Astros general manager Dana Brown said they’ve had many talks on their own free agent third baseman Alex Bregman, and opined, “I think we have a really good chance.”
But word for now is, nothing’s close.
Bregman, who enhanced his opportunities with a big second half, could be a fit for either the Yankees or Mets, too. His free agency got a boost when Matt Chapman, who isn’t the hitter Bregman is, got $151 million for six years from the Giants.
A’s GM David Forst ended speculation that star OF Brent Rooker could be traded. “We’re going to keep [Rooker].”
The Blue Jays are open to moving Vlad Guerrero Jr. from first base to third, which could potentially open up a spot for Pete Alonso.
The Phillies are looking to add a hitter and replenish their bullpen (star relievers Carlos Estevez and Jeff Hoffman are free agents). But it’s said unlikely that they’d move Bryce Harper back to the outfield to pursue Alonso. Harper has transitioned very well to 1B.
Shohei Ohtani’s uncharacteristic World Series performance (.105 batting average) was probably attributable to a shoulder hurt worse than thought. The Dodgers announced he underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum that resulted from a dislocation, not the subluxation originally announced.
His teammates have to love him playing through that.
Mark Vientos should have been a Silver Slugger finalist. Don’t blame the writers. Wasn’t our call.