Jul 22, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Miguel Montero against the Detroit Tigers at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona’s willingness to listen to offers for Montero first became known weeks ago, but there were few rumblings about potential suitors. The Cubs, meanwhile, had been known to be looking for an upgrade behind the plate following their failed pursuit of Russell Martin. The match between the two sides – given Chicago’s known interest – was inevitable. Other (unnamed) teams were reportedly in the mix as the Winter Meetings began. The Cubs will reportedly pay all of Montero’s remaining salary – roughly $40 million over the next three years.
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Bastardo unsurprisingly became the first – and unlikely the last – member of the Phillies to be on the move this offseason. The left-hander has quietly been one of the better southpaw relievers in the game over the past few seasons and was drawing interest from multiple teams before this deal with the Pirates (who were known to be seeking a lefty reliever) was completed. The 26 year old has a 3.36 ERA, 1.158 WHIP, and 11.6 K/9 over the past four seasons.
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Even before they dealt away their starting second baseman in a separate deal (we’ll get to that shortly) the Angels were on the lookout for help in the middle infield, ultimately picking up Rutledge from the Rockies. The 25 year old has experience at both second and shortstop and hit .269/.323/.405 this past season.
More on the deal from Halo Hangout: