MLB Weekly Digest Jan. 8th Edition

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The previous week in MLB was about a multi-team trade which benefitted everyone involved, a free agent looking at multiple offers, and a club in the National League who has their eyes on talent from within their own division.

Dodgers Acquire Reliever Alexander in Three-Team Trade

The Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired reliever Scott Alexander in a three-team deal that will send infielder Erick Mejia and right-hander Trevor Oaks to the Kansas City Royals.

The Chicago White Sox acquire pitchers Luis Avilan and Joakim Soria and cash from the Dodgers in exchange for minor-league infielder Jake Peter, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

Official: The #White Sox acquire pitchers Luis Avilán and Joakim Soria and Cash from #Dodgers for minor-league infielder Jake Peter. The #Dodgers get reliever Scott Alexander from #Royals for infielder Erick Mejia and right-hander Trevor Oaks.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 5, 2018

This is the type of deal where all teams get what they need. The Dodgers get a southpaw reliever in Alexander, who will replace free agent Tony Watson in the Dodgers’ bullpen. Another bonus of acquiring Alexander is that he has five years of control.

Alexander posted a 2.48 ERA with 59 strikeouts in 69 innings (58 games) for the Royals last year. He also compiled a 73.3 percent groundball rate in 2017, which was second only to Zach Britton’s 74.3 percent among qualified relievers, per Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic.

Alexander’s 73.3 percent groundball rate last season was second only to Zach Britton’s 74.3 percent among qualifying major-league relievers. Posted 2.48 ERA in 69 IP with 59 Ks and 28 BBs. Heading to #Dodgers from #Royals.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 5, 2018

The White Sox get two solid relievers with the addition of Soria and Avilan. Soria had a 3.70 ERA, and 1.23 WHIP with 64 K’s in 56 innings for the Royals and Avilan posted a 2.93 ERA and 1.39 WHIP with 52 strikeouts in 46 innings for the Dodgers.

The Royals received financial flexibility as Soria was set to make $9 million in 2018 with a $1 million buyout on his option for 2019. This is crucial for them as they look to bring back one of their players, as noted by Rosenthal.

#Royals began day with payroll at about $120M. Want to get down to $100M to $105M, but presumably would make exception of some kind for Hosmer. Soria, heading to #WhiteSox, is first reduction – he is owed $9M this season with a $1M buyout on his 2019 option.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 5, 2018

Hosmer Possibly Weighing A Pair of Seven-Year Offers

The Kansas City Royals have reportedly offered free-agent first baseman Eric Hosmer a seven-year, $147 million contract, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

The San Diego #Padres have offered Eric Hosmer a 7-year,$140 million contract but look who’s pulling out all stops to keep him? The #Royals who are offering even more. https://t.co/AIh5ZBTCsI via @USATODAY

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 3, 2018

The San Diego Padres also offered Hosmer a seven-year deal worth $140 million.

Hosmer came into free agency seeking a possible eight-or nine-year deal worth $200 million. It’s possible this is the highest amount Hosmer will receive.

Hosmer had a terrific season for the Royals last year, by posting a .318 batting average and .882 OPS in 162 games with 31 doubles, 25 home runs, and 94 RBIs. This marked the third consecutive season in which he had 90 or more RBIs and the second straight year he’s hit at least 25 home runs. The first baseman is also steady with the glove as indicated by him winning four Gold Gloves.

The critical thing to remember with Hosmer is that since he turned down a one-year qualifying deal from the Royals, any team other than the Royals would have to forfeit a draft pick by signing him.

Nationals Showing Interest in Yelich, Realmuto

The Washington Nationals have shown some interest in Miami Marlins outfielder Christian Yelich and catcher J.T. Realmuto. The Nationals would like to acquire either player or maybe both as a package deal, per Joe Frisaro of MLB.com.

The latest. Sources: #Nationals interested in Realmuto, Yelich @Marlins #Braves #Phillies also in mix. Return would be high. @MLB https://t.co/8xlJt3oeNF

— Joe Frisaro (@JoeFrisaro) January 4, 2018

Frisaro did mention that nothing is closer regarding either player, who’ve drawn attention from multiple teams.

The Marlins have already dealt infielder Dee Gordon to the Seattle Mariners as well as outfielders Giancarlo Stanton to the New York Yankees and Marcell Ozuna to the St. Louis Cardinals.

A significant reason the Nats and other teams have interest in Yelich and Realmuto is they’re both solid hitters and under team control for several seasons.

Yelich had a .282 average and .807 OPS with 16 stolen bases, 18 home runs, and 81 RBIs last season. He’s under contract for four more years, and there’s a team option for 2022.

Realmuto posted a .278 batting average and .783 OPS with 17 homers, 65 RBIs and won’t be a free agent until after 2021 season.

About Post Author

Chris Lacey

Chris is a New Jersey native whose favorite sports team is the Arizona Diamondbacks. He previously attended Western New England College to study Sports Management. Chris has been following the Diamondbacks since he was 12. You can find him on Twitter at @aecanada12.

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