MLB Rumor: Padres Signing International Prospect Ethan Salas.Orioles interested in Michael Wacha

MLB Spring Training is less than a month away, but the Major League Baseball offseason isn’t over. Rather, the team still has time to put the finishing touches on the roster before camp. CBS Sports keeps track of all the breaking news, notes and rumors of the day in the space below, so keep it on this page.

Orioles still interested in Japanese tea

The Orioles remain open to signing veteran starter Michael Wacha, according to MASN’s Roch Kubatko. Baltimore’s interest in Wacha, who spent last season with the Red Sox, was previously reported late last year. It was unclear how the addition of O’s Kyle Gibson affected interest in Wacha.

Wacha entered the offseason ranked as the 32nd best free agent by CBS Sports. Here is the article from that time:

Washa has become a rotation nomad, pitching for a different team each of the past four seasons. He could go 5-5 after his strongest effort since 2018. Wacha’s weapons are still centered vertically as expected based on his arm slots. For our money, the most interesting part of his season was his “Sinker” hug. The quotes are needed because this is not a standard weight intended to destroy worm and ant colonies alike. Wacha’s ranked him fifth in the induction vertical his break behind Kenley Jansen, Drew Smiley, Josh Hader and Bailey Falter. In other words, Wacha’s sinker will show above-average “rising” on his four-seam fastball. (It would be cool if he did that. Scientists would get a kick out of it.) We could credit Wacha’s weird sinker to his years or (he only spent 13% of the time throwing it). I wouldn’t suggest that, change his career. We think it’s neat.

Washa recorded a 3.32 ERA (127+ ERA) in 127 innings last season.

The MLB’s amateur international free-agent market opened on Sunday. Here’s what Mike Axia wrote about Salas:

Salas has a baseball pedigree. His older brother, Jose Salas, is a highly regarded infielder for the Marlins. baseball america recently ranked Elder Salas the fourth-best prospect in Miami’s system, stating that his “offensive skills will make him a valuable player.” The young Salas has all the tools to become an impactful player in the game’s most demanding positions.

The Padres signing bonus pool was just over $5.8 million.

Cubs watching relief pitcher

The Cubs made their latest addition Saturday night, signing first baseman Trey Mancini to a two-year contract.They are interested in left-handed relievers Andrew Chafin and Matt Moore, according to Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic. , so it is possible that you have at least one more person in mind.

Chafin, 32, appeared in 47 games for the Cubs during the 2020-21 season. He spent the last year with the Tigers posting a 2.83 ERA through 57 innings. Moore, 33, will return from duty in Japan in 2021 and has had a revived campaign last year. As a member of the Rangers’ bullpen, he posted a 1.95 ERA through 74 innings.

As it stands, the Cubs bullpen is projected to have just one left-hander. That’s Brandon Hughes, his sophomore year.