MLB rumors: Mets and Pete Alonso will talk extension, Twins to cut payroll, Dodgers want Clayton Kershaw back

MLB’s General Manager Meetings temporarily apply the World Series every yr and precede loose company, that means it is a time for dialogue and laying a basis for what’s in all probability to come within the offseason. This time round, they were given a little 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 below staff keep an eye on for yet one more yr till hitting loose company. Absent an extension, you understand what that implies? Trade rumors! 

The Mets seem desirous to steer clear of that, on the other hand. “We’re going to have those conversations,” membership president David Stearns mentioned (via SNY). 

The absolute best wager here’s the Mets and Alonso get one thing achieved except one facet does not want that to occur deep down. The Mets have very deep wallet and Alonso is a homegrown superstar. 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 respectable on-base proportion. Surely the Mets would favor that moderate back up within the .271 vary like in 2022, however he is nonetheless a sport 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 productive and 3 of the highest six RBI seasons. 

Dodgers want Kershaw back, preserving tabs on J.D.

Clayton Kershaw just lately had shoulder surgical treatment and may not go back till someday subsequent summer season, if all is going in accordance to plan. Still, the Dodgers would really like to re-sign the loose agent lefty. Club president Andrew Friedman mentioned as a lot Wednesday, via the Los Angeles Times. “[We’re] giving them the time and space to make the best decision for their family. But selfishly, we hope it’s for him to continue and finish his career in Dodger blue”

Kershaw, 35, used to be 13-5 with a 2.46 ERA (177 ERA+) and 1.06 WHIP remaining season. He struck out 137 in 131 2/3 innings, even though he battled harm and noticed a dip in speed. He used to be then torched for 6 runs in simply 1/3 of an inning in his lone playoff get started. Still, he is confirmed those remaining two seasons he can stay superb at run prevention when he is at the hill. 

Also amongst dialog subjects is J.D. Martinez, who served because the Dodgers’ designated hitter this previous season and has now hit loose company. Friedman instructed journalists there may be pastime in a imaginable reunion with Martinez, however that they would have to say how the entirety unfolds this offseason (via LA Times). Basically, reducing during the unstated that means, they will have pastime in Martinez in the event that they fail to signal Shohei Ohtani. 

Martinez, 36, hit .271/.321/.572 (134 OPS+) with 27 doubles, 33 homers and 103 RBI remaining season. 

Twins to trim payroll in 2024

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

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

This doesn’t suggest we must be expecting to see the Twins making an attempt to industry extremely compensated avid gamers, on the other hand. Joey Gallo’s $11 million comes off the books, along side $4.5 million from Michael A. Taylor and $7.5 million from Tyler Mahle. Sonny Gray is a loose agent and made $12.7 million remaining yr. Kenta Maeda made $3.12 million. 

Right now, Baseball Reference estimates (with arbitration raises and pre-arbitration salaries) that the Twins recently take a seat at $137.6 million in participant payroll. Should they select to make a run at bringing back Gray, for instance, they might almost certainly pull off a salary-reducing industry or two. They are not 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 through the years. To this level, he is by no means been employed as the executive, however now may well be his likelihood. With Dusty Baker having retired, the Astros have a gap and Espada has interviewed for the process. Astros basic supervisor Dana Brown would not name Espada a “leading candidate,” however he positive feels like the favourite, via The Athletic.

Angels interview Washington for supervisor process

Will “Wash” get every 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 some of the precious coaches in baseball, however he hasn’t gotten every other likelihood on the most sensible 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, that they had by no means gained the pennant and he gained two. There’s sufficient observe document right here to believe hiring him a really perfect determination.