MLB rumors: News on free-agent contracts, trades and more
The off-season hot stove is warming up with trade rumors and free agency decisions being made, though transactions have slowed as the league focuses on the impending collective bargaining agreement deadline.
One MLB agent told SB Nation's Chris Cotillo over the weekend that "everything has shut down because of the CBA negotiations." The league and the players' union must reach an agreement on a new CBA before the current one expires on Dec. 1 or risk a lockout. The owners are reportedly willing to enforce a lockout.
A lockout would throw cold water on the off-season hot stove, as all free agent signings would be put on hold until a new agreement is reached.
Still, many talented free agents remain on the market, with Yoenis Cespedes, Kenley Jansen and Aroldis Chapman still available. In light of the CBA situation, when these players sign could become as intriguing a topic as where they sign.
Keep up to date on the latest MLB news and rumors below:
• The Reiter 50: Cespedes, Chapman lead list of MLB free agents
Monday
• The Marlins have agreed to a two-year deal with right-handed starter Edinson Volquez, according to Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald and Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.
• The Atlanta Braves acquired prospect Alex Jackson from the Mariners as well as a player to be named later in exchange for Rob Whalen and Max Povse, the team announced.
• The Cincinnati Reds have picked up outfielder Gabriel Guerrero off waivers from the Diamondbacks. Guerrero is the nephew of former MLB All-Star and new Hall of Fame candidate Vladimir Guerrero. The 22-year-old was acquired in the Mark Trumbo-Welington Castillo trade last year.
• The Milwaukee Brewers claimed righthanded pitcher Steve Geltz off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays and designated outfielder Adam Walker for assignment, the Brewers announced.
• The Dodgers signed outfielder Henry Ramos to a minor league contract, SB Nation's Chris Cotillo reports.
• The Washington Nationals want to re-sign backup infielder Stephen Drew, but he will likely find more playing time with a different team, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Postreports.
• The 2017 World Baseball Classic could be the final edition of the event unless it starts bringing in additional revenue, Cristian Moreno of ESPN reports.
• The Nationals, Giants, Yankees and Dodgers are interested in flame-throwing pitcher Chapman, the Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo reports.
• In order for a trade for White Sox pitcher Chris Sale to go through, team's would have to trade an "untouchable" player, according to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal. Candidates for a trade include the Red Sox's Andrew Benintendi, Rangers' Rougned Odor, Dodgers' Julio Urias, Nationals' Trea Turner, Astros Alex Bregman and Braves' Dansby Swanson, according to Rosenthal.
