It’s November, and it’s cold outside in most parts of the country, but that just means the MLB hot stove is about to start heating up. Already, there have been some notable moves, so let’s catch up on the top stories from the past week in the baseball world.
Back in the ATL
The Atlanta Braves are doing their best to preserve as much of their team as possible. This week, they declined the 2020 options on both Nick Markakis and Tyler Flowers, only to re-sign both players to one-year deals that would have paid them as much as if the club had picked up their options.
The catch is that some of the money will count toward their 2019 payroll, which leaves some money for the Braves to pursue moves this winter, most notably trying to re-sign third baseman Josh Donaldson.
On the pitching front, the Braves have also re-signed reliever Darren O’Day to a one-year deal. O’Day suffered a forearm strain during spring training and didn’t return until September. However, he allowed just one run over 5 1/3 innings and made four postseason appearances.
Meanwhile, the Braves declined the option on Julio Teheran, freeing up even more money to make a splash this offseason.
Come on Over
The Blue Jays were quick in trying to upgrade their rotation this winter, acquiring Chase Anderson from the Brewers for minor leaguer Chad Spanberger. Anderson had a career year in 2017 and has continued to be solid if unspectacular for Milwaukee the past two seasons. That should make him a perfect fit for Toronto’s rotation, which figures to be filled with young pitchers still trying to establish themselves in the majors.
After trading away Aaron Sanchez and Marcus Stroman last summer, the Blue Jays will need Anderson to provide some stability in the middle of their rotation.
Hanging Around
Red Sox designated hitter J.D. Martinez has decided to hang around Boston a little longer, choosing not to exercise the opt-out in his contract. With Martinez being primarily a DH, his market would have limited to American League clubs if he were to return to the free-agent market.
He now has three years and $62.5 million left on his contract with the Red Sox, although he could also choose to opt-out each of the next two offseasons if he wants to. Of course, now that Martinez and his contract are staying on Boston’s payroll, the Red Sox may have to give more serious consideration to trading away one of their young stars whose salaries could push the club’s payroll over the luxury tax threshold.
All the Movers and Shakers
After reaching the National League Championship Series this year, the St. Louis Cardinals are keeping all of their major decision-makers a little bit longer. Manager Mike Shildt received a new contract to extend his deal with the club through the 2022 season.
President of baseball operations John Mozeliak also received an extension through the 2023 season. Finally, general manager Mike Girsch had his 2020 option picked up and was then given a two-year extension through the 2022 season.
