The first day of the 2016 Major League Baseball Winter Meetings is all but in the books, and so far no earth shattering revelations have broken from the Tampa Bay Rays’ camp. Sure, lots of conversations were had, however, no deals have been made.
Bloom said #Rays had “busy” day with lots of “good conversations” internally on options available and with other clubs
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) December 5, 2016
That doesn’t mean the day was a wash. A bevy of Rays centric bits from the first day of the Winter Meetings hit the Twitterverse this afternoon, and you can read about those nuggets below.
— The Rays still have interest in free-agent catcher Welington Castillo, however, a deal isn’t expected at the moment. Several other teams are interested in Castillo, and he is expected to net a multiyear deal.
The overall financial commitment to the catcher might be a point of contention, as Castillo was projected by MLB Trade Rumors to make $5.9-million in arbitration —which itself isn’t a bank breaker — although a multiyear deal could push $15-million. Topkin writes the Braves and Orioles are among other teams reportedly interested, and Castillo’s agents plan to spend the next two days sorting through offers.
— The rumors circulating around Chris Archer have quieted significantly, especially since the Rays have put a hefty price on him. According to Topkin, someone with one of the interested teams said Tampa Bay is asking for 5-6 players in return. Still, Jerry Crasnick (ESPN.com) is predicting the Rays will trade Archer this week to the Cubs.
— Tampa Bay also is getting a lot of hits on Alex Cobb and Jake Odorizzi. One of the teams said to have interest in Odorizzi is Pittsburgh.
Rays are said to be open to anything. Which is the way it should be for team that’s had 3 straight losing seasons.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 6, 2016
#Rangers have talked to #Rays about RHP Alex Cobb, who struggled late in 2016 in return from Tommy John surgery. But free agent after 2017.
— Jeff Wilson (@JeffWilson_FWST) December 5, 2016
There is said to be “mystery team” in McCutchen talks that has not been mentioned publicly yet. Not surprising. Great player
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 5, 2016
Incidentally, the Rays may be seeking Andrew McCutchen in return.
— The Rays have interest in are LHP Dario Alvarez, who pitched last with Texas. The 27 year-old southpaw posted a 5.06 ERA/4.12 FIP/13.84 K9/2.36 BB9 in 26-2/3 innings (26 games) last season.
— Steve Pearce won’t be reuniting with his former teammates, as he agreed to a two-year, $12.5-million deal with the Blue Jays on Monday. The Rays were in on Pearce, however, the combination of money and a second year from Toronto was the difference.
— Speaking of Pearce, Topkin wrote “…if the Rays are willing to wait, maybe until late in the offseason, there is such a glut of outfield/first base/DH-types available that they should be able to land a pretty good bat.”
— Washington asked Tampa Bay about Kevin Kiermaier, however, the Nationals’ front office “consider the asking price exorbitant.” Good luck trying to acquire the Gold Glove winning centerfielder, who’s put up a 13.1 fWAR over the last three seasons, and is under team control through 2020. Perhaps Steven Souza Jr. is available for a reunion with his former team?
@XRaysSpex give Souza Jr. back
— James Bowman (@jimmyjames_b) December 6, 2016