Reliever Rosenthal may sit out in '18

Source says right-hander did not sign one-year deal with Marlins

April 4th, 2018

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 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 during the '16 season, regaining it last season before blowing out his elbow.
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.