With the new year just around the corner, here are three things we’ll be watching around baseball throughout the day:
1. Does signing Segura signal more moves for Miami?
The Marlins have long been seen as a likely participant in the trade market this offseason, with plenty of roster holes and a deep rotation to trade from. This speculation is sure to increase with last night signature of Jean Segura to a two-year, $17 million contract. While Segura seems like a good bet to improve Miami’s offense, it’s a curious positioning for a team that already has Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Miguel Rojas between. Barring a change in position from Segura, it seems likely that Rojas will join another infielder Joey Windle on the trading block. Rojas hasn’t hit much in 2022 (72 OPS+) but could be attractive to teams looking for short-term help as a veteran first-glove option thanks to his strong defensive metrics last season which made him a finalist for the Gold Glove award. The Red Sox are known to have already checked in on Rojas already this offseason, although the Marlins rebuffed advances from Boston at the time. It’s possible that Miami’s tone will change with the acquisition of Segura, especially since teams have since discussed Wendell in trade negotiations as well. Speculatively, the White Sox could also make sense as a business partner for one of Miami’s infielders given their hole in second base, while it’s possible the Angels are looking to add a stronger glove to their mix of shortstops than current best options from Luis Rengifo and Gio Urshel.
2. Will the Mariners add a bat?
At the start of this offseason, there was something of a blockage in Seattle’s outfield, which was only exacerbated by their acquisition of Theoscar Hernandez of the Blue Jays. Since then, however, the Mariners have shipped Kyle Lewis and jesse winker in. in separate offers, leaving them in a position where it might behoove them to add another bat to their outfield/DH mix. as is, Jarred Kelenic, Dylan Mooreand Cooper Hummel seem to be the main internal options set to mix and match between left field and DH, and adding another bat could solidify that mix significantly. It could also go through free agency Jurickson Profar It remains on the market as an everyday option, while the likes of David Peralta and AJ Pollock could be added as more complementary options. It wouldn’t be surprising, however, if the Mariners decided to explore the trade market, given the shrinking market for starting pitchers and Seattle’s willingness to deal one of the Chris Flexon or Marco Gonzales to improve other areas on the list. If they choose to go that route, making a deal with the Cardinals or Orioles could make sense, as both teams have excess positional talent and could benefit from the addition of an arm like Flexen. or Gonzales.
3. Where is the domestic market now that Segura is no longer on the set?
With Segura joining the Marlins, the home market lost its best remaining bat. There are still plenty of teams that need an infielder, even besides the aforementioned Red Sox, White Sox and Angels. The Dodgers, Braves and Twins could all add an infielder after losing their starting shortstops to free agency earlier this offseason, while the Giants and Tigers could also improve their infield mixes . Elvis Andrus, Josh Harrisonand Evan Longoria represent the best remaining options through the infield, although players like Matt Dufy, Brian Andersonand Cesar Hernandez might also be worth considering as potential rebound candidates. Focusing on the trade market, in addition to Miami, Baltimore might be another club to watch as they might look to treat an infielder as Jorge Mateo or Ramon Urias to make room for their inbound prospects in the field like Joey Ortizand it’s possible the Mets will seek to deal Eduardo Escobar if the Carlos Correa the case crosses the finish line.
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