All signs point to Nelson Cruz landing with the Mariners

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported Thursday that the Mariners are “cautiously optimistic” about signing free agent outfielder Nelson Cruz. Two days later, all signs point to the scenario becoming a reality:

Keep hearing from industry insiders that it's a matter of time before #Mariners reach deal with free-agent outfielder Nelson Cruz.

— Bob Dutton (@TNT_Mariners) February 8, 2014

Cruz was reportedly seeking $75 million earlier this winter, but he’ll likely have to lower his expectations with spring training right around the corner. The Mariners would have to give up a draft pick (a third-rounder) and the corresponding draft pool money in order to sign him, so it isn’t just about the contract.

Assuming the two sides are able to wrap up a deal, the Mariners might not be done making moves. With Corey Hart and Logan Morrison in the fold, Justin Smoak could soon become a trade target.

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Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that Astros assistant GM Mike Elias will be the new general manager of the Orioles “barring a change of heart.”

Elias, 35, has been the Astros’ assistant general manager since August 2016. He had previously served as Houston’s scouting director and, before that, as a scout for the Cardinals. He was part of the team that came over from the Cardinals when Jeff Luhnow joined the Astros.

If he does take the O’s job his work will certainly be cut out for him. Baltimore was historically bad in 2018, finishing 47-115 thanks to a roster full of expensive, past-their-prime players and an underdeveloped farm system. He’ll have to hit the ground running too, as he’ll not join the team until nearly two months into the club’s offseason, having had no time to assess its needs and personnel. Oh, and the Winter Meetings begin in a little over three weeks.

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