2018 MLB Winter Meetings

Okay, I am done arguing with people on this or any other baseball site about corporate finance, which happens to be a subject I am very well-versed in. But that is different than knowledge of the Dodgers balance sheet of which I have none. So, let’s move on.

 

I am writing this in an El Dorado Hills Starbucks at about 1:30 PM. So this may not be current by the time I publish it. It is still very early in the Hot Stove League season, so the fact that the Dodgers have only acquired Kevin Quackenbush on a minor league deal and picked up Adam McCreery from the Braves waiver wire, I am not discouraged. Andrew Friedman is deliberate in his transactions and often times they are included in complex transactions that require multiple teams. There is a lot of speculation, but it isn’t coming from the Dodgers. A journalist (Gurnick, Rosenthal, Bowden, Heyman, Brown…pick your poison) will learn that the Dodgers and Marlins spoke and now the Dodgers are all in on Realmuto. A Yahoo sports journalist incorrectly wrote that Magic flew to Las Vegas just to see Bryce Harper. Didn’t happen, unless Magic is a liar. I am sure they will check in with Harper this week, especially LV being his home. They may even give him an offer. But as deliberate as Andrew may be, Scott Boras is more deliberate. Therefore, unless it is a $300MM+ offer with multiple opt outs, do not expect the bidding to end this week.

 

I do think there is real interest from the Dodgers for Corey Kluber. Maybe even Trevor Bauer (but less so). Is there a deal to be had? I think it depends as to what the Indians want to do. Do they want an ML OF or prospects? LAD is more likely to trade current ML players on their roster than to get rid of prized prospects. There does appear to be real interest from the Mets for Yasiel Puig. I am not so sure that the interest is reciprocal. Will they trade Puig? Yes, if they can get value in return. But they are not going to give him away. Why should they? Maybe he becomes the game changer they are looking for, and for $11MM.

 

So, what have the other contenders done? I consider the NL contenders to be Colorado, Milwaukee, Cubs, Cardinals, Braves, Phillies, and Nats. The Mets are trying, but they are not there yet. In the AL, Boston, NYY, Houston, Cleveland, and Oakland as a WC (maybe Tampa Bay as a WC contender). The AL has the extremes, while the NL is more tightly grouped.

 

First, the two teams that are seemingly on the tear down and rebuild strategy; Seattle and Arizona. The busiest has been the M’s who have already divested themselves of Mike Zunino (C), Guillermo Heredia (OF), James Paxton (LHSP), Robinson Cano (2B), Edwin Diaz (RHRP), Jean Segura (SS), James Pazos (RHRP), and Juan Nicasio (RHRP). They have also lost Nelson Cruz (DH) to FA. In return, the M’s received; Justus Sheffield (RHP), Erik Swanson (RHP), Dom Thompson-Williams (OF), Mallex Smith (OF), JP Crawford (SS), Carlos Santana (1B/DH), Jay Bruce (OF), Anthony Swarzak (RHRP), Jarred Kelenic (OF), Justin Dunn (RHSP), and Gerson Bautista (RHP).

 

The DBacks were already losing Patrick Corbin (LHSP), and AJ Pollock (CF), have now traded Paul Goldschmidt. They have also lost Chris Owings and probably Daniel Descalso and Clay Buchholtz (with other late season pick-ups). They did re-sign Eduardo Escobar which was a good sign. They picked up Kelby Tomlinson to hopefully replace Descalso (it doesn’t). Plus, they have received Luke Weaver to replace Corbin, Carson Kelly to be the first-string catcher, organizational depth infielder, and a supplemental draft pick. They already have an additional draft pick for Corbin and will probably get one for Pollock. They are rumored to be shopping Greinke, Ray, and Peralta. We shall see where that goes.

 

St. Louis – Has already dramatically improved their team with Paul Goldschmidt. The two ML players that went to AZ were not expected to be key players this year for the Cardinals. They still have a surplus of young pitching and do need another OF. They could sign Harper (or Brantley or Markakis) or they could use some of that surplus pitching to pick up another OF.

 

New York Mets – For a team that was rumored to be shopping Noah Syndergaard, they seem to have done an about face and decided to make a go of it in 2019. They moved Jay Bruce, Anthony Swarzak, and three prospects for 2B (1B) Robinson Cano, and RHRP deluxe Edwin Diaz. They do need a catcher, and an OF for sure. Even with Diaz, their bullpen can certainly be improved. And decisions need to be made about Jeff McNeil. Does he stay at 2B, move to 3B and let Cano play 2B, or become a super utility player? Their rotation could be solid depending as to which Vargas pitches this year. They have put all on notice that they are going to try to contend in 2019. It is a long shot, but with deGrom, Syndergaard, Wheeler, and Matz, they can be dangerous especially if they stay close when Cespedes gets back.

 

Philadelphia Phillies – Picking up Jean Segura was a windfall. The only loss was JP Crawford and 1B Carlos Santana. Moving Santana and his salary was also especially beneficial to the Phils because now defensive deficient Rhys Hopkins can move back to 1B. They can use an OF, and Harper seems to be their target. If they want him, I do not see them being outbid. What Scott Boras is hoping for is that the Dodgers and NYY will provide that competitive bidding. Matt Klentek is not stupid and will not be bidding against himself. They can use another top of the rotation pitcher. Dallas Keuchel? Charlie Morton? Reunite with JA Happ? Even with the addition of James Pazos and Juan Nicasio, the bullpen can use an upgrade. Will they spend on Kimbrel? Miller? Robertson?

 

Atlanta – Atlanta’s signing of Josh Donaldson and Brian McCann came early. They are still looking for a RF and could revisit Nick Markakis. Maybe Michael Brantley. They are also looking for an Ace to lead their young but very talented staff. The Madison Bumgarner speculation just does not seem to go away, and it actually does make sense for both teams IF the Giants can get a decent return of young pitching, which they desperately need.

 

New York Yankees – Got one of the LHSP that they needed in James Paxton. They could use one more. They are not actively seeking Harper or Machado, but I would never rule out NYY. Harper and his LH bat would be an ideal pick up for NYY, but unless they can rid themselves of another OF, Harper would be a luxury (expensive luxury). They still need to move Sonny Gray. If they can trade Jacoby Ellsbury bad contracts for another bad contract maybe they are in. RHH Stanton and his contract is another option to possibly be moved. But he has a no trade clause that will limit the number of possibilities. JA Happ, Dallas Keuchel are potential FA signings. They still have a formidable bullpen even with the loss of Robertson. However, NYY believes in a strong bullpen, so maybe they will also spend here.

 

Minnesota Twins – Signed a couple of one-year FA infielders in Jonathan Schoop (2B) and Ronald Torreyes (2B, 3B, SS). Doesn’t close the gap between them and Cleveland. But Schoop could resurrect his career in Minnesota and if nothing else provide a decent mid-season trade possibility. That probably ends any thought of Minnesota re-signing Brian Dozier.  They also picked up 1B/DH CJ Cron.

 

Boston – Re-sign Nathan Eovaldi. Does he start or relieve? The Red Sox are already at $240MM in CBT so they do not have any financial room to pick up replacements for Kimbrel or Kelly. The bullpen could be their downfall this year. Also Mookie Betts and JDM are going to need to repeat 2018. With the addition of Paxton, NYY improved and Boston has a full year of Eovaldi but also the loss of Kimbrel and Kelly. NYY has room to spend while Boston does not. Look for NYY to become a big challenger for Boston for the best ML team in 2019.

 

Washington Nationals – They have been active. They signed Patrick Corbin to replace Gio. Check. They picked up catcher Yan Gomez and Kurt Suzuki. Check. They signed pitcher Trevor Rosenthal for the pen. Full year of Kyle Barraclough. Already with Sean Doolittle, Bullpen – Check. They still need a 2B but have said they are willing to live with Howie Kendrick at the position. There are a lot of 2B’s available, so I would expect the Nats to pick one of them. DJLM? Brian Dozier? Ted Lerner has already said that they are ready to move on from Bryce Harper. They wish him well, but they like the thought of Soto, Robles, Eaton and Taylor (#4). A #5 should be easy and inexpensive to pick up. Harper could change his mind and ask to see if the $300MM 10 year no opt out deal is still on the table. Lerner and Boras are tight, so that could happen. A left handed 1B for backup to Zimmerman. Lucas Duda? They could also use a true #5 SP. They may be willing to go into 2019 with Erick Fedde as their #5, but I think they are in a position to try to find a more polished #5. Especially if they do decide to move away from Harper.

 

There has been a lot of movement and some big names signed before the Winter Meetings. This could be a big week for many FA and many teams. What will the Dodgers do? I have no bloody clue.

 

 

This article has 47 Comments

  1. Thanks AC. Great lead to the Winter Meeting.
    .
    Do the Dodgers go with pitching and defense, offense, or a combination?
    .
    A Kluber or Syndergaard addition might say P&D. Harper might say O.
    .
    “There does appear to be real interest from the Mets for Yasiel Puig” –that is where I have most often tried to trade Puig. Hill to Yanks, a Yank to the Mets, and Puig and X to Mets, Syndergarrd to Dodgers.

    1. Puig for Syndergaard or Kluber would be awesome. They better get a big bat to replace him. I was pretty stoked on Kemp’s production last year until he went into his prolonged slump and lost his job in the post season.

      Maybe Joc turns the corner this year? Otherwise he’s next year’s Puig. Will they trade him now that he still has some value?

      A Chris Taylor bounce back batting lead-off would go a long way at second base. Maybe better than deluge of second base options on the open market. A Dozier bounce back year makes even more sense since he was playing hurt last year.

      At a minimum, I would like to see that catcher and back end reliever signed before the flight back home.

      What’s the over / under on Bryce / Machado signing a contract before the end of the Winter Meetings?

      Right handed power would be a nice add to the the lineup. I don’t see a lot of free agent options beyond Cutch, Dozier and Pollock. What are the realistic options for a trade?

      Are the Dodgers poised for a busy week after adding an assistant GM? I sure hope so. This Dodgers off-season has been uneventful.

      1. I think it was Olney that mentioned that the Dodgers were interested in Pollock. He is a righty bat but one that comes with injury risk. If Puig and Verdugo were traded then there would be room for Pollock.

        1. I’m with you, he’s made of glass. Another Adam Eaton. Awesome when they’re on the field.

  2. AC – Whats your feeling on the HOF picks?? Good players, but HOF… It’s almost like they have to pick someone, so they all can get together…
    I ran into Lee Smith in Palm Springs, when the Angels had ST there and he was the largest ballplayer I had ever seen up close. Maybe Klu was bigger!?
    I got lost in the finances yesterday and don’t know if it was asked if again will ST be in a holding pattern till Scott’s Kids get signed???
    Damn, and he’s Cory Seagers agent… Has Puig got a GM yet??

    1. Peter, I am one who believes that the HOF should be reserved for the best of the best. Not simply very good. Harold Baines was a very good player but his .289/.356/.465/.820, 2,866 hits, and 384 HR do not say HOF for me.
      .
      I am not a big advocate for DH or relief pitchers being considered for HOF posterity. But if they are, they have to be better than best. If I had a vote, the only reliever I would have voted for was Trevor Hoffman. He had 601 career saves, recently surpassed by Mariano Rivera (652). He had 14 seasons of 30+ saves, 9 seasons of 40+ saves and 1 50+ save season. He was dominant over a long period of time. I also think that Dennis Eckersley was dominant for a shorter period of time as the first part of his career was as a starter. Eck had 12 seasons as a reliever and had 8 seasons with 30+ saves, 4 seasons of 40+ saves and 1 50+ save season. I would consider him.
      .
      If Rollie Fingers, Bruce Sutter, and Goose Gossage are HOF, then Lee Smith should be. He had 478 career saves (#3 All-Time) with 11 30+ save seasons and 4 40+ save seasons. He was a better reliever than any of those three. Mariano Rivera is the only reliever that I would consider for HOF right now.

      1. Agreed, Harold Baines has one bold number on his Baseball-Reference stats page. Hardly screams HOF.

      2. Chris Russo had a classic rant today about Baines making the Hall. I with you on DH’s and relief pitchers. Neither deserve to be amongst the games greatest players. Smith had a WHIP over 1.2 and if you’re a relief pitcher with that long of a career your ERA better be south of 3.00. Two terrible decisions. I know some can’t stand Russo, but his rant on Baines was classic.

  3. I do not think the Mets will trade Syndergarrd, but even if they do, the price will be too high and the risk will be even higher!

      1. Considering that everything that comes out of the front office is a lie. – “I won’t hire a GM”, and then the very next day…

      2. Yeah, remember just last year that either Verdugo, May or Lux were going in the Machado deal. No one was even close at that one!

  4. Many of us have complained that Gil Hodges should be in the HOF, but he’s not. Look at his stats:

    Gil Hodges
    370 HR
    1274 RBI
    .846 OPS
    .273 BA

    Harold Baines
    389 HR
    1628 RBI
    .820 OPS
    .289 BA

    Hodges didn’t make it and overall Baines is a little better, so if I think Hodges should be in (and I do), I have to include Baines.

    1. Respectfully, I dare say that if Hodges were not a Dodger, you would not feel the same. Just like Maury Wills. They were GREAT Dodgers, but not MLB HOF.

    2. Baines played 22 years. He’s a stat compiler and not one of the all-time greats. If Gil Hodges had produced in the post-season he may have made the Hall. I’d put Maury Wills in before Hodges.

      1. I would put Wills in before Hodges as well. He had an impact on how the games was played with his base stealing. But I would not include either on in the HOF. They are both GREAT Dodgers, but not HOF.

  5. There were a couple of trade scenarios that I saw traversing the blogosphere (very dangerous). One was Francisco Cervelli for Marshall Kasowski. Probably as likely as any of the others that we have bandied about on this site; meaning — not very. I am mildly interested in Cervelli who is probably akin to Yasmani Grandal without the HRs but also without the Ks. He threw out 39% would be base stealers last year, but is 27% for his career. At 2.6 WAR he certainly earned his $10.5MM salary. His 2019 salary is $11.5MM with a $10.33MM AAV price tag. Kind of pricey for a one and done catcher with concussion concerns. While I do like Marshall Kasowski, that is not too much for a front line catcher. Cervelli helps LAD in 2019, but how much more than less costly Nick Hundley or Martin Maldonado or Jonathan Lucroy? This would be…okay, but what else? Robinson Chirinos signed a 1 year $5.75MM for comparisons.
    .
    The other one that I am seeing more of is Scooter Gennett being traded this winter. What Cincinnati would get in return depends totally on what they are looking for. Do they want pitching for 2019 while their kids develop? Or do they want prospects? Does it make sense to trade a 2B with one year remaining for a pitcher with one year remaining? Only if it means that Senzel gets the 2B position. MLBTR projected Dodgers (Wood), Yankees (Sonny Gray), Pittsburgh (Ivan Nova), Nationals (Tanner Roark) as possibilities. Of those, really only Wood and Gray are genuine possibilities. The Nationals really do not have nearly enough pitching to trade Roark. I am not sure why Pittsburgh except they do need a 2B for the year, and they do have decent young pitching they could provide experience. But if they were interested in Gennett why is he a better choice than Harrison? They could have kept Harrison and moved Nova for prospects. Do not see the reasoning on that one.
    .
    It looks like Billy Hamilton to KC. Good move for KC with a defensive CF in that canyon. Maybe he will make contact with the Royals. The Royals will run him if he gets on. Good gamble for them with a plus plus on defense.

  6. Some other Veterans Committee doozie picks (now Today’s Game Era) :
    Bill Mazeroski-WTF? That means Omar Vizquel should be in easily. Insert other good not great IF’s with long careers.
    Ron Santo-WTF?! That means Edgar Martinez, Steve Garvey and others should be in.
    Jack Morris-Really? Let’s enshrine Mussina, Tommy John, and others too.

    Of course this is all subjective but for me Bonds, Clemens, McGwire, Palmeiro and Rose belong in the Hall and while they are all alive too. The 3 guys above and Baines just don’t so I would have to say no to Hodges too.

  7. Saw this tweet exchange

    Bob Nightengale-
    Manny Machado is doing the opposite of Bryce Harper and plans to visit teams in their city on his free agent tour
    Eric Stephen-
    Trying to improve his road numbers (.272/.325/.468, 13 HR away in 2018, compared to .329/.415/.622, 24 HR at home)

  8. The talk of Haprer only being 26 sounds good but if a 10 contract is offered it can be looked at as two contracts, the first for ages 26 -31, and the second as 32 – 37. The first sounds much better than the second. Wouldn’t it be nice if only the first 5 years were guaranteed and the second included incentives that had to me met to equal the first.

    1. for that reason, I think those contracts should be front loaded with mid deal opt outs. Late deal incentives is a great idea to counter declining payouts in later years

    2. Bum, I think that’s 12 years. 26-30 & 31-35 would be more accurate. He just turned 26 in October so next season will be his 26 year old season.

  9. Had a meal over the weekend with a Yank. That’s all I say. He says, they are trying hard on Kubler. I said no fair, Dodgers are too. We’ll see what becomes of that.

  10. I would trade Alex Verdugo for Corey Kluber in a heartbeat. The question is, What else would we need to include? Have to think some salary would be going going back to CLE in the form of Wood/Puig. And if we trade too much outfield depth, that means an outfielder would likely be added through free agency. I wonder if Kluber’s availability is just too attractive for Friedman to pass up, and he has the line of communication and the pieces to make a deal work. Here’s my crazy trade proposal: Kluber for Wood, Verdugo, & Barnes.

  11. If people are wondering why we would be looking to upgrade our rotation when it is already a strength and we have other areas that need improvement, I think one answer can be found in last season. In addition to providing a buffer in case of injuries, a strong rotation (for example, Kershaw, Kluber, Buehler, Ryu, & Hill) could help us “coast” through the regular season and better prepare ourselves for the playoffs. Last year we had to expend so much energy just reaching the dance, we nearly sputtered out due to some inconsistencies and lack of urgency. Before Turner hit that HR in Game 2 against Milwaukee, we were looking like a dead team walking.
    *
    Kluber is such a good and respected pitcher that he makes any rotation better by just walking in the room. He could take some pressure off of Kershaw and Buehler. He’d also ease a bit of the concern about losing Wood/Hill/Ryu after this season.
    *
    I am concerned about the amount of talent we would have to give back. I’m resigned to losing Verdugo, I’m fine with dropping Wood/Stripling, I’d be very curious to see what the third piece would be. If it’s a top prospect like Ruiz, May, Luz I’d likely be very upset.

    1. I think most would consider Verdugo a top prospect – though major league ready. A package of verdugo (top prospect), Stripling (quality ML starter with club control) plus a mid level prospect should net Kluber.

      If you sub Wood (1 year control and $9M) for Stripling than the third piece probably needs to be better

      1. Agree
        *
        How about Verdugo, Stripling, & Wong?
        *
        Top prospect, cheap starter who was an all-star last year, and a catching prospect with some promise

    2. As Mark Walters said a few years ago, “Pitchers break!” Problem is, if you have too many starters you have some disgruntled starters.

  12. No action so far today but there is one rumor(among many others} that will not happen and that David Robertson coming to LA. 1. He’ll be 34 in April. 2. He made $13MM this year and 3. He’s an east coast guy and prefers to stay on the East coast and he doesn’t have an agent HE decides where he will or won’t go.

      1. Very impressive on MLBN. Smart guy with a future in broadcasting if he wants it. I bet he and Rich Hill would be good buddies if he winds up here. Both are very analytical thinkers.

  13. RHP Tyson Ross signs with Detroit – 1 year, $5.75MM. Ross will turn 32 in April. He started for San Diego last year with little success. St. Louis picked him up off waivers and he went into the bullpen and did much better as a reliever.

  14. Just read some articles/comments on http://www.letsgotribe.com and they would probably be laughing at my proposals above. For one, they insist that Cleveland is not rebuilding but simply retooling from a position of strength [have you seen the rest of the AL Central?] and any deal would have to help them this season and be payroll positive for them.
    *
    So, dumping Kemp and Wood seems fairly unlikely [unless they package Kipnis with Kluber], and Puig we don’t know exactly how he’s valued. (I will add, editorially, that Francona has to be among the best managers in the game and if anyone–besides Roberts–could get maximum effort from the Wild Horse it would be T.F.)
    *
    Clearly, Verdugo is the main target here, but he is somewhat dismissed as being a “spare piece” for us, mere depth and not a core part. To really strike at our heart, they would demand Bellinger and we would decline, this ending the negotiation.
    *
    But, what if we were to gradually sweeten the deal with some of our actual depth? Guys like Stripling, Taylor, Keekay, Ferguson, D. Santana? Now we could be getting closer to a deal that actually makes sense for a title contender trying to cash in a huge trade piece for four smaller units. Verdugo, Stripling, Taylor, Ferguson? That hurt a little bit to type. Verdugo, D. Santana, Alvarez, & Wong? Have to think we might be getting the Indians attention with some of these packages.
    *
    Whether I would do it is another matter altogether.

    1. If the Dodgers have to take back Kipnis in a Kluber deal, they should just walk away. The Dodgers cannot hide another bad LH bat on their roster. I like Kluber a lot, but not combined with Kipnis. That is going backwards. So, if the Indians want to trade Kluber to LA and insist on Verdugo I would be okay with that. I think they would need to take Stewart and then there would be other prospects. How good and how many? That is why Friedman makes $7MM and me(?). Let’s just say I am still waiting for my first check from the Dodgers, and I am not holding my breath. But just for ammunition…Verdugo/Maeda/Stewart/Wong for Kluber. Not enough (probably)? Too much? Lux/May/Ruiz would be untouchable, and Smith would be included only if absolutely necessary. I am not sure how much Alvarez is valued. He will probably need to have a good year and then his value would come in focus a little better. But I would have no problem including him if that was needed to get Kluber. Right now, Alvarez’s best value is with the Dodgers or via a trade to Miami or Tampa.
      .
      Regardless of the above, either one of Puig or Joc need to be moved to open a space for Verdugo, or Verdugo needs to be traded. Verdugo cannot go back to OKC. Not only would that be counterproductive from a baseball standpoint, but it would be counterproductive from a perceived value as well. You just cannot continue to diminish players’ values because you are afraid to move them. Andrew just needs to make a decision, and he does have 2 months before pitchers and catchers report. Contrary to what may be best for we fans’ sanity, Friedman does not need to make a deal this week.
      .
      As an aside, how about Yadier Alvarez to Tampa for Jose De Leon? I would love to get JDL back. One of my very favorite prospects.
      .
      BTW, other teams’ fans laugh at all of our trade proposals, just as we do with theirs. There are Dodger fans who would not trade Puig for Kluber straight up. I read those too.

    2. Puig gives max effort that’s not his problem. We need to stop judging what we think he should be by his first half season. He’s an occasional knucklehead, but he’s a top defender who currently is going to hit about .270 with 25 dingers and steal about 15 bases. When he figures out lefties it could be better.
      ~
      Like I said before Verdugo is going to be targeted by teams like Cleveland and Miami not Puig. Puig could be attached to a team to make the money work, but he isn’t who they are dealing Kluber for. A package of Verdugo, Stripling or Maeda, and a 3rd piece like Kike would make sense. I think attaching Kemp for Kipnis can make the money work better for the Dodgers if the Dodgers are in on Harper.
      ~
      If Harper wanted to be a Philly it would get done this week. They’ve got the most money. It’s apparent that they will wait and see if the Dodgers can move money and make it work. That means guys like Wood, Joc, Puig, Maeda, and Kemp could be moved.
      ~
      For the Scooter lovers. Wood for Scooter would make sense considering Taylor and/or Kike would be around still.

  15. Verdugo is going to be traded. There’s simply too much smoke. Maybe for Kluber, maybe for Realmuto, maybe for ???
    *
    Sounds like we might have multiple offers out there and are waiting for an answer
    *
    I would be mildly surprised if he’s still ours by the end of Thursday

    1. I haven’t seen one rumor involving Verdugo., that said I could easily see him moved.
      `
      Where did you see the rumors?

      1. MLB Trade Rumors and Twitter have been full of Verdugo to Cleveland the last 24 hrs. It makes sense. They’re trying replace Brantley, keep from getting old, and keep payroll down.

  16. So far Dodgers are in on Harper, Robertson and Kluber. That’s a great start right there. No catcher rumors yet?

  17. Friedman notes:
    `
    Alex Wood threw exclusively out of the stretch last season. His ERA jumped nearly a run, WHIP from 1.06 to 1.21, K rate dropped. Friedman said he got “out of whack mechanically” and expects Wood to return to using the windup in 2019.
    `
    Kenley Jansen’s heart surgery went “as well as we could have hoped,” Friedman said. Expects him to have no limitations when spring training opens. “Saw him the other day. He looked great, is in a great frame of mind.”
    `
    Corey Seager (Tommy John and hip surgeries) is working out in LA, making “the switch from rehabbing to training.” Has started running and throwing program, is swinging a bat.
    `
    Andrew Friedman about likely big-league arrivals for Will Smith and Keibert Ruiz. Said he expects Smith to “help us win games at some point in 2019.” For Ruiz, 2020 is a good bet but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen sooner.
    `
    Andrew Friedman was asked if the Dodgers would start spring training with the current surplus of OF & starting pitchers.

    “We would, but I just think they’re talented enough where things will lineup and make sense, where it works out well for our team and an acquiring team I’d be surprised if that were the case. If the return didn’t work for us, we wouldn’t [make a trade]. But I can’t see that happening.”
    `
    On if there’s pressure to make a splash this offseason: “I think the pressure we feel is to make a splash in October, much more so than in December.”
    `
    From HEYMAN:
    As of this moment the teams with the best chance to land Realmuto are these 7 — dodgers, mets, padres, astros, phillies, yankees and braves. A couple notably deny being too involved but they are all apparently involved enough to be in the top 7.
    `
    From MOROSI:
    The Dodgers are interested in Tigers OF Nick Castellanos via trade, but there’s no present momentum toward a deal. Dodgers active on numerous fronts and Castellanos is not their highest priority.

  18. Rumors of a three-way being discussed between the Marlins, Yankees, and Mets. Thor going to Yanks, Realmuto to the Mets.

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