MLB roundup: Astros get aggressive, Yankees get flexibility; signing/trade rumors

Buster OlneyNov 18, 2016, 10:56 AM ET

The Astros’ aggressive work early in this offseason is manifesting, with Houston adding desperately needed left-handed hitting and leadership in catcher Brian McCann and outfielder Josh Reddick. Their lineup could look like this:

RF George Springer (who hit leadoff in 116 games last season)

2B Jose Altuve

DH Evan Gattis

CF Jake Marisnick (or somebody else)

It’s a lineup of extraordinary potential, and now the Astros have to find some more pieces for their pitching staff. For the Yankees, this deal opens up the strong possibility they will bring back Carlos Beltran to be their DH in 2017, after trading him away last season.

But their priority in this moment, sources say, is to land a pitcher. They’ve had conversations about free agent Rich Hill, who would augment the rotation, or they could re-acquire Aroldis Chapman, who will probably set a record when he signs.

Here’s more on the two pitching prospects the Yankees landed.

Ken Davidoff writes about the Yankees’ plans.

Brian Cashman explained what’s next for the Yankees.

He has more money to pursue Aroldis Chapman, writes Brian Heyman.

Cleveland's path to '17 postseason

After Cleveland was the only team among those with the 16 lowest payrolls to make the postseason in 2016, the Indians will have their inherent challenges in 2017. If Mike Napoli doesn’t re-sign, then Cleveland will need to find a first baseman, and the Indians have to hope that Yan Gomes bounces back, in the midst of his long-term deal. But as a rival evaluator noted, the AL Central landscape could be favorable to the Indians.

The Twins are early in the process of rebuilding, and almost certainly won’t contend.

The White Sox have started the process of a massive sell-off, with other teams increasingly convinced they will deal Chris Sale. “And once you trade him,” said the evaluator, “why would you stop there?” They’ve told teams they’re willing to deal any player who has fewer than four years of team control.

The Tigers apparently will deal good players this winter, as they work to cut payroll, and among those who could be moved are outfielder J.D. Martinez and second baseman Ian Kinsler. Detroit has hidden strength in its rotation, with Matt Boyd and Daniel Norris relatively early in their development behind Justin Verlander, Jordan Zimmermann and Michael Fulmer, but the Tigers might take a step back.

And because the Royals don’t have a lot of money to spend, upgrading their rotation could be difficult -- and with Eric Hosmer, Lorenzo Cain and Mike Moustakas all eligible for free agency next fall, the full expectation of rival officials is that if the Royals struggle early next year, they could aggressively market players before the July 31 trade deadline.

All of this could help the Indians’ chances of getting back into the postseason in 2017.

Changes in Oakland

Joel Middleton has officially taken control of the Phillies, and Oakland has a new team president. Oakland is redoubling its stadium efforts, writes Susan Slusser. From her story:

[Dave] Kaval said Thursday that the club is committed to building a privately funded stadium in Oakland, and that he was bringing “fresh eyes” to the project.

“I know the A’s fans,” Kaval said. “And they’re starving for a place to call home, and we’re going to do everything we can to solve that problem, find a home, build a great stadium, for this community.”

Fisher, who has not made himself available to the media, is believed to be most enthusiastic about the proposed Howard Terminal site near Jack London Square; [Lew] Wolff has been a proponent of building at the Coliseum site once the Raiders’ situation becomes clear. Laney College is also an area under consideration.

Kaval, who will continue to serve as the Earthquakes’ president, said that all the sites, including the Coliseum, have the potential for a “ballpark village” around them, noting that San Jose’s vibrant Santana Row shopping and dining area was once a parking lot. He did not commit to a timetable for determining a site, but described the stadium search as “our North Star.”

Wolff, 80, said by phone that his age was a consideration in stepping down, but he will not be departing entirely and plans to be at many games and spring training.

“I’m a fan, first and foremost,” Wolff said. “I’m keeping my parking spot.”

The Chronicle reported Oct. 31 that with the possibility the A’s might lose their annual revenue-sharing check -- worth upward of $30 million -- in the collective bargaining agreement being negotiated between players and owners, one of the owners might look to sell. Wolff will sell most of his stake to the rest of the ownership group and become chairman emeritus of the club.

Lew Wolff says the Athletics’ failure to land in San Jose is not the reason why he’s leaving.

From the market

The Twins are considering all options, writes Phil Miller.

The Marlins are reaching out to free-agent pitchers, writes Barry Jackson.

The Dodgers raised a lot of prices.

Justin Turner might be an interesting target for the Angels, a middle-of-the-order hitter to complement Mike Trout and Albert Pujols. But the Angels have a number of needs and they’re more likely to spread out their available dollars to pay a second baseman they could trade for, as well as others.

MLB is finding diversity to be more elusive than expected, writes Bob Nightengale.

A glitch was exposed in the Cy Young voting system, writes Chris McCosky.