Pitchers and catchers (and plenty of position players) have already reported to spring training, so it’s time to dive into some of the latest MLB news and notes, including tidbits from the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels, and Philadelphia Phillies.
MLB news and rumors: Los Angeles Angels close to signing Matt Moore
According to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, the Angels are coming to terms with the 33-year-old Moore, considered one of the top relievers left on the free agent market. The move would continue what has been a very busy offseason in Anaheim, with the Angels grabbing Tyler Anderson for the rotation and Carlos Estevez for the back end of the bullpen as well.
Moore had a career year last season for the Texas Rangers, posting a 1.95 ERA/2.98 FIP/1.176 WHIP in 74.0 innings spanning 63 games.
Boston Red Sox news: Justin Turner evoking memories of Xander Bogaerts
It appears that the Red Sox will waste little time giving out the number 2 worn by Bogaerts from 2014-2022 in Boston. With the All-Star infielder now a part of the future in San Diego, Boston has handed the number over to Turner, signed to a one-year, $15 million deal in the offseason.
According to reports, it was the Red Sox that initiated the number switch, not Turner asking to wear it. If so, that shows just how quickly the franchise is ready to put Bogaerts and all of the drama that surrounded him last season and this offseason in the past.
While that may be an easy solution for the franchise, Red Sox fans are already noticing just how quick the number was put back into use, adding more head-shaking fuel to the offseason dumpster fire in Boston.
Philadelphia Phillies news: Seranthony Dominguez extended
The Phillies avoided arbitration with the 28-year-old right-hander and have agreed on a two-year deal that is reportedly worth $7.25 million. The deal eliminates what would have been an interesting arbitration hearing as the Phillies filed $2.1 million for his salary this season while Dominguez came in at $2.9 million.
Dominguez saw action in a career-high 54 games last season, posting a 3.00 ERA/3.14 FIP/1.099 WHIP over 51.0 innings. He also struck out 61 and walked 22 during those frames as well, with both numbers coming in over MLB averages.
He also pitched in nine postseason games, striking out 18 while walking just one in 10.2 innings. His 1.69 ERA/0.750 WHIP in those nine games certainly helped his cause heading into this season’s negotiations.