MLB Rumors: Latest on Craig Kimbrel Trade, Joey Gallo, Billy Beane-to-Mets Buzz

As the MLB playoffs roll on, the teams that are no longer in contention have started mapping out their offseason plans.

Here's a look at some of the latest buzz from around the league.

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White Sox Expected to Trade Craig Kimbrel

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When the Chicago White Sox acquired relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel from the Chicago Cubs in July, it was a move that the team expected to propel them through a long playoff run. The White Sox failed to live up to their expectations, however, falling to the Houston Astros in four games in the American League Division Series.

Now, it appears that the White Sox are already looking to move on from the eight-time All-Star. USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported that Chicago is planning to pick up Kimbrel's $16 million club option and then trade him during the offseason.

Kimbrel is regarded as one of the best closers in MLB, but he was relegated to setup man duty as the White Sox had another All-Star closer in Liam Hendriks. While the pairing was expected to create one of the best reliever tandems in the league, Kimbrel struggled in his role.

Nightengale noted that Kimbrel had a 5.09 ERA and allowed 31 baserunners in 23 innings as a setup pitcher. Prior to being traded, however, Kimbrel had a 0.49 ERA with the Cubs and earned an All-Star nod. Teams looking for a closer this offseason will surely be calling the White Sox to inquire about Kimbrel.

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7 Other Teams Tried to Trade for Joey Gallo

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Joey Gallo did not live up to expectations after being acquired by the New York Yankees at the trade deadline in July.

The team hoped that the left-handed slugger would provide balance to a righty-dominant lineup, but Gallo hit just .160 with 13 home runs and 88 strikeouts in 58 regular-season games. He finished the season with 213 strikeouts, which led the majors.

While the Yankees were surely disappointed by Gallo's output, they shouldn't be faulted for making the trade because they weren't the only team seeking the outfielder's services. Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported that the Yankees were one of eight teams looking to acquire Gallo.

"Eight teams showed particularly strong interest in July from what I have learned," Sherman wrote. "The Yankees won out."

The other teams Sherman reported fell short were the Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago White Sox, Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers, San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres and Philadelphia Phillies.

The 27-year-old is eligible for arbitration this season and will likely return to the Yankees unless they can find a trade partner. They can start with the seven teams they beat out in July.

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Mets Unlikely to Land Billy Beane or David Stearns

AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File

The New York Mets are still searching for a new president of baseball operations, but their top two choices are reportedly off the board.

According to Andy Martino of SNY, New York is "increasingly unlikely" to receive permission to hire Oakland Athletics executive vice president Billy Beane or Milwaukee Brewers president of baseball operations David Stearns.

MLB Network's Jon Heyman reported that the Brewers want to keep Stearns, who is under contract until 2022 and may have a vesting option for an extra year. Heyman added that there were "no encouraging signs" regarding the Mets' pursuit of Beane.

New York already lost out on its top candidate earlier in October when Theo Epstein decided not to pursue the position.

Martino noted that the Mets could "pivot to a search for a younger general manager-type." He named Los Angeles Dodgers assistant GM Brandon Gomes, San Francisco Giants GM Scott Harris and Brewers GM Matt Arnold as candidates.