As we approach Spring Training, here are three things we will be monitoring in the baseball world today:
1. Angels and Taylor Ward await arbitration decision:
According to the Associated Press, outfielder Taylor Ward and the Angels recently went to arbitration. The decision is expected to be announced later this week. Ward has requested a salary of $4.8 million for the 2024 season, while the club has countered with $4.3 million. Historically, teams have had more success in arbitration cases than players, and this trend has continued this season. Both center fielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. and pitcher Jose Suarez lost their cases against the Marlins and Angels, respectively. Alongside Ward, Orioles players Austin Hays and Jacob Webb are also waiting for decisions on their 2024 salaries after going through arbitration.
Ward had a slightly less impressive season in 2023 compared to his All-Star performance in 2022, but he still provided above-average offensive production. The 30-year-old outfielder posted a slash line of .253/.335/.421 in 97 games before his season was cut short due to facial fractures caused by a pitch from Blue Jays’ Alek Manoah. Based on projections by MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz, Ward is expected to earn $4.5 million in his second arbitration year. However, the panel of arbiters will have to choose between the two salary figures submitted.
2. Upcoming roster moves for the Twins:
Over the weekend, the Twins reached agreements on major league contracts with two veteran players. First baseman Carlos Santana signed a one-year deal worth $5.25 million, while right-hander Jay Jackson is set to receive a one-year contract with undisclosed salary terms. Both deals are pending physical examinations. As the Twins currently have a full 40-man roster, corresponding moves will need to be made before these additions can be officially announced. Typically, these moves involve designating a player for assignment (DFA) from the roster. However, in some cases, teams may trade surplus players at the back end of their roster for lower-level talent that does not require a roster spot. A recent example of this occurred when the Rangers traded outfielder J.P. Martinez to the Braves to make room for right-hander David Robertson on their 40-man roster.
3. Active offseason for the White Sox:
The White Sox made two trades over the weekend. They sent relief pitcher Gregory Santos to the Mariners in exchange for right-hander Prelander Berroa, outfielder Zach DeLoach, and a Competitive Balance Round B draft pick. Additionally, they traded right-handed prospect Cristian Mena to the Diamondbacks in order to acquire outfielder Dominic Fletcher. These acquisitions significantly improve the White Sox’s outfield depth at the major league level, addressing one of the team’s most glaring weaknesses.
While the trades made by the White Sox were relatively minor, the team has been open about their willingness to trade right-hander Dylan Cease this offseason. Despite attracting interest from several teams, including the Orioles, Reds, and Mariners, no club has met Chicago’s high asking price thus far. With Spring Training rapidly approaching, it remains to be seen if either White Sox GM Chris Getz or a rival team will make a deal happen.