The Thanksgiving holiday is upon us, but that doesn’t mean the hot pan business will slow down. Many signings and trades have been finalized over the holiday long weekend over the years and this offseason is no exception. Here are Wednesday’s hot pan rumors as you wait for Turkey Day.
The judge meets giants
Judge Aaron, the #1 available free agentmet with representatives of the Giants in San Francisco on Tuesday, including members of the property, reports MLB Network’s Jon Morosi. Morosi anticipates a formal offer could arrive later this week and Judge could sign by the end of winter meetings in two weeks. To date, Judge has only met the Giants and, of course, the Yankees.
For what it’s worth, Giants outfielder Joc Pederson does its part to recruit the reigning AL MVP:
Spread the word, the Giants will open the 2023 regular season in New York against the Yankees. There’s a good chance Judge will be at Yankee Stadium on opening day next season. What uniform will he wear? We will find out soon enough.
Yankees looking for bullpen help
In addition to trying to retain Judge, the Yankees are also looking for help from the bullpen, General Manager Brian Cashman told NJ.com. “I’m looking to improve our bullpen, but yeah, I believe we have a closer. That doesn’t mean we can’t play someone who is a quote-unquote closer because at the end of the day , the more the merrier, you want as much of the high leverage guys you can collect as much as you can,” Cashman said.
The closest Cashman refers to is All-Star Clay Holmes, who struggled in August and September and missed the end of the regular season with a shoulder injury. It returned in October and was extinct, although it was used with care. Here’s the New York bullpen right now:
King could be ready in time for spring training and, if he is, that will likely push Abreu off the roster or Schmidt to Triple-A. The Yankees have a stable, high-leverage group — Holmes, Loáisiga and Peralta were all great in October — but there aren’t too many quality relievers. With King’s status uncertain and Effross set to miss 2023, it makes sense to seek more bullpen help.
Rangers a serious suitor to Rodón
The Rangers are a major player for the left-handed free agent Carlos Rodon, reports MLB.com. Texas has already added Jake Odorizzi be held martin perez this offseason, though they should be aiming for the top of the rotation as well, and Rodón is one of the best available. Our RJ Anderson ranked the southpaw as the No. 8 available free agent this offseason.
For the moment, Odorizzi and Pérez are registered in the rotation alongside Jon Gray and probably Dane Dunning. Internal candidates for the No. 5 spot include Glenn Otto, cole ragansand maybe spencer howard. Clearly, there is room for improvement. Rangers want to sign a frontline starter to help them struggle and also push the kids down on the depth board.
Red Sox rodriguez sign
The Red Sox signed a left-handed reliever Joely Rodriguez to a one-year contract with a club option, the team announced on Wednesday. He will earn $1.5 million in 2023 with a $500,000 buyout of a $4.25 million option, according to The Athletic. The 31-year-old southpaw has been slightly more effective against right-handers (.625 OPS) than left-handers (.645 OPS) this season. Rodriguez and Josh Taylorwho didn’t play in the big leagues through injury in 2022, is expected to be manager Alex Cora’s two left-handed relievers next season.
Red Sox traded for Park
The Red Sox acquired utility player Hoy Park from the pirate in exchange for left-handed minor league pitcher Inmer Lobo, the clubs announced Wednesday.
Park, 26, has played in 68 career games with 210 plate appearances. He played at second base, third base, shortstop and all three outfield positions. He is a .201/.291/.346 hitter with seven doubles, two triples, five home runs, 20 RBIs, 23 runs, two stolen bases and -0.5 WAR.
Lobo is 18 and has only played in the Dominican Summer League, appearing in five games and throwing at an .82 ERA with a .77 WHIP and 28 strikeouts to two walks in 22 sleeves.