MLB news: Chipper Jones rejoins the Braves, Framber Valdez rumors, Michael Wacha deal and more
By Mark Powell
MLB news: Who missed out on Michael Wacha?
Michael Wacha’s bounceback season with the Boston Red Sox earned him a new contract with the San Diego Padres. Their revamped rotation — which should include the likes of Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove, Nick Martinez and now Wacha — ought to quell concerns about Blake Snell’s contract for now, as San Diego can afford to let him walk next season if it comes to that.
The Padres had to get lucky in rebuilding their rotation, as they have a number of key position players they’ll have to sign to large contracts in the years to come. Manny Machado will be a free agent this coming offseason, and Juan Soto not long after that. Machado is a popular contract extension candidate, however, as Ken Rosenthal mentioned in a recent column and our Robert Murray reaffirmed.
Related Story. 4 way-too-early free-agent fits for Manny Machado. light
Who missed out on Michael Wacha?
The Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals all missed out on Michael Wacha. The South Siders had rumored interest in Wacha, but failed to make him the multiyear offer he desired. It’s also unclear if the Sox were believers in Wacha, who had middling seasons with the Mets and Rays prior to breaking out once again with Boston in 2022.
St. Louis doesn’t offer much in their starting rotation outside of Adam Wainwright and Jose Quintana in terms of known commodities. Wacha isn’t that, either, but he at the very least would’ve been another body for a group that desperately needs it.
As for Boston, Wacha performed admirably for them just last season. He represents another productive player lost in what’s already been a disastrous offseason for Chaim Bloom and Co.
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