MLB Rumors: Latest on Mike Trout Contract, Manny Machado Injury and More

The trade deadline might be long gone, but the MLB rumor mill still churns with information about impending free agents, contract situations, injury updates and general gossip year-round. 

With the 2013 playoffs inching closer by the hour, most of the focus in baseball has shifted away from player chatter and moved on to lining up candidates for MLB awards, World Series projections and the excitement of October. 

Luckily for the special few who are always desperate to stay dialed in, there are a few enticing nuggets floating around worthy of conversation. 

We'll touch on a few of those subjects below. 

Mike Trout's Contract Situation

Mike Trout is just 22 years old, but he's performing at a level that is far beyond his years. 

It's also far beyond his current contract. 

Trout is making $510,000 this season, a figure that does not reflect the fact that he is an American League MVP candidate for the second straight season, is putting up unworldly numbers yet again and has the highest WAR (wins above replacement) in the American League on a team that struggled all year. 

Regardless of Trout's standing with respect to various awards, Grantland's Twitter account is one of many baseball constituents who feel he is a once-in-a-generation player:

But is he going to get paid like one this offseason?

According to Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times, the answer to that question right now is no. Per the report, Trout's agent, Craig Landis, is claiming that his client and the Los Angeles Angels have had "no discussions" on any contract talks. 

As DiGiovanna mentions in his report, the Angels have no added incentive to locking Trout up this offseason other than perpetual worry that he will bolt for greener pastures later in his career. The young phenom is not eligible for arbitration until 2015. 

Trout, who has 26 home runs, 92 RBI and is leading the AL in runs once again, deserves to be paid like a star. If you believe the tone of Landis' comments, though, it wouldn't sound like that conclusion is currently on the table. 

Manny Machado Injury Update

Machado's gruesome leg injury was one of the most heartbreaking things that happened in 2013. 

After watching the Baltimore Orioles third baseman writhing in pain on the turf in the video replay, it wasn't far-fetched to think he might miss the entire 2014 season while rehabbing his injury. 

According to Childs Walker of The Baltimore Sun, the MRI Machado took on Tuesday did not reveal any damage to a major knee ligament. Per the report, the 21-year-old tore his medial patellofemoral ligament, which team trainer Richie Bancells describes as a "smaller ligament that keeps the kneecap from sliding laterally."

With rest, exercise and proper care, a six-to-eight-week recovery time frame is said to be within the realm of possibilities. 

Take a breath, Orioles fans. 

Barring further news, it appears Machado's improving bat, stellar defense and overall presence will be available at the start of spring training next year. You hate to see a young star such as Machado go down with such a disappointing injury, but there's hope on the horizon when reading Walker's report. 

More

In the last bit of news we have to share, it appears the New York Mets are already shifting their thought process to the 2013 Winter Meetings. 

Mike Puma of the New York Post is reporting that Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Bronson Arroyo and the Mets appear to have mutual interest in uniting for the 2014 season. According to the reporters' "industry sources," the 36-year-old is a potential Sandy Alderson target. 

Arroyo spoke with Puma prior to the Reds' victory over the Mets on Tuesday night and expressed interest in testing waters that included a taste of the Big Apple. 

"Where you live, logistically in the world, where your spring training is, it’s all these different factors and I definitely think the Mets are a team that I would look at," Arroyo said, per Puma's report. 

Arroyo has pitched well for the Reds this year, recording a 14-11 record and a 3.60 ERA in 31 starts. Entering his 15th season in 2014, Arroyo won't command a huge contract but is a veteran presence who can take the ball every fifth day. Since 2004, he's started at least 29 games every year. 

The Mets are more than one move away from contention, but pieces like Arroyo would be encouraging if other valuable transactions can be made. 

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