MLB Rumors: Cubs' top prospect James Triantos dominating AFL
The Chicago Cubs have several prospects participating in the Arizona Fall League, with special help from MLB legend Mark McGwire, who has shared his expertise with Chicago's youngsters in an "unofficial capacity."
No player has stood out more than 20-year-old infielder James Triantos, a second-round pick from the 2021 MLB Draft. Triantos leads the AFL in OPS (1.205) and he ranks second in OBP (.505) and batting average (.425), per Inside the Cubs.
When asked about his inspiration, Triantos cited a Hall of Fame second baseman with a similar physical profile — Boston Red Sox legend Dustin Pedroia.
"As a kid, it was Dustin Pedroia. I'd say, because I was always small. I didn't hit the ball as hard."
Triantos' talent for contact is on full display in the AFL. Triantos is expected to level up to the Cubs' Double-A affiliate, the Tennessee Smokies, next season. He spent three games in Double-A in 2023 but spent the majority of his season (80 games) with the High-A South Bend Cubs.
Don't expect Triantos to hit the MLB field any time soon. He has a long way left to go developmentally, as most prospects put in several years in the minors before the big MLB promotion. But, he's clearly on the upswing and he's a player Chicago fans should be excited about.
MLB Rumors: Dodgers could invest in risky OF Teoscar Hernandez
The Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to target corner outfield help in free agency with David Peralta and Jason Heyward coming off the books. Mookie Betts split time between right field and second base last season, so there's a real need to establish consistency in the outfield and in the lineup.
One potential target, according to Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times, is Teoscar Hernandez. The 31-year-old spent last season with the Seattle Mariners. He made an All-Star team with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2021 and won back-to-back Silver Slugger awards between 2020 and 2021.
As with any player, there are pros and cons to Hernandez. He's an undeniable power threat, which could help the Dodgers replace the likes of J.D. Martinez — especially if Shohei Ohtani ultimately decides to sign elsewhere. Hernandez slashed .258/.305/.435 with 26 home runs and 93 RBIs in 625 at-bats last season. He also appeared in 160 games for Seattle, a level of durability that should not be overlooked.
On the other hand, Hernandez balances out his impressive 49.4 hard-hit percentage (90th percentile, per Baseball Savant) with troubling plate discipline. He chases a lot of pitches outside the zone (35.1 chase percentage, 13th percentile) and he struck out 211 times last season. He can drive home runs, but more often than most, he goes to the bench empty-handed.
The Dodgers have excellent contact hitters at the top of the lineup with Betts and Freeman, so perhaps Hernandez's shortcomings can be overlooked. He's a competent glove in the outfield, so this is hardly a case of the Dodgers prioritizing a bad player.
It's best to look at this is a high-risk, high-reward outcome for LA. If Ohtani does come, however, Hernandez looks mighty fine as a fifth or sixth-best bat.
MLB Rumors: Yoshinobu Yamamoto's free agent window approaches
The Orix Buffaloes are expected to formally post Yoshinobu Yamamoto for MLB teams "likely within the next week," according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network. Once he is posted, teams will have 45 days to agree to terms on a contract with the 25-year-old righty.
Yamamoto is expected to command a significant contract, potentially in the ballpark of $200 million over seven years. He should have suitors from every corner of the U.S., with the New York teams, the Boston Red Sox, and the San Francisco Giants often floated as potential landing spots.
He only stands 5-foot-10, but Yamamoto commands the plate well. He went 75-30 across seven seasons in Japan, posting a comical 1.72 ERA. In his last start before free agency, Yamamoto accured 138 pitches for a complete game, setting a Japan Series record with 14 strikeouts and giving up one earned run. It's hard to make a better impression on the precipice of contract negotations.
The 45-day window should provide ample time for Yamamoto to agree to terms with the team of his choice. The market for pitchers is especially robust this winter and Yamamoto is, without much question, the top arm on the market. It's not often that elite 25-year-old pitchers are available to sign long-term contracts. Expect Yamamoto to receive quite the payday from whichever team wins the bidding war.
Next season, the MLB will have a new ace in town.