Cubs News: Latest news and rumors: Russell’s apology, Realmuto, Hot Stove blazing, and more |
With just a handful of hours remaining for teams to tender contracts to players, things are heating up. An already packed free-agent market will undoubtedly expand this evening, as non-tendered players join the free-agent pool. Teams have until 9:00 PM eastern time to tender contracts, so look for news to continue pouring in throughout the evening.
Addison Russell: Addison Russell has issued an apology to the team, his family and fans. Whether you view this as a sincere admission of remorse, or whether you view it as a canned statement to save his career, it now looks as though the Cubs may now hang on to him- at least for a little while, as a non-guaranteed contract was tendered today. His statement may also prompt increased interest by other teams, should the Cubs wish to trade him, as teams now see that he is attempting to make amends. Theo Epstein: In response to Addison Russell’ statement, Theo Epstein, in part, said the following: “Today, we are taking the procedural step of tendering Addison a non-guaranteed contract in conjunction with Major League Baseball’s deadline to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players. While this decision leaves the door open for Addison to later make an impact for us on the field, it does not represent the finish line nor rubber-stamp his future as a Cub. It does however reflect our support for him as long as he continues to make progress and demonstrates his commitment to these important issues.” Cubs/J.T. Realmuto? According to SiriusXM’s Craig Kish, the Cubs are showing interest in Marlins catcher/1B J.T. Realmuto. I don’t know much about Mr. Kish, but I am somewhat suspect of this claim as he also insinuates his sources say Cubs could be ready to “move on from Contreras.” I’m unclear what level of interest the Cubs have in Realmuto but they do. Sources have indicated to me they could move on from Contreras as well. Athletics: Sign RHP Ryan Dull to 1-year deal, avoiding arbitration. Blue Jays: Toronto outrights RHP Mark Leiter Jr. to Triple-A Buffalo. Brewers: Milwaukee avoids arbitration with INF Hernan Perez, one-year deal worth $2.5M. Cardinals: Cards sign former White Sox/Mets right-handed reliever Chris Beck to a minor league deal with a chance to compete for a bullpen spot during spring training. Dodgers: LA avoids arbitration with LHP Tony Cingrani, agreeing on a one-year $2.65M deal. Mariners: Seattle trades RHP Alex Colome to White Sox in exchange for catcher Omar Navarez. Marlins: Miami re-signs backup catcher Bryan Holaday to a minor league deal. Mets: Mets to tender catcher Travis d’Arnaud and non-tender INF Wilmer Flores. Nationals: Nationals reportedly nearing a deal with Cleveland for catcher Yan Gomes. Nats also agree to 1-year contract with LHP Sammy Solis, avoiding arbitration. Phillies: Phillies reported to have interest in Mariners’ shortstop, Jean Segura. Pirates: Pittsburgh outrights RHP Alex McCrae to Triple-A Indianapolis. Reds: Reds to non-tender speed-demon Billy Hamilton Tigers: Detroit likely to non-tender catcher James McCann. White Sox: Chicago to non-tender OF Avisail Garcia and INF Matt Davidson.Sox sign OF Leury García to 1-year, $1.55M deal, avoiding arbitration.Cubs’ news and notes
Latest signings, non-tenders and trades
