Munetaka Murakami came into the offseason as one of the more intriguing names on the free agent market. He slotted in at No. 4 on our annual Top 50 MLB Free Agents list. Despite Murakami’s prolific power in NPB, the reported interest around the young slugger was minimal as the winter progressed. The White Sox and Red Sox were among the only known suitors. Murakami ultimately … [Read more...] about NL West Notes: Murakami, Hwang, Closers
Athletics Open To Higher Payroll, Extension With GM
The Athletics were financially active last offseason, handing out considerable free-agent deals to Luis Severino and José Leclerc, while also inking Brent Rooker and Lawrence Butler to extensions. Reports of a potential grievance from the MLB Players Association if the club didn’t boost its CBT number likely spurred some of those moves. This offseason doesn’t have the same … [Read more...] about Athletics Open To Higher Payroll, Extension With GM
T.R. Sullivan: A Retrospective On The Frank Robinson-Milt Pappas Trade
T.R. Sullivan was a legend on the Rangers beat. He retired in December 2020 after 32 years writing for the Denison Herald, Fort Worth Star-Telegram and MLB.com. T.R. is also a friend to MLBTR, and recently he kindly offered up a retrospective on the Frank Robinson for Milt Pappas trade. “I just felt like writing it,” T.R. explained. We’re proud to publish it! Of all the … [Read more...] about T.R. Sullivan: A Retrospective On The Frank Robinson-Milt Pappas Trade
Players In DFA Limbo
When a team designates a player for assignment, he is removed from that club’s 40-man roster. The team then has a period of time with some ability to impact what is next for that player. This is colloquially referred to as “DFA limbo”. The team can trade the player to another club, unless the trade deadline has passed and the new offseason has not yet begun. The team can also … [Read more...] about Players In DFA Limbo
Marlins To Sign Pete Fairbanks
The Marlins and reliever Pete Fairbanks are in agreement on a contract, according to Will Sammon of the Athletic. It is a one-year, $13MM contract for the Republik Sports client, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. Per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the deal includes a $1MM signing bonus and another $1MM in incentives based on appearances. Fairbanks will also receive a bonus of … [Read more...] about Marlins To Sign Pete Fairbanks