MLB Rumors: Analyzing Buzz on Yoan Moncada, Cole Hamels Trade and More

Spring training hasn't quite sprung yet, which means Major League Baseball is still on the back burner in most sports fans' minds, aside from the most ardent hardball supporters.

With the winter meetings a thing of the past, one would think the majority of MLB chatter would involve minor roster moves, free-agent dealings and farm system updates. 

However, there is a smattering of major storylines in need of resolution. Yet another Cuban prospect appears ready to set the pros on fire, and while there's no such thing as too much starting pitching, there is such a thing as not enough cash.

Here's a look at some of the latest rumors from around the majors.


Yoan Moncada

Tuesday was a big day in the Yoan Moncada sweepstakes. According to Yahoo Sports' Jeff Passan, Moncada is officially a free agent after an MLB rule change regarding Cuban players made him eligible to negotiate with the several teams vying for his signature:

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Players who present sworn affidavits to Major League Baseball stating they are residents of another country, have no intention of returning to Cuba and are not Cuban government officials can sign with major league teams immediately, sources said. MLB distributed a memo to teams Tuesday afternoon outlining the changes.

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We know little about Moncada, but it's easy to see why teams are so high on him. Per ESPNNewYork.com's Andrew Marchand:

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Moncada, a 19-year-old Cuban, is on the verge of being eligible to sign with a major league club. He is an infielder -- varying scouting reports have him slated as second or third baseman, or a shortstop -- who might turn into a Robinson Cano-type hitter. Basically, if he were in the amateur draft, he very well might be the No. 1 pick. 

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Passan noted the teams looking to sign Moncada, and it's all the big-market heavy hitters one would expect:

However, ESPN's Buster Olney reported one franchise could stand out above the rest:

The Los Angeles Dodgers are unsurprising contenders for Moncada's signature and could be his best destination. The franchise has crafted a good situation for the irrepressible Cuban phenom Yasiel Puig. He got his bearings in Double-A Chattanooga and then exploded onto the MLB scene in 2013.

The Dodgers have also inked Cuban players Alex Guerrero, Onelki Garcia (now with the Chicago White Sox) and Erisbel Arruebarrena. There might not be an easier transition in the league for Moncada. Guerrero has spoken highly of the situation.

“I feel more comfortable with these guys," Guerrero said in February 2014, referring to Puig and Garcia, per ESPNLosAngeles.com's Mark Saxon. "Obviously, I know them and they’re from my country and I don’t know any other players. Little by little, I’m getting to know everyone else.”

Charles Rex Arbogast/Associated Press

The Dodgers aren't desperate for infield help at the moment, but if Moncada develops in a timely fashion, he could be in line to replace an aging veteran. Shortstop Jimmy Rollins is 36, third baseman Juan Uribe is 35, and second baseman Howie Kendrick is 31 years young.

However, Arruebarrena and Guerrero could be impediments to Moncada's progression through the ranks to a starting role in the Big Show, as they are middle infielders.

Of course, if he wants to forge his own path, the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox will surely open up their checkbooks and could provide the youngster with a tidy sum of money.

Cole Hamels

Don Boomer/Associated Press

The Cole Hamels trade rumors are still a thing, mainly because no team can come up with a suitable offer for the 31-year-old stalwart. It appears a few teams haven't given up and are still in the running, per USA Today's Bob Nightengale:

The St. Louis Cardinals don't have much need for another over-30 starter with the likes of John Lackey and Adam Wainwright on the current roster.

The Los Angeles Dodgers would appear to be favorites due to their winning pedigree and excellent cash flow.

Matt Slocum/Associated Press

Teaming up Hamels with the likes of Hyun-jin Ryu, Zack Greinke and the brilliant Clayton Kershaw would give the team a murderers' row of pitching talent. That dream team could win the NL West with a post turtle as the fifth starter.

The Boston Red Sox have a similar allure, although they are reportedly on Hamels' 20-team no-trade list, per NJ.com's Matt Lombardo.

A surprise contender could be the San Diego Padres, per Passan:

Snatching up Hamels, who boasts a 3.00 ERA and a 1.119 WHIP from 2010-14, per Baseball-Reference.com, would mark a nigh historic offseason for the club considering their high-profile acquisitions of star outfielders Matt Kemp and Justin Upton. However, they would likely have to deal one of their promising younger starters in return, such as Andrew Cashner, Odrisamer Despaigne or Tyron Guerrero.

Still, Hamels would fit in well with the Padres' new ambitions. With Kemp toting injury baggage, this team could be better served by a front-line starter who can deliver wins right away, before the team's best-laid plans go to waste.

James Shields

Elsa/Associated Press

It feels like half the league has been linked to free-agent pitcher James Shields at one point or another, but it appears there is finally a resolution on the way, per Fox Sports' Jon Morosi:

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Shields has multiple offers in hand and is expected to sign before the end of this week, major-league sources told FOX Sports.

It's not known which teams have offered Shields a contract, but rival team executives said Tuesday they believe the San Diego Padres and New York Yankees have been in recent contact with Shields' agent, Page Odle.

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Once reportedly in line for a five-year, $110 million deal, per Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal, the big righty is far less likely to get that kind of money considering how late his eventual signing will come.

This February scenario bodes well for the New York Yankees, who have the kind of deep pockets to stay out in front in any bidding war. Another team with potential interest is the St. Louis Cardinals, per Nightengale:

However, age is a big concern for the Cards, as it would be with Hamels. If St. Louis is to maintain its status as an elite NL team, investing in younger starting pitching would seem to be the way to go.

If the Padres are intent on adding a veteran starter to the rotation, signing Shields might be a better option than trading for Hamels—considering the money involved, it could be a bolder one too. 

Shields does happen to be two years older than Hamels, but he's just as durable, likely more so. The 33-year-old has thrown 200-plus innings in each of the past eight seasons.

Those innings bode well for his continued presence on the mound, but one would have to wonder if he's due to take a step back in the next season or two. General managers can at least take heart in the fact that there was no major sign of regression last season, as Shields posted the third-best ERA and the third-best WAR of his career, per Baseball-Reference.com.

He's also a positive presence in the locker room, which is key to any team's stability. His leadership role with the Kansas City Royals during their scintillating run to the 2014 World Series might be his strongest attribute at this point. The Royals were a surprise team last season. If the Padres want to make a similar run, they could do worse than bringing in an experienced stretch-run pitcher like Big Game James.