Jayson Stark reported that the Pirates and Nationals have been talking about Andrew McCutchen. As of Thursday evening, those two sides had seemed to reach an impasse, with Washington trying to move quickly.
The Dodgers have interest in McCutchen, sources say, and his relatively modest salary of $14 million in 2017 and his team option for $14.75 million in 2018 would help L.A. continue to shave away at its payroll, which could take a dramatic turn downward over the next couple of years. The Dodgers’ estimated future payroll obligations from year to year, excluding arbitration-eligible players, according to Baseball Reference.
2017: $193.1 million
2018: $185.9 million
2019: $111.1 million
This winter, the Dodgers have three significant free agents: Justin Turner, a third baseman who is a one-of-a-kind item on their roster and an important part of their lineup; Kenley Jansen, the market’s best available closer; and Rich Hill, who is the best available starting pitcher. In a perfect debt-free world, the Dodgers would probably love to have all three back, but rival evaluators believe L.A. will have to make tough choices and find alternatives to Jansen in particular.
The Pirates don’t have to trade McCutchen, writes Joe Starkey.
Trading McCutchen would be a betrayal by the Pirates, writes Kevin Gorman.
Evan Grant explains why Andrew McCutchen is not a great fit for the Rangers. Texas doesn’t intend to use a lot of resources in filling position-player holes this winter.
• Jung Ho Kang was reportedly charged with leaving the scene of a DUI.
• Because the Collective Bargaining Tax will remain relatively low, at $195 million next season, some evaluators believe this will complicate any efforts the Diamondbacks make to trade Zack Greinke. “His contract is basically unmovable,” said one executive, “unless [Arizona] eats a lot of it.”
• The new labor deal turns the All-Star Game back into an exhibition, writes Tyler Kepner.
From the Market
1. The Mets have revealed their preferences.
2. The Nationals agreed to terms with Jose Lobaton.
3. The Marlins finished the Edinson Volquez deal. From Andre Fernandez’s piece:
Securing Volquez without parting with any of their core players was huge for the Marlins, who enter next week’s MLB winter meetings with the hope of adding more quality arms for their starting rotation and bullpen.
[President Mike] Hill said top priorities were to find starting pitching options to add to a rotation that as of now would include Volquez, Adam Conley, Wei-Yin Chen and Tom Koehler as well as any potential options that would further strengthen their bullpen.
“We’re not done adding,” Hill said. “We’re planning to be active [at the winter meetings] and find ways to add more pitching to this club. I think we really believe strongly in the ability of our position players, and we want to add as much pitching as possible and give ourselves every opportunity to be successful.”
4. The Cardinals swapped Jaime Garcia.
5. The Braves added another veteran starter -- and the team’s investment in Garcia, as with Bartolo Colon and R.A. Dickey, is short-term. Atlanta continues to re-shape it’s pitching, writes David O’Brien. Craig Edwards writes about what Garcia provides.
6. Brandon Warne writes about Ian Desmond and his candidacy.
7. The Dodgers signed a couple of kids.
8. The Mariners are about to sign a lefty.
9. The Royals made a trade.
NL East
• Matt Gelb writes about what Phillies fans should know about the new labor deal.
• Steven Matz says he’s been cleared to have a normal offseason of work.
NL Central
• Adam Duvall had a breakout year.
• How the CBA affects the Reds.
• Jon Jay hopes to mentor Albert Almora.
NL West
• Taijuan Walker is healthy, finally.
• The Dodgers are winners in the labor agreement, writes Bill Shaikin.
• Dennis Lin writes about how the CBA affects the Padres.
AL East
• The Blue Jays’ winter outlook is unclear.
• Edwin Encarnacion is slipping off the Jays’ radar.
• Mark Feinsand writes that the new CBA is good for the Yankees.
• Hal Steinbrenner wants to see his prospects graduate, writes Pete Caldera.
• Buck Showalter talked about the winter meetings.
• Michael Silverman looks at the CBA from the point of view of the Red Sox.
• The Rays struck out on the labor deal, writes Michael Silverman.
• A manager left the Jays.
AL Central
• Terry Francona will miss the winter meetings.
• The Tigers have very little wriggle room.
• Chris McCosky writes about where the Detroit roster is at a critical juncture.
• Terry Ryan says he just didn’t win enough games.
• David Glass's stance on payroll undercuts the 2017 Royals, writes Sam Mellinger.
AL West
• John Shea writes about how the Athletics are affected by a new labor deal.
• The new labor deal could help the talent pipeline keep flowing for the Rangers, writes Evan Grant.
• What the new CBA means for the Rangers.
Lastly
• Say goodbye to Tal’s Hill, and hello to some food places.
• John Kruk is joining the Phillies’ broadcast team.
• Stars are aligned for David Ortiz’s golf tournament.
• A last thought on the CBA and the owners, from a longtime agent: “My god, they’re going to make so much money.”
And today will be better than yesterday.