Sunday, March 20 brings to us the start of a full week with spring training game action — the first of which in 2022. We’re also less than 20 days away from the start of the regular season. This lockout-compromised timeline has really been something to behold, especially with all the free-agent signings and trades in recent days.
Speaking of transactions, another major one happened Sunday morning. The Red Sox agreed to a six-year, $140 million deal with free agent shortstop Trevor Story, though he’ll very likely be moving to second base. This leaves outfielders Michael Conforto and Tommy Pham as the two best free agents left on the market. After a flurry of signings the past several days, that free agency is nearly concluded.
As for the rest of Sunday’s baseball-related news and rumors, let’s get to it.
Yankees add positional depth
The Yankees have signed utility man Marwin Gonzalez to a minor-league deal that could pay him $1.5 million if he makes the team, reports Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
Gonzalez, 33, was greatly productive with the World Series champion Astros in 2017, but regressed in the next two years and hasn’t found any success at all in the last two:
- 2020: .211/.286/.320, 69 OPS+, 0.2 WAR in 53 games with Twins
- 2021: .199/.275/.304, 55 OPS+, -0.9 WAR in 91 games with the Red Sox and Astros
He’s played all over the diamond, but likely needs to be relegated to the corner spots these days, whether infield or outfield. With Anthony Rizzo, D.J. LeMahieu, Miguel Andújar, Aaron Judge, Joey Gallo, Giancarlo Stanton and Tim Locastro, the Yankees have plenty of options here. Gonzalez is simply depth for New York.
Twins sign reliever
The Twins have signed right-handed reliever Joe Smith to a one-year deal, the club announced Sunday morning. Smith, who turns 38 in two days, is a veteran, sidewinder journeyman. The Twins mark his eighth team now in 15 big-league seasons. He’s had several productive stops, even if he’s been inconsistent.
Last year, Smith pitched for both the Astros (27 appearances) and Mariners (23). He did not fare well in Houston, but after the trade, he pitched to a 2.00 ERA, 2.67 FIP, 0.89 WHIP and 17 strikeouts against two unintentional walks in 18 innings.
Smith will add depth to the middle of the Twins’ bullpen with the main late-inning relievers likely being Taylor Rogers, Tyler Duffey and Jorge Alcala.