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The free agent market, by all accounts, is going to be a bloodbath this offseason. We’ve given the opinion here often so far that while some of the guys at the top end of the market are going to get theirs, the middle-to-lower part of the group is going to struggle to get what they want. Blame it on the pandemic, blame it on the recent trend of relying on minor league depth, but there isn’t really hard to see that your Jake Arrietas are going to struggle to get more than a one year deal. So when you see guys like Robbie Ray jumping at the first offer they get, it shouldn’t surprise you. Waiting to see what the market gives you could be a mistake for some guys since teams may just move on to something else a little quicker than in the past.
On to the links.
Phillies news:
- I made note of it in my SBN simulation wrap up, but the Cole Hamels to Philadelphia rumors are going to start heating up. Is it time?
- If they haven’t already, it’s time for the Phillies to sit up and take notice of the happenings that are going on in Queens.
- Hoo boy, you knew these types of articles were coming.
- Meghan Montemurro ($) goes over the top free agent targets the Phillies should be looking at.
MLB news:
- Robbie Ray was the first domino to fall in market, signing back with the Blue Jays on a one year deal.
- The Mets’ new owner is wasting no time in beginning to shape the front office. Imagine that - front office that is decisive.
- The Tigers continue to shape their coaching staff, including a pitching coach that was the desire of many a team’s heart. Imagine that - a pitching coach hire that is decisive.
- Speaking of the Mets, the Indians really want them to get involved in the Francisco Lindor sweepstakes.
- The Nationals are moving quickly in the hopes of currying favor with the new president-elect. C’mon Joe, stick to your roots. Don’t do it.
- The Astros-Jeff Luhnow breakup is about to get messy. Expect a big out of court settlement.
Rumor roundup:
- Jackie Bradley, Jr. and the Red Sox have been in contact with each other.
- While the Blue Jays have already crossed off one part of the offseason shopping list, it’s likely they’ll continue to add more pitching.