Latest news and rumors: Cubs payroll, Goldschmidt, Beltre and more |
Early edition today, as I have a feeling there will be a ton to report by 6:00 PM. As of this time, it remains relatively calm, but I’m betting the storm starts soon. See ya' at six.
2019 Cubs’ Opening Day: 128 days. Cubs transactions: Take a deep breath, not the names we were hoping for, but the Cubs did post two transactions at the close of business Monday. Free-agent RHP Corey Black was signed to a minor league deal (as of 11/5/18), and free-agent CF Wynton Bernard was signed to a minor league deal (as of 11/12/18). From MLB Trade Rumors: “The deadline for Major League teams to set their 40-man rosters in advance of next month’s Rule 5 Draft is tonight at 8 pm ET. As such, baseball fans should expect to see a flurry of activity over the next 11 hours. There will likely be players designated for assignment, outrighted and claimed off waivers in addition to multiple smaller-scale trades as teams make room on their 40-man rosters and also pick up fringe 40-man candidates out of other organizations.” Cubs 2019 estimated payroll: Baseball-reference is projecting the Cubs 2019 payroll to be $208.6M, putting them over the $206M Luxury Tax threshold. Teams that exceed the limit are taxed 20% on all overages if a team exceeds the limit by $20M - $40M they are required to pay an additional 12%. Indians: Ken Rosenthal reporting the Tribe is drawing “significant trade interest for catcher Yan Gomes as well as starting pitchers.” Rival exec says, “Cleveland scrambling to get young players.” Marlins: Miami claims right-handed reliever, Julian Fernandez off waivers from SF. Yankees: The Yankees scooped up LHP James Paxton from Seattle in exchange for LHP Justus Sheffield, RHP Erik Swanson and OF Dom Thompson-Williams. Paul Goldschmidt: Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Astros and Cardinals are engaging in talks with Arizona regarding a Goldschmidt trade. “No deal is close, and talks have not advanced.” Adrian Beltre: After 21 seasons, Adrian Beltre announced his retirement this morning. In part, Beltre said the following: “After careful consideration and many sleepless nights, I have made the decision to retire from what I’ve been doing my whole life, which is playing baseball, the game I love.” For the countless laughs. #ThankYouAB pic.twitter.com/GigcEzgEOr Jacob Turner: Turner will be a Tiger again next year, but not of the Detroit variety. After a dismal 2018 season, the 27-year-old righty has signed with Korea’s KIA Tigers. Turner got a one-year, one million dollar deal with a $300k signing bonus. Turner is joined by former St. Louis OF Jeremy Hazelbaker who signed a one-year, $700k contract with a $300k signing bonus. Did you know? Created to commemorate baseball’s 100th anniversary, the MLB logo as we know it was only intended to be used the year it was created- 1968. I wanted to get this short list out of the way to make room for anticipated action later today. I’m not expecting a ton from the Cubs necessarily, but there may be some DFAs and possibly a waiver-claim or two. Stay tuned; when I know, you’ll know.
