MLB Rumors: Latest Buzz on George Springer, Red Sox Manager Search, More

With the Los Angeles Dodgers officially crowned as World Series champions, the focus for MLB teams will turn to offseason matters, including free agency and managerial changes.

Of course, even during the World Series, teams throughout the league have succeeded in creating sufficient buzz surrounding the 2021 season. 

Here are some of the latest updates to player movement on some of this season's top teams and names that franchises are considering for vacancies on their bench. 

George Springer Moving On?

Ashley Landis/Associated Press

As he heads into free agency for the first time, Houston Astros right fielder George Springer is reportedly ready to move on from the team that drafted him in 2011.

Though chairman and owner Jim Crane made clear in May that he hoped to agree an extension with the 31-year-old, ESPN 97.5 Houston's Patrick Creighton reported Monday that Springer "does not want to return to the Astros."

Astros reporter Michael Schwab noted that the New Britain, Connecticut native, who was World Series MVP in 2017 and has three All-Star nods, harbors no ill will toward the team and just wants to be closer to his family. 

In a Zoom call last week, general manager James Click spoke highly of Springer, who closed out the 2020 season batting .265 with 14 home runs and 32 RBI en route to the team's fourth consecutive ALCS appearance (h/t MLB.com):

"First of all, let me just say that we cannot say enough good things about George Springer. He's one of the best players ever to wear an Astros uniform. He's a tremendous human being, a tremendous leader in the clubhouse. We wouldn't be doing our jobs if we didn't pursue players like that, whether they were from another organization or from here."

MLB.com's Brian McTaggart reported that the Astros would "certainly extend" Springer a qualifying offer worth $18.9 million and "will likely make him another offer beyond that," though the team would have to take into account other free agents, such as Michael Brantley and Josh Reddick. 

According to McTaggart, the Astros had a $215 million payroll heading into the 2020 season.  

Updates on Red Sox Manager Search

Tommy Gilligan/Associated Press

As the Boston Red Sox seek a replacement for Ron Roenicke following a dismal season, the team is reportedly considering a candidate from its biggest rival.

The New York Post's George A. King III reported that the team has interviewed Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza, who just completed his first season in the role following a stint as the team's quality control and infield coach.

The 40-year-old has been part of the Yankees organization since 2009, when he played with the team's Triple-A and Double-A affiliates to close out his 13-year minor league career. Upon his retirement, he was named a coach with the team's short season-A team. 

Bill Koch of the Worcester Telegram and Gazette said that the Red Sox have interviewed seven people for the position, including Mendoza. The other candidates include Cubs third base coach Will Venable, Pirates bench coach Don Kelly, Diamondbacks bench coach Luis Urueta, Marlins bench coach and offensive coordinator James Rowson, Twins bench coach Mike Bell and Padres associate manager Skip Schumaker. 

Urueta also interviewed with the Red Sox in January, according to Koch.

But don't count out a familiar name to be back on the Boston bench, according to MLB Network's Jon Heyman, who reported Thursday that Alex Cora, whose yearlong suspension for involvement in the Houston Astros' cheating scandal is nearing its end, "has been viewed as the favorite" for the position.

Detroit Also in Need of a Manager

Chris Carlson/Associated Press

Two new names have been added to the list of candidates to take over as Detroit Tigers manager following their abysmal 23-35 campaign.

According to Jason Beck of MLB.com, Atlanta catching instructor Sal Fasano has spoken with the Tigers, while Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle noted Oakland Athletics quality control coach Mark Kotsay had also interviewed for the vacancy. 

Fasano, 49, caught for nine teams during his 11-year MLB career and turned to coaching in 2009. He managed the Blue Jays' Single-A and Double-A affiliates before being named catching instructor with Toronto. After his release in 2016, he joined Atlanta the following year.

Kotsay, 44, played in the majors for 17 years, joining the Padres staff as a special assistant to the general manager in 2013 before moving into a role as the team's hitting coach. He moved on to the Athletics in 2015, where he served as a bench coach for two seasons. 

A permanent role for interim manager Lloyd McClendon has not been ruled out, nor has the evaluation of Cora or A.J. Hinch, according to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. 

As expected, there is some crossover between candidates in Detroit and Boston, with Kelly, Mendoza and Venable also in the mix to join the Tigers. 

Brandon Kintzler Back to Miami?

Michael Wyke/Associated Press

In his 11th season in the league, Miami Marlins right-hander Brandon Kintzler demonstrated his experience for the Marlins throughout their first postseason appearance in 17 years.

Since being acquired from the Chicago Cubs in January, he posted 12 saves in 14 outings for the Marlins and a 2.22 ERA and 1.315 WHIP, even though he only struck out 14 batters in 24.1 innings. Those results appear to have ensured the Marlins are interested in his return.

SportsGrid's Craig Mish reported Monday that the team "would like" the 36-year-old to play for them again in 2021 and will attempt to pick up his $4 million option or work out a new contract following the conclusion of the Fall Classic. 

The Marlins can also turn to Yimi Garcia in the closer role, but with a low price tag, Kintzler is a solid investment option for a team coming off of a historic run.