MLB Free Agency 2015: Top Free Agent/Trade Buzz for Every Team
One week into November, the MLB offseason rumor mill is kicking into full swing, as teams begin kicking the tires on this year's class of free agents and trade targets.
Keeping up with all of the latest rumor news around the league is no easy task, so this article will provide a quick rundown of the most recent buzz surrounding all 30 teams.
The following has been provided for each team:
- The latest notable rumor(s)
- The source of the rumor(s)
- A pertinent quote summing up the rumor(s)
- Analysis of the rumor(s)
As always, MLBTradeRumors remains an invaluable resource during the MLB offseason, and a tip of the hat goes to them for providing a clearinghouse for all things rumor to sort through.
Arizona Diamondbacks
1 of 30
Rumor: Targeting Cuban defector Yasmany Tomas, working him out at third base.
Via agent Jay Alou on Twitter:
"Yasmany Tomas worked out at 3B today for the D-Backs. Position he first played in Cuba. Looked pretty comfortable! #versatility
"
It's not surprising to see the Diamondbacks hone in on Tomas, as a number of teams are kicking the tires on the Cuban slugger. However, it did come as a surprise that they worked him out at third base, as the consensus was that he would be limited to corner outfield duty.
The Diamondbacks do have a hole at third base after trading Martin Prado at the deadline last year. Prospect Jake Lamb manned the position down the stretch and figures to have the job heading into 2015 if no one is added.
Rumor: Listening to offers for catcher Miguel Montero.
Via Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports:
"The Arizona Diamondbacks, trying to create payroll flexibility, are willing to trade catcher Miguel Montero, according to major-league sources. Rival clubs say the D-Backs are shopping Montero. An Arizona official say the team is more in "listening mode." Either way, the effect is the same.
"
The free-agent market for catchers is thin this offseason behind Russell Martin, so it makes sense that the Diamondbacks would at least gauge the market for Montero.
He is due $40 million over the next three years, and while 20-year-old Stryker Trahan is still a couple of years away from taking over behind the plate, clearing that salary in favor of a stopgap option could help the team address other needs.
Atlanta Braves
2 of 30
Rumor: Could Ervin Santana accept his qualifying offer?
"Ervin Santana's agent says pitcher told him he'd seriously consider taking $15.3M QO if #Braves make it (as expected) today. Keep in mind that could be agent trying to avoid having QO offer made and the draft-pick compensation attached to client for other interested teams.
"
The Braves did in fact extend a qualifying offer, so now the ball is in the 31-year-old right-hander's court as far as whether he remains in Atlanta.
After he went 14-10 with a 3.95 ERA on a one-year, $14.1 million deal last season, one would think he could find a multiyear deal, but that was not the case last season when he was forced to wait until March to sign.
Accepting the offer and avoiding the whole process he went through last year could be an appealing alternative to hitting the open market and hoping for the best once again.
Baltimore Orioles
3 of 30
Rumor: Nelson Cruz still prefers a return to Baltimore.
"No doubt it’s my first choice. I’d love to be back. I understand the business. I know they’re interested in bringing me back. Hopefully we can work something out. I love everything about the city. I love my teammates. I love the organization. The way they treat their players is amazing. If we can work something, I’d be more than happy to come back.
"
With legitimate questions about whether or not Chris Davis will bounce back and Steve Pearce will be able to duplicate his 2014 breakout, the Orioles would be left with a glaring hole in the middle of their lineup if Cruz signed elsewhere.
They would be wise to work quickly and make their best offer right off the bat, before the rest of the market gets a chance to sink their claws into him.
Rumor: A four-year deal for Nick Markakis?
Via Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com:
"The Orioles and Nick Markakis should stay paired up despite his name now appearing among the list of baseball's free agents. The two sides have been talking for weeks - I've heard that the framework involves a four-year deal - and I'd expect an agreement at some point in the not-too-distant future.
"
The longest-tenured player on the Orioles roster last season as the No. 7 pick in the 2003 draft, Markakis had his $17.5 million option declined earlier this season.
That was obviously more than he's worth at this point, but he still has value as a high on-base bat with a plus arm in right field. The team would like to keep the fan favorite around, and locking him up on a four-year deal with a more reasonable salary seems like a win for both sides.
Rumor: Interested in re-signing Nick Hundley.
Via Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com on Twitter:
"#orioles like Hundley and want to re-sign him. Just not at $5 mil. Will attempt to work out deal. Also have Joseph & Clevenger in backup mix
"
Ace Chris Tillman pitched to a 2.78 ERA in 18 starts with Hundley behind the plate, compared to a 4.07 ERA in his other 16 starts, so that could be reason enough for the team to re-up with the 31-year-old.
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Boston Red Sox
4 of 30
Rumor: Burke Badenhop is a candidate to be re-signed.
"Burke Badenhop is a free agent who fit in very well with the Red Sox and is known to want to return. Considering his multiple scoreless streaks this season and devastating two-seam sinking fastball, the Red Sox may quickly move to lock in Badenhop when their exclusive negotiating window begins tomorrow.
"
The Red Sox have some work to do on their bullpen this season, even after re-signing closer Koji Uehara on a two-year, $18 million deal. Veterans Junichi Tazawa, Edward Mujica and Tommy Layne will all be back, but the team will need to fill things out from there.
Badenhop, who was acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers last offseason, had a 2.70 ERA and 13 holds in 70 appearances last season, so bringing him back would be a solid move.
Rumor: Third base is a top priority.
Via Jon Heyman of CBSSports:
"The Red Sox, in need of third base production, are prioritizing Giants postseason hero Pablo Sandoval as well as Chase Headley, according to people in the know.
"
Red Sox third basemen hit just .211/.271/.308 with 10 home runs and 54 RBI last season.
Will Middlebrooks was expected to be the long-term answer at the position, but he hit just .191/.256/.265 with two home runs and 19 RBI and was demoted to the minors at one point.
The 26-year-old could be out of chances at this point, so it's understandable that the team would be targeting an upgrade this offseason, with Sandoval and Headley representing the top two free-agent options.
Chicago Cubs
5 of 30
Rumor: Targeting Cole Hamels on the trade market.
Via Jon Heyman of CBSSports:
"The Cubs, already connected heavily in speculative reports about top free-agent pitchers Jon Lester and Max Scherzer, are also interested in Cole Hamels, according to sources, and are expecting to talk to the Phillies about him.
"
Chances are that Jon Lester remains the Cubs' top offseason target among starting pitchers, but with just $35.5 million on the books for the 2015 season as of now, why wouldn't they target another top arm?
The Cubs claimed Hamels on waivers back in August, and the two sides at least had some preliminary discussions before the Phillies pulled him back. Could that have been the groundwork being laid for an offseason deal?
Rumor: Targeting Russell Martin in free agency.
Via Jon Heyman of CBSSports:
"The Cubs, already the leader in free agency after landing marquee manager Joe Maddon for a $25 million, five-year deal, are going to target top free-agent catcher Russell Martin, sources connected to the team said.
"
Outside of their clear need for high-end starting pitching, the Cubs could also stand to upgrade behind the dish, where incumbent Welington Castillo is a league-average option at best.
The hopes is that 2014 draft pick Kyle Schwarber can stick behind the plate and be the long-term answer, but it remains to be seen if that will happen. Signing Martin gives the Cubs one of the best catchers in the game, and the 31-year-old should have at least a few more prime seasons in the tank.
Chicago White Sox
6 of 30
Rumor: Receiving interest on Alexei Ramirez.
Via Bruce Levine of CBS Chicago:
"The White Sox have heard from numerous major league clubs about the availability of shortstop Alexei Ramirez, the 33-year-old All-Star who has been high on the list of several big-market teams. The interested teams include the Mets, Yankees and Dodgers.
"
The White Sox balked at the idea of dealing Ramirez last season, and they have given no indication to this point that they will change that stance. However, given the free-agent market for shortstops, it makes sense that a number of teams would be inquiring.
The 33-year-old just won his second Silver Slugger after hitting .273/.305/.408 with 35 doubles, 15 home runs, 74 RBI and 21 stolen bases. He is due $10 million this coming season with a $10 million option for 2016.
Rumor: Targeting Nori Aoki in free agency.
Via Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe:
"Aoki is likely to leave the Royals and sign elsewhere. He was a nice fit for the Royals and will be a nice fit elsewhere as a good on-base, defensive right fielder. Look for the White Sox to be a team with a lot of interest.
"
Adam Eaton and Avisail Garcia figure to be locked into the starting jobs in center field and right field, respectively. The White Sox do have a hole in left field, though, especially if they decide to move Dayan Viciedo this offseason.
Aoki gives them a high on-base guy with a decent mix of speed and power who could be slotted in the No. 2 spot behind Eaton. He's probably the best of the second tier of free-agent outfielders, so he has a chance to be a solid value depending on the money he winds up getting.
Cincinnati Reds
7 of 30
Rumor: No extension talks with Mat Latos, but he's open to returning.
Via MLB Network Radio on Twitter:
"Latos on contract: There haven't been any discussions, I'd love to work something out with them & stay a #Reds
"
The Reds are generally quiet on the free-agent market, but the trade market is another story entirely, and they could wind up pulling off a blockbuster deal before the start of spring training.
With Johnny Cueto, Mat Latos, Mike Leake and Alfredo Simon all headed for free agency after the 2015 season, someone is going to end up as the odd man out to make room for Robert Stephenson.
The most likely trade candidate would appear to be Latos, and he was briefly dangled at the trade deadline last year, according to Jayson Stark of ESPN.com. So while it is nice to hear he's open to returning, the more telling nugget here could be the fact that the team has yet to reach out on an extension.
Cleveland Indians
8 of 30
Rumor: End of the Jason Giambi era?
Via Paul Hoynes of The Plain Dealer on Twitter:
"GM Chris Antonetti says he'd never rule it out, but the chances of Giambi returning as player in 2015 would be a tough fit on roster.
"
Giambi has carved out a nice role as a power bat off the bench and a veteran leader in the clubhouse since leaving the Yankees.
However, he hit just .133/.257/.267 with two home runs in 60 at-bats last season, and at this point his roster spot is probably better served going to someone else.
For what it's worth, current manager Terry Francona called the 43-year-old a "manager-in-waiting," according to WKNR in Cleveland (h/t/ Deadspin), and he was a finalist for the Rockies job before they went with Walt Weiss.
Colorado Rockies
9 of 30
Rumor: Listening on Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez.
Via Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports:
"For the first time, the Colorado Rockies sound willing to trade shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and/or outfielder Carlos Gonzalez. The Rockies are telling clubs they are keeping their “eyes and ears open” for potential deals involving both players, according to major-league sources. The mere willingness to discuss Tulowitzki and Gonzalez is a departure for Colorado, which previously refused to entertain deals for its two stars.
"
We went in-depth on this rumor with a separate article a few days back, so I'll direct you to that piece for a more detailed look into what they Rockies could be up to this offseason.
Two important things to remember here:
- These are the faces of the franchise in Colorado, and not only is the front office not going to be willing to eat a lot of money to move these guys, but they will be asking for a huge haul of prospects in return. The Rockies won't trade them just to dump them; they will be doing it to better the team.
- Yes, the Dodgers have a need at shortstop. Yes, the Giants have a need in left field. No, the Rockies would never trade one of their superstars to a division rival.
Detroit Tigers
10 of 30
Rumor: Mutual interest in a reunion with Torii Hunter.
Via Anthony Fenech of The Detroit Free Press on Twitter:
"There is an e-mail in my inbox that says it’s safe to say mutual interest between Tigers, Torii Hunter but nothing imminent or close.
"
Despite the fact that he will be entering his age-39 season and his defense has declined significantly, Hunter was still a useful bat last season for the Tigers, hitting .286/.319/.446 with 33 doubles, 17 home runs and 83 RBI.
There have been some rumblings of a possible return to Minnesota (more on that in a bit), but at this point in his career Hunter is chasing a ring before he retires, so it's hard to see him signing with a non-contender.
Rumor: Victor Martinez seeking a four-year deal.
Via Jon Heyman of CBSSports:
"Tigers star designated hitter Victor Martinez will try to capitalize on a monster season with a four-year deal as a free agent, according to sources.
"
Last time he hit free agency, Martinez ended up signing a four-year, $50 million deal to join the Tigers.
This time around he's 35 years old, but he's also coming off the best season of his career, so there's a good chance he lands another four-year deal and actually improves on that $50 million salary.
The Tigers can't afford to let him walk, given his importance not only with his own production but in protecting Miguel Cabrera in the middle of the lineup. He'll get his money and four years, one way or another.
Houston Astros
11 of 30
Rumor: Looking to improve bullpen and corner infield and add outfield power.
Via Brian McTaggart of MLB.com:
"The Astros, coming off a season in which they improved by 19 wins, are seeking to upgrade their bullpen, corner infield and add some power to the outfield and are willing to increase their payroll by at least $20 million more to achieve those goals.
"
The Astros got creative last season to improve their offensive attack, pulling off a trade with the Rockies to acquire outfielders Dexter Fowler.
This time around they could be active players on the free-agent market, as they have a ton of money to spend and enough young, core pieces that adding some veteran talent around them is warranted.
Last offseason, they threw a handful of low-cost veterans at the bullpen with varying levels of success, but this time around they could target some higher-profile arms.
Someone like Chase Headley could be a fit as an upgrade at third base, but they will have to get in line in their search for a power bat in the outfield, as that is on a number of teams' offseason shopping lists.
Kansas City Royals
12 of 30
Rumor: Time to move Greg Holland?
Via C.J. Nitkowski of Fox Sports:
"The Royals' pen takes a hit without Holland, but the $8 million saved, prospect return and replacements they have in the bullpen make it a hit they can sustain and makes perfect sense. The model they have operated finally worked. No need to change now.
"
It's an interesting thought, given how much Holland is going to cost over the next two years and the fact that his value will probably never be higher than it is right now.
Re-signing someone like Jason Frasor to pitch the seventh inning or turning that job over to rookie Brandon Finnegan, while sliding Kelvin Herrera and Wade Davis each down an inning, would still give the team a dominant bullpen.
It's all about what teams will be willing to offer up for Holland, as the asking price will no doubt be high for one of the game's most dominant stoppers.
Rumor: Willing to listen on Alex Gordon, Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas?
Via Andy Martino of the New York Daily News:
"Alex Gordon, Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas have become identified with a magical year, but the team faces looming decisions and/or escalating salary on each player. The expectation within the industry is that they will at least listen to trade offers.
"
Gordon is set to earn $12.5 million next season with a $12.5 million option for 2016 before he hits free agency, so the team will need to make a decision on him sometime in the near future anyway.
The other two are both due sizable raises in arbitration, with Hosmer projected to make $5.2 million and Moustakas coming in at $2.7 million, according to MLBTradeRumors.
Both guys have two years of arbitration remaining, and while it's hard to imagine the Royals parting with Hosmer, this could be a good time to sell high on Moustakas after a strong postseason.
Keeping this team together is going to be tricky, given the escalating salaries and the team's financial restrictions, so general manager Dayton Moore has his work cut out for him in the years to come.
Los Angeles Angels
13 of 30
Rumor: Howie Kendrick or David Freese is likely to be traded.
Via Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports:
"Expect a different look in the Angels' infield next season. The team is likely to trade either second baseman Howie Kendrick or third baseman David Freese to address other needs, according to major-league sources.
"
Kendrick is on the books for $9.85 million this coming season before hitting free agency at the end of the year, while Freese is projected to earn $6.3 million in his final year of arbitration before he too hits the open market.
Gordon Beckham could conceivably fill either starting spot if one of those guys is traded, though he too is a free agent at the end of the year. Third base prospect Kaleb Cowart could also arrive on the big league scene soon after reaching Double-A next season.
Rumor: Starting pitching depth and a left-handed reliever top the offseason wish list.
Via Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports:
"The Angels would like to add another starting pitcher for depth and protection as right-hander Garrett Richards works his way back from major knee surgery. They also could seek another left-hander for their bullpen.
"
The Angels already addressed their need for pitching depth with a pair of small-scale trades for right-hander Nick Tropeano (via Houston) and left-hander Cesar Ramos (via Tampa Bay).
The need for a reliable left-hander out of the bullpen remains, though, and their top offseason target figures to be the market's top southpaw reliever, Andrew Miller.
If they miss on him, the secondary market includes Neal Cotts, Zach Duke, Joe Beimel, Phil Coke and Joe Thatcher, so look for them to sign at least one of those guys this winter.
Los Angeles Dodgers
14 of 30
Rumor: The Dodgers are among the teams showing interest in Alexei Ramirez.
Via Bruce Levine of CBS Chicago:
"The White Sox have heard from numerous major league clubs about the availability of shortstop Alexei Ramirez, the 33-year-old All-Star who has been high on the list of several big-market teams. The interested teams include the Mets, Yankees and Dodgers.
"
Things have been relatively quiet on the rumor front for the Dodgers so far this offseason, but their need for a shortstop has been evident from the start.
They did extend a qualifying offer to Hanley Ramirez, but chances are he'll decline, and to this point the team has given no indication that it will make any play to re-sign him.
Asdrubal Cabrera, Jed Lowrie and Stephen Drew make up the rest of the free-agent market, so Ramirez figures to have plenty of suitors if the White Sox are willing to talk. He's not a long-term option, but he's a better stopgap than the aforementioned trio, and he's relatively cheap at $20 million over the next two years.
Miami Marlins
15 of 30
Rumor: Negotiations have begun on a long-term extension for Giancarlo Stanton.
Via Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald on Twitter:
"#Marlins pres. of baseball ops Michael Hill said team has "reached out" to Stanton and "negotiations are ongoing" for extension.
"
The Marlins have said time and again over the past several seasons that Stanton is not available, and they are now finally working toward an extension with their franchise cornerstone.
The 24-year-old (crazy, right?!) is coming off of a monster season in which he managed to stay relatively healthy prior to a gruesome injury in September, when he took a fastball to the face. He won the National League Hank Aaron Award as the league's top offensive player.
He is projected to earn $13 million in his second year of arbitration and has one more year of team control after that before hitting the open market, so now seems like the time to act.
It's hard to pin down exactly what someone his age and with his track record of success (already 154 career home runs) is worth on a long-term deal. Mike Trout signed a six-year, $144.5 million deal pre-arbitration, so it's reasonable to think Stanton will ask for more than that.
My best guess if he really is committed to staying for the long term, he'll request seven years, $200 million.
Milwaukee Brewers
16 of 30
Rumor: Bullpen next on the offseason shopping list?
Via Charlie Wilmoth of MLBTradeRumors:
"Their bullpen will be trickier. Closer Francisco Rodriguez and lefties Zach Duke and Tom Gorzelanny will all be eligible for free agency. Duke emerged from oblivion to become the Brewers’ best reliever in 2014, posting a 2.45 ERA with a remarkable 11.4 K/9 in 58 2/3 innings, and his production will be difficult to replace if he departs.
"
The Brewers already addressed their glaring need at first base by trading for Adam Lind, though they will likely look for a right-handed hitting platoon partner to pair him with. Perhaps a reunion with Mark Reynolds?
That leaves the bullpen as the most pressing issue, given the free agency of Francisco Rodriguez (69 G, 44 SV, 3.04 ERA), Zach Duke (74 G, 12 HLD, 2.45 ERA) and Tom Gorzelanny (23 G, 0.86 ERA).
Re-signing K-Rod and Duke would be nice, but other teams figure to be vying for their services as well. One way or another, the team is going to need to add a proven closer and a left-handed setup man this offseason.
Minnesota Twins
17 of 30
Rumor: Could Torii Hunter finish his career where it began?
Via Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN on Twitter:
"Told one FA the #MNTwins are already in on: OF Torii Hunter. #asexpected
"
The No. 20 pick in the 1993 draft, Hunter spent the first 11 seasons of his career with the Twins, before heading to the Angels in free agency prior to the 2008 season.
The Twins have one outfield position locked up with Oswaldo Arcia in right field, and at some point in the near future Byron Buxton is expected to take over in center field. For the time being Danny Santana is there, but either way the team could use another corner guy in the short term.
The 39-year-old Hunter is still a productive hitter, and it would be nice to see him finish out his career where it started. However, he is also still after his first World Series ring, and the chances of him getting that in Minnesota before he retires seem slim.
New York Mets
18 of 30
Rumor: Michael Morse is a potential fit to fill corner outfield need.
Via Mike Puma of the New York Post:
"After eliminating Michael Cuddyer from their list of potential free-agent pursuits, the Mets still have other outfield targets they may consider. Michael Morse is one such name who fits the Mets’ criteria, according to a person with knowledge of the club’s internal discussions. Morse is more attractive to the Mets than options like Cuddyer and Melky Cabrera because the club would not have to surrender a draft pick to sign him.
"
Juan Lagares has emerged as arguably the best defensive center fielder in baseball, and Curtis Granderson is locked up for the next three years, but there is a hole to be filled at the other corner outfield spot.
The Mets also need another right-handed bat in the middle of their lineup, where lefties Lucas Duda and Curtis Granderson are joined by righty David Wright.
Michael Morse is probably better suited as a first baseman/designated hitter at this point in his career, but he can play a passable left field and certainly fits the bill of a right-handed power hitter.
The 32-year-old will likely see a bump up from the one-year, $6 million deal he signed with the Giants last offseason, but he should still come relatively cheap and on a short-term deal. That should be enough to bridge the gap to prospect Brandon Nimmo.
New York Yankees
19 of 30
Rumor: Mid-level starters are on the team's radar.
Via Jon Heyman of CBSSports:
"The Yankees are targeting Brandon McCarthy, Jason Hammel and others in that mid-rotation category for their staff. They also have interest in bringing back left-hander Chris Capuano, who pitched decently as a spot starter after being acquired from the Rockies last year.
"
Re-signing McCarthy seems like a no-brainer at this point, as he was terrific after being acquired from the Diamondbacks and there appears to be mutual interest in a reunion.
The 31-year-old was 7-5 with a 2.89 ERA (3.22 FIP, per Baseball-Reference.com) in 14 starts with the Yankees, posting impressive peripherals with a 1.151 WHIP, 1.3 BB/9 and 8.2 K/9.
Rumor: The Yankees are unlikely to pursue Big Three starters or Pablo Sandoval.
Via Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News:
"According to a source, the Yankees have no plans to pursue either Scherzer or Lester, the top two free agents on the market this winter. Shields, the third-best free-agent starter, is also off the Bombers’ radar, as is Sandoval, the Giants’ postseason hero who was given a $15.3 million qualifying offer by San Francisco before Monday’s deadline.
"
After adding roughly $500 million in salary commitments, it's not overly surprising to see the Yankees preferring to go with a more fiscally responsible approach this offseason.
If Masahiro Tanaka and Michael Pineda can stay healthy, CC Sabathia can provide something at the back of the rotation and Brandon McCarthy is re-signed, the rotation actually does not look all that bad.
Rumor: There is mutual interest between Chase Headley and team.
Via George A. King III of the New York Post:
"The Yankees have an interest in bringing back third baseman Chase Headley, and there are indications the switch-hitting free agent would welcome a return to The Bronx.
"
With the Yankees unlikely to go after Sandoval and wisely not relying on anything from Alex Rodriguez, it makes sense that they would be interested in bringing back Headley.
Their other option would be to go with prospect Rob Refsnyder at second base and Martin Prado as the primary third baseman, but using Prado as a super utility guy remains the best way to maximize his value.
Oakland Athletics
20 of 30
Rumor: Will listen on Jeff Samardzija and Scott Kazmir, not on Josh Donaldson.
Via Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports:
"First things first: The Oakland Athletics do not plan to trade third baseman Josh Donaldson, according to major-league sources. The A's would listen if teams inquired on pitchers such as right-hander Jeff Samardzija and lefty Scott Kazmir. However, they will not shop either and are adamant about keeping Donaldson, who is under club control for four more years, sources say.
"
The idea that the A's were going to trade Donaldson was silly to begin with, so their stance on keeping him comes as no real surprise. He is the team's best hitter, and he's just now arbitration-eligible for the first time, projected to earn $4.5 million.
Potentially moving Samardzija or Kazmir does make sense, though, as both guys are set to hit free agency after next season and are unlikely to be re-signed.
Sonny Gray is entrenched as the staff ace, with Jesse Chavez and Drew Pomeranz likely to fill two of the rotation spots behind him. Add Jarrod Parker and A.J. Griffin to the mix, who are both expected to return from Tommy John surgery at some point in the first half, and there is enough depth to allow for one of the aforementioned arms to be moved.
Philadelphia Phillies
21 of 30
Rumor: Losing A.J. Burnett could help chances of signing Yasmany Tomas.
Via Jon Heyman of CBSSports:
"A.J. Burnett declined his $12.75 million player option, sparing Philly's already bloated payroll. The immediate thought around the game is that Burnett may have changed Philly's fortunes by enhancing its chances to sign a big free agent, and the name everyone's associating with the Phillies is big Cuban slugger Yasmany Tomas.
"
The Phillies have been viewed as the favorites to sign Tomas since the beginning of the offseason, and they now have more money to make that deal happen than previously expected.
While the team declined its end of a $15 million mutual option on Burnett, the 37-year-old still had a $12.75 million player option he could accept. However, in a somewhat surprising turn of events, he declined that and instead opted to become a free agent.
That creates a need in the starting rotation, where Cole Hamels is the only sure thing at this point, but first and foremost it puts the Phillies in a better position to land their top target in Tomas.
Rumor: Marlon Byrd is drawing trade interest.
Via Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports:
"The Phillies are willing to move any player on their roster, but their most popular target in early trade discussions might surprise you. According to major-league sources, it's right fielder Marlon Byrd.
"
This comes as something of a surprise, given how little interest there seemingly was in Byrd at the trade deadline last year.
The 37-year-old had a solid season last year, posting a .757 OPS with 25 home runs and 85 RBI, but he is due $8 million this coming season with an $8 million option for 2016 that will vest with 463 plate appearances in 2015.
The Phillies would no doubt love to move Byrd, especially if they wind up signing Tomas, so it will be interesting to see if any of this interest actually materializes into a deal.
Pittsburgh Pirates
22 of 30
Rumor: Still debating whether to re-sign Russell Martin.
Via Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:
"(GM Neal) Huntington...must weigh the lack of comparative alternatives at catcher, future payroll forecasts, public relations fallout and performance projections from the Pirates' propriety database.
"
The Pirates front office has already indicated that it will "stretch beyond normal comfort levels" to re-sign Martin but has to decide exactly what that means.
The five-year, $60 million deal signed by Miguel Montero back in 2012 seems like a reasonable comparison, though Martin may be willing to agree to something like a four-year, $50 million deal given the fact that he's on the wrong side of 30.
Still, he's the top catcher on the market by a long shot, and someone else (the Cubs?) may be willing to go over what the Pirates think he's worth.
That's when their willingness to "stretch beyond normal comfort levels" would really come into play.
San Diego Padres
23 of 30
Rumor: Josh Johnson is open to returning after his option was declined.
Via Corey Brock of MLB.com on Twitter:
"Josh Johnson started throwing program earlier this month. Had TJ in April. "I look at it [time in San Diego] as unfinished business."
"
Johnson was viewed as one of the better value plays of last year's free-agent class after myriad injuries limited him to 16 starts with the Blue Jays in 2013.
Instead the Padres' one-year, $8 million investment was for naught when the 30-year-old underwent Tommy John surgery before the season even started.
The fact that he made less than seven starts triggered a $4 million option for 2015, which the team declined. There could still be interest in bringing him back on a one-year, $1-2 million deal packed with incentives, and Johnson appears as though he would like to redeem himself.
Rumor: The Padres are targeting Cuban defector Yasmany Tomas.
Via Jon Heyman of CBSSports:
"Word is that, in addition to the Phillies, who could use help in the outfield, at least the Rangers, Diamondbacks, Giants, Dodgers and Padres have seen Tomas either privately or semi-privately in official workouts since the showcase.
"
The Padres' interest in Tomas appears to be legit, and there is obviously a need to add more offensive firepower to what was the league's worst offense, but just how much will they be willing to spend?
The two-year, $15.5 million deal they gave Joaquin Benoit last offseason was the largest free-agent signing in team history, while the three-year, $52 million extension they gave Jake Peavy a few years back is the biggest overall contract in team history.
With Tomas expected to command anywhere from $80-110 million, we're talking uncharted territory for this franchise.
San Francisco Giants
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Rumor: Targeting Cuban defector Yasmany Tomas.
Via Jon Heyman of CBSSports:
"Word is that, in addition to the Phillies, who could use help in the outfield, at least the Rangers, Diamondbacks, Giants, Dodgers and Padres have seen Tomas either privately or semi-privately in official workouts since the showcase.
"
Left field has been a revolving door for the Giants since Barry Bonds retired, and while Michael Morse did a solid job over the first couple of months of the season, he does not appear to be a candidate to be re-signed.
Adding the 23-year-old Tomas would give them a long-term answer at the position and a potential impact bat in the middle of the lineup. That could be especially important if Pablo Sandoval ends up leaving, as his absence will be felt in the middle of the order.
Rumor: Sergio Romo prefers to return.
Via Jim Bowden of ESPN on Twitter:
"Sergio Romo made it clear to us that he prefers to stay with the #Giants but is looking forward to FA process
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A lot of teams passed on Romo a lot of times before the Giants selected him in the 28th round of the 2005 draft, so it's understandable that he would like to remain loyal to the club that gave him a chance.
That being said, now that Santiago Casilla has supplanted him as the team's closer, he will likely be able to get more money elsewhere from a team that is looking at him as a ninth-inning option. It will come down to money and a chance to close versus the comfort of staying with the only team he has ever played for.
Rumor: Pablo Sandoval prefers to return.
Agent Gustavo Vazquez via Jon Heyman of CBSSports:
"He loves the city. He loves the team. He loves the fans. And he wants to stay.
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A nice sentiment, but what player doesn't love the city, team and fans on the heels of winning a World Series?
Money talks, and we will find out just how much Sandoval loves it in San Francisco if the Red Sox come along with an offer that the Giants can't or aren't willing to match.
The five-year, $90 million deal the team gave Hunter Pence seems like a fair offer for Sandoval, but there's a good chance someone else is going to be willing to pay more.
Seattle Mariners
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Rumor: Mariners are still searching for a right-handed power bat.
"Victor Martinez, Michael Cuddyer and Billy Butler seem to be Seattle’s likeliest targets, Dutton believes, while players like Melky Cabrera (desire to play on the East Coast), Nelson Cruz and Yasmany Tomas (salary demands) seem unlikely to join the M’s.
"
Dutton laid out a total of 10 bats the Mariners could target in his piece, but we opted to pull the blurb from MLBTradeRumors because it takes a more realistic look at that list of 10 guys.
That being said, Victor Martinez will likely command roughly as much as Nelson Cruz, and Michael Cuddyer now has draft-pick compensation tied to him and may very well accept his qualifying offer from the Rockies.
That leaves Billy Butler as perhaps the best fit, and while there is still a good chance he returns to the Royals, he would look nice slotted between Robinson Cano and Kyle Seager in the Mariners lineup.
St. Louis Cardinals
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Rumor: Could extending Lance Lynn be the big move of the offseason?
Via Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
"Lynn, the team’s No. 2 starter coming out of the 2014 season, is about to reach arbitration for the first time, and he will be due the largest raise, percentage-wise, on the team. Both sides have said they would be open to discussing an extension.
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Unlike last offseason when the Cardinals had a glaring need at shortstop that was addressed with the signing of Jhonny Peralta, the team does not have any obvious areas to tend to this offseason.
Replacing Pat Neshek in the eighth inning tops the to-do list, while adding a right-handed bat with some pop off the bench to spell Matt Adams against tough lefties would also be nice.
At the end of the day, though, the biggest thing the Cardinals do this offseason could be extending right-hander Lance Lynn.
The 27-year-old enjoyed the best season of his career in 2014, going 15-10 with a 2.74 ERA over a career-high 203.2 innings of work.
He is projected to earn $5.5 million in his first year of arbitration, so buying out his remaining arbitration years and a few years of free agency now could be a good move for both sides.
Tampa Bay Rays
27 of 30
Rumor: Who is the next Rays manager?
AP report via USA Today:
"Bench coach Dave Martinez and long-time major league player Raul Ibanez are among eight candidates the Tampa Bay Rays are considering for their next manager. Others include former Washington and Cleveland manager Manny Acta, Milwaukee special assistant Craig Counsell, minor league manager Charlie Montoyo, Giants bench coach Ron Wotus, former Seattle manager Don Wakamatsu and Indians coach Kevin Cash.
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It's been a rough offseason for the Rays, with GM Andrew Friedman jumping ship and moving to the Dodgers front office and manager Joe Maddon following him out of town and taking over as the Cubs bench boss.
The team generally waits until the end of free agency to pick through the low-cost scraps, so at this point the No. 1 priority is finding a new manager.
The above list of eight candidates was released on Thursday by the team, and bench coach Dave Martinez has to be viewed as the favorite at this point.
He has spent the past seven seasons as the bench coach and Maddon's right-hand man, so he makes the most sense as the next in line to assume the post.
Texas Rangers
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Rumor: Expected to be more active on trade market than in free agency.
GM Jon Daniels via Calvin Watkins of ESPN Dallas:
"I think just by nature free agents will cost more money. I think we have some areas of depth and have a chance to get some players with a little bit more cost control. I feel pretty good about our [minor] league system just based on the players we’ve been asked about, and other teams feel about it the same way.
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Provided they can keep guys like Prince Fielder, Shin-Soo Choo, Derek Holland and Jurickson Profar healthy, the Rangers don't have as many glaring needs as most teams coming off a last-place finish.
Adding another solid starting pitcher to join Yu Darvish and Holland atop the rotation and replacing Alex Rios in left field look like the two biggest agenda items, and there will be options on the trade market to address both spots.
Carlos Gonzalez would be a great fit in the lineup if they can pry him away from the Rockies, while the pitching market has yet to develop at this point.
Toronto Blue Jays
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Rumor: Howie Kendrick is a potential trade target.
Via Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet:
"Howie Kendrick is definitely worth monitoring, as the Blue Jays have placed multiple calls on his availability this year...Their calls suggest genuine interest, but it’s worth keeping in mind that the Blue Jays call on a lot of players this time of year.
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Second base has been a hole for the Blue Jays since Aaron Hill was traded to the Diamondbacks, and they received a combined .247/.295/.340 line with seven home runs and 48 RBI from the position last year.
Four of those home runs came from Brett Lawrie, who spent 32 games at second base and played second throughout his minor league career.
Moving him to second full-time and targeting a third baseman instead is one option the team could pursue, but adding Kendrick would make an already dangerous lineup that much better.
Rumor: Russell Martin is a potential free-agent target.
Via Jeff Blair of Sportsnet:
"Perhaps Anthopoulos will come out of the gate and go hard after, say, free agent Russell Martin (the Blue Jays have had internal discussions about him) that would allow switch-hitter Dioner Navarro to become the team’s primary designated hitter and add a player who has undergone a career renaissance and has a reputation for clubhouse leadership.
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Navarro proved to be a solid investment on a two-year, $8 million deal as he posted a .712 OPS with 12 home runs and a career-high 69 RBI. While he's a solid backstop, Martin is a far superior receiver and could really help the young pitching staff.
Martin was born in Ontario, so a chance to play in Canada could be a chip in the Blue Jays' favor. He won't come cheap, though, and it remains to be seen just how serious their interest is.
Washington Nationals
30 of 30
Rumor: Nationals are focusing on extending in-house players.
Via Adam Kilgore of The Washington Post:
"All-star right-hander Jordan Zimmermann, bedrock shortstop Ian Desmond and right-hander Doug Fister are all scheduled to be eligible for free agency after the 2015 season. The Nationals engaged with all three in the hopes of reaching long-term contract extensions last winter, and they are expected to do so again this offseason.
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Outside of filling the second base position, which could be done by re-signing Asdrubal Cabrera, the Nationals really don't need to do much as far as roster tweaking this offseason.
Looking to the future, though, they have some decisions to make regarding the starting rotation.
Doug Fister and Jordan Zimmermann are both free agents at the end of the 2015 season, with Stephen Strasburg hitting the open market the following offseason, so the time is now to start talking extensions.
Ian Desmond is also a key cog as one of the best offensive shortstops in the game, but he is looking for big money after rejecting a seven-year deal in the $85-95 million range last winter, according to Adam Kilgore of The Washington Post.
My guess is that deals get done with Zimmermann and Desmond this offseason, and the team lets Fister walk next offseason.
All stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference, unless otherwise noted.
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