MLB Hot Stove Evening Briefing: Reds pivoting to AL East ace after losing out on Sonny Gray, Dodgers bring back veteran outfielder, another Japanese hurler posted and expected to come to MLB
The Los Angeles Dodgers are bringing back free agent outfielder Jason Heyward on a one-year, $9 million deal, per Kiley McDaniel of ESPN.
Heyward enjoyed a bounce-back campaign last season, hitting .269 with 15 homers, 40 RBIs and posting a 2.2 WAR, per FanGraphs.
The left-hander played all three outfield positions and platooned at first base with the Dodgers in 2023.
The signing of Heyward could also signal more time for Mookie Betts at second base next season.
Heyward came to the Dodgers last year on a minor-league deal after he was released by the Cubs with one year left on his eight-year, $184 million contract.
The 34-year-old will enter his 15th season, he’s played for the Braves, Cubs and Cardinals. He owns a career .258 batting average with 174 home runs, 681 RBIs and career 35.5 WAR.
Reds reportedly pursued Sonny Gray, showing interest in Tyler Glasnow
Sonny Gray officially became a member of the Cardinals organization, agreeing to a three-year, $75 million deal on Monday.
The Reds were hot after Gray and were reportedly “close” to signing the veteran right-hander, per Mark Sheldon of MLB.com.
Cincinnati is now pivoting into a new direction and are showing interest in Rays’ righty Tyler Glasnow.
The Reds were comfortable with paying Gray $25 million per season, ironically that’s the same amount the Glasnow will make in the walk year of his deal in Tampa. The Rays are seeking MLB ready pitching in return for their ace.
Expect the Reds to be involved in the trade market for Dylan Cease, who has a strong market, the Dodgers and Braves are in the mix, and in on free agents Eduardo Rodriguez and Marcus Stroman.
Naoyuki Uwasawa posted and expected to sign in MLB
Japanese right-handed pitcher Naoyuki Uwasawa is the latest to get posted and pursue an opportunity in Major League Baseball.
Uwasawa’s 45-day posting window officially kicks off on Tuesday morning.
The 29-year-old logged 170 frames last season, posting a 2.96 ERA. Uwasawa is overpowering on the mound, only striking out 124 batters in 24 games owning a subpar 17.8% strikeout rate.
The right-handers velocity sits around 90.8 mph, which won’t impress MLB front office executives. However, he throws a ton of strikes and limits walks. During his time overseas, he owns a 7.5% walk rate and he posted a 5.9% mark this past season.
If Uwasawa signs a major league deal this offseason, the signing club will owe a posting fee to his former club. The MLB/NPB posting system stipulates that in addition to the money paid to the player himself, his new team must pay a release fee to the former club that is equal to 20% of the contract’s first $25 million, plus 17.5% of the next $25 million, plus 15% of any money thereafter.
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