MLB Roundup 2/8: MLBPA to set up spring training camp for free agents

The camp for remaining free agents is happening, per report

As the winter has gone on and it’s become more and more clear that this is a different kind of offseason around the league, and rumors have gotten louder that free agents who have not yet signed would form their own spring training camp. That is apparently actually going to happen according to a report from Yahoo’s Tim Brown. This will be the first sort of camp of its kind since 1994 after the last labor stoppage in league history. At this point, it’s unclear who will be participating or even where the camp is going to be. It’s an incredibly fascinating concept to me, though, even if I don’t like what’s led to it being necessary. There are two ways of looking at this from a player’s perspective. On the one hand, participating in this kind of camp will show teams that he is physically preparing for the season and not just sitting around. On the other hand, there is real injury risk in every spring training camp, and that would kill an already underwhelming market for any player that chose to participate. I’m honestly not sure what I’d do if I was a player considering taking part in this, assuming it actually happens, but there’s at least something interesting happening right now. I guess. Let’s just hope no Red Sox targets take part and get injured.

• J.D. Martinez is reportedly talking to the Diamondbacks about both long-term and short-term contracts. We always knew that Arizona was the most likely team to join in the negotiations, though it’s still unclear how much money they can really offer. There is some thought Martinez could take a one-year deal and hit free agency again next winter. On the one hand, he’d all of a sudden be competing with superstars like Bryce Harper and Manny Machado. On the other hand, more teams will theoretically be prepared to spend next winter. Ultimately I’d be surprised if he took a one-year deal, and I’m still not sure just how much of a threat Arizona is in this market. Still, if Martinez is truly looking for an alternative to the Red Sox the Diamondbacks appear to be the most likely one.