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David Price is good but not sure he is worth that much money. Still he was the only guy available unless they wanted to pay Grienke moreComment -
The Hiroshima Carp will post ace right-hander Kenta Maeda for Major League clubs to bid on this winter, according to a report from Yahoo Japan (Japanese link, h/t: Jason Coskrey of the Japan Times, on Twitter). Maeda had asked his club to post him a little more than a week ago.
Baseball America’s Ben Badler tweets that he believes the Carp will set the release fee for Maeda at the maximum $20MM, meaning interested teams will have to pay that amount in order to secure the right to bid for Maeda’s services.
If the release fee is indeed set at $20MM — and that does seem likely, given Maeda’s profile — every team in baseball will have the opportunity to bid that amount. Maeda and his agents will then be free to negotiate with each club that met the release fee, ultimately taking whatever offer is most to the pitcher’s liking. Teams that bid but fail to sign Maeda will have their fee returned, whereas the $20MM bid from the team that ultimately signs Maeda will go to the Carp as compensation for the loss.
Maeda, 28 in April, is widely considered to be one of the best pitchers in Japan. He just wrapped up a season in which he pitched to a 2.09 ERA with 7.6 K/9 against 1.8 BB/9 across 206 1/3 innings, marking his sixth consecutive season with an earned run average of 2.60 or better. His excellent 2015 season netted Maeda his second Sawamura Award — Japan’s equivalent to the Cy Young Award. With his relative youth, dominant track record and, of course, lack of draft pick compensation, Maeda immediately becomes one of the more intriguing arms on the free-agent market.
A recent scouting report from Badler (a subscription is required but highly recommended to read many of Badler’s scouting reports on international players), gave a refresher on much of what is already known of Maeda but also revealed that in the recent Premier 12 international tournament, Maeda displayed a vastly improved changeup that looked to be a plus pitch. Badler notes that Maeda’s fastball sits 89-93 and can hit 94 at times, with an above-average slider as his typically favored secondary offering.
As Badler notes, most scouts feel that Maeda is at least a No. 4 starter in the Majors, though the potential is obviously there for him to exceed that label. Recall that many were reluctant to label Masahiro Tanaka an ace in the making when he was posted (although, as Badler points out, Tanaka’s raw stuff is simply more overpowering than Maeda’s arsenal). Nevertheless, the addition of a plus changeup to Maeda’s arsenal would further entice clubs seeking high-end pitching, and if a team believes a fourth starter to be the floor for the right-hander, one can imagine a hefty price tag being placed upon him. Said one scout to Badler: “I didn’t think his slider was very good that day (against Mexico), but his changeup was nasty. He was throwing it to righthanders and lefthanders. To me, that was his best pitch.”
Maeda figures to attract interest from a wide number of clubs — both teams that are aiming to contend in 2016 and possibly some rebuilding/retooling clubs that are eyeing 2017 and beyond. Because he’ll pitch next season at 28, Maeda is younger than most free agent starters and therefore doesn’t necessarily carry the risk that he’ll be in decline by the time a rebuilding or transitional club flips the page to contention.
One team that is known to have strong interest in Maeda is the Diamondbacks. General manager Dave Stewart wasn’t shy whatsoever when asked about the player last winter, candidly stating: “I love Maeda. I love him. We have a lot of video and film and we have people who have seen him. We think that he’s got a chance to be very successful in Major League Baseball. We’re going to try to be in on the market when he does post, if he does post.” Maeda, of course, was not posted last season, but Stewart recently said that the D-backs have maintained their interest. That they’re said to be in search of pitching help that does not require draft pick forfeiture only strengthens the likelihood that they’ll make a push for Maeda, although, as I noted before, many teams will be in the mix. Given the fact that there’s little risk in actually posting the $20MM release fee (which, again, is refunded if a team doesn’t sign Maeda), it’d make sense for half the league (or more) to at least meet the fee just to see the asking price.
We at MLBTR ranked Maeda 14th in terms of earning power on our Top 50 free agent list and estimated a five-year, $60MM contract on top of a $20MM posting fee. While the comfort level of interested teams of course remains to be seen, it should be noted that the bulk of pitchers available on this year’s open market doesn’t seem to have hampered earning power for pitchers thus far in the offseason — even those among the second and third tiers of arms. For instance, Johnny Cueto has reportedly rejected a six-year, $120MM offer already, while Jeff Samardzija is said to have offers in the $90-100MM range. And, J.A. Happ has already landed an impressive three-year, $36MM contract. Given that expenditure and the rumored price tags on other arms, it appears (on the surface, at least) that Maeda is well-positioned to secure a substantial contract as he looks to jump to Major League Baseball.
It should also be wondered if, in addition to a sizable guarantee, he’ll be in line for an opt-out clause. Tanaka received such a clause when signing his contract with the Yankees, as did outfielder Yasmany Tomas in signing his six-year contract with the Diamondbacks. An opt-out after two or three years would allow Maeda the opportunity to establish himself in the Majors and re-enter the market with a big league track record, although an opt-out would probably come with a trade-off in terms of total guarantee (Tanaka’s enormous contract notwithstanding).Comment -
wow Cueto giving up 20 million per yearComment -
Barry Bonds will be the Miami Marlins' hitting coach in 2016.
Whether this is an attempt by Bonds to rehabilitate his image or just a desire to get back in the game, I think it could prove to be a great move for the Marlins. No matter what you may think of Bonds, you have to admit: The man knows hitting. David Schoenfield... ESPN Staff
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Well, the Pirates have lost El Toro and Happ. Walker and Melancon are next.
I honestly think they'll be ok losing these four, but Melancon's departure will hurt the most...Comment -
I was expecting Dodgers or Giants the whole time.
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports that the agreement between Zack Greinke and the Diamondbacks is for six-years and $206 million.
That would put him at an average annual value of $34.33 million, higher than any pitcher in baseball history and far greater than the $31 million that David Price is receiving per season from the Red Sox. It is rumored that the Dodgers were willing to offer a five-year deal at around $31 million per season. Rosenthal also notes that some of that money is expected to be deferred. It was anticipated that the Diamondbacks would have to overpay to lure Greinke away from the Dodgers and Giants and it appears they were certainly willing to do so and make a statement.Comment -
Free-agent pitcher Zack Greinke has agreed to a six-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks, according to ESPN and multiple media reports.
The deal is worth $206 million, a source told ESPN's Pedro Gomez.
Editor's Picks
Zack Greinke signs with -- surprise! --€” the Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks scooped Zack Greinke away from their NL West rivals, the Dodgers and Giants, winning one for the little guy.
According to sources familiar with Greinke's negotiations, the veteran right-hander had been seeking a deal with an average annual value of $31.5 million or $32 million -- slightly higher than the $31 million a year that David Price commanded in his seven-year, $217 million contract with the Boston Red Sox.
With their late push, the Diamondbacks spirited Greinke away from their top two division rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants, both of whom made signing him a top priority this offseason.
Greinke, 32, led the major leagues this past season with a 1.66 ERA, the lowest in 20 years, and an 0.84 WHIP, teaming with Clayton Kershaw to give the Dodgers one of the greatest one-two pitching punches in baseball history. Despite those two starting four of the five games against the New York Mets, however, the Dodgers lost the National League Division Series in five games, with Greinke taking the loss in Game 5.
He finished second in NL Cy Young Award voting behind Jake Arrieta of the Chicago Cubs.
In November, Greinke opted out of the remaining three years and $71 million of a contract he signed with the Dodgers in the winter of 2012.
Zack Greinke's 1.66 ERA and 0.84 WHIP in 2015 led the major leagues. AP Photo/Danny MoloshokThe Diamondbacks entered the offseason on a mission to find a No. 1 starter to lead a young rotation that includes Patrick Corbin, Rubby De La Rosa, Robbie Ray and Chase Anderson. In November, a delegation led by team president Derrick Hall, chief baseball officer Tony La Russa and general manager Dave Stewart traveled to the Dominican Republic to make an offer to free agent right-hander Johnny Cueto. But when Cueto spurned the Diamondbacks' six-year, $120 million offer, Arizona management was forced to re-assess. The team's revised game plan led to Greinke.
Arizona finished third in the NL West this season with a 79-83 record. But the Diamondbacks have a solid position player core headed by first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, who finished second to Bryce Harper in the NL MVP race, and center fielder A.J. Pollock, who made the All-Star team and won a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger Award this season. The Greinke signing is a major step toward upgrading an Arizona pitching staff that ranked ninth in the league with a 4.04 ERA in 2015.
A Florida native, Greinke won the 2009 American League Cy Young award with the Kansas City Royals before a 2010 trade to the Milwaukee Brewers.
A candid, somewhat reclusive personality, Greinke missed most of the 2006 season with what the Royals later described as social anxiety disorder.
Last season, Greinke began drawing comparisons to Hall of Famer Greg Maddux because of his brilliant command, excellent changeup and his Gold Glove-level fielding ability. He also is one of the best pitchers in baseball at hitting. He batted .224 with two doubles and two home runs last season.
In 12 big league seasons, Greinke is 142-93 with a 3.35 ERAComment -
The Dodgers home opener is against the D-Backs, so Kershaw v Greinke.
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Also, if I was a Dodgers fan I would say its fitting that Greinke left to play for the snakes.
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I hope Greinke goes 2-0, 3-0 or 4-0 against the Dodgers this year.Comment -
Ridiculous money for pitching, Lackey signed 2 yr deal with Cubs over 16 million per.Comment -
I'm happy with that a s a Cubs fan, good experience.Comment -
didn't realize he was such a good hitting pitcherFree-agent pitcher Zack Greinke has agreed to a six-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks, according to ESPN and multiple media reports.
The deal is worth $206 million, a source told ESPN's Pedro Gomez.
Editor's Picks
- Zack Greinke signs with -- surprise! --€” the Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks scooped Zack Greinke away from their NL West rivals, the Dodgers and Giants, winning one for the little guy.
According to sources familiar with Greinke's negotiations, the veteran right-hander had been seeking a deal with an average annual value of $31.5 million or $32 million -- slightly higher than the $31 million a year that David Price commanded in his seven-year, $217 million contract with the Boston Red Sox.
With their late push, the Diamondbacks spirited Greinke away from their top two division rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants, both of whom made signing him a top priority this offseason.
Greinke, 32, led the major leagues this past season with a 1.66 ERA, the lowest in 20 years, and an 0.84 WHIP, teaming with Clayton Kershaw to give the Dodgers one of the greatest one-two pitching punches in baseball history. Despite those two starting four of the five games against the New York Mets, however, the Dodgers lost the National League Division Series in five games, with Greinke taking the loss in Game 5.
He finished second in NL Cy Young Award voting behind Jake Arrieta of the Chicago Cubs.
In November, Greinke opted out of the remaining three years and $71 million of a contract he signed with the Dodgers in the winter of 2012.
Zack Greinke's 1.66 ERA and 0.84 WHIP in 2015 led the major leagues. AP Photo/Danny MoloshokThe Diamondbacks entered the offseason on a mission to find a No. 1 starter to lead a young rotation that includes Patrick Corbin, Rubby De La Rosa, Robbie Ray and Chase Anderson. In November, a delegation led by team president Derrick Hall, chief baseball officer Tony La Russa and general manager Dave Stewart traveled to the Dominican Republic to make an offer to free agent right-hander Johnny Cueto. But when Cueto spurned the Diamondbacks' six-year, $120 million offer, Arizona management was forced to re-assess. The team's revised game plan led to Greinke.
Arizona finished third in the NL West this season with a 79-83 record. But the Diamondbacks have a solid position player core headed by first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, who finished second to Bryce Harper in the NL MVP race, and center fielder A.J. Pollock, who made the All-Star team and won a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger Award this season. The Greinke signing is a major step toward upgrading an Arizona pitching staff that ranked ninth in the league with a 4.04 ERA in 2015.
A Florida native, Greinke won the 2009 American League Cy Young award with the Kansas City Royals before a 2010 trade to the Milwaukee Brewers.
A candid, somewhat reclusive personality, Greinke missed most of the 2006 season with what the Royals later described as social anxiety disorder.
Last season, Greinke began drawing comparisons to Hall of Famer Greg Maddux because of his brilliant command, excellent changeup and his Gold Glove-level fielding ability. He also is one of the best pitchers in baseball at hitting. He batted .224 with two doubles and two home runs last season.
In 12 big league seasons, Greinke is 142-93 with a 3.35 ERAComment -
Grienke is smart to stay in the nl west. Mostly pitchers park except at coloradoComment -
Jeff Samardzija agrees to five-year, $90M deal with the Giants. Seems a tad much for a guy with a 4.96 ERA in 32 starts last season for the White Sox.
Do the Dodgers go after Cueto now?Comment -
After missing out on Zack Greinke, the Dodgers are targeting free agent starting pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. We actually heard last night from Rosenthal that Iwakuma figured in the team’s backup plans.
Iwakuma originally jumped to the majors in 2012. He has spent his entire major league career with the Mariners where he compiled a 3.17 ERA with 7.59 K/9 and 1.65 BB/9 over 653 innings. As a command and control specialist who relies on a 88 mph fastball and a splitter, he is less likely than some pitchers to decline dramatically as he ages.
Rosenthal points out (via Twitter) that Iwakuma’s age is actually a positive attribute. He’s entering his age 35 season so he won’t command a lengthy contract. Rosenthal notes that the Giants and Mariners are believed to be in the mix for Iwakuma. As of yesterday, the Dodgers were also speaking with the representatives of Johnny Cueto, Jeff Samardzija (since signed by the Giants), and Scott Kazmir. They’ve been linked to Japanese pitcher Kenta Maeda too.Comment -
Now Samardzija, seriously? He's probably making more than Bumgarner, what will he get when he's a free agent, 50+ million a year?Comment -
Cueto in no hurry to sign contract, agent says
Johnny Cueto, the best remaining pitcher on the free-agent market, will stay patient in order to find the top contract offer, his agent said Saturday.
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And why would he..After these last couple contracts given out to pitchers...He is seeing $$$$$$$ in his sleep.Comment -
With these insane pitchers contracts, the Mets literally have a $1B rotation.
Controllable young pitchers the most valuable assets in baseball.
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Nationals closer Jonathan Papelbon has filed a grievance against the Nationals challenging the team’s decision to impose a suspension without pay for the final four games of the 2015 season, WEEI.com’s Rob Bradford reports. Papelbon received the ban for his role in a dugout scuffle with star outfielder Bryce Harper.
Per the report, Papelbon and his representatives brought the action based on the position that the team lacked precedent for withholding Papelbon’s pay in relation to the suspension. Clearly, the dispute is about much more than the dollars involved, as those four games represented just over 2% (about $300K) of Papelbon’s $13MM total salary on the year.
The degree of ongoing animus between player and team remains unclear. But if nothing else the matter also raises issues of the broader relations between teams and players under the collective bargaining agreement. Those considerations are surely heightened given that negotiations on a new CBA are set to take place over the coming year.
Article XII of the CBA addresses disciplinary matters, providing that clubs have the authority to impose “disciplinary action for just cause.” While that section does not specifically authorize or forbid certain forms of punishment, it does contemplate both fines and suspensions resulting in lost salary (in providing that a team must make a player “whole” if the decision is overturned). A player subject to disciplinary action may challenge it through a grievance proceeding before an arbitral panel, which in turn must assess whether “just cause” existed for the punishment that was meted out.
The embattled reliever remains under contract in D.C. next year for $11MM, as part of the agreement he reached with the club when he was traded from the Phillies in July. He’s probably worth every penny as a player, as he continues to put up strong results at the back of the pen, but his issues off of the mound continue to mount.
Relations between Papelbon and the Nats were surely already strained, though we’ve heard varying accounts of the extent to which conciliation may be possible. It certainly seems likely that this dispute will only ratchet up tensions. Washington has, of course, been rumored to be weighing a trade of the veteran, though the market for his services remains rather cloudy.
Bradford adds that there’s no date for a hearing at present. It’s unclear whether there will be any possibility of negotiations to forestall further airing of the unfortunate matter.Comment -
Interesting that Dodgers didn't want to give Grienke 6 years and went for Iwakuma.
A report from Nikkan Sports in Japan has the three-year deal between the Dodgers and Hisashi Iwakuma at around $45 million.
The average annual value of $15 million per season seems like a bargain for the 34-year-old right-hander, though tacking on a third year to the deal partially negates that. Even with this signing, it sounds as though the Dodgers are still in the market for further upgrades to their rotation.Comment
