2021 MLB Non-Phillies News/Notes

Hard to believe the one time cheapest franchise in the game can now commit $185M. They had a payroll in the 20-30M not that many years ago. (2007)

Well before that signing they were 21st in payroll for 2022 (so far) at 64M committed. They are looking to trade their highest paid (before Franco's contract) Kevin Kiermaier who is getting 12M next year

With no team in New Orleans, I have always thought TB should do better. They actually have a fair piece of the map that would have been Ray’s fans if only they hadn’t started by being the cheapest franchise for their first 15 or so years.

I lived in Pensacola for 14 years (on and off) and the whole gulf coast was ripe for some team to sweep in and get a big, growing and rampant fan base and it just never happened. That area are still (reluctant) Braves fans because no one made any attempt to attract them.

Tampa is a big market (and wealthy with Orlando). The Rays had a new TV deal with Fox (now Bally) that kicked in during the 2019 season that raised their minimum payout to $50 million from something less than $30 million. That TV deal averages $82 million over 15 seasons, so probably in the $60-$65 million range today.

With revenue sharing also, Tampa can probably more afford a payroll in the $100 million range if they want to. They still can't go much higher with their stadium revenue, but the market is really much better than they have monetized so far.

White Sox said closing in on a deal for Kendall Graveman. $24M for 3 years range.

— Jon Heyman ( @JonHeyman ) November 23, 2021

So they’ll have Gravemen, Kimbrell, and Hendricks in the pen.

Oh, but they’re going to trade Kimbrel to the Phillies, for a bag of used baseballs!

Free-agent left-hander Steven Matz is in agreement with the Cardinals on a four-year, $44 million contract, sources tell The Athletic. Chance to make $48M with incentives.

— Ken Rosenthal ( @Ken_Rosenthal ) November 24, 2021

Right-hander Michael Wacha and the Boston Red Sox are finalizing a one-year contract, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN. Wacha, 30, was solid in a starting role for Tampa Bay last season and is expected to bring depth to the Red Sox’s rotation. Deal is pending a physical.

— Jeff Passan ( @JeffPassan ) November 26, 2021

Source confirms: Mets in agreement with free-agent infielder Eduardo Escobar on two-year, $20M contract. Can play 2B or 3B. Pending physical. First: @JonHeyman .

— Ken Rosenthal ( @Ken_Rosenthal ) November 26, 2021

Outfielder Mark Canha and the New York Mets are nearing a deal, league sources tell ESPN. Canha, 32, is a versatile, high-on-base guy who can play all three outfield positions and first base. When finalized as expected, the Mets will have gotten better.

— Jeff Passan ( @JeffPassan ) November 27, 2021

The Mets always sign all the free agents I want. They must have a chip in my brain.

The Mets sign Starling Marte, 4 years, $78 million:

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/11/mets-to-sign-starling-marte.html12

The Seattle Mariners are acquiring second baseman/outfielder Adam Frazier in a trade with the San Diego Padres, sources familiar with the agreement tell ESPN. Going to San Diego will be hard-throwing left-handed reliever Ray Kerr and outfielder Corey Rosier.

— Jeff Passan ( @JeffPassan ) November 27, 2021

It does seem part of the Mets strategy is to work around the qualifying offer free agents that would cause them to lose I think the 11th pick in the draft as they get that comp pick for Rocker and it is the team's 2nd highest pick (not the second round necessarily). They clearly care less about the competitive balance threshold (now they are at about $230 million), but we actually don't know what the penalties will be. The cap could easily be raised a considerable amount over the current $210 million because revenues have increased faster than the threshold.

Clearly they are sending a statement that they will spend, and being in New York they probably will still be pretty profitable.

Free-agent RHP Corey Kluber in agreement with Rays on one-year deal, pending physical, sources tell @TheAthletic . Kluber, 35, missed more than three months with right shoulder strain before rejoining Yankees in late August. Finished with 3.83 ERA in 80 IP, including no-hitter.

— Ken Rosenthal ( @Ken_Rosenthal ) November 28, 2021

It’s an $8MM contract, plus incentives, which could take the value of the deal as high as $13MM.

Considering how everything the Rays touch turns to gold, Kluber should return to his Cy Young form in 2022.

Marcus Semien's deal with the Texas Rangers is for seven years and $175 million, a source familiar with the agreement tells ESPN.

— Jeff Passan ( @JeffPassan ) November 28, 20211

Buxton deal with Twins, per source: Seven years, $100M. Full no-trade clause.

— Ken Rosenthal ( @Ken_Rosenthal ) November 28, 2021

More details:

$1M signing bonus.
2022 salary-$9M
2023-28-$15M per season

MVP bonuses, believed to be unprecedented, for every year of deal.

1st-$8M
2nd-$7M
3rd-$6M
4th-$5M
5th-$4M
6th-through-10th: $3M

Also: $500K each for 502, 533, 567, 600 and 625 plate appearances. https://t.co/leTEjfa4wR

— Ken Rosenthal ( @Ken_Rosenthal ) November 28, 2021