Two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani hasn’t revealed his intentions, but some see three teams as most likely to vie for baseball’s best player, maybe ever: Dodgers, Giants and the incumbent Angels. (There’s a belief he isn’t all about money and will get the biggest contract ever anyway, and that he wants to win and may prefer the West Coast).
Mets owner Steve Cohen’s comment that his record payroll and huge losses (estimated at $200M) are “not sustainable” seems to suggest that Ohtani may be a tough fit. He should get $50M a year plus, which would cost $105M-plus considering the “Steve Cohen” luxury tax is rising to 110 percent from 90 percent. Meantime, the Yankees had the impression six years ago he didn’t want to come to NYC.
Royals longtime catcher Salvador Perez isn’t likely to be dealt (he has veto rights) but he’d be a fit for the Marlins or Padres — that is, if the disappointing Padres buy, as planned.
The Padres, as disappointing as the Mets, may have to consider pivoting to sell. If so, free agents to be Blake Snell and Josh Hader would be huge targets. It would be interesting to see if superstar Juan Soto could be considered for trade again. The Padres’ chances to re-sign him don’t seem especially promising.
While the Rockies have a rep of not wanting to sell, they are expected to take bids on Jurickson Profar, C.J. Cron, Randal Grichuk, Brad Hand and Pierce Johnson. They are less inclined to deal Daniel Bard, who’s under contract for 2024.
LSU stars Dylan Crews and Paul Skenes could easily go 1-2 in the draft after leading the Tigers to the NCAA championship. One scout likened Skenes to Stephen Strasburg.
North Carolina high school OF Walker Jenkins is said to be rising. He’s compared to Larry Walker (though the first name is coincidental).
Brewers manager Craig Counsell is doing his usual terrific job as they are contending with an offense last in the NL in runs (321) and OPS (.675). One name linked to them: Cardinals OF Tyler O’Neill, who’s on the IL.
Eduardo Rodriguez, expected to be a big trade target, could be back this week for the Tigers.
Yankees pitching has kept them alive, even with Carlos Rodon yet to throw a pitch and Nestor Cortes out. Kudos to pitching coach Matt Blake.
Get well soon to a favorite, Terry Francona.