Notable Team Retirements:
SP Bartolo Colon
SP R.A. Dickey
RF Ichiro Suzuki (HOF Inductee - .311, 116 HR, 756 RBI, 3028 H, 514 SB)
C A.J. Pierzynski
Exclusive Period:
RF Mark Trumbo extended for 3 years/13 M.
P Juinchi Tazawa extended for 4 years/14 M.
P Aroldis Chapman extended for 5 years/45 M.
CF Delino DeShields, Jr. extended for 6 years/43.6 M.
3B Joey Gallo extended for 6 years/79 M.
P Hansel Robles extended for 5 years/8.5 M.
Gallo and DeShields, Jr. are cases where the team is paying more than they need to now for some cost certainty during the arbitration years and for one year of free agency eligibility. Gallo's next contract, in particular, will probably be very expensive if he develops as everyone seems to think, and that would likely start in arbitration as well.
Robles approached the team for a long term deal and the two sides came to an agreement on a number that would get it done.
Extending Chapman, Tazawa and Trumbo were priorities and those goals were accomplished. Chapman reportedly relented on being the "official" closer. The team expects to use him pretty much the same way as they did this season.
Arbitration Offers:
P Jeurys Familia
P Kelvin Herrera
P Taijuan Walker
C Mark Zunino
3B Juan Francisco
Notable non-tenders so far
SP Tanner Roark
1B Chris Carter
Coaching Changes:
Erich Flowers was hired as new hitting coach. He focuses on helping hitters develop a more direct path to the ball, even at the expense of power.
Charles Parra was hired as new farm director. With the pitching prospects struggling and a Ken Kojima entering the system, the team felt having a director that works the most on how pitchers use their repertoire more effectively was necessary.
Other Notable Extensions:
Astros extend P Wade Davis for 6 years/57 M.
Pirates extend RF Jose Bautista for 1 year/12 M.
Braves extend CF Carlos Gomez for 5 years/98.5 M.
Indians exercised their option on Manny Parra.
Giants extend RF Hunter Pence for 4 years/49.6 M.
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