The win-at-almost-all-costs Padres ended up not making a long-term play for Juan Soto this winter.
It was a surprise, and interesting since they gave up five big prospects for him, and also because it’s harder to see a Scott Boras client signing even closer to free agency (Soto’s a free agent after 2024).
There’s no word the unpredictable Padres are tapped out after the $630M spent on Xander Bogaerts and Manny Machado.
Better speculation?
Like the Dodgers, could they be saving for Shohei Ohtani?
Those two teams make sense.
Ohtani wants most to win, folks who know him say.
Plus, he might prefer the West Coast.
(Word is five years ago he flat told the Yankees he preferred not to go to New York.)
The Dodgers didn’t try to extend Julio Urias, who’s free after this season.
Dodgers people have said they want to keep him and believe he likes it there.
The Phillies talked to star pitcher Aaron Nola about a long-term extension but didn’t get close.
Also, the Phils considered Dallas Keuchel on a minor league deal but haven’t made an offer yet.
Opponents were wowed by Cardinals prospect Masyn Winn’s 100 mph throws from shortstop.
NL Rookie of the Year favorite Jordan Walker’s drives in spring reminded folks of Mark McGwire in Cardinals camp.
Zack Britton has shown his patented sinker but is still building arm speed.
He was throwing 91-92 mph at his last workout.
He has Mets ties from Orioles days with Buck Showalter and bullpen coach Dom Chiti, and they are among teams that’s shown interest.
Ken Giles is in a similar situation.
One starter available: Chris Flexen, who’s in the bullpen for now with the Mariners.
Max Scherzer hasn’t spoken publicly about his opt out, which is very professional. He has a record $43.33M salary so it’s certainly no guarantee he uses it.
Aaron Judge certainly could have gotten more money, from the Padres or Giants, and possibly even the Yankees, had he played it out longer.
But obviously, he wanted to stay. Can’t blame him.
Baseball is on a roll: The WBC was a hit and the new rules are fantastic.