MLB Trade Rumors: Yankees Doing 'Extensive' Background Work On Manny Machado
It's awards week in Major League Baseball as some of the game's best will be honored for their excellent 2018 seasons.
But that is not going to stop the hot stove, as the rumor mill continues to churn with talks about where the most coveted playes and free agents will end up.
Manny Machado and Bryce Harper are two players expected to cash in big, with Harper already rumored to turn down a $300 million offer from the Washington Nationals.
REITER: Ranking Manny Machado, Bryce Harper and baseball's top free agents
Here's all of the latest rumors around baseball:
• Hyun-Jin Ryu is expected to accept the Dodgers $17.9 million qualifying offer by Monday's 5 p.m. ET deadline. (Mark Feinsand, MLB.com)
• The market for the veteran left hander is "active" with the Yankees and the Astros among the teams seeking Paxton's services. (Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic)
• Michael Brantley and catcher Wilson Ramos are among the Braves' top free-agent targets. (Mark Bownan, MLB.com)
• The New York Yankees are potentially doing extensive background work on Machado, specificially the All-Star shortstop's on-field conduct. (Jayson Stark, The Atlantic)
• The Phillies are "shopping the hell" out of first baseman Carlos Santana, with the hopes of sending Rhys Hoskins from the outfield to first. (Ken Rosenthal, The Atlantic)
• The Rockies are likely out on any pursuit of J.T. Realmuto. Realmuto is still under the Miami Marlins control for the next two seasons. (MLB.com)
• There is nearly a "zero chance" that Brantley will return to the Indians in 2019, (Terry Pluto, Cleveland Plain Dealer)
• Houston Astros second baseman says he expects to be "120 percent" ready by the start of Spring Training after knee surgery.
