MLB rumors: Latest news from the off-season on free agency and more
The Los Angeles Dodgers will announce Dave Roberts as the first minority manager in franchise history on Monday, finalizing a deal with their former outfielder. Roberts played parts of 10 MLB seasons with the Dodgers, Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants, and was part of the Padres’ coaching staff from 2011 to ’15.
Check out the latest MLB rumors and news below.
• The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed Cuban outfielder Yusniel Diaz to a $15.5 million deal, reports Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com. The team also signed infielder Omar Estevez to a $6 million contract.
• The Houston Astros are “hell-bent to get a closer” this off-season, reports Jayson Stark of ESPN.
• Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jose Fernandez says agent Scott Boras will be involved in his innings plan for 2016, reports Joe Frisaro of MLB.com. Fernandez underwent Tommy John surgery in May of 2014, making 11 starts with a 2.92 ERA after his return in July. Marlins president David Samson said earlier this month he would not consult Boras on Fernandez’s workload, extending the feud between the agent and the team.
• Chat Sports: The four MLB fan bases with the most class
• The Washington Nationals and the Dodgers are the favorites to sign relief pitcher Darren O’Day, reports ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick.
• Nationals relievers Jonathan Papelbon and Drew Storen are likely to be traded this off-season, sources tell Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.
• The Baltimore Orioles are reportedly in trade discussions about Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jay Bruce, reports Jon Morosi of Fox Sports. The Orioles are not listed on his updated eight-team no-trade clause, reported Crasnick.
• Chat Sports: Starlin Castro, Carlos Carrasco trades in play for the Yankees
• Though New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner has been the subject of major trade speculation this off-season, The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo says it’s not a “slam dunk” that Gardner will be traded due to his status as a clubhouse leader.
