Pitchers and catchers have already reported on MLB’s spring training, and we are methodically working our way into action for the Grapefruit League and Cactus. Despite this relatively late hour, we still have a semi-stable stock of off-season runners to sort out. Speaking of which, here’s your dose of MLB rumors on Tuesday.
NL East extension talk
According to the extension of Fernando Tatis Jr.’s $ 340 million contract with the Padres, the focus has shifted to other young and young players who may be candidates for renaming their current clubs. Recent examples come to us from the National League East. First, there is Juan Soto of the Nationals, who thanks to his youth and great level of production so far seems more directly comparable to Tatis:
Although Soto is not at the level of Tatis in terms of defensive value and running base, he is still a 22 year old with a career OPS + of 151. He also has a little more time in service than Tatis, which means that he is scheduled for free agency after the 2024 season. Any kind of extension that extends to the free agency schedule would almost certainly exceed $ 300 million. Given Soto’s tremendous skills on the plate, the Nats would do well to seek such an arrangement.
Also in the DC area, the Trea Turner shortstop seems totally open to committing to the Nats in the long run:
Turner, who is entering his 28-year season, has evolved into a very useful hitter at the base, while defending his position well and adding value to the bases. He is eligible for a free agency after the 2022 season, but there seems to be a mutual interest in having him in Washington.
Now for the Mets:
Conforto, which turns 28 on March 1, is a Mets survivor who has had a good OPS + of 134 since his debut season in 2017. Given that the Mets are well positioned for almost medium-term containment, arresting Comfort, who goes on his walking year, it would be prudent. Lucky for Mets, he seems to want that to happen. The question is whether Mets can do something while focusing a lot of organizational energy on hiring Francisco Lindor for an extension. Under development!
Giants sign Scott Kazmir
Left-handed Scott Kazmir, 37, has not played in the majors since 2016, but is attempting a comeback with the Giants, who according to ESPN Buster Olney signed a minor league contract with him on Tuesday. The deal includes an invitation to the big league camp. For his career, Kazmir has an ERA of 4.01 with a ratio of 2.36 K / BB in parts of 12 major league seasons. Along the way, Kazmir has been an All-Star three times. The back of the Giants’ rotation is currently on the move, so Cazmir will undoubtedly have every opportunity to return to the lead after an absence of nearly five years.