The Opener: Arenado, Left-Handed Relief, White

With the start of spring training now just a few days away, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day today:

1. Arenado talks picking back up?

After weeks of radio silence on Nolan Arenado’s trade market, it appears there may be renewed movement on that Cardinals’ top offseason priority. Reporting indicated yesterday that St. Louis has had “recent communication” with the Red Sox regarding Arenado after talks had stalled last month. The Cardinals would surely prefer to move him in the next two weeks and avoid a potentially distracting storyline as the club opens camp. Of course, it remains possible (and perhaps even likely) that Arenado’s market will remain fairly stagnant until Alex Bregman signs somewhere in free agency.

2. Lefty relievers coming off the board:

Yesterday saw two of the top remaining lefty relief arms land contracts as the Twins brought in Danny Coulombe while the Yankees re-signed Tim Hill. For teams looking to add a southpaw to the bullpen, the market is becoming increasingly barren. Veteran lefty Andrew Chafin is the best option still on the board with Colin Poche, Drew Smyly, Jalen Beeks, and Ryan Yarbrough highlighting the remaining depth options. One other notable name on the market is veteran Brooks Raley, who has generally pitched quite well as a late-inning arm since returning to the majors from the KBO in 2020 but will not be ready for Opening Day after undergoing Tommy John surgery last summer.

3. DFA resolution expected today:

One week ago today, the Reds designated right-hander Owen White for assignment to make room for southpaw Taylor Rogers on the 40-man roster after acquiring him from the Giants. The one-week window for a player who’s been designated for assignment to either be moved or clear waivers is closing today, so a resolution can be expected this afternoon. White was placed on waivers by the Rangers earlier this offseason, leading to his claim by the Reds, but has not previously been outrighted in his career. That means that if the right-hander clears waivers, Cincinnati will have the opportunity to outright him to the minors as a non-roster depth option headed into the season.