Mets baseball president David Stearns acquired star free agent shortstop Willy Adames for the Brewers. Adames is thought willing to consider third base, and Stearns has said Mark Vientos could play first base if the need arises.
Adames should have plenty of interest.
The Dodgers, Braves and Giants tried hard to obtain him via trade. Dodgers baseball president Andrew Friedman acquired him for Tampa Bay, but the Dodgers’ need doesn’t seem quite as urgent with NLCS MVP Tommy Edman performing so well in the postseason and Miguel Rojas expected to make a full recovery after offseason surgery.
The Royals, looking for a leadoff hitter, might consider Gleyber Torres, who filled that role nicely for the Yankees.
If the emerging Royals are unable to acquire a high on-base guy, they could move superstar Bobby Witt Jr. to leadoff (he’d prefer to stay batting second, but he hit with the bases empty more than anyone this year, not counting leadoff men).
The Mariners, Giants and Blue Jays also are in the second base market and make sense for Torres.
David Ross is thought to be a candidate for Brandon Hyde’s coaching staff in Baltimore. No decision is near, but what a great get that would be.
Dodgers first base coach Clayton McCullough remains a candidate for Marlins manager after Will Venable went to the White Sox and Craig Albernaz remained in Cleveland.
White Sox star Garrett Crochet is available again.
The Dodgers and Padres were among teams to make bids last summer for Crochet, but the innings issue hindered them from getting the right value and they should do better now, even with only two years before free agency.
The South Siders are unlikely to sell low on the ultra-talented Luis Robert following his off year. He’s a candidate to be dealt at the deadline.
