Pitchers and catchers have already registered for MLB spring practice and we are methodically working on the action with Grapefruit and Cactus League. Despite that relatively late hour, we still have a semi-steady supply of offseason scuttle to tackle. Speaking of which, here’s your Tuesday dose of MLB rumors.
NL East extension call
Following the contract extension of Fernando Tatis Jr. with the $ 340 million Padres, the focus has shifted to other young to young players who may be eligible for a new signing with their current clubs. Recent examples come from the National League East. First, there’s Juan Soto of the Nationals, who, thanks to his youth and massive production level, seems most directly comparable to Tatis so far:
While Soto is not on the level of Tatis in terms of defensive value and base run, he is still a 22-year-old with a career OPS + of 151. He also has a bit more service time than Tatis, which means he’s scheduled. free agency after the 2024 season. Any extension that extends well into the free agency timeline would almost certainly exceed $ 300 million. Given Soto’s amazing skills on the board, the Nats would be wise to pursue such a deal.
Also in the field of DC, shortstop Trea Turner sounds completely open to commit to the Nats in the long term:
Entering his 28-year season, Turner has evolved into a pretty useful hitter at the plate, while also defending his position well and adding value on the bases. After the 2022 season, he will be eligible for a free agency, but there seems to be a mutual interest in getting him to stay in Washington.
Now for the Mets:
Conforto, who turns 28 on March 1, is a Mets lifer who has had a thumping OPS + of 134 since his breakout season of 2017. in his hiking year, would be careful. Fortunately for the Mets, he sounds like he wants that to happen. The question is whether the Mets can get something done and at the same time put a lot of organizational energy into contracting Francisco Lindor for an extension. Develop!
Giants sign Scott Kazmir
Thirty-seven-year-old leftist Scott Kazmir hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2016, but he’s trying to make a comeback with the Giants, who according to ESPN’s Buster Olney signed him to a minor league contract on Tuesday. The deal includes an invitation to the big league camp. For his career, Kazmir has a 4.01 ERA with a 2.36 K / BB ratio across parts of 12 Major League seasons. Along the way, Kazmir was a three-time All-Star. The back of the Giants rotation is currently on the move, so Kazmir will no doubt have every opportunity to return to the majors after an absence of nearly five years.