Reliever Rosenthal may sit out in '18
Trevor Rosenthal is not headed to the Marlins. In fact, the free-agent reliever is unlikely to sign with any team this season as he rehabs his surgically repaired right elbow.According to a source, Rosenthal -- who underwent Tommy John surgery last August -- is likely to sit out the entire
According to a source, Rosenthal -- who underwent Tommy John surgery last August -- is likely to sit out the entire season, then sign with a team next offseason. The source said it's possible that the right-hander could change his mind if he's cleared to pitch by mid-to-late August, though that scenario appears to be a long shot.
"I can't rule out that he could pitch in 2018, but that's not the plan now," the source said.
A report Wednesday morning indicated that Rosenthal had agreed to terms with the Marlins on a one-year deal, but it turns out that is not the case.
According to the source, several teams have expressed interest in Rosenthal, though the Marlins were not one of them. A second source said Miami never even spoke with the reliever or his agent, Scott Boras.
The 27-year-old right-hander saved 93 games for the Cardinals in 2014-15, earning an All-Star selection in '15. But he lost the job to
Rosenthal, who pitched for the Cardinals from 2012-17, was granted his unconditional release by St. Louis in early November. He earned $6.4 million in '17 after avoiding arbitration, so it's likely that he'll seek a deal worth about $7 million for '19 plus incentives that could vault it into the eight-figure range.
Greg Holland -- another Boras client -- signed with the Rockies before 2017, receiving a guaranteed base salary of $6 million in his first season following Tommy John surgery. He earned $9 million in incentives based on appearances and games finished, then collected another $1 million after he declined a $15 million option for '18.
"Holland is the blueprint," a source said.
Mark Feinsand is an executive reporter for MLB.com.