Yahoo Nachrichten 
Hot Stove Digest: Matt Wieters still has some interesting options
Welcome to The Stew’s Hot Stove Digest, our daily rundown of MLB news, rumors and gossip for Hot Stove season. Here you’ll find a quick recap of all the day’s action and other fun stuff from around the internet that we think is worth your time.
WHERE TO: It’s getting to be crunch time for the remaining free agents on the market. That includes veteran catcher Matt Wieters, who to this point hasn’t seemed all that close to landing a deal.
To some, the most logical landing spot was the Atlanta Braves, but they seemed to fill the need by signing Kurt Suzuki on Saturday. So where does that leave Wieters now?
Truthfully, there are still several teams that make sense. Many have pointed to the Washington Nationals this week, but budget issues may be in play there. The Los Angeles Angels simply need offense, so adding Wieters at catcher or even designated hitter would be a massive upgrade for them. Then there are teams that would no doubt benefit from adding Wieters, even without the glaring need.
Teams like the Mets, Reds and Rockies come to mind there.
Don’t dismiss a Chris Davis/Mark Trumbo like return to the Orioles either.
There are #Orioles people who would love to have Wieters back on a 1-year deal to split time with Welington Castillo and do some DHing.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) January 21, 2017
Wieters, who’s a four-time All-Star and a two-time Gold Glove award winner, no doubt hopes to have a deal by the opening of spring training. If he does change teams, that would allow for a much-needed adjustment period to his new pitching staff. That means some movement should come soon. But the end result is not likely to match what Wieters or agent Scott Boras envisioned three months ago.
DONE DEAL: To reiterate what was noted above, the Braves have agreed to a one-year deal with veteran catcher Kurt Suzuki. The contract is for $1.5M guaranteed money, but could reach up to $4M with incentives. [@ChrisCotillo]
NO. 1: Speaking of the Braves, they’re in the middle of a rebuild that could make them relevant as soon as the 2017 season. To support that, ESPN’s Keith Law has named their farm system the best in baseball. [ESPN]
DRAFT ORDER: With all 10 qualifying free agents now signed, the first round order for the 2017 draft is now official. The first round will include 27 picks after the Indians, Rockies and Cardinals forfeited selection to sign qualified free agents. The Blue Jays, Rangers and Cubs will received compensation round picks. [MLB Trade Rumors]
NO SURPRISE: Tigers manager Brad Ausmus has named Justin Verlander his opening day starter. [@beckjason]
HEALING: Red Sox left-hander Drew Pomeranz had a stem cell injection to promote healing in his elbow after the season. Pomeranz pitched through elbow discomfort after being acquired from San Diego down the stretch in 2016. The discomfort clearly hampered his performance and contributed to concerns about the Padres sharing of medical records. [@EvanDrellich]
INSURANCE: The Angels signing of Luis Valbuena was partially fueled by concerns over Albert Pujols:’ health. [FOX Sports]
NEW LOOK: Here’s a sneak peek at Minute Maid Park sans Tal’s Hill in center field.
The hill-less center field scene at MMP… pic.twitter.com/iDdatPTMAn
— Alyson Footer (@alysonfooter) January 21, 2017
More MLB coverage from Yahoo Sports:
– – – – – – –
Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
