MLB rumors: Mets and Pete Alonso will talk extension, Twins to cut payroll, Angels set up intriguing interview

MLB’s General Manager Meetings temporarily practice the World Series each and every yr and precede unfastened company, which means it is a time for dialogue and laying a basis for what’s most likely to come within the offseason. This time round, they were given a little bit explosive with the Cubs hiring supervisor Craig Counsell, for the reason that they already had a supervisor in David Ross and Counsell used to be anticipated to both take the Mets process or keep in Milwaukee. 

The Padres, Astros, Angels and Brewers have vacancies at supervisor. 

Past that, the rumor mill has began churning. Let’s get to it for Wednesday. 

Mets to talk extension with Alonso

Mets first baseman Pete Alonso is beneath group regulate for yet one more yr till hitting unfastened company. Absent an extension, you realize what that implies? Trade rumors! 

The Mets seem desirous to keep away from that, alternatively. “We’re going to have those conversations,” membership president David Stearns mentioned (via SNY). 

The best possible wager this is the Mets and Alonso get one thing completed until one facet does not need that to occur deep down. The Mets have very deep wallet and Alonso is a homegrown megastar. He’s coming off a season the place he hit 46 homers with 118 RBI. He most effective hit .217, however nonetheless controlled an OPS+ of 122 thank you to his energy and first rate on-base proportion. Surely the Mets would favor that moderate again up within the .271 vary like in 2022, however he is nonetheless a recreation changer together with his energy. He has the highest two and 3 of the highest six particular person house run seasons in Mets historical past. He additionally has the most efficient and 3 of the highest six RBI seasons. 

Twins to trim payroll in 2024

The Twins gained the AL Central and complicated to the ALDS final season, dropping that sequence in 4 video games to the Astros. Going by way of playoff efficiency, it used to be their best possible season in a long time (their win towards the Blue Jays in Wild Card Series Game 1 used to be their first postseason victory since 2004). The payroll final season used to be $154 million, however it is going to be dialed again this coming season, per The Athletic. The expectation is it is going to be someplace between $125-$140 million. 

What came about? Well, the TV deal bubble has gotten to them. The Twins’ native TV maintain Bally has expired and they made $54.8 million from that final yr. Given the overall local weather round TV/streaming offers at the moment, it is tough to see any deal coming even shut to $50 million a yr transferring ahead, in order that’s a earnings adjustment. 

This does not imply we must be expecting to see the Twins making an attempt to business extremely compensated gamers, alternatively. Joey Gallo’s $11 million comes off the books, at the side of $4.5 million from Michael A. Taylor and $7.5 million from Tyler Mahle. Sonny Gray is a unfastened agent and made $12.7 million final yr. Kenta Maeda made $3.12 million. 

Right now, Baseball Reference estimates (with arbitration raises and pre-arbitration salaries) that the Twins these days sit down at $137.6 million in participant payroll. Should they select to make a run at bringing again Gray, for instance, they may most likely pull off a salary-reducing business or two. They don’t seem to be in dire straits. 

Astros managerial seek contains Espada

Joe Espada has been the Astros’ bench trainer since 2018 and has interviewed for the executive process with groups such because the Rangers and Cubs over time. To this level, he is by no means been employed as the executive, however now could be his likelihood. With Dusty Baker having retired, the Astros have a gap and Espada has interviewed for the process. Astros common supervisor Dana Brown would not name Espada a “leading candidate,” however he certain feels like the favourite, via The Athletic.

Angels interview Washington for supervisor process

Will “Wash” get any other shot at managing within the AL West? Currently, Ron Washington is the third-base trainer and infield guru with the Braves. He’s broadly thought to be one of the vital treasured coaches in baseball, however he hasn’t gotten any other likelihood on the best process since he controlled the Rangers from 2007-14. 

The Angels are set to interview him for his or her managerial opening, according to Sam Blum. 

Before he controlled the Rangers, the ballclub had most effective been to the playoffs thrice he took them there thrice. Before he took the process, they’d by no means gained the pennant and he gained two. There’s sufficient observe report right here to believe hiring him an ideal choice.