MLB rumors: Phillies, Machado, Braves, Reds, Gray

• The Phillies’ push for all star Manny Machado has been known to many, but they took another step by hiring former Orioles third base coach, and Machado’s mentor, Bobby Dickerson, Roch Kubatko of MASN reports. Machado once referred to him as “one of his most important mentors.”

• ESPN‘s Buster Olney goes into the Braves corner outfield needs, and regards CF AJ Pollock as a potential fit. Atlanta continues to have discussions with the speedy 31-year-old.

• The Reds’ search for starting pitchers have lead to alex wood, and tanner Roark, but they still seek one more, and they have had discussions with the Yankees regarding SP Sonny Gray. Gray had a down year last year, but away from his home ballpark, he pitched to a 3.17 era. the yankees have shown interest in Scooter Gennett, but with the recent signing of Troy Tulowitzki, a deal involving Scooter seems unlikely, but the Yankees have shown interest in the Reds #5 prospect, Tony Santillian.

Mets to sign Jed Lowrie

In a shocking development, the mets have signed 2B Jed Lowrie to a 2 year, $ 20 million deal, making him their second 2B acquired this offseason, and their third on the active roster (Robinson Cano, Jeff McNeil). Lowrie is coming off his best season, batting .267 with 22 homers, 99 RBIs, 159 hits, an .801 OPS, and a .304 BABIP. He is a versatile player, being able to play first, second, third, and short, with above average defense. He is currently 34 years old, but his production has only improved has he has aged, meaning this could turn out to be a great signing for the Mets if he continues to hit well. it’s unknown where he will play, but he could be played at short and the club could use former top prospect Amed Rosario as a trade chip, or put Lowrie at first, or use him as a super utility player (like ben Zobrist). Either way, this improves their chances in the stacked NL East division.

Mets sign LHP Luis Avilan to a minor league contract

The Mets, who have expressed interest in lefty relievers, have went out and signed former Phillie, Luis Avilan to a minor league contract with an invite to major league spring training. He was non tendered by the phillies earlier this offseason and the mets jumped on the opportunity to sign a lefty. in 2018, he pitched to a 3.77 ERA in 70 games, with 51 strikeouts. Lefties have struggled against him, hitting just .205/.302/.289.

MLB minor transactions

•The Seattle Mariners have agreed to terms with RHP Cory Gearrin on a 1 year major league contract, with this being the second notable move by Seattle today, along with SS Tim Beckham. he formerly pitched for the Giants, Athletics, and Rangers. He pitched to a decent 3.54 career ERA with 235 career strikeouts, in 270 innings

•The Cincinati Reds have agreed to bring back CF Mason Williams on a minor league contract. he will likely recieve an invite to spring training. He will likely fight for the starting CF spot on this reds team that will attempt to compete.

JT Realmuto drawing interest from 6 teams

The Miami Marlins entered the “tanking” phase last year when they dealt away the likes of 2017 MVP Giancarlo Stanton, Christian Yelich, Silver Slugger Marcell Ozuna, and more. They did however keep one piece, in star catcher JT Realmuto. That turned out to be a smart move by Miami, as he broke out hitting .279 with 21 home runs, and 74 RBIs. now he is drawing interest from 6 teams including the Braves, Dodgers, Astros, Reds, Rays, And Padres. The Marlins are said to have an absurd asking price after getting an underwhelming return for the  2018 MVP, Christian Yelich. There has been rumors that the marlins would want top tier prospects (such as Houston’s Kyle Tucker, Forrest Whitley) in any package for their star. It has been said before that Atlanta and Houston have balked at Miami’s asking price, but apparently, neither team has actually moved on. whether he gets traded or not, this subject will be an interesting one to watch as spring training nears.

 

Nationals to sign Brian Dozier

ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports that the Washington Nationals have reached an agreement with 2B Brian Dozier on a 1 year, $10 million deal. He will bridge the gap at second where the Nationals originally had Wilmer Difo and Howie Kendrick penciled in at the keystone. This day has already been very busy, as Yasmani Grandal reached an agreement with the Miluakee Brewers, Tim Beckham reached an agreement with the M’s, and Shelby Miller will go to the Texas Rangers. This deal will greatly impact the NL East race, especially is Dozier bounces back from his down season. In 2018, Dozier hit .215 with 15 home runs, a .696 OPS, 72 RBIs, and a lackluster 1.0 WAR. but in 7 easons, dozier has hit .246, with 172 home runs, a .768 OPS, and 511 RBIs, and he is a plus defender at second.