Braves Rumors: Randy Arozarena trade package, longshot trade target, RP signs
Braves Rumors: Tommy Doyle signs minor league contract with Atlanta
The Atlanta Braves have signed Tommy Doyle to a minor league contract, per the MLB’s transaction tacker (h/t MLB Trade Rumors). The expectation is that Doyle will receive an invite to spring training, where he can compete for a spot in the Braves’ bullpen hierarchy.
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Atlanta has quite a few relievers on staff already. From notable returners such as A.J. Minter and Joe Jimenez, to newcomers Aaron Bummer and Jackson Kowar, there aren’t too many spots up for grabs. As a result, Doyle will probably begin the season with Triple-A Gwinnett and operate as an emergency option should the Braves run into injury troubles.
Doyle spent was a third-round pick to the Colorado Rockies in 2017. He has appeared in 18 total MLB contests — three in 2020 and 15 last season. In 2023, the righty posted a 6.85 ERA and 1.521 WHIP in 23.2 innings pitched. He registered 18 strikeouts and 13 walks. Doyle relies heavily on a 90 MPH cutter, which makes up 48 percent of his pitches, per Baseball Savant. He also boasts a 94 MPH fastball (44 percent) and an 87 MPH slider (eight percent).
At 27 years old, Doyle still has ample time to carve out a career in the majors. For now, however, expect him in a Stripers uniform — not a Braves uniform — when the 2024 season starts.
MLB Rumors: Teams out on Ohtani, Braves-Shane Bieber trade, Cubs sleeper target
MLB Rumors: Cubs linked to Jordan Montgomery as sleeper target
Name a big free agent in the 2023-24 MLB offseason, and there’s a good chance that the Chicago Cubs have been connected to it. You could also apply this to the trade market as well, specifically as it pertains to their starting pitching.
Whether we’re talking Shohei Ohtani (after 2024 for pitching, of course), Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow or Dylan Cease trades, or another of other options, it seems as if the Cubs are dead-set on big-game hunting to fill out the rotation. This is especially true with Marcus Stroman now walking after declining his option.
But if the Cubs miss out on those top targets, all of whom are highly coveted around the league, where would they turn? How about a World Series winner who is quite familiar with the NL Central?
Jeff Passan of ESPN ($) reported on Friday that the Cubs could look at LHP Jordan Montgomery as a proverbial backup plan if they were to miss out on Yamamoto or one of the high-profile trade targets currently being floated around. However, there will be competition:
Montgomery has been traded twice in the past two seasons, but not because of lack of performance. The Yankees dealt him to the Cubs rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals, in 2022 before the Cards bottomed out this past season and traded him as a rental to the Rangers, which worked splendidly as Montgomery helped lead the way to the franchise’s first ring.
Over 64 starts in the past two seasons, though, the southpaw has been stellar with a 3.34 ERA, 1.144 WHIP, 3.59 FIP and 324/84 strikeout/walk ration. He’s been the goods. Even if he’s proposed as a Plan B type for the Cubs, he could perform like a Plan A option if that’s the direction that Chicago were to end up going in
MLB rumors: Braves on verge of trade for hometowner, Ohtani FA timeline, Dodgers hire Cruz, more
Nelson Cruz signs with Dodgers as a coach
Nelson Cruz hung up his glove, but is sticking around in baseball, finding a new home just a few weeks after his official retirement as a player. The Dodgers have hired the longtime designated hitter to their front office as an advisor:
Cruz wrapped up his playing career just south of Los Angeles with the San Diego Padres. Though the end of his career saw a massive drop-off in production, he stuck in the majors for just short of 20 years and remained an All-Star as late as year 15. He won four Silver Slugger awards, was named to seven All-Star teams, and won the ALCS MVP Award along the way.
Royals sign Garrett Hampson
The Kansas City Royals have shored up [insert position here] with their latest signing. Garrett Hampson, who played with the Miami Marlins in 2023, will play for the Royals in 2024.
To emphasize just how versatile he is as an everyday player, here’s how much of each position he’s played throughout his career:
Center field: 1,299 innings
Second base: 1,014 inningsShortstop: 621 innings
Third base: 97 innings
Left field: 94 innings
Right field: 86.1 innings
Last year Hampson played over 215 innings at shortstop, more than he ever had in a season before, adding to his prowess as an all-around utility defender.
Bobby Witt Jr. is locked in as the team’s shortstop. Expect Hampson to likely play an outfield role, but don’t be shocked if he’s called upon for something in the infield at some point, too, whether due to injury or fit.
Always good to have a player like Hampson that can play basically any non-specialist role on the field.
Braves Rumors: Anthopoulos surprise, Braves trade assets, Cease package
Atlanta Braves rumors: Grading a possible trade package for Dylan Cease
After missing out on Sonny Gray and Aaron Nola, the Atlanta Braves are on their third option to improve their starting rotation. Most backup plans are underwhelming. However, Dylan Cease is anything but that, as I wrote this week.
