The Rundown: Trader Jed Not Done Making Moves, Bellinger Joins Yankees, MLB Releases Arm Injury Study
I applaud Jed Hoyer for his old-school approach to this offseason. Chicago’s president of baseball operations continues to navigate the trade market after acquiring Kyle Tucker rather than taking the easy way out of just spending. Yes, Harry Dalton and Jack McKeon would be proud of Hoyer’s work thus far. The Cubs are now linked heavily to Marlins starter Jesus Lúzardo and Luis Castillo of the Mariners. Don’t be surprised if Sandy Alcántara and Logan Gilbert are also on Hoyer’s radar.
I have a suggestion of my own if Trader Jed is looking for high-floor/high-ceiling acquisitions. Why not contact the Dodgers about Dustin May or Bobby Miller? Los Angeles needs outfielders and a second baseman, and they have plenty of pitching. I’d be okay with dealing Nico Hoerner for May and giving second base to James Triantos. Outfield prospect Alexander Canario is out of options, by the way. Something to at least consider.
Keep an eye on Jack Flaherty and reliever Jeff Hoffman should Hoyer elect to explore free agency. Each has failed to develop a market, something Chicago’s front office is likely monitoring. Though I think Flaherty is a stretch, Hoffman is a must-sign if he’ll accept a two-year deal. Kirby Yates is also an option. No offense to Cody Poteet, who the Cubs acquired from the Yankees in the Cody Bellinger trade, but the Cubs need one more high-leverage righty in their bullpen.
Don’t bemoan the Bellinger trade until we see how the rest of the winter plays out. Hoyer is signaling his intent to take back the NL Central after several years of abuse at the hands of the Brewers. He has the prospect depth to do that via trade, and he’s finally taking advantage. That calls for a little Bob Dylan to start our morning.
Cubs News & Notes
- Tucker indicated he is open to extension talks with the Cubs.
- It almost sounds like Hoyer acquired Isaac Paredes with the sole intent of eventually trading him to the Astros. He couldn’t have imagined in his wildest dreams that he could turn Parades, Hayden Wesneski, and Cam Smith into Tucker.
- Chicago’s new right fielder believes the 2025 Cubs are destined for greatness.
- Hoyer is apparently bad at math, which means signing Corbin Burnes or anybody else attached to a qualifying offer is not an option this winter. As a reminder, Flaherty is unencumbered.
- Yates is one of the most underrated free agents available. Last year, he was 7–2 with a 1.17 ERA, a 0.83 WHIP, and 85 strikeouts against 28 walks in 61.2 innings. Yates also converted 33 saves in 34 chances.
- Speaking of pitching, the Cubs have a 7.7% chance of signing Rōki Sasaki, according to the fine folks at bookies.com.
- The social media posts that pushed for the Cubs to move Michael Busch to third base in order to retain Bellinger have been my silent rage. Hoyer said moving Busch was never a consideration and that Matt Shaw will get a long look at third in spring training. Order restored.
- Chicago still has a surplus of MLB-ready outfielders despite moving Bellinger.
- The Cubs traded catcher Matt Thaiss to the White Sox for cash considerations, which can’t be much. Hoyer’s gonna get that $5 million back he sent to the Yankees if he has to do it one penny at a time.
- Thaiss was expendable because Hoyer finally signed Carson Kelly. The former Cardinal is a lifelong Cubs fan.
Odds & Sods
When the only thing you can guarantee is several multi-game losing streaks…
The home of the White Sox adopts a new name: Rate Field pic.twitter.com/OiWKxqMqho
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) December 18, 2024
Central Intelligence
- Milwaukee: The Brewers would like to trade Rhys Hoskins, though the front office might have to add cash and a prospect to get it done.
- St. Louis: The Bellinger trade may disappoint Cardinals fans who are expecting a haul for third baseman Nolan Arenado.
- Cincinnati: The Reds need an outfielder with a little power and are eying up Luis Robert Jr. of the White Sox.
- Pittsburgh: The Pirates need lineup help, but trading starters Jared Jones or Mitch Keller might be shortsighted.
Wednesday Stove
A recent MLB study identified contributing factors to the recent uptick in pitching injuries. Chasing higher velocity is the main culprit, to the surprise of nobody. The 62-page document made broad recommendations — including potential rule changes — to address the increase in arm injuries. The league said the study was just the first step in a process that needs even more examination.
MLB is now on the record in saying the most significant causes of arm injuries are velocity, spin-chasing, and maximum-effort pitching.
Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman is not a fan of Rob Manfred.
Giants shortstop Willy Adames is helping his new team recruit Burnes.
Burnes will likely choose between Toronto or San Francisco.
The Dodgers would like to add Alcántara to their already staggering rotation.
Who will be the first player to earn a contract with a billion dollars? Someone we’ve yet to hear about is the likeliest answer.
Happy Holidays
Pitchers and catchers report in 57 days, and time accelerates very quickly once we get through Christmas and New Year’s.
Extra Innings
I remember when Jon Lester said the same thing. Let’s hope Tucker is the first big piece of Chicago’s next championship team.
"I don't think I could've gone to a much better organization than the Cubs."
Kyle Tucker talks about being traded to Chicago while being introduced by the team. pic.twitter.com/XDK0VNHlNB
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 17, 2024
They Said It
- “We have a lot of really good players on the team, we’re very balanced, but it did feel like we lacked that consolidation of WAR, I would say, on our roster, in one player, and obviously Tucker’s one of the best players in baseball, period. Obviously, to acquire a player like that comes at a real price, but it’s a price we’re willing to pay, given the fact that was something we felt all summer that we lacked and something we really wanted to bring to this team.” – Hoyer
- “Of course, you want players like Kyle for a long time, there’s no question. He’s at such an elite level in our game. I mean, are you ever going to know if we’re having extension talks? No, so I wouldn’t comment on it. Certainly, there will be contact with his agents; we’ll have discussions. We’ll keep those internal.” – Hoyer
- “We’re not done [making moves].” – Hoyer
Wednesday Walk-Up Song