Image Source: Mike Axisa
Key Takeaways:
- The Philadelphia Phillies and free-agent infielder Bo Bichette met earlier this week, and the meeting is said to have gone very well.
- The New York Yankees are open to including opt-outs in their contract offer to free-agent outfielder Cody Bellinger.
- The St. Louis Cardinals still prefer to trade second baseman Brendan Donovan, who has two years of team control remaining.
- The Minnesota Twins have interest in free-agent reliever Seranthony Domínguez, who split last season between the Orioles and Blue Jays.
- Lefty Tim Collins, who last pitched in the majors with the Cubs in 2019, is attempting a comeback and will throw for scouts on Wednesday in Florida.
Introduction to the Offseason
The baseball offseason is in full swing, with spring training camps set to open in about a month and the first exhibition games just five weeks away. The World Baseball Classic is also on the horizon, starting two weeks after the exhibition games. Despite the upcoming events, there are still many trades and free-agent signings that need to take place. As reported by the New York Post, "The Phillies and free-agent infielder Bo Bichette met earlier this week and the meeting is said to have gone very well." This meeting is significant, as it could lead to Bichette joining the Phillies, who offer him a chance to stay near his Florida home in spring training.
Bichette’s Meeting with the Phillies
The meeting between Bichette and the Phillies is a notable development in the offseason. As mentioned earlier, the meeting went very well, and Bichette would have to play second or third base for the Phillies, given that Trea Turner is entrenched at shortstop. This would put Alec Bohm, who is a year away from free agency, more firmly on the trade block. The Phillies’ interest in Bichette is not surprising, considering he is one of the top free agents available. As we ranked him as the offseason’s third-best free agent, it is clear that he is a highly sought-after player.
Yankees’ Offer to Bellinger
The New York Yankees are also making moves in the offseason, with their offer to free-agent outfielder Cody Bellinger being a significant development. According to The Athletic, the Yankees are open to including opt-outs in their contract offer to Bellinger. The team is said to be offering five years and roughly $160 million, while Bellinger and his agent, Scott Boras, are reportedly looking for seven years. As Bellinger is coming off a three-year contract that included opt-outs after each season, it is likely that he is seeking a long-term deal. Opt-outs have real value, and Bellinger may never be better positioned to cash in long-term than he is this winter.
Cardinals’ Preference to Trade Donovan
The St. Louis Cardinals are also looking to make some moves, with their preference being to trade second baseman Brendan Donovan. As reported by the Belleville News-Democrat, the Cardinals want to net more young talent, particularly on the mound, and open a lineup spot for top prospect JJ Wetherholt. Donovan, 28, has two years of team control remaining and is a versatile player who can play multiple positions. The Giants, Mariners, Mets, Reds, Red Sox, and Royals are all potential suitors for Donovan, among other teams.
Twins’ Interest in Domínguez
The Minnesota Twins are also looking to strengthen their bullpen, with their interest in free-agent reliever Seranthony Domínguez being a notable development. According to KSTP, the Twins’ relief crew is "single-ply thin" at the moment, and Domínguez could be a valuable addition. Domínguez, 31, split last season between the Orioles and Blue Jays and has closed and set up in the past. While we did not rank Domínguez among the offseason’s top 50 free agents, he is still a talented reliever who could make a significant impact.
Collins’ Attempted Comeback
Finally, lefty Tim Collins, who last pitched in the majors with the Cubs in 2019, is attempting a comeback. As reported by The Athletic, Collins will throw for scouts on Wednesday in Florida. Now 36, Collins had a 3.60 ERA in 242 innings with three teams from 2011-19 and was as effective against righties as lefties. Collins’ attempted comeback is an interesting development, and it will be worth watching to see if he can make a successful return to the majors.
https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mlb-rumors-yankees-tweak-offer-to-bellinger-donovan-still-on-the-table-plus-the-phillies-bichette-meeting/
