MLB’s offseason is less than three weeks old and already three of our top 20 (and four of our top 25) free agents have signed. With the collective bargaining agreement set to expire on Dec. 1, there could be a rush of signings the next week or so as players look to secure a contract prior to a potential lockout. Here are Sunday’s hot stove rumors.
A’s set high asking price for Olson
The Athletics are “shooting for the moon” in trade talks involving first baseman Matt Olson, reports MLB Network’s Jon Heyman. Oakland is poised to slash payroll this winter and Olson is the team’s top trade chip as an All-Star level hitter and Gold Glove caliber defender with two years of team control remaining. The Yankees immediately jump to mind as a potential landing spot.
Three years ago the Marlins received a young MLB player (Jorge Alfaro), a top prospect (Sixto Sánchez), and a secondary prospect (Will Stewart) for two years of JT Realmuto, which could serve as framework for an Olson trade. Miami was looking to slash payroll at the time as well, so even that part fits. Three players, including a young big leaguer and a top prospect, seems like a reasonable return for Olson given the Realmuto precedent.
Carpenter wants to continue playing
Longtime Cardinals infielder Matt Carpenter hopes to continue playing, he told The Athletic’s Katie Woo. “I want to keep playing. I would welcome it, but I don’t think it’ll be (with St. Louis),” Carpenter said. “… If I’m staying home (in 2022) and going to be a dad and I finished my career with one and only one organization, I’ll be perfectly happy with that as well.”
Carpenter, 36 next month, has hit poorly and progressively worse the last three seasons, slashing .203/.325/.346 in over 900 plate appearances since 2019. That includes a .206/.325/.357 line against righties and shaky at best defense all around the infield. The next collective bargaining agreement is expected to implement the universal DH, though that likely won’t enough to help Carpenter land a job. Given his age and lack of production, he seems headed for a minor league deal or even a forced retirement.
Suzuki to be posted Monday
Japanese outfielder Seiya Suzuki will be posted for MLB teams on Monday. The 27-year-old authored a .319/.436/.640 line with 38 home runs in 133 games for the Seibu Lions in 2021. Suzuki projects as a peak Tommy Pham type who gets on base, swats 20-plus homers, and plays good defense in the corner outfield spots. Once posted, Suzuki will have 30 days to negotiate a contract with any MLB team. The 30-day period pauses during a work stoppage, it should be noted.
