If the Cubs sell, Cody Bellinger, a free agent after 2023, may be a nice fit for the Yankees as a left-handed hitter who could man left field and give the Yankees one of the game’s best defensive outfields.
In the meantime, Billy McKinney and Jake Bauers have been two of their more productive players lately. Bellinger’s dad Clay won two rings with the late ’90s Yankees.
The Rockies rarely sell but late signee Jurickson Profar is an obvious sell candidate. … The Dodgers are one of many who’ll seek bullpen help. … The Reds will be buyers for the first time since 2019 (Trevor Bauer deal). Rotation and pen are the priority.
After a hot start, the Pirates are struggling. Rich Hill, 43, should be coveted. … The surprising Marlins are a buyer and among teams that look like a possible fit for Sal Perez (though they aren’t one of the ones who have checked in), but he has veto rights, and the Royals aren’t motivated to move him. Nationals 3B Jeimer Candelario also could fit the Marlins.
The Astros never came close in their multiyear offers for Framber Valdez, who continues to look like one of the top pitchers. … Aaron Nola was offered a bit over $100M by the Phillies in winter, but even with an off year so far, he’s one of the game’s most dependable starters and should reasonably expect to beat that. It’s believed the sides would like to work it out.
Carlos Rodon hit 95 mph in his start for Double-A Somerset. Good sign as he averaged 95.5 (via Baseball Savant) in his career year last year. … Hyun-Jin Ryu is ahead of schedule after Tommy John surgery a year ago, has lost weight and could return this year.
Former Rockies great Troy Tulowitzki is a candidate for the head-coaching job at Miami. He came close to taking the USC job but turned it down. Hats off to the Ballengee group. Jordan Lyles (0-11, 6.72 ERA) will have surpassed $50M in career earnings next year with a current lifetime WAR of minus-2.5. Allegedly, he has great spin rate.