Latest news and rumors: Cubs moves, Harper, Eovaldi and more |
Cubs’ 2019 Opener: 127 days and counting.
CUBS: Cubs acquire RHP Rowan Wick from Padres for infielder Jason Vosler. Wick will be added to 40-man roster. Cubs also claim LHP Ian Clarkin off waivers from White Sox. CUBS: Select contract of LHP Justin Steele from the Tennessee Smokies, outright LHP Jerry Vasto and RF Johnny Field to Iowa Cubs. Bryce Harper: The marketing strategies continue for Scott Boras. Apparently, Boras touted Harper’s ability to play first base a couple of weeks ago, which led some to believe the Yankees may have been interested in. There’s no doubt the Yanks want Harper, but their outfield is already solid. Brian Cashman weighed in quickly by saying the Yanks would not change Harper’s position if they land him. I’m sure Bryce is relieved. Nathan Eovaldi: It was no secret Eovaldi would be a wanted man this off-season, but the list of teams with interest is growing. The Nationals, Brewers, Phillies, Braves, Angels, White Sox, Blue Jays, Giants, Padres and Red Sox are now among the teams vying for the 28-year-old right-hander. There was a plethora of stuff that happened last night with teams preparing for the Rule 5 draft. The majority of moves involved minor-leaguers, but some middle to lower tier guys moved as well. Teams feverishly added players to their 40-man rosters, and the complete list was too vast to include here, so instead, I’ve focused on Trades DFAs, outrights and waiver-claims for this edition. Angels: Designate INF Jose Fernandez, RHP Parker Bidwell for assignment. Athletics: Acquire RHP Tanner Anderson from Pirates for PTBNL or cash. Dodgers: Ken Rosenthal tweets, “Dodgers engaged in lots of different discussions [with Indians], sources tell The Athletic. LA likes CLE SPs and C Yan Gomes also would fit. CLE needs OFers; LAD has Pederson, Puig, Verdugo, plus young catching. Both clubs also talking to others. LAD in mix for Marlins’ Realmuto.” Release RHP Tom Koehler. Giants: Outright RHP Chase Johnson to Triple-A Sacramento. Indians: Good news for the Tribe: Leonys Martin was cleared today to resume full activity in preparation for spring training. Tribe acquires RHP Walker Lockett from the Padres for RHP Ignacio Feliz; sign UTIL Mike Freeman to a minor-league deal with an invite to MLB spring training. Mariners: Per MLB Trade Rumors: “Mariners appear to be shopping Mike Leake, with one possible scenario involving the Padres and a pair of other notable players.” Marlins: Marlins Acquire RHP Nick Anderson from Twins for INF Brian Schales, Designate INF Derek Dietrich, LHP Dillon Peters, OF Braxton Lee and RHP Ben Meyer for assignment. Orioles: Designate switch-hitting SS/2B Engelb Vielma for assignment. Padres: SD selling former Cubs’ 3B Christian Villanueva to Japan’s Yomiuri Giants. Padres Designate RHP Colin Rea, INF Cory Spangenberg, and INF/OF Allen Cordoba for assignment. Acquire INF Jason Vosler from Cubs. Rays: Add LHPs Kyle Bird, Brock Burke, RHP Ian Gibaut, OFs Joe McCarthy, Jesus Sánchez to 40-man roster; Designate 1B C.J. Cron, RHP Oliver Drake, LHP Hoby Milner for assignment; outright RHP José Mujica. Twins: Sold Contract Rights of RHP Alan Busenitz To Japan's Rakuten Golden Eagles. Busenitz became the fourth player on Monday to either sign with or have his contract sold to, one of the Asian teams. Well, that’s about it for this edition. Stick with CubsHQ for more updates, news, and commentary.
