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The Atlanta Braves are still waiting on a Josh Donaldson to make a decision and as we mentioned yesterday, he may have more of an incentive to wait a little longer given the amount of teams that are still in the hunt for his services. The thinking is that Donaldson will give the Braves the opportunity to make a final offer once he is ready to sign but it remains to be seen whether or not they will be willing to hand out a four-year offer.
If the Braves are unable to land Donaldson then they will be forced to pivot and most likely look to a trade to fill their lineup hole. That was the subject of a Saturday column by The Athletic’s David O’Brien who mentions Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant as a possibility.
The bidding around Bryant likely won’t get serious until arbitrator Mark Irvings rules on the grievance against the Cubs for service time manipulation. The thinking is that Chicago will win the ruling which will mean that Bryant will have two more years of team control remaining but no team is going to part with the prospect capital necessary until that ruling is in place.
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Hot Stove
The Minnesota Twins beefed up their bullpen on Friday announcing the additions of relievers Tyler Clippard and Sergio Romo. Romo’s deal is reportedly for one-year, $5 million deal that also contains a club option for 2021. Clippard will make $2.75 million for the 2020 season.
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Padres second baseman Ian Kinsler announced on Friday that he is retiring from baseball and will serve as an advisor for San Diego’s baseball operations. Kinsler signed a two-year deal with the Padres last offseason and was due to make $3.75 million this season.
The Pittsburgh Pirates named Tarrik Brock their first base coach for the upcoming season. Brock will also serve as the team’s outfield and base running instructor. He previously served as minor league outfield and baserunning coordinator for the Dodgers.