This will probably be the last Hot Stove Week in Review until the lockout ends unless there is a bunch of newsworthy events to report or a run-on minor league signings. I hope everyone has a happy and safe New Years and may the New Year bring some movement in the lockout.
NEWS
The Yankees hired Eric Chavez as an assistant hitting coach. He had a 17-year MLB career spent with the A’s, Yankees and Dbacks. Chavez won 6 Gold Gloves and 1 Silver Slugger.
Shohei Ohtani was named AP Male Athlete of the Year. The last time that award was won by an MLB player was Jose Altuve in 2017.
Kyle Seager has announced his retirement from MLB. He spent his entire 11-year career with the Mariners. He was an All-Star and Gold Glove winner in 2014. He had career highs in RBI’s (101) and HR’s (35) in 2021.
TRANSACTIONS
The Mets signed OF Daniel Palka to a minor league deal.
The Yankees signed C David Freitas to a minor league deal.
The A’s signed RHP Justin Grimm to a minor league deal.
RUMORS
INF Josh Harrison had fielded multiple offers from teams before the lockout.
The Cubs could be a surprise team in on SS Carlos Correa once the lockout ends.
RHP Dan Straily is aiming to make a return to MLB in 2022. He has played in the KBO the last 2 seasons.
Back in November multiple teams had been in touch with the Mets about 2B/OF Jeff McNeil and OF/1B Dominic Smith.
The Yankees have reportedly considered A’s 3B Matt Chapman as part of their SS search.