Executives and agents arrived Monday at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas for the 2018 MLB Winter Meetings, but they didn't do much on Day 1.
[RELATED: News, rumors on Day 1 of the MLB Winter Meetings]
That's sure to change Tuesday, as teams continue conversations that might allow them to alter their rosters, through signings and/or trades. Both Bay Area teams could be busy: The Giants, under new president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi, have confirmed their interest in adding two more outfielders, and the A's are focused on starting pitchers, along with depth at catcher and second base.
Now, it's time to see what deals will be struck. Keep it here throughout Day 2 of the Winter Meetings for the latest live news, rumors and trade chatter.
11:05 p.m. PT: The Giants are looking to add in the outfield, and two pretty big names are reportedly available at the Winter Meetings: Jackie Bradley Jr. and Ender Inciarte.
The Boston #Redsox, trying to clear salary space for bullpen help, are openly listening to offers on Rick Porcello, and rivals insist also are willing to talk about Xander Bogaerts and Jackie Bradley Jr.— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 11, 2018
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Source -- #reds have talked to the Braves about CF Ender Inciarte. Nothing is imminent, however. Club is talking to a lot of teams/agents here .— Mark Sheldon (@m_sheldon) December 11, 2018
Both players are coming off of down years offensively, but Inciarte remained an elite defender in 2018 with 17 defensive runs saved in the outfield, according to Fangraphs. The Giants have a need, and both players are available, so keep your eyes on these two as the Winter Meetings proceed.
10:58 p.m. PT: The St. Louis Cardinals are reportedly shopping first baseman/outfielder Jose Martinez, and they reached out to the Giants, according to the San Francisco Chronicle's Henry Schulman.
#cardianls are pushing Martinez in a bid to get #SFGiants closer Will Smith, too. I hear Martinez is a better outfielder than first baseman, tho not a good defender at either. https://t.co/FBWd1808Qi— Henry Schulman (@hankschulman) December 12, 2018
Martinez was a bit of a late-bloomer, playing a career-high 152 games in his age-29 season. He slashed .305/.364/.457 in 2018, and hit 17 home runs. The Giants are reportedly drawing interest on Brandon Belt, so could Martinez be his replacement?
10:44 p.m. PT: It was reported on Monday that the Los Angeles Dodgers were looking to deal some of their outfielders. Two of those names, reportedly, are ones Giants fans love to hate.
According to a source, the Dodgers are actively trying to trade Yasiel Puig and/or Matt Kemp.— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 12, 2018
This one is a surprise. #Dodgers talking to #STLCards about Jose Martinez, sources tell The Athletic. LAD could play the defensively challenged Martinez at first base, with Muncy at second and Bellinger in center.— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 12, 2018
8:53 p.m. PT: Openers on both sides of the Bay? The Giants are exploring following the A's lead, and using relievers to start certain games in 2019.
Could Bruce Bochy take the ball from Tony Watson ... after the first inning?
Openers are on the table for the Giants in 2019. (via @PavlovicNBCS) https://t.co/K4ZbO8QLWA pic.twitter.com/ZGnXT2HTsH— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) December 12, 2018
8:10 p.m. PT: If you want to #GorkTheVote in 2019, you'll have to vote for a Boston Red Sox outfielder, as Gorkys Hernandez reportedly signed a minor-league deal with the defending champs.
Sources: The Red Sox have agreed to a minor league deal with 31-year-old OF Gorkys Hernandez. Hit .234/.285/.391 and played all 3 OF spots for the Giants in 142 games last year. He'd make a salary of $1M if in the big leagues.— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) December 12, 2018
Hernandez was out of options with the Giants and, as Alex Pavlovic noted in a piece on Monday, his .285 on-base percentage fell short of what the new regime was looking for.
"One area that we want to look at is improving the offense from a plate discipline standpoint, even something as basic as the walk-strikeout ratio of the guys on the team," Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi said Monday.
7:58 p.m. PT: Another option for the A's at second base? Veteran Ian Kinsler, per MLB Network's Jon Morosi.
Free agent Ian Kinsler is at the Winter Meetings to talk with teams. The destinations of LeMahieu and Lowrie may determine where Kinsler signs, but #Tigers, #Brewers, #Athletics, #Nats are among teams with interest. @MLB @MLBNetwork— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 12, 2018
#Athletics have interest in free agent second baseman Ian Kinsler, per @jonmorosi. Kinsler is 36 years old, but still has some pop and a great glove. One executive told me today Kinsler would be a great fit in Oakland. #WinterMeetings— Ben Ross (@BenRossSports) December 12, 2018
7:02 p.m. PT: As Madison Bumgarner trade rumors continue to swirl, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported that MadBum is likely to stay put ... at least for now.
A source said it is becoming less and less likely that the Giants will trade Madison Bumgarner this winter, though it still can't be ruled out. A midseason trade seems more likely if the Giants are not in contention, the source said.— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 12, 2018
Coming off two injury-marred seasons and with only one year left on his contract, Bumgarner's market is hard to quantify. Rather than trade him now, the Giants could be better served hoping their ace lefthander rebuilds his value with a strong start to 2019 before trading him at the July 31 deadline.
6:46 p.m. PT: After using "openers" to start games became popular last season, new Giants president Farhan Zaidi says San Francisco has discussed the idea as a strategy for their 2019 team.
Farhan Zaidi said Giants are talking about using "openers" in rotation next season.— Alex Pavlovic (@PavlovicNBCS) December 12, 2018
Many teams, including Zaidi's former club in LA, used the "opener" strategy to various degrees of success in the 2018 playoffs. It'll be interesting to see if Zaidi can convince old-school manager Bruce Bochy to utilize it for the Giants.
6:06 p.m. PT: The Orioles have reportedly found their manager...maybe. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported the O's hired former Cubs bench coach Brandon Hyde to lead their club.
#Cubs coach Brandon Hyde will be the #Orioles' next manager, sources tell The Athletic. First reported as close: @JoelSherman1.— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 12, 2018
However, Baltimore GM Mike Elias denied that the team has made any hires, per MASN's Roch Kubatko.
Elias said no decision made on manager, no offer made and probably no hire here. Called report on Hyde, shown on TV in suite, "premature" #orioles— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) December 12, 2018
After going an MLB-worst 47-115 in 2018, the Orioles are facing a massive rebuild--regardless of who ends up managing the club.
4:42 p.m. PT: Yasiel Puig to ... Cincinnati? That's a real possibility, according to Fancred's Jon Heyman and The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.
In one variation of this deal, #Dodgers would take back Homer Bailey from #Reds and his remaining $28M commitment as a way of buying prospects. Bailey's CBT number (average annual salary in multi-year deal) is $17.5M. Deal complex, still in discussion, not close. https://t.co/y3yVs5Rpsf— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 12, 2018
Dodgers and Reds are discussing deals, some of which include Yasiel Puig. If it happens Puig would be reunited with hitting coach Turner Ward for more kisses. #puigyourfriend— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 12, 2018
Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow wouldn't mind seeing Puig in San Francisco, but he doesn't think that's a real possibility.
4:20 p.m. PT: A's general manager David Forst said Monday that "you don't ever make it your goal to actually do something" at the Winter Meetings, but he may be contradicting his own advice.
Oakland announced its first signing of the Winter Meetings: Catcher Chris Herrmann.
The @Athletics announced: https://t.co/RcPMDLmovL— A's on NBCS (@NBCSAthletics) December 11, 2018
They also appear to be headed in a different direction at second base, according to NBC Sports California's Ben Ross. One possible name? Bay-Area native Troy Tulowitzki.
Troy Tulowitzki as the A's second baseman could be a possibility. I mean, he grew up an A's fan ... https://t.co/t37Ezd3Z0S (via @KleinschmidtJD) pic.twitter.com/B3MdoDOGqy— A's on NBCS (@NBCSAthletics) December 12, 2018
11:58 a.m. PT: Andrew McCutchen just got PAID! According to multiple reports, Cutch will get a three-year contract worth $50 million from the Phillies. The deal will also include a club option.
The Andrew McCutchen deal is for three years -- plus a club option -- and $50 million, according to sources.— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) December 11, 2018
11:30 a.m. PT: The Red Sox just won the World Series, and now they want to shed some payroll. According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, some rival executives are wondering if Boston will try to move former Cy Young winner Rick Porcello.
Would the Giants or A's be interested in Porcello? With his $21.125 million salary for 2019, it's not likely either would be able to add him without the Red Sox kicking in some money.
The Boston #Redsox, who had the highest payroll last season, are looking to clear some payroll space, rival executives say, who openly wonder if Rick Porcello is available in right deal.— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 11, 2018
11:22 a.m. PT: Is Andrew McCutchen headed back to Pennsylvania? According to NBC Sports Philadelphia's Jim Salisbury, the Phillies have expressed interest in signing the former Giants outfielder.
Phillies looking to add an outfielder. They have significant interest in free agent Andrew McCutchen https://t.co/HBSjCEAiQ5— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) December 11, 2018
11:11 a.m. PT: The A's loved having veteran Jonathan Lucroy as their backstop this past season, but it's possible they could be looking for an upgrade in 2019. Could that mean a run at Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto?
Angels, Dodgers, A's and Rockies among others (along with Mets) looking to upgrade catching situation. Plus the other teams in on Realmuto Will consider (Phillies, Astros, Braves).— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 11, 2018
11:04 a.m. PT: The Pirates and White Sox made their trade official. Right-handed pitcher Ivan Nova is going to Chicago, while 19-year-old right-handed pitcher Yordi Rosario and $500,000 in internation signing bonus pool money will go to Pittsburgh.
pic.twitter.com/xGQ2j5fV3z— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) December 11, 2018
10:03 a.m. PT: Does Jerry Dipoto sleep? A little more than a week after acquiring Carlos Santana from the Phillies, the Mariners GM reportedly talked to the Marlins about the first baseman/designated hitter last week.
#Marlins are actively exploring additions as well as a trade of Realmuto. Per sources, looking at mid-tier free-agent hitters and relievers, and discussed Carlos Santana with #Mariners last week.— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 11, 2018
9:58 a.m. PT: We have an arms race in the AL Central! OK, maybe not.
But one day after the Tigers added Tyson Ross, the White Sox reportedly will acquire Ivan Nova from the Pirates.
#WhiteSox acquiring RHP Ivan Nova from the #Pirates, pending a review of medical records of players involved, sources tell me and @ByRobertMurray.— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 11, 2018
9:26 a.m. PT: On Monday night, Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi told reporters that he let Hunter Strickland go in part because of the depth in the bullpen. But The Athletic's Mark Saxon is reporting that the Giants are receiving a lot of calls on left-hander Will Smith.
Source: The #SFGiants have gotten a ton of calls on lefty Will Smith and the #STLCards are among the most aggressive pursuers. Might be tough as Giants aren't keen on losing him.— Mark Saxon (@markasaxon) December 11, 2018
9:22 a.m. PT: With Patrick Corbin off the market, lefty JA Happ is one of the top free-agent starting pitchers still available. Happ's decision could come soon if he receives a three-year offer.
Sources: Where J.A. Happ winds up could come down to the team that guarantees him a third year. Right now, none has, and he has indicated he'll sign with the first one that does. If none steps up, he's got a number of two-year offers to consider, most from contending teams.— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 11, 2018
9:21 a.m. PT: While the Phillies pursue top free agents Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, they reportedly are trying to beef up their pitching staff.
The #Phillies in on Dallas Keuchel and Zach Britton while also hoping to lure a certain mega free agent— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 11, 2018
8:14 a.m. PT: Yankees third baseman Miguel Andujar finished second on the AL Rookie of the Year voting, but he might not get a second season in the Bronx. According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, Andujar could be moved in a potential blockbuster deal with the Mets and Marlins. If the Yankees traded Andujar, that could open the door for them to sign free agent Manny Machado.
Name to watch with #Yankees: Miguel Andújar. Rival execs tell me and @ByRobertMurray NYY open to moving him. Would make sense as #Marlins' ask for Realmuto; MIA wants established young MLB player as headliner. Also would line up with NYY pursuit of Machado. Torres could play SS.— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 11, 2018
7:06 a.m. PT: The Yankees might be serious about their pursuit of shortstop Manny Machado. On Monday, GM Brian Cashman said he has spoken several times with Machado's agent. Now, they reportedly have reached out to former Orioles manager Buck Showalter for his thoughts on the Machado.
The Yankees are showing great hustle in their background work on Machado ...
The #Yankees getting plenty of positive feedback from the #Orioles and former manager Buck Showalter while doing background work on Manny Machado, who's still in their sights.— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 11, 2018
7:03 a.m. PT: Late on Monday night, rumors started to swirl that the Mets, Yankees and Marlins were working on a blockbuster trade that would send catcher J.T. Realmuto to Queens, All-Star starter Noah Syndergaard to the Bronx and prospects to Miami.
But the Marlins are downplaying that potential deal, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale.
The Miami #Marlins are downplaying reports of a potential 3-way deal with #Yankees and #Mets involving JT Realmuto, but certainly plan to deal him.— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 11, 2018
6:57 a.m. PT: With Patrick Corbin officially signed, the Nationals might look to move starter Tanner Roark. According to Yahoo's Jeff Passan, Washington has talked to several teams about a deal for Roark, who is projected to make $9.8 million in arbitration.
Sources: The Washington Nationals have engaged in multiple discussions to trade starter Tanner Roark, who is a year out from free agency and could make upward of $10M in arbitration. The Nationals continue to look at free agent pitchers to supplement their rotation.— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 11, 2018
Could Roark be a fit with the A's? They need several starters to fill out the rotation, and the teams have made a lot of trades over the last decade. Stay tuned ...
