MLB
Recapping Tuesday’s Hot Stove
Tuesday was a little bit of a quieter day since the lockout was lifted, but there were still some interesting moves that happened. No trades took place but there were still a handful of free agent agreements and an interesting extension was signed. Let’s review.
Pirates sign 1B/DH Daniel Vogelbach, RHP Heath Hembree to one year deals.
The Pirates got the ball rolling with early announcements that they signed both Vogelbach and Hembree. Further details of the deals can be found here.
Braves, Matt Olson sign eight-year $168M extensionÂ
Just a day after acquiring Olson in a trade from Oakland, the Braves locked up the All-Star first baseman and Atlanta native for eight seasons, It took quite a package of prospects to acquire Olson’s services, and Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos ensured he’d stay with the Braves for a long time. Olson of course takes the place of Freddie Freeman, who is still a free agent and will head elsewhere in 2022.
Yankees agree to two-year $32M deal with 1B Anthony Rizzo
Olson wasn’t the only first baseman who got paid yesterday as the Yankees re-signed Rizzo, who has an opt-out after the first year of his deal. Rizzo was acquired from the Cubs last July. The Yankees needed a left-handed bat so Rizzo was a logical fit to bring back in the fold. This could put Luke Voit, Gleyber Torres and/or Miguel Andujar on the trade block for the Yankees.
Braves sign RHP Colin McHugh to a two-year $10M deal
McHugh was almost untouchable last season finishing up the year with a 1.55 ERA, so this is some great value for the Braves, who also have a club option for a third year on the deal. The Braves will be looking to defend their World Series championship and McHugh certainly strengthens their bullpen.
Rangers agree to a one-year deal with INF Brad Miller
Miller can play multiple positions, but will likely get a bulk of his work at third base in Texas. He hit 20 home runs for the Phillies last season in just 377 plate appearances, giving the Rangers some thump to their lineup.
Wednesday is shaping up to be quite a busy day as the Blue Jays are reportedly on the verge of acquiring third baseman Matt Chapman from the A’s. Meanwhile, the Cubs have reportedly agreed to a five-year $70M deal with Japanese outfielder Seiya Suzuki. Check back tomorrow for a full recap.