The end of the calendar year is upon us, but that doesn’t mean the news in baseball stops. Let’s take a look at what’s trending in baseball on this Friday.
Blue Jays Announce Ryu
OFFICIAL: We’ve signed LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu to a 4-year contract. Ryu led the Majors with a 2.32 ERA in 2019.
Welcome to our family, @HyunJinRyu99! pic.twitter.com/dww0Ld6Ybk
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) December 27, 2019
The Blue Jays reportedly signed Hyun-Jin Ryu earlier this week, and it was officially announced by the team today. Ryu was a monster for the Dodgers last year, leading MLB among qualified starters in ERA with a 2.32 ERA. It’s going to be interesting how things shake out for the Jays in 2020. They have a strong homegrown nucleus on their roster already, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and Cavan Biggio leading the way for the Jays in 2019. With a nice farm system, they’re trending up in the AL
White Sox Want Puig
According to sources, the White Sox remain engaged with the RF market despite this month's trade for Nomar Mazara. Yasiel Puig appears to be a primary target.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 26, 2019
The Chicago White Sox have already had an active offseason, and they’re looking for more. According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the White Sox reportedly have interest in Yasiel Puig. As we’ve mentioned previously, the South Siders reportedly had interest in Nick Castellanos, and he would seem to be the better fit if the White Sox want to make a big splash. But, if they don’t want to commit long term to an outfielder, then someone like Puig does make some sense.
READ: WHY IS NICK CASTELLANOS STILL A FREE AGENT?
Mets Interested in Marte?
No evidence anything is close but at some point Mets and Pirates exchanged names on proposed Starling Marte trade. Brandon Nimmo’s name came up but Pirates may prefer prospects. Other teams known to have checked on Marte: Padres, D-Backs, Rangers, others.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 27, 2019
The Mets and Pirates, according to MLB.com’s Jon Heyman, have reportedly exchanged names in talks regarding OF Starling Marte. Brandon Nimmo has reportedly been involved in those talks, and there are numerous teams checking in on Marte, according to Heyman. The Rangers, Diamondbacks, Padres and Rangers, among others, have spoken to Pittsburgh about Marte.
The big question, though, is what do the Pirates want in a Marte trade. They’re a rebuilding team, and the Pirates may want prospects in any potential trade for Marte. The Mets made a big trade last offseason, and another one in July when they acquired RHP Marcus Strowman. Because of those trades, they may not be in a position to trade any big-name prospects right now. So, would they move Nimmo, who still has control for another few seasons? Only time will tell.
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