Early early this morning rumors came out that Javier Baez was nearing a deal with the Detroit Tigers (a team favored to get Carlos Correa). This morning the official deal broke: 6 Years/$140M.
In other news, Yan Gomes signed with the Cubs and the Yankees released Chris Gittens.
Tweets, Details, and Thoughts inside:
Javier Baez:
Source: Javier Báez is close to signing a multiyear deal with #Tigers. @MLB @MLBNetwork — Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 30, 2021
Javier Baez and the Tigers are nearing a deal, per source. It is expected to be a six-year contract worth $140 million. — Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) November 30, 2021
Yan Gomes:
Catcher Yan Gomes is in agreement on a two year $13 million dollar guaranteed contract with the Chicago Cubs per sources. — Craig Mish (@CraigMish) November 30, 2021
Deal also includes a third-year option worth $6M and $1M in performance bonuses each year based on games started. https://t.co/lkgwilyCht — Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 30, 2021
Chris Gittens:
The Yankees have released 1B Chris Gittens. — Eli Fishman (@elijfishman) November 30, 2021
Yankees released 1B Chris Gittens, per their transaction page. My understanding is that Gittens intends to play in Japan. — Lindsey Adler (@lindseyadler) November 30, 2021
Clint Frazier:
The Cubs are closing in on a 1 yr deal with Clint Frazier, source tells ESPN. Was released by the Yankees recently. — Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) November 30, 2021
Lucas Luetge:
Two more signings in the wave of arbitration-eligible players agreeing to deals in advance of the tender deadline: Rowdy Telez, $1.94M Lucas Luetge, Yankees, $905K — Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 1, 2021
Gary Sanchez:
Catcher Gary Sanchez is still a Yankee. He will be tendered a contract, source says. — Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 1, 2021
The Yankees and Gio Urshela have agreed to a $6.55 million deal for 2022, per source. — Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 1, 2021
The Yankees and Domingo German agreed to a $1.75 million contract for 2022, per source. — Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 1, 2021
Thoughts:
On Javier Baez:
Well, the team that I thought was a prime fit for Carlos Correa could be off the board for his talents now. They have his previous manager, they had an opening at shortstop, and they have prospects at/close to the MLB level. Rumors were that the Detroit Tigers did not want to venture into any $300M+ deals and this shows as they went to the cheaper option to shore up shortstop. It’s not a bad move, Baez has been worth 4+ bWAR for 3 straight full seasons and is going to be 29 next year. Solid move for a franchise looking to drum up interest without going crazy like the Mets or Rangers.
I didn’t want Baez, but not having moves made from the Yankees is getting old. I’m willing to be patient with them because top players that I’d like are on the market and still available for nothing but money (Freeman, Story). I’m also willing to be patient because the Dodgers, Red Sox, and Astros are all without a major move too. It’d be hard to believe that ALL of those teams are being lapped by the Mets/Rangers/etc.
On Yan Gomes:
The Yankees have until 8PM tonight to tender Gary Sanchez a contract. That is becoming more and more likely as time goes on with the other moves that have been going on. the best trade options Tucker Barnhart was traded 4 weeks ago, and Jacob Stallings was yesterday. Yan Gomes- the best free agent available- is now a Cub. However, this does open up a potential trade for Willson Contreras. So, there is one option if the Yankees decide that they want to move on from Gary.
Is Willson Contreras an upgrade? 100% yes. He put up 4+ bWAR in 2021 and has yet to have a full season below 3+ bWAR since his rookie year. Contreras only comes with 1 year left before becoming a free agent as well. If that move happens, I won’t be upset. (Though, we both know the starting 2022 catcher will be Gary Sanchez.)
On Chris Gittens:
Well, this was nothing short of stupid. The Yankees were forced into trading away Tyler Wade (read my article on him, here) for a player-to-be-named later from the Los Angeles Angels because they wanted to keep Chris- .111 batting average- Gittens on the 40-Man Roster. The Yankees- a team that looks to be extremely frugal right now- just gave up on a player who was likely to be making just $750K in 2022 while being able to be their super utility player around the infield and corner outfield. The Yankees- a team where defense and speed/athleticism was said to be a priority this offseason- just gave that up for a future no-name player. The Yankees completely messed this one up.
A sarcastic congrats to the Yankees front office. An actual congrats to Chris Gittens for likely getting a contract to dominate as a power hitter in Japan (a la Eric Thames). I have nothing against him and I hope he does well out in Japan (to be fair he had an OPS over 1.000 in 45 Triple-A games in 2021). But, wow, do I wish the Yankees had Tyler Wade back.
On Clint Frazier
(By – Paul Semendinger)
The Yankees never seemed to give Clint Frazier a chance. He was up. He was down. The Yankees kept him down while they brought up inferior players. None of it made sense. Then he had some bad and scary injuries. The prize of the Andrew Miller deal turned out to be a bust. Mostly hype. I think the way the Yankees handled Frazier from the start was, in a word, poorly.
Those big “The Yankees Are Brilliant” deals made when Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman were sent away didn’t turn out to be so great in the end. What did the Yankees get out of those deals that had any lasting impact. Gleyber Torres remains the lone piece that has some hope. What a disappointment.
If Frazier is healthy, he could mash in Wrigley Field. I hope he hits 40+ homers for many years as a Cub.
—————
Other Moves Around the MLB:
