Opening game: Marlins, Mariners, middle fielders

With the new year fast approaching, here are three things to keep an eye on in baseball throughout the day today.

1. Does the deal with Segura signal a further move to Miami?

The Marlins have long been considered likely to enter this offseason trade market.This speculation last night Jean Segura to a two-year, $17 million deal.Segura seems like a good bet to improve Miami’s offense, but he’s already Jazz Chisholm Jr. When Miguel Rojas up to the middle.Without Segura’s position change, Rojas is likely to join the same infielder. Joey Wendle in a trading block. Rojas didn’t hit much in his 2022 (72 OPS+), but thanks to his strong defensive stats last season, he made a gold-his Glove finalist. The Grove veteran of his first could be attractive to teams looking for short help as his option. The Red Sox are known to have already checked in with Rojas this offseason, but the Marlins are said to have rejected Boston’s advances at the time. It’s possible, but especially since the two companies have been talking about Wendle in trade talks since then. Speculatively, the White Sox could also make sense as a trade partner for one of Miami’s infielders, given the hole at second base, but the Angels are currently the top option. Might consider adding a stronger grab to the shortstop mix. Luis Lengifo When Geo Urscera.

2. Will the Mariners add a bat?

Earlier this offseason, there was something of a traffic jam in the Seattle outfield. Teoscar Hernandez from the Blue Jays.Since then, however, the Mariners have Kyle Lewis When Jesse Winker Separate trades leave them in good position to add another bat to the outfield/DH mix. In the present circumstances, Jared Kelenic, Dylan MooreWhen Cooper Hummel It seems to be the primary internal option set to mix-and-match between left field and DH, and the addition of another bat could greatly enhance that mix. It can come through free agency. Jurickson Profer Although it remains on the market as an everyday option, David Peralta When AJ Pollock It can be added as a more complementary option. If the Mariners decide to tap into the trade market, it’s not surprising given that the market for starting pitchers is thinning and Seattle is willing to trade one of them. Chris Flexen Also Marco Gonzales To improve other areas of the roster. If they choose this route, signing with the Cardinals or the Orioles is a bad idea, as both teams have excess talent in position players and could benefit from arm additions like Flexen or Gonzalez. , which may make some sense.

3. Where does the infield stand now that Segura is out of the board?

With Segura joining the Marlins, the infield market lost its best remaining at-bats. In addition to the aforementioned Red Sox, White Sox and Angels, there are still many teams in need of infielders. The Dodgers, Braves and Twins could add infielders after losing starting shortstops to free agency earlier this offseason, and the Giants and Tigers could also upgrade their infield mixes. Elvis Andrus, Josh HarrisonWhen Evan Longoria Although representing the best option remaining in the infield, players Matt Duffy, Brian AndersonWhen Cesar Hernandez Might be worth a look as a potential recovery candidate. Shifting focus to the trade market, in addition to Miami, Baltimore could be another club to watch. Jorge Mateo Also Ramon Urias to make room for infield prospects such as Joey Ortizand the Mets may try to address Eduardo Escobar if Carlos Correa The deal crosses the finish line.