Let’s take a look at some of the latest MLB news and notes, including a Cincinnati Reds superstar ready to get right, the San Diego Padres on the cusp of spending more money, and the Minnesota Twins taking a pass on trade talks.
Cincinnati Reds news: Jonathan India keeping the social media receipts?
After winning National League Rookie of the Year in 2021, last season was tough for India, both at the plate and in terms of staying healthy. However, the 26-year-old second baseman seems ready to prove the doubters wrong in 2023.
Thank you for this. https://t.co/8UhuT1PyzV
— Jonathan India (@JonathanIndia) February 2, 2023
Sure, it’s tough to go from posting a 3.9 bWAR in 2021 to a minus-0.4 bWAR last season, but there’s little doubt that India is ready to report to camp healthy and get back to the levels that put him on the radar of MLB fans in 2021.
It’s also a reminder that you never know who is reading your tweets.
San Diego Padres news: New contract coming for Manny Machado?
There have been reports that Machado was planning to opt out of his current contract with the Padres after this season, meaning San Diego could potentially lose one of its superstars as it tries to keep a core team together that has been built through free agency and trades. However, Padres general manager A.J. Preller said on the “Baseball Tonight with Buster Olney” podcast that San Diego is working on a new contract to keep Machado in Southern California past this season.
AJ Preller told @Buster_ESPN the Padres will have conversations with Manny Machado in the next couple weeks/months on a new contract pic.twitter.com/RvZBHRK5gz
— Talking Friars (@TalkingFriars) February 2, 2023
That’s good news for a Padres team that certainly is looking to build off last year’s NLCS appearance and is hoping to knock the Los Angeles Dodgers off the top of the NL West this season, thanks in part to Machado, Juan Soto, Xander Bogaerts, and the return of Fernando Tatis Jr.
Minnesota Twins news: Max Kepler off the trade block?
Kepler’s name has been thrown around as a potential trade candidate throughout the offseason. However, it seems that the Twins may be content to keep the soon-to-be-30-year-old outfielder on the roster.
According to Dan Hayes of The Athletic (subscription required), “Whereas it seemed like a strong possibility two months ago, the probability of the Twins trading Max Kepler has been significantly reduced.” It’s an interesting development for a team that brought back Carlos Correa this offseason and could be in a position to contend in the AL Central if some of the offseason signings (including Joey Gallo and Michael A. Taylor) pay off.
Kepler looks like he will start the season in Minnesota, but will he stay there all year? That answer may come after seeing how the Twins start the season and if they look to be in a position to knock off Cleveland in the division.