As Spring Training progresses, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on in the baseball world today:
1. Decreasing availability in the mid-level starting pitching market:
With veteran left-hander Hyun Jin Ryu set to leave MLB and return to the Korea Baseball Organization overseas, one of the top remaining arms in the second-tier starting pitching market is no longer an option for big league clubs. Could Ryu’s departure lead to increased demand for the remaining pitchers? Right-handers Michael Lorenzen and Mike Clevinger seem to be the best available options at this stage, although Zack Greinke, Johnny Cueto, Noah Syndergaard, and Jake Odorizzi are also still on the market. The Angels, Twins, and Padres are among the teams known to be looking for rotation additions. While the Angels may aim for a high-profile signing like Jordan Montgomery or Blake Snell, both the Twins and Padres are expected to pursue smaller additions.
2. The status of Bellinger’s free agency:
Comments from Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts suggest that little progress has been made in contract talks between the organization and center fielder Cody Bellinger this winter. Bellinger had a successful stint with the Cubs in 2023, and a return to Chicago seemed likely given the team’s uncertainty in center field. However, Ricketts’ recent remarks indicate a lack of urgency on the Cubs’ part to bring back the slugger. Bellinger, who is one of the top outfielders in this offseason’s free agent market, had an impressive 2023 season with a .307/.356/.525 slash line and a wRC+ of 134. His production would be valuable to almost any team, especially in a key position like center field. Could the hesitance of the Cubs lead other teams to consider making a late push for Bellinger, potentially on a shorter-term deal?
3. MLBTR Chat Today:
As teams hold their first full-squad workouts of the spring, some of the top free agents from the offseason remain unsigned, and many teams still have unfulfilled needs. If you’re curious about what might be in store for your team as spring training begins in Arizona and Florida, join MLBTR’s Steve Adams for a live chat with readers at 1pm CT. You can submit your questions in advance by clicking here, and the same link will allow you to participate in the chat or read the transcript afterward.
According to the Source mlbtraderumors.com