MLB rumors: News from the winter meetings on free agency, trades
Major League Baseball’s winter meetings have begun. The four days of talks in Nashville will undoubtedly produce a flurry of trades and transactions as agents seek contracts for their free-agent players and executives from all 30 teams convene to talk trades and league business. The rumor mill is already churning with big-name free agents such as Johnny Cueto and Jason Heyward still on the market.
See the latest MLB news and rumors below. Check back for updates on the latest scoops.
• 2015 MLB Free-Agent Tracker
Jose Fernandez
• Before acquiring Shelby Miller from the Braves, the Diamondbacks nearly had a deal for Jose Fernandez. According to Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald, the deal would have included Patrick Corbin and Dansby Swanson.
• According to MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro, the Marlins and Dodgers have discussed a trade for Fernandez. Miami asked for a five-player package including Joc Pederson along with top prospects Corey Seager and Julio Urias.
• Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports that the Dodgers, Giants and Diamondbacks have all spoken to the Marlins about Fernandez.
• ESPN’s Jayson Stark reports a “mystery team” is working on making a strong bid for Fernandez. The Marlins have strongly denied rumors that they are trying to trade Fernandez despite several rumors that teams are discussing a deal for Miami's young ace. Rosenthal reports that a rival executive said the Marlins have not “proposed anything reasonable enough to make people think they want to deal.”
• Rumors have surfaced that the Yankees are willing to trade Luis Severino in exchange for Fernandez. However, Joel Sherman of the MLB Network reports that the Yankees will not offer Severino to the Marlins.
• Marlins owner Jeffery Loria said “There is nothing I am thinking about doing at the moment with him,” in regards to Fernandez, reports Rosenthal.
Yoenis Cespedes
• Four teams—the Angels, Giants, Tigers and Royals—have shown interest in the free agent outfielder, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. The Mets have acknowledged that they are unlikely to re-sign Cespedes, who they traded for at last year’s deadline.
Other news & notes
• The Mariners have acquired Evan Scribner from the Oakland Athletics for minor league righthander Trey Cochran-Gill.
• Chris Davis has an offer in the neighborhood of $150 million from the Baltimore Orioles, according to Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com.
• The Braves and free-agent catcher Tyler Flowers have agreed on a two-year deal, according to multiple reports. It will pay him $5.3 million in guaranteed money.
• At least 10 teams are interested in Marlins outfielder Marcell Ozuna, and a trade is likely, according to Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald.
• The Cleveland Indians and Rajai Davis have been discussing a one-year deal, according to Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
• The Angels are reportedly inquiring about outfielder Justin Upton, according to multiple reports. However, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Registerreports that there is “nothing happening” between the Angels and Upton.
• The Tigers are looking to add a left-handed reliever to their roster, such as Tony Sipp or Antonio Bastardo, reports Jon Morosi of Fox Sports.
• The Tigers have agreed to a two-year contract with pitcher Mark Lowe, the team announced Tuesday.
• The San Francisco Giants are reportedly interested in left fielder Alex Gordon, reports Pedro Gomez of ESPN.
• Former Cy Young award winner Johan Santana has not pitched in the major leagues in three years, but is still considering a return for 2016. Santana’s agent told Heyman that the lefty has a “fresh arm.”
• Reliever Shawn Kelley has reached an agreement with the Washington Nationals, reports LaVelle E. Neal III of the Minnesota Star-Tribune. However, conflicting reports say the trade is not set in stone and that the Mariners and the Diamondbacks are also pursuing Kelly.
• The Padres have traded second baseman Jedd Gyorko and cash to the Cardinals for outfielder Jon Jay, the team announced Tuesday.
• The Colorado Rockies signed free-agent pitchers Jason Motte and Chad Qualls to two-year contracts, the team announced Tuesday.
• The Tampa Bay Rays have spoken to the Cubs about Javier Baez, reports Ken Rosenthal. Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago reported the Cubs will likely have made a deal by Tuesday morning.
• Several teams are reportedly interested in trading for Padres starter James Shields, despite having the opportunity to claim him off waivers last season, Olney reports.
• The White Sox are hoping to trade first baseman Adam LaRoche in hopes of freeing up money to spend on a slugger, reports Nightengale.
