodgers are also said to be shopping Matt Kemp. Kemp is owed $21M in his final year under contract. Indians: After extending the contract of right-hander Carlos Carrasco, the Indians will absolutely be dealing either Corey Kluber or Trevor Bauer this off-season, but not both. Speculation has the Tribe wanting to attach the contract of Jason Kipnis to the deal in order to clear payroll from the books, but the experts say doing so would hurt the Tribe’s chances of getting much in return. According to Spotrac, Kipnis is owed $14.67M for 2019. Mets: Count the Mets in as a possible landing spot for Yasiel Puig. The team is expected to make inquiries on Puig, as they seek another right-handed outfielder without having to commit long term. Puig is under team control for another year, with a projected $11.3M salary. Royals: KC has announced the signing of utility-man Chris Owings. The deal is for one-year, $3M, with an additional half-million available in incentives. Yankees: NY is said to be engaged in talks with Lance Lynn in an attempt to keep him in the Bronx. The team had been speaking with Lynn’s people prior to Nathan Eovaldi re-signing with Boston, but the talks have apparently intensified since that time. The Yanks wanted Eovaldi, perhaps making Lynn part of their backup plan.Cubs’ news and notes
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