MLB Trade Rumors: Yankees to Meet With Manny Machado, Unwilling To Pay $300M
The Winter Meetings are finally here, and teams are preparing to offer big paydays for needed replacements and reinforcements ahead of the 2019 season.
Big name free agents such as Bryce Harper and Manny Machado are still on the market and expected to take home some of the largest paychecks in baseball history.
The Mets and Mariners got started on the wheeling and dealing blockbuster deal for Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz, a number of other notable players are hitting the free-agent market earlier than expected. Veterans like Wilmer Flores, Jonathan Schoop and Billy Hamilton were all non-tendered by their respective clubs.
Last week's big news concerned pitcher Patrick Corbin, who agreed to a six-year deal worth $140 million with the Washington Nationals. The Cardinals also traded for perennial All–Star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, which should make the NL Central race more interesting.
Here's all of the latest rumors and transactions around baseball:
• The Yankees are set to meet with Machado but unlikely to pay $300 million contract for All-Star shortstop. (Jon Heyman, Fancred/MLB Network)
• The Braves have interest in J.A. Happ. They have also checked on the availability of Indians starters Corey Kluber and Trevor Bauer. (Jon Heyman, Fancred/MLB Network)
• Trade discussions surrounding Kluber have intensified, with the Dodgers among the teams reportedly interested in acquiring him. (Jon Morosi, MLB.com)
• Former Houston Astros pitcher Dallas Keuchel is being targeted by the Atlanta Braves. The NL East champions are still seeking one starter, reliever and outfielder this offseason. (Jon Heyman, Fancred/MLB Network)
• In addition to the Braves, Keuchel has garnered significant interest from the Reds and Phillies. The Yankees could also reportedly consider pursuing Keuchel in the event they miss out on signing J.A. Happ. (Jon Heyman, Fancred/MLB Network)
• The Miami Marlins say they are in no rush to trade catcher J.T. Realmuto, with team president of baseball operations Michael Hill saying, "We control him for two more years, and that's really all that needs to be said from our standpoint." (Joe Frisaro, MLB.com)
• The Mets remain interested in pursuing Realmuto, but acquiring him is internally viewed as a long shot. Veteran catcher Martin Maldonado is considered a "more likely" addition. (Joel Sherman, NY Post/MLB Network)
• The Mets are also continuing their pursuit of lefthanded reliever Andrew Miller. (Andy Martino, SNY)
• The Dodgers have emerged as a potential landing spot for reliever David Robertson. (Mark Feinsand, MLB.com)
• Tigers outfielder Nick Castellanos has generated trade interest from the Braves. (Jon Morosi, MLB.com)
• The Nationals are reportedly targeting several second basemen, including D.J. LeMahieu, Marwin Gonzalez and Josh Harrison. (Jon Heyman, Fancred/MLB Network)
• The Royals are reportedly nearing an agreement to sign speedy outfielder Billy Hamilton. The deal is expected to be worth close to $5 million. (Jim Bowden, The Athletic; Jon Heyman, Fancred/MLB Network)
• The Tigers reportedly signed pitcher Tyson Ross to a one-year, $5.75 million deal. (Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic)
• The Padres and Yankees remain in contact about possible trade involving pitcher Sonny Gray. (Jon Morosi, MLB.com)
• Veteran catcher Miguel Montero says his playing days are over. Montero spent 13 major league seasons with four teams, most recently with the Washington Nationals. (Nick Piecoro, Arizona Republic)
• The Braves are an "under the radar team" for SP J.A. Happ. (Jon Heyman, Fancred)
• The Dodgers have discussed trading for Indians SP Corey Kluber. Top prospect Alex Verdugo could be in the deal. (Michael J. Duarte, NBC LA)
• Several MLB owners are in Las Vegas to meet with Bryce Harper, including a "mystery owner." (Jon Heyman, Fancred)
• The Yankees may pursue Marwin Gonzalez, Josh Harrison or Scooter Gennett if they do not sign Manny Machado. (Jon Heyman, Fancred)
• The Mets could land Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto in a three-team deal with the Yankees. It is unclear if the Mets would trade Noah Syndergaard in a potential deal. (Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic)
