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, which is Thursday.
Keep up to date on the latest MLB news and rumors below:
• The Reiter 50: Cespedes, Chapman lead list of MLB free agents
Tuesday
• All signs point toward a major pay day for starting pitcher Rich Hill as the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers and Houston Astros are among the teams interested in the veteran, according to ESPN's Jim Bowden.
• The Toronto Blue Jays are interested in outfielder Jay Bruce if they lose Edwin Encarnacion, according to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick.
• The Miami Marlins have “signaled that they might be willing to trade” closer A.J. Ramos after a season in which he recorded 40 saves, according to Jayson Stark.
• The Astros were in the mix for Yoenis Cespedes (who returned to the Mets), according to ESPN’s Buster Olney, and are an option for free agent slugger Edwin Encarnacion, according to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick.
• The Milwaukee Brewers agreed to a three-year deal with free-agent outfielder Eric Thames, who posted huge power numbers playing in Korea the last three seasons. According to ESPN.com, the deal is worth more than $15 million guarantee and includes a club option for the 2020 season.
• The Brewers also designated first baseman Chris Carter for assignment. Carter tied for the NL lead in home runs but also led the league with 206 strikeouts.
• The St. Louis Cardinals have expressed interest in free agent third baseman Justin Turner, reports FOX Sports' Jon Morosi.
• ESPN.com is reporting that CBA talks might impact winter meetings. The CBA expires on Thursday, with winter meetings scheduled for next week in Washington, D.C.
• The Miami Marlins would like to add reliever Kenley Jansen, but fear that the price might be too high to acquire him, according to ESPN.com's Buster Olney.
