In about a week, spring training camps will open in Arizona and Florida. The game of the Cactus League and the Grapefruit League is scheduled to start in less than three weeks. Live it. Here is our take on the Justin Turner market and here are the latest hot stove rumors as the off season ends.
Mets adds Villar to the list in the utility role
The New York Mets and in-field agent Jonathan Villar agreed to a $ 3.5 million one-year deal, according to Jon Heyman of the MLB Network. Villar, 29, is coming out of a fall year, but that can be attributed to the difficulties of an interrupted season due to the coronavirus pandemic. In 2019 with the Baltimore Orioles, Villar looked solid, reaching 0.274 / 0.393 / 0.453. Villar, a switch hitter, is likely to be a superuser player for the Mets in 2021. He can play second, third, shortstop and outfield, as well as help with basepaths thanks to his speed. Here’s more about the subscription.
Mets interested in Turner
The unsigned free agent at the top of the CBS Sports ranking is third baseman Justin Turner. Turner was widely expected to sign again with defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, but with just a few days until spring training, there is no deal in place. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Turner is attracting interest from the New York Mets. But the two sides do not agree on the number of years and the dollar value, adds Rosenthal.
New York traded for All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor this winter, Jeff McNeil should return to his natural position on second base, Pete Alonso appears to be blocked on first base (especially since there will be no universal DH in 2021), but third base will not is a blockade with Luis Guillorme and JD Davis expected to compete for the starting spot. Davis was mentioned in exchange rumors, but Rosenthal notes that the club is not sure what Davis would receive in a potential return.
The Milwaukee Brewers are also “intrigued” by Turner, adds Rosenthal. Our own Mike Axisa observed the Brewers as the best alternative for the Dodgers for Turner, citing that the club is in serious need of improvement in the infield, even after hiring Kolten Wong this winter.
Turner, 36, has been a mainstay with the Dodgers since signing with the club as a free agent in 2014. He did well in the abbreviated 2020 season, scoring 0.307 / 0.400 / 0.460 with four home runs, nine doubles 23 RBI on 175 plate appearances.
Giants sign two-year contract with McGee
The Giants signed left-handed appeaser Jake McGee for a two-year contract worth $ 7 million, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network. McGee was dominant with defending World Series Dodgers last season, after the Rockies released him during summer camp. Our RJ Anderson did not rank McGee among his 60 best free agents.
San Francisco has been one of baseball’s most active teams this season. McGee is the seventh major league free agent signing, joining John Brebbia, Curt Casali, Anthony DeSclafani, Tommy La Stella, Matt Wisler and Alex Wood. They also received Kevin Gausman back with the qualification offer.
Marlins signed a one-year contract with Duvall
The Marlins signed outfielder Adam Duvall on a one-year contract, reports Jon Heyman of MLB Network. The deal is estimated at $ 4.5 million. Braves did not bid Duvall earlier this winter, instead of paying him $ 4.7 million for arbitration in 2021. The Marlins can keep him under the team’s control as a player eligible for arbitration in 2022.
Duvall, 32, quietly finished third in the National League with 16 home runs in 2020. He is a right-handed hitter who has historically caused most of his damage against left-handers, and is an excellent defender. Duvall was worth more than 42 defensive runs saved in just over 4,000 career entries in the field. He plans to share the field time with Corey Dickerson and Garrett Cooper this summer.
Brewers sign secondary league contract with Zimmermann
The Milwaukee Brewers hired veteran starter Jordan Zimmermann for a minor league for the 2021 season, the team announced Tuesday. Zimmermann, 34, will receive an invitation to spring training. During the shortened 2020 season, Zimmermann was limited to just three appearances (5 2/3 IP) for the Detroit Tigers due to a forearm injury, none lasting more than three entries.
Zimmerman spent the first seven seasons of his MLB career with the Washington Nationals and the last five seasons with the Tigers. His best years on the hill were with Washington, where he posted an ERA of 3.32, but after signing a five-year, $ 110 million contract with the Tigers in 2015, he fought for an ERA of 5.63. Twice All-Star, Zimmerman recorded a career 4.06 ERA (101 ERA +) in 275 matches.
The Wisconsin native was a starter throughout his 12-year career in the MLB, but began a transition to the bullpen last season.
After months of free action, St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina will return to his longtime club. The Cards and Molina are finalizing a one-year deal, ending several months of rumors about negotiations between the two sides. 38-year-old Molina is entering his 18th season with the Cardinals, who pulled him out of high school in the fourth round in 2000. He made his major league debut in 2004 at age 21. You can read more about hiring here.