After a quiet start to the offseason that brought only a couple of low-impact signings, the past few days have been extremely busy in player movement, and the course of the offseason has begun to take shape. Here's a recap:
-The Blue Jays-Marlins megadeal that was written about here (http://mlbreaction.blogspot.com/2012/11/marlins-blue-jays-complete-12-player.html) is not yet official. Because it takes a lot of time to get all twelve players through physicals in addition to league approval, the trade will likely be announced Saturday.
-The Cubs signed RHP Scott Baker to a 1-year, $5.5 million deal. Chicago was reaching out to all low-cost free agent pitching options, but settled on the former Twin to fill their rotation spot.
-Reliever Jeremy Affeldt re-signed with the Giants on a 3-year, $18 million deal, as was expected.
-Cubs signed C Dioner Navarro to a 1-year, $1.75 million deal.
-After losing their backup catcher David Ross to the Red Sox, the Braves signed Gerald Laird to a 2-year deal to fill the void.
-Athletics traded RHP Tyson Ross and IF A.J. Kirby-Jones to the Padres in exchange for IF Andy Parrino and LHP Andrew Werner.
-LHP Brian Fuentes retired after spending 2012 with the Athletics and Cardinals.
There were two major free agent signings over the last few days:
-Tigers signed Torii Hunter to a 2-year, $26 million deal. After receiving interest from many teams including the Red Sox, Rangers, Yankees, Phillies, Dodgers, and Braves, the Tigers emerged as a favorite early in the week and the sides were able to work out a deal. Hunter joins an already impressive lineup in Detroit and wil try to win his first World Series ring with the 2012 American League Champions.
-Blue Jays signed Melky Cabrera to a 2-year, $16 million deal. Cabrera, who was a leading candidate for National League MVP before his positive drug test and subsequent suspension, was an interesting free agent case, and received interest from a handful of teams. The Blue Jays, who have had a very busy week, took the risk of signing the tainted outfielder, and now have a very solid lineup in place for 2013 with the additions of Cabrera and Jose Reyes this week.
Some news has broke on some unsigned free agents as well:
-BJ Upton is now a hot name on the free agent market, and it looks like he will wind up in the NL East. According to Mark Bowman of MLB.com and Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, Upton met with both the Braves and Phillies at their parks this week, and the Nationals are also interested to a lesser extent. Offers were likely made, and Upton's days in Tampa Bay are almost definitely over.
-Add the Angels to the Hiroki Kuroda sweepstakes, says Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. As Alden Gonzalez reports, the Angels are prioritizing Zack Greinke and will look to Kuroda as a back-up plan. The Dodgers, Yankees, and Red Sox have all expressed interest in Kuroda to this point in the offseason.
-After reports out of Miami pointed to Ricky Nolasco as the next Marlin to be moved in the firesale, officials from the team say that a trade involving the right is unlikely. Logan Morrison is being shopped, however, and the Red Sox are a possible fit.
-There is mutual interest between Lance Berkman and the Astros for a reunion, says Mark Berman of FOX 26 Sports Houston. The sides are expected to meet later in the week to discuss.
With two big free agents off the board and one epic trade completed, the offseason is hurdling towards its climax at the winter meetings in early December. If moves are made in the coming week, they will likely be made before Wednesday, as it is unusual to see player movement over Thanksgiving weekend. If anything does break, stay here at MLBReaction or follow me on Twitter @TradeDeadliner.
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