MLB Rumors: Prince Fielder to the Mariners and 10 Hot Offseason Rumors

As the winter has progressed, more and more rumors have come up about possible free-agent signings and potential trades. The MLB hot stove is one of the most exciting times of the year, but it is also one of the craziest.

Rumors are constantly popping up and players are being linked to new teams until the day they are signed. Big-name players are likely to have their name pop up often.

The following are the latest and hottest MLB rumors that have come up this winter.

Chicago White Sox Are Trying to Trade Matt Thornton

With a fastball that averages around 96 mph, Matt Thornton has been able to find himself a nice role in the Chicago White Sox bullpen. He also earned himself a large contract that has two years and $12 million remaining.

Buster Olney has said that the White Sox are looking to deal Thornton and that they have been trying to do so since July. Thornton could serve as a setup man or even as a closer for a contending team. 

Chicago Cubs Are Pursuing Albert Pujols

Despite all of the rhetoric from earlier this offseason about the Chicago Cubs not being that interested in Albert Pujols, the team has actually been considering trying to make an effort to sign him.

According to Jon Paul Morosi and Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the Cubs are one of Pujols' known suitors. He is the type of player that can single-handedly turn a franchise around.

The Cubs Are Also Going After Prince Fielder

Albert Pujols was not the only big-name slugger that was linked to the Chicago Cubs in the article written by Jon Paul Morosi and Ken Rosenthal. They have also been connected to Prince Fielder.

Some believe that Fielder is actually a better option for the Cubs because of the fact that he is younger. There is more competition around the league for Fielder, and the Cubs will need to make a big offer to him.

Signing either Fielder of Pujols could help shift the balance of power in the NL Central.

Seattle Mariners Have an Interest in Prince Fielder

Another team that has recently gotten in on the Prince Fielder sweepstakes is the Seattle Mariners. There was some concern as to if the team could actually afford Fielder.

Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik answered that question for MLB.com's Greg Johns. He said that the team could certainly use a big bat for their lineup and that they are going to look at every avenue that presents itself to them.

Fielder also makes sense for the Mariners because he could eventually DH during the latter part of his deal.

Josh Reddick Could Be Dealt This Winter

The Boston Red Sox have had a number of teams call in about Josh Reddick, according to Tim Brown of Yahoo! Sports. With the Red Sox currently looking at free-agent outfielders, it would seem unlikely that they move him unless they bring in someone else.

Boston has been connected to Yoenis Cespedes, Carlos Beltran and Michael Cuddyer. If they sign one of these three or another outfielder, they could be more open to moving Reddick.

Matt Garza Is Available and the New York Yankees Are Interested

Buster Olney has noted that the Chicago Cubs are willing to listen to offers from teams for Matt Garza. This should draw interest from a number of teams around the MLB.

One of the teams that has made Garza a target is the New York Yankees, according to Joel Sherman. Garza would solve the problems that the Yankees have with their rotation and would increase their chances of making the playoffs once again.

Ian Stewart May Find a New Home

Ian Stewart has been up and down during his career, and 2011 was a very rough year for Stewart. As a result of his struggles, the Colorado Rockies have decided that he might not be part of their plans moving forward.

Troy Renck has noted that the Rockies have begun to explore their trade options with Stewart. The Chicago Cubs are one of the teams that has expressed some interest in acquiring Stewart.

Andrew McCutchen Is Available, or Is He?

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Andrew McCutchen have been trying to work out an extension, but the two sides have not been able to come close to an agreement. As a result, there has been some speculation that the Pirates may listen to offers for McCutchen.

According to Keith Law, McCutchen is no longer untouchable. This information conflicts with news that has come out of the Pirates organization.

Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review strongly disagrees with the statements made by Law. He thinks that there is no way that the Pirates entertain any offers for McCutchen.

Colby Rasmus Could Be on the Move Again

Colby Rasmus was dealt before the MLB trade deadline to the Toronto Blue Jays and it is possible that his stay in Canada is very short-lived. He could find his way back to Missouri.

Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun has noted that the Kansas City Royals have some concerns about using Lorenzo Cain as a starting outfielder. That has led them to have an interest in Colby Rasmus.

The Royals match up nicely with the Blue Jays, as they have a number of good young prospects that they could send north of the border in a deal for Rasmus.

The New York Yankees Are Looking at Kyle Drabek

Kyle Drabek was the centerpiece of the Roy Halladay deal a few years ago. He has failed to live up to the expectations that were placed on him. Drabek has not shown that he can be a top-of-the-rotation starter.

That has not prevented the New York Yankees from taking an interest in him, according to Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun. They may be interested in a possible buy-low opportunity.

If Drabek can turn things around for the Yankees, it would be a major steal for the team.