Mariners Moose Tracks, 12/7/22: Aaron Judge, Jameson Taillon, and Taijuan Walker

The free agent deluge began last night, and concluded with a bang this morning.

Good morning everyone! Let’s dive into the latest from the Winter Meetings.

In Mariners news...

• Corey Brock at The Athletic reports that the Mariners aren’t likely to be major players in free agency, and might not make a big move before the Winter Meetings come to a close. ($)
• More cool events are coming to Seattle during the All-Star Weekend!

• For all of you jersey number nerds out there...

Around the league...

• The big fish is now off the board, with Aaron Judge agreeing to a record-setting nine-year contract with the New York Yankees.
• It was a big 24 hours for Judge, who was also named the TIME Athlete of the Year.
• The Yankees added to their bullpen depth, agreeing to a two-year contract with right-hander Tommy Kahnle.
• I’m always a big fan of the “Jordan reads things to Jake” bit.

• Star Japanese outfielder Masataka Yoshida has officially been posted by the Orix Buffaloes. MLB teams have until January 20th to agree to a contract with him.
• Josh Bell has been signed to a two-year deal by the Cleveland Guardians.
• The Rangers added more starting pitching depth, agreeing to a two-year contract with left-hander Andrew Heaney.
• Cody Bellinger is also off the board, signing a one-year contract with the Cubs.
• The Cubs also brought in one of the second-tier starting pitchers, signing Jameson Taillon to a four-year deal.
• The Phillies keep on spending, netting former Mariner Taijuan Walker on a four-year deal.
• Additionally, Philadelphia added to their bullpen by signing lefty Matt Strahm to a two-year pact.
• Bradford William Davis reports that Major League Baseball used not two, but three distinct baseballs during the 2022 season.
• The A’s acquired right-hander Chad Smith from the Rockies in exchange for minor league pitcher Jeff Criswell.
• The first-ever MLB Draft Lottery has concluded!