Brewers, Dodgers might bite on Jake
Nearly two weeks into spring training and Jake Arrieta remains the major league’s hottest free agent still seeking employment.
The Philadelphia Phillies remain the most interested, but Arrieta is learning that Yu Darvish’s six- year, $ 126 million contract with the Cubs this month has not exactly set the bar.
Most reports this week are putting the Phillies more in the three- year, $ 82 million range. That could open the door for the Milwaukee Brewers, who remain without Jimmy Nelson, who is recovering from the torn labrum he suffered at Wrigley Field in September. Nelson could be out until the All- Star break.
The question is how much the Brewers are willing to spend to boost their rotation and stick it to the Cubs.
The Washington Nationals had the strongest interest in Arrieta, 31, all offseason. Jon Heyman at FanRag Sports puts the Nationals as the favorites to land Arrieta. But general manager Mike Rizzo has been suspiciously quiet on that front. The Nats had eyed Arrieta as a perfect No. 3 in their rotation behind Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg.
A dark horse to watch is the Los Angeles Dodgers, who desperately wanted Darvish to return. The Dodgers need to fill that hole in their rotation and need to win now before the window closes on the Clayton Kershaw era.
The clock keeps ticking and Arrieta needs to be in a majorleague camp soon.
Tommy John for Honeywell
The Tampa Bay Rays’ top pitching prospect, Brent Honeywell, has a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right arm and will have Tommy John surgery, side- lining him for the entire season. The 22- year- old right- hander was hurt during a live batting practice session Thursday.
He was diagnosed with a strained forearm before further tests confirmed the severity of the injury. Honeywell said he will seek a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews even though he intends to have the operation.
Free- agent signings
The Minnesota Twins signed 12- year veteran shortstop Erick Aybar to a minor- league contract with an invitation to major- league spring training. He spent last season with the San Diego Padres and played the bulk of his career with the Los Angeles Angels, winning a Gold Glove award in 2011 and making the All- Star team in 2014.
† The Cincinnati Reds signed left- handed pitcher Oliver Perez, 36, to a minor- league deal. He spent the last two seasons with the Washington Nationals.