With Spring Training in full gear and several teams prepping for their first game of the Grapefruit League this weekend, several key free agents are still looking for a place to call home. On the heels of slugger J.D. Martinez signing with the Boston Red Sox and Eric Hosmer leaving Kansas City to head to San Diego, all eyes are on pitcher Jake Arrieta and third baseman Mike Moustakas.
Moose headed to the Bronx or Chi-town?
The Yankees showed the baseball world that they are serious about winning the 2018 World Series when they traded for Miami’s Giancarlo Stanton this offseason.
Are they now ready to add Mike Moustakas as well? According to Jon Morosi, MLB Network analyst, the Yankees are the top contenders to land Moustakas, with the White Sox right behind.
SoxMachine.com indicated via Jon Morosi that an unnamed National League executive believes that the Yankees and White Sox have the best chances to land Moustakas, based on current market conditions. Many Yankees officials believe upcoming prospect Miguel Andujar is going to be their third baseman of the future, but aren’t sure about this upcoming season. The Yankees are obviously thinking World Series or bust in 2018.
The Royals' interest in re-signing Moose seems to be fading every day as Kansas City may be content to continue with their youth movement.
After losing Eric Hosmer and Lorenzo Cain this offseason, it doesn't look like they will be resigning Moustakas as well.
Phillies, Nats pursue Arrieta?
It seems two teams in the NL East are interested in Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta. CBS Sports indicates that Arrieta and his agent, Scott Boras, are "having dialogue" with the Phillies, with hopes that a possible deal could be hashed out soon.
The Phillies finished in last place in 2017, but they showed a lot of potential towards the end of the year.
Adding a veteran like Arrieta to a young promising staff that includes potential rising stars Vince Velasquez and Aaron Nola.
Arrieta’s name has also been tossed around by the Washington Nationals according to the Washington Post.
The Post points out what a lift a veteran like Arrieta could bring to the staff, that is already carrying stars Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg.
Arrieta trails only Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Max Scherzer of the Washington Nationals, in wins above replacement over the past three seasons. He posted 14-10 record in 2017 along with a 3.53 ERA.