MLB Notebook: Mike Trout isn’t seeking a trade from the Angels, Mariners showing interest in Matt Chapman, and more
By Brett Holden
5 months agoMike Trout will not take the ‘easy way out…’ yet
Mike Trout wants to remain an Angel… for now. Trout said on Monday that he will not ask for a trade from the Los Angeles Angels, despite trivial speculation during the offseason.
“I think that the easy way out is just to ask for a trade,” said Trout. “I’m loyal, I wanna win a championship here.”
Mike Trout has played three Postseason games in his 13-year career, where the Angels would get swept by the Royals in the 2014 ALDS. Trout never played a single Postseason game with Shohei Ohtani as an Angel and only played 88 total games with both Ohtani and Anthony Rendon in the four seasons they played together.
With Ohtani leaving and Rendon being quite vocal about his disdain for going to work, there were some rumblings of the Angels being open to moving on from one of the faces of the league. Those rumours were quickly extinguished but Trout heard them loud and clear.
But could Trout go? With the way the Dodgers have spent this offseason, it could be an indication that superteams in baseball could be around the corner. Could Trout leave and maybe rejoin Ohtani with the Dodgers, could the Braves bring him in, the Yankees, there are a ton of potential options with a Trout trade, but what would it take for Trout to waive his no-trade clause?
What we do know, though, is Mike Trout has had numerous conversations with Angels Owner Arte Moreno and President John Carpino.
The Angels have really focused on adding arms during the winter. Veteran arms like Adam Cimber, Luis Garcia, and Drew Pomeranz have all been brought in by the Halos this offseason, something Trout approves of.
But Trout wants more.
Cody Bellinger, Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, Matt Chapman, and J.D. Martinez are all still available on the market, but as Trout assured, the decision is up to Arte Moreno.
Now, does this mean Trout will be traded this year? No. Does this guarantee Trout will stay an Angel forever? Also no. But the fact that Trout has commented on rumours that materialized seemingly out of nowhere, is something to be aware of. Trout has never been a guy for headlines and the spotlight, but to take the time to comment on something like this, could be cause for concern in Anaheim.
Seattle Mariners poking around Matt Chapman
The Seattle Mariners have discussed bringing in former Toronto Blue Jay, Matt Chapman. The Mariners have been one of the busiest teams this offseason after bringing in guys like Jorge Polanco, Mitch Garver, Nick Solak, and Mitch Haniger, but they are currently sitting a little thin at the hot corner.
Earlier this winter, the Mariners parted ways with Third Basemen, Eugenio Suárez in a trade that sent Suárez to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for RHP Carlos Vargas and C Seby Zavela. Since the trade, the Mariners have failed to secure a replacement for Suárez and currently have Josh Rojas and Luis Urias etched in as 3B options, but Chapman would be a significant upgrade.
But how much could Chapman cost the M’s? Chappy is a Scott Boras client, and Boras is apparently on a bit of a revenge tour of leaving his contracts to the last possible second. The Blue Jays and Chapman did discuss a possible extension before he hit the market, and did extend him his qualifying offer, however, Chapman has turned down both and as camps open up, he still sits without a team.
The contract the Blue Jays reportedly offered Chapman was a contract close to $100 million over five years, but as he sits free, would he still be able to cash in that type of deal?
Chappy’s numbers last season were far from remarkable, which has been widely broadcasted, but what he was able to do in April was not a fluke. Chapman has hit at least 24 home runs in four of his seven seasons in the Major Leagues and received MVP votes twice. Now, his strikeout numbers have also significantly grown in the last three years, striking out at least 165 times in each season.
But you’re not only paying for Chapman’s bat. Chappy is a four-time Gold Glove winner and two-time Platinum Glove Winner. His value on the defensive side is his biggest addition. Chapman currently sits 17th in Outs Above Average since 2019 and third amongst third basemen, only behind Nolan Arenado and Ke’Bryan Hayes.
Chapman would be a great fit in Seattle for numerous reasons, but the biggest being their need for a reliable everyday third baseman. Could Seattle be willing to take a risk on Chappy?
Quick Notes:
- Liam Hendriks signs with the Boston Red Sox. After giving himself a Thursday deadline to sign with a new team, Liam Hendriks is heading to Boston on a two-year deal that will guarantee him $10 million.
- Brandon Woodruff returns to the Brewers. Woodruff, who is expected to miss most of the 2024 season after undergoing shoulder surgery, has inked a two-year deal with the Brew Crew where he has spent his entire seven-year career.
- Hyun-Jin Ryu could return to the KBO. Ryu is reportedly considering an offer from his former team in Korea, the Hanwha Eagles.
- Randal Grichuk signs with the D-backs. Grichuk will join his third team in two years as he signs a one-year, $2 million deal.
- Whit Merrifield heads to Philly. The 2023 All-Star signs a one-year deal with the Phils worth $8 million.
- Pablo Sandoval eyeing Major League comeback. Sandoval will be joining the Giants with a non-roster invite to Spring Training as he attempts to make a MLB comeback.
ARTICLE PRESENTED BY BETANO
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