MLB Rumor Roundup: The Latest From The Winter Meetings
Baseball’s winter meetings will wrap up on Thursday and while we’ve seen some player movement, there are a ton of top free agents still available. In addition to that, a number of rumored trades have yet to be consummated.
With that in mind, here are all the latest rumors from baseball’s offseason. There’s a lot so we’ve broken this up into a few pages.
Dodgers looking at Jose Martinez
Ken Rosenthal is reporting the Los Angeles Dodgers are interested in St. Louis Cardinals first baseman/outfielder Jose Martinez. It would seem to be an odd fit for the Dodgers, since Martinez is a terrible fielder. But he’s just 30 years old and can hit. He’s had a really nice .850 OPS over the past three seasons.
The Dodgers are definitely looking to shake things up after coming up short in back-to-back World Series.
MadBum staying put?
MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand is reporting it’s less and less likely the San Francisco Giants will trade Madison Bumgarner this offseason.
Bumgarner is set to be a free agent after the 2019 campaign. Unless the Giants can work out a long-term deal with their 29-year-old ace, they almost have to move him at some point. A midseason trade seems far more likely right now.
Dodgers working on Puig deal
Rosenthal is reporting the Dodgers are also trying to move Yasiel Puig off their books and have discussed a deal with the Cincinnati Reds. In one variation of the trade, the Dodgers would receive Homer Bailey and take on the $28 million left on his contract.
Nothing appears imminent, but it’s noteworthy the Dodgers are trying to dump Puig and are willing to take on salary to do so. That is, as long as the Reds are willing to give up a prospect or two in exchange.
Realmuto in demand
JT Realmuto is probably the hottest trade target on the market right now. The Miami Marlins are apparently finally willing to move the 27-year-old catcher and are listening to offers. The San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Mets are all discussing deals with the Marlins.
Most believe the Mets are the most aggressive bidder for him, but the Phillies are coming on strong.
Machado meeting with suitors
Manny Machado is finally set to meet with a few teams. Jon Heyman is reporting the 26-year-old shortstop is set to meet with the Phillies, New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox.
Heyman claims there are three “mystery teams” involved as well.
Machado and Bryce Harper are clearly the most coveted free agents on the market. A number of other free agents could be waiting for those two to set the market.
Porcello for sale
Bob Nightengale is reporting the Boston Red Sox are actively listening to offers for starter Rick Porcello. The Sox are trying to clear salary so they can add bullpen help and dumping Porcello’s deal would help.
Porcello is 29 and is due to make $21 million in 2019 before hitting free agency next winter. He went 17-7 with a 4.28 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 2018.
Reds like Inciarte
The Reds are clearly looking for outfield help and they have engaged the Atlanta Braves about Ender Inciarte. Mark Shelton is reporting that, while nothing is imminent, it’s clear Cincinnati is looking hard at the outfield market and is willing to do give up prospects to land a big leaguer.
Inciarte is one of baseball’s best outfielders and has won three-straight Gold Glove Awards. The 28-year-old is due $29 million over the next four seasons.
Grandal has options
Free agent catcher Yasmani Grandal has some options. The White Sox are interested in adding the 30-year-old backstop who really struggled during the World Series.
On top of that, the Mets are reportedly looking at Grandal as a possible fallback option if a Realmuto trade fails to materialize.
Grandal is a switch-hitting slugger but his defense and plate discipline were absolutely atrocious during the postseason for the Dodgers. He managed to hit .241 with 24 home runs, 68 RBI and an .815 OPS in 2018.
Yankees want Syndergaard
The Yankees are reportedly pushing hard for a trade that would send Noah Syndergaard to the Bronx. Andy Martino believes the Mets and Yankees could re-engage after initial talks broke down.
The Mets reportedly want an “extraordinary” deal for their 26-year-old ace and may not be able to find it this winter. Still, it’s noteworthy that the Yankees and Mets have actually discussed a trade.
Phillies all over Zach Britton
Ken Rosenthal is reporting the Phillies are also going hard after free agent reliever Zach Britton. Britton finished the season with the Yankees after a trade from the Baltimore Orioles. He was solid in 2018, finishing the season 0-2, with seven saves, a 3.10 ERA, and 1.23 WHIP in 40.2 innings.
Britton is 30 and due to his age and strong track record, he’s likely to land a multi-year deal. After Craig Kimbrel, he might be the top reliever on the market.
Padres aren’t trading Tatis
Despite several fan bases dreaming about trading a veteran in exchange for uber-prospect Fernando Tatis Jr., the San Diego Padres won’t be selling.
Padres general manager AJ Preller all but said Tatis was completely untouchable. Sorry folks, he’s not going to move the kid.
Tatis is the second-ranked prospect in all of baseball according to MLB.com. He’s expected to hit the big leagues early in the 2019 season.