Tuesday is the deadline for teams and their arbitration-eligible players to file salary figures. In a normal offseason, the vast majority of players sign contracts before the filing deadline. This is an unusual offseason, however, and we may see more players file salary figures. We often see long-term extensions signed prior to the filing deadline too, like Ryan McMahon's new deal with the Rockies. Here are Tuesday's hot stove rumors as the arbitration salary filing deadline approaches.
Yankees preparing presentation for Judge
The Yankees are preparing a "long-term presentation" for Aaron Judge regarding a contract extension, reports Joel Sherman of the New York Post. It will be delivered next week. Judge is eligible to become a free agent after 2022 and he's said he will not discuss an extension after Opening Day, which is only two weeks away. Here's what Judge told the New York Post's Dan Martin last week:
"If we're able to talk and get something done in spring training before the season starts, that would be ideal, especially since this is an important year," Judge said in his first comments of the spring. "We've got a lot of things to focus on during the course of the year, winning a division and winning a championship here in New York. I don't want contract talks or extensions and all that talk to be a distraction throughout the year. So, if we're able to agree to something here in the spring before we head up to New York, that's wonderful and it would be an honor. If not, we'll talk after the season."
Judge, 30 next month, finished fourth in the AL MVP voting last season and has performed at an MVP level whenever he's been on the field, though injuries have been an issue at times. He is projected to earn $18 million or so through arbitration this season. Kris Bryant's seven-year, $182 million deal with the Rockies suggests Judge could secure a guarantee north of $200 million.
Yankees, Padres checked in on Contreras
The Yankees and Padres were among the teams to check in on Cubs catcher Willson Contreras in recent weeks, reports Bruce Levine of 670 The Score. Prior to the lockout it was reported the Cubs would make Contreras, a free agent-to-be, available if the two sides could not agree to a contract extension. He still does not have a long-term deal. Here's what Contreras told Levine:
"Baseball is a business, and it's something I learned from watching the guys last year and what they went through," Contreras said. "Everyone can be moved or traded. No one is indispensable. You must come in and do your work every day. The rest will take care of itself."
Contreras, 30 in May, is one of the top hitting catchers in baseball. Chicago signed Yan Gomes to a two-year contract to serve as catching depth, though top prospect Miguel Amaya will miss a chunk of the season following Tommy John surgery. Catchers are always in demand, so Contreras will undoubtedly have suitors at the trade deadline if the Cubs hang onto him and are out of the postseason race.
Angels interested in Manaea, Montas
The Angels are among the teams with interest in Athletics starters Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal. The Twins, Red Sox, White Sox, and Yankees have been connected to Manaea and/or Montas since the lockout. Oakland is beginning a rebuild and Manaea and Montas are their best remaining trade chips. Manaea will be a free agent after 2022. Montas is under team control through 2023.
Earlier this offseason the Angels signed Noah Syndergaard and Michael Lorenzen to boost their rotation, and they've also invested in their bullpen. There is always room for improvement, however, and both Manaea and Montas would represent a significant addition for an Angels team that has only been to the postseason once in Mike Trout's 10 full seasons. There figures to be a bidding war for the A's two hurlers, so parting with quality prospects is a must.
