With one major piece of news already breaking this morning, here are three other things for MLBTR readers to keep an eye on around the baseball world today:
1. Are the Giants done?
The Giants made a splash on the free agent market this weekend by signing third baseman Matt Chapman on a three-year deal with opt-outs after the 2024 and ’25 seasons. The deal substantially improves the club’s defense at third base while adding a high-upside bat to the lineup, and checks a box that was near the top of the club’s offseason shopping list. Now that Chapman’s in tow, however, is there more in store for San Francisco before Opening Day? Reporting has indicated that the club remains interested in top free agent hurler Blake Snell, while incumbent third baseman J.D. Davis appears to be without a spot in the lineup after the Chapman signing and could be a trade candidate in the coming weeks. On the other hand, president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi seemingly downplayed the likelihood of major additions after bringing Chapman into the fold yesterday.
2. Where will Martinez land?
With Chapman and Cody Bellinger having recently come off the board, veteran slugger J.D. Martinez now stands atop the pile of remaining free agent hitters after crushing 33 homers in 113 games last season. The market for the 36-year-old’s services has been fairly quietly of late, with the most significant development in recent weeks being reports of ultimately fruitless negotiations between Martinez and the Giants which came to a close when San Francisco signed Jorge Soler. As a player more or less limited to the DH spot in the lineup, Martinez’s market is a bit more limited than most, though MLBTR’s Anthony Franco recently discussed possible suitors for his services. With Opening Day just weeks away and the winter’s other top bats having signed, could a deal be on the horizon?
3. Acuna meeting with doctor:
Reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. was scratched from the Braves’ spring lineup over the weekend as he deals with irritation in his right meniscus. While Atlanta has expressed confidence that Acuna will be ready for Opening Day, the club is remaining cautious with its superstar thanks in part to the fact that he’s just two seasons removed from a torn right ACL that cost him the second half of the 2021 campaign and delayed the start of his 2022 season. Today, Acuna is expected to meet with Dr. Neal ElAttrache for further examination of the issue, which could provide additional clarity on the slugger’s status. Should Acuna require a stint on the shelf, the Braves could turn to Forrest Wall, J.P. Martinez, or non-roster invitee Jordan Luplow to handle right field alongside Michael Harris II in center and Jarred Kelenic in left.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login