Listed here are three issues we’ll be maintaining a tally of across the baseball world as we head into the week:
1. What’s subsequent for the Rangers?
A stunning swap of massive names on giant contracts occurred yesterday, because the Rangers despatched second baseman Marcus Semien to the Mets in alternate for Brandon Nimmo. From the Rangers’ perspective, the deal permits them to re-imagine their lineup and exchange non-tendered nook outfielder Adolis Garcia whereas nonetheless staying consistent with their objectives to chop payroll this 12 months. Whereas Nimmo is on the books for 5 years versus Semien’s three, he’ll really value about $4.75MM much less per 12 months for luxurious tax functions after factoring within the money New York despatched alongside Texas’ new left fielder. With a luxurious tax payroll that RosterResource now tasks to land round simply $191MM and Josh Smith free to take over at second base, the Rangers come out of this commerce with the flexibleness to even perhaps make one other addition to the lineup or signal some bullpen assist whereas nonetheless slicing payroll considerably from final 12 months. It’s unclear what precise stage possession is comfy spending to this 12 months.
2. Mets’ infield logjam grows larger:
The Semien-Nimmo commerce is a little more sophisticated from the Mets’ finish. With Nimmo headed to the Rangers, the Mets now have Juan Soto as their solely locked in common within the outfield for the 2026 season. Against this, they’re flush with infield choices after including Semien to a bunch that already included Brett Baty, Mark Vientos, Luisangel Acuna, and Ronny Mauricio. Semien and Francisco Lindor determine to deal with common reps up the center, which would depart simply two spots on the infield for these 4 children. A Pete Alonso reunion would additional minimize into these alternatives. Additionally displaced by the deal is Jeff McNeil, who may transfer into the outfield if needed however was already the topic of commerce rumors even earlier than this deal.
The Mets may transfer any of these infielders as they search for assist in the rotation or bullpen. It’s additionally price noting that one of many sport’s perennial prime spenders now has a nook outfield emptiness and fewer cash on the long-term books when the market’s prime free agent is nook outfielder Kyle Tucker.
3. Maton signing not but official:
The Cubs agreed to phrases with right-hander Phil Maton on a two-year deal Friday evening, although that signing has not but been finalized. Maton’s deal is pending a bodily, and monetary specifics aren’t but recognized. The Cubs have been reluctant to decide to relievers on multi-year offers lately, making the signing all of the extra notable. Chicago’s final multi-year free agent signing for a reduction arm was the Craig Kimbrel contract all the best way again in June of 2019. (They did make a robust provide to Tanner Scott final winter, although.) Is that this a change in philosophy or merely a one-off? The Cubs have loads of area on the 40-man roster, so a corresponding transfer is not going to be needed when the Maton deal turns into official.
