#trade-targets

#trade-targets

The Giants are known to be looking for upgrades at second base. Earlier this week, they were reported as one of the frontrunners for Brendan Donovan of the Cardinals and were also connected to Ketel Marte of the Diamondbacks. Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports that they have checked in on Nico Hoerner of the Cubs. She also lists Brandon Lowe of the Rays as one of their targets.

Well Miami Marlins fans, are you of the glass half-full or glass half-empty persuasion? Or to put it more simply, just how much do you hate the New York Mets. For there's no question that the suffering that started with Miami eliminating them from the playoffs in the final weekend of the season has continued into the offseason for fans of the Metropolitans. Pete Alonso? Gone. Edwin Diaz? Not just gone, but a bleeping Dodger.

The Mets have been perusing the trade market in hopes of bolstering their rotation and have their eye on Twins right-hander as one of several targets, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports. He adds that the Twins like young Mets righty - hardly a surprise, given that Tong is widely regarded as one of the sport's top pitching prospects.

I'm considering Bo Bichette, but until we actually get past the checkout with Bregman ( "Only 1 available, and it's in 4 other carts"), I'm not sure. If Bregman doesn't return, let's get Bichette at third base. There's room for him at second (maybe?) if we clear room in the outfield and commit to keeping Ceddanne Rafaela in centerfield, where he belongs.

I've been impressed with how Justin Steele is just grinding through his rehab, one of the loneliest aspects of playing a team sport. As Evan Altman reported earlier this week, Steele is progressing ahead of schedule and could be back in the rotation by Opening Day. Assuming Shōta Imanaga returns despite his complicated option clause, the Cubs have a strong five-deep rotation with Steele, Imanaga, Cade Horton, Matthew Boyd, and Jameson Taillon.

The All-Star Game featured a thrilling ninth-inning comeback and a swing-off to determine the winner, showcasing a gripping and competitive match.

The Maple Leafs should leverage their cap space in the trade market this offseason, as the UFA crop is weak and better deals might arise.