by Most big-name free agents are off the board, but there’s plenty of schedule left in the 2022-23 MLB offseason. As such, there are still plenty of rumors left in the 2022-23 MLB offseason. Speaking of which, you can find Sunday’s crop of rumors just below.
The Astros have reportedly re-signed stalwart Michael Brantley. It’s a one-year contract worth $12 million with another $4 million in incentives. In 2022, Brantley was limited to 64 games with a shoulder injury that required season-ending surgery in August. He is expected to be ready to resume baseball activities in time for spring training. The 35-year-old has been one of the most productive contact hitters in the game throughout his career, though he plans to spend more time at DH than in left field at this point in his career.
The Red Sox have reportedly signed Justin Turner to a two-year deal worth $22 million.. The deal includes an opt-out after 2023. Turner is expected to play first base and designated hitter, essentially replacing JD Martinez in the lineup. Martinez signed a one-year deal worth $10 million with the Dodgers, Turner’s former team. The 38-year-old slashed .278/.350/.438 with 13 home runs in 128 games last season.
Fresh off their spectacular signing of shortstop Dansby Swanson, the Cubs are looking to bolster their rotation by re-signing veteran lefty Drew Smyly. ESPN reports that the Cubs and Smyly are close to reaching an agreement. Smyly, 33, made 22 starts for Chicago last season, and during that 106 1/3-inning stretch he pitched to a 3.47 ERA with 91 strikeouts against 26 unintentional walks. If the deal is finalized, he will rejoin a rotation that also includes Marcus Stroman, Kyle Hendricks, Jameson Taillon and likely Justin Steele.
Veteran right forward Seth Lugo is of interest to the Dodgers as a rotation depth piece, Reporting by Ken Rosenthal. The 33-year-old has started 38 games in parts of seven major league seasons for the Mets, but has made only seven starts (all in 2020) in the last four years. He’s primarily been a reliever since 2018. The Dodgers have a full projected rotation right now, but with Clayton Kershaw, Dustin May and Noah Syndergaard in the mix, there’s a lot of injury risk and uncertainty. As such, Lugo could end up playing a big role if the Dodgers sign him.
