MLB.com is keeping track of all the latest free agent and trade rumors right here.
Report: Angels may not be in the mix for Bauer
Jan. 28: The Angels were thought to be a potential major player for free-agent starter Trevor Bauer, but that may not actually be the case, per a report from the Los Angeles Times. If the Halos are indeed out of the running, the Mets could be moving into the driver’s seat for this winter’s top available starter. More >
Will Tribe flip Rosario to Reds?
Jan. 28: There’s a chance Amed Rosario could be flipped by the Indians before he even has a chance to play a game in a Cleveland uniform.
The New York Post’s Mike Puma reports that the Indians are discussing a potential Rosario trade with the Reds, only a few weeks after they got the 25-year-old shortstop from the Mets in the Francisco Lindor trade.
The Reds have been discussing whether a trade with Cleveland for Amed Rosario might make sense.
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) January 28, 2021
Rosario was one of the main pieces in the Lindor deal, but the Indians do have the flexibility to trade him because they also got shortstop Andrés Giménez in the trade. Their plan appeared to be to play one of Rosario and Giménez at shortstop and the other at second base, but now that they just agreed to a deal to bring back second baseman Cesar Hernandez, they could trade one of their two shortstops instead.
The Reds, meanwhile, are in need of a shortstop, and the free-agent options are dwindling, with Marcus Semien, Andrelton Simmons and Freddy Galvis all agreeing to deals in the last few days. Didi Gregorius is still out there, and the Reds have been linked to him, but MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reports that Gregorius might be too expensive for Cincinnati.
Reds have talked about Amed Rosario as @NYPost_Mets reported. Have been trying on Didi but Gregorius may be pricey for them.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 28, 2021
Frazier could be next Pirate traded
Jan. 28: Adam Frazier could be the next Pirates player traded, according to a report Thursday from MLB Network insider Jon Heyman.
Heyman reports Frazier is being discussed on the trade market. Pittsburgh has already traded Jameson Taillon to the Yankees, Joe Musgrove to the Padres and Josh Bell to the Nationals this offseason.
Adam Frazier is being discussed on trade market. Could be the next Pirate to move.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 28, 2021
The versatile Frazier is primarily a second baseman but can also play the outfield, which could give him a wide range of trade fits. The 29-year-old had a down season in 2020, hitting .230 with seven home runs and 23 RBIs in 58 games, but in 2019 he hit .278 with 10 home runs and 50 RBIs in 152 games.
Shortstop market focus shifts to Didi
Jan. 27: With Andrelton Simmons signing with the Twins, Marcus Semien with the Blue Jays and Freddy Galvis with the Orioles, all per reports, Didi Gregorius is the only shortstop left on the free agent market. Both the Phillies and Reds have been connected to Gregorius in reports throughout the winter — and both are teams he’s already played for in his career.
Gregorius hit .284 with 10 homers and a .827 OPS in 60 games in 2020, playing the full season during his one-year deal with the Phillies. Gregorius missed part of 2019, in his final year with the Yankees, due to recovery from Tommy John surgery.
Giants add La Stella (source), aren’t done looking for LH bats
Jan. 27: The Giants added a competent left-handed hitter in Tommy La Stella, who agreed to a three-year deal with San Francisco per a report from MLB.com’s Jon Paul Morosi. President of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi had previously said that he felt the Giants were “maybe a left-handed bat short” in 2020, and so La Stella helps fill that need while also bringing elite contact ability to the lineup.
But the Giants’ search for left-handed reinforcements may not end with La Stella. The San Francisco Chronicle’s Susan Slusser reports that the club has held discussions with a longtime rival, free-agent outfielder Joc Pederson, who rooted for the Giants while growing up in Palo Alto, Calif., and is familiar with Zaidi from their time together with the Dodgers.
Slusser reported earlier Wednesday that the Giants could add a left-handed outfielder, a list that includes Pederson along with Jackie Bradley Jr. and Eddie Rosario on the free-agent market.
It doesn’t sound as if the Giants signing La Stella will impact the team’s desire to add a LH hitting OF. JBJ, Rosario, Pederson among those still in the mix.
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) January 27, 2021
Mets believed to be in on Bauer
Jan. 26: A USA Today report emerged Tuesday saying the Mets were willing to top Gerrit Cole’s $36 million average annual value in a shorter-term deal for Trevor Bauer, but multiple reports have now disputed that. According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the Mets are believed to be interested and in the mix for the reigning NL Cy Young winner.
The Mets have Jacob deGrom atop their rotation, which struggled in 2020 aside from the two-time Cy Young winner. The Mets’ 5.37 starters ERA was fifth-worst in baseball. Marcus Stroman, who did not pitch in ’20, will be back, and the team acquired Carlos Carrasco in a trade with the Indians. Noah Syndergaard is due back around midseason after Tommy John surgery.
Phillies re-sign Realmuto (source), could target SS next
Jan. 26: The Phillies reportedly took care of the biggest item on their offseason to-do list by reaching an agreement with catcher J.T. Realmuto, a source told MLB.com. But Philadelphia could quickly move on to another need. Sources tell MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand and Todd Zolecki that the Phils are now focusing on adding a shortstop.
The Phillies have been connected to the shortstop market throughout the winter, with last year’s starter, Didi Gregorius, also posed as a reunion candidate. Even after potentially bringing Realmuto back into the fold, Philadelphia is still forecasted by FanGraphs’ ZiPS projections to finish fourth in the NL East behind the Braves, Mets and Nationals, and so the Phils arguably have more work to do before Opening Day.
Dodgers headed toward reunion with Turner?
Jan. 26: The Dodgers’ chances of re-signing Justin Turner seemingly improved Tuesday, with the Blue Jays agreeing to a one-year, $18 million contract with Marcus Semien (per a source).
MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reported earlier Tuesday that the Blue Jays were one of four teams in the running for Turner, along with the Dodgers, Brewers and a “mystery team.” But the addition of Semien likely takes Toronto out of the mix, as he joins a crowded infield group that includes Bo Bichette, Cavan Biggio, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Rowdy Tellez.
Heyman notes that Turner only wants to play for a contender, and the reigning World Series champions are the biggest contender around. If the Dodgers and Turner can bridge that gap on deal length, a return to L.A. continues to make sense for the 36-year-old free agent. Turner turned into a star with the Dodgers after joining them in 2014 and has become one of their most valuable players and a team leader over the years.
Turner has a .302 batting average, .503 slugging percentage and .886 OPS over his seven seasons with the Dodgers, and he’s been just as great in the postseason, batting .295 with a .507 slugging percentage and .899 OPS over 72 playoff games.
Wong’s market beginning to heat up
Jan. 26: With several middle infielders including Tommy La Stella, Marcus Semien and Andrelton Simmons either closing in or reportedly agreeing to deals Tuesday, MLB.com’s Jon Paul Morosi reports that former Cardinals second baseman Kolten Wong’s market is “heating up.” St. Louis is among the many teams who have at least checked in with the back-to-back Gold Glove Award winner, per Morosi.
Source: Kolten Wong’s market is heating up, amid all of today’s infield movement. The Cardinals, Tigers, Mariners, Rays, Cubs, and Phillies are among the teams to check in on the 30-year-old free agent who has back-to-back NL Gold Gloves at 2B. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 27, 2021
Wong, 30, has played with the Cardinals in each of his first eight big league seasons. He played 53 games in 2020, finishing with a .265/.350/.326 slash line and one home run at the plate.
Report: Brewers interested in Rosario; still shopping Hader
Jan. 26: The Brewers have shown interest in free-agent left fielder Eddie Rosario, according to a report from FanSided’s Robert Murray.
The Brewers have shown interest in free-agent outfielder Eddie Rosario, sources said. Unclear how Rosario would defensively in Milwaukee with deep outfield and no clarity on universal DH.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) January 26, 2021
Longtime Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun is now a free agent, though the club still has Christian Yelich, Lorenzo Cain and Avisaíl García in the fold.
Rosario was non-tendered by the Twins in December. The 29-year-old has averaged 33 homers and 103 RBIs per 162 games over the past four years while hitting .281 in that span, but he owns a career .310 on-base percentage and is a poor defender, which likely influenced Minnesota’s decision.
Murray also reported Tuesday that the Brewers are continuing to listen to trade offers for star reliever Josh Hader, but Murray adds that Milwaukee’s asking price for Hader remains “overwhelming.” While this isn’t the first time Hader’s name has popped up on the rumor mill, the Crew has not budged from asking for a considerable return for a reliever that it continues to hold in high esteem.
Braves check in with Orioles on Mancini
Jan. 26: The Braves still have a hole to fill in the heart of their lineup that was left by free agent Marcell Ozuna, and MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reports that Atlanta has at least checked in with the Orioles about a possible trade involving outfielder/first baseman Trey Mancini.
Braves have kicked tires on Orioles star Trey Mancini. Nothing serious yet, but Braves need offense. Could be tough to trade for O’s though.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 27, 2021
Mancini sat out the 2020 season while successfully battling Stage 3 colon cancer, and he reported in November that he is fully healthy and plans to be ready for Spring Training. It could be a tough trade emotionally for the Orioles to pull off, considering what Mancini has just gone through, but it’s obvious why the Braves would have interest. Mancini clubbed 35 homers and drove in 97 runs when he last played in ’19, and he is under club control through the ’22 season.
Bryant blockbuster could happen with these two teams
Jan. 25: Kris Bryant has been rumored to be on the trade block all offseason. Two teams who could have a chance to make a blockbuster happen? The Mets and Blue Jays.
That’s according to one rival club official, who told ESPN’s Buster Olney on Monday that he thinks Bryant will end up in New York or Toronto.
In the category of informed speculation: I asked one club official not involved in Kris Bryant talks where he thinks the Cubs third baseman will land. His guess is Mets or Jays.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) January 25, 2021
Both the Mets and Blue Jays have been linked to Bryant at various points. Olney’s report comes in the wake of recent indications that the Jays and Cubs have discussed a trade involving Bryant and Kyle Hendricks.
Although it was in response to a question on Twitter and hasn’t been corroborated elsewhere, TSN’s Scott Mitchell raised eyebrows with a “Yes” reply when asked if there was any truth to the rumor of Chicago discussing a Bryant/Hendricks trade with Toronto.
Yes
— Scott Mitchell (@ScottyMitchTSN) January 22, 2021
That could be nothing more than Toronto doing its due diligence in checking with the Cubs — a known seller looking to reduce payroll — on the pair. It would make sense for the Jays since they could use a third baseman with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. ticketed for first, and would love to add more top-flight pitching to the rotation in the wake of their big signing of George Springer. And to help accomplish the aforementioned payroll objective, it would make sense for the Cubs, at least on the surface, though Hendricks is on a team-friendly contract given his talent and three years of team control remaining.
So it seems mostly speculative at this point, but adding Bryant, a former NL MVP Award winner, to a lineup that already features Springer, Guerrero, Bo Bichette, Cavan Biggio, Teoscar Hernández and Lourdes Gurriel Jr., not to mention inserting Hendricks into the rotation, would move the Jays even closer to the Yankees and Rays in the AL East.
The Mets also fit as a trade partner for Bryant, since they were in the running for both top free-agent infielder DJ LeMahieu and top free-agent outfielder George Springer. The versatile Bryant can play both third base and left field, which would give the Mets a lot of flexibility in how they use their other multi-positional players. In particular, it would let them play Jeff McNeil regularly at second base.
Source: Yankees recently talked with Gardner
Jan. 25: After staying quiet for much of the offseason, the Yankees have been busy lately. The club is close to finalizing deals with second baseman DJ LeMahieu and right-hander Corey Kluber, per sources, and it traded for righty Jameson Taillon on Sunday. New York also spoke with free-agent outfielder Brett Gardner’s camp a little over a week ago, a source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. More >
Report: Giants interested in Rosario, JBJ for OF
Jan. 24: The Giants are looking at free agents Eddie Rosario and Jackie Bradley Jr. as potential outfield candidates, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle. Bradley would fit well defensively in center field for any club, but particularly with the Giants, whose home is Oracle Park with its spacious outfield, particularly in right-center. Currently, Mauricio Dubon figures to get most of the starts in center, but Bradley would be an obvious defensive upgrade and a left-handed hitter, which San Francisco could would like to add.
Rosario also bats left-handed, and has been a more prolific offensive player than Bradley in recent years, though Bradley did post an .814 OPS last season. Rosario has been an above-average defensive left fielder during his six-season career while hitting .281/.317/.493 with 96 homers from 2017-20 for the Twins. Adding either Rosario or Bradley would also give the Giants flexibility in the outfield, enabling more platoon options with Dubon and Alex Dickerson coming off the bench.
Marlins kicking tires on Santander
Jan. 23: The Marlins are interested in Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander, according to a report Saturday from MLB Network insider Jon Heyman.
Marlins have kicked tires on Anthony Santander. Miami seeks productive corner OF and while they have little $ to spend they do have prospects so a trade could be the route rather than free agency. FA like Duvall and Rosario are thought too expensive. @masnRoch mentioned Santander
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 24, 2021
The Marlins want to add a corner outfielder, per Heyman, and a trade for a player like Santander could be their best bet (as opposed to signing a higher-cost free agent) because they have a deep farm system they could use to make a deal happen.
Santander had a mini-breakout season for Baltimore in 2020, when he hit .261 with 11 home runs, 32 RBIs and an .890 OPS in 37 games.
The 26-year-old right fielder also hit .261 with 20 home runs and 59 RBIs in 93 games in 2019, his first extended big league action after shorter stints in 2017 and ’18.
Red Sox set to add Hernández, Richards
Jan. 23: Enrique Hernández watched the Red Sox celebrate their World Series triumph against his Dodgers in 2018, but now it appears Hernández will soon join the Boston club. A source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand that the Red Sox have agreed to a two-year deal with the utilityman.
The Red Sox and INF/OF Enrique Hernández have agreed to a multi-year deal, per source.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) January 23, 2021
Hernández has ties to Red Sox manager Alex Cora from Team Puerto Rico during the 2017 World Baseball Classic. The 29-year-old now owns a World Series ring of his own, of course, having helped the Dodgers claim a long-awaited championship last fall. Though he’s appeared at every position on the diamond except catcher, Hernández could see significant time at second base in Boston, which currently has Michael Chavis penciled in there as the projected starter.
Boston also has reached a deal with right-hander Garrett Richards, a source told MLB.com’s Ian Browne.
The 32-year-old posted a 4.03 ERA and averaged 8.1 strikeouts per nine innings across 14 appearances (10 starts) for the Padres in 2020.
Reports: Mets, Angels look like frontrunners for Bauer
Jan. 22: The Angels are reportedly one of the favorites to land free-agent right-hander and reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Trevor Bauer. And according to The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya, new general manager Perry Minasian says the club is “very active” on the starting pitcher market. Meanwhile, MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal reports that the Mets are also sharpening their focus on the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner. More >
Reports: Blue Jays eyeing Paxton, Simmons
Jan. 22: After reaching deals with center fielder George Springer and closer Kirby Yates earlier this week, the Blue Jays continue to shop. According to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, the club is still looking for a starting pitcher and has James Paxton on its radar. More >
Heyman also reports that Toronto has been in touch with free-agent shortstop Andrelton Simmons. Though the Blue Jays currently have young star Bo Bichette stationed at shortstop, they have shown a willingness to potentially relocate Bichette by bringing in an established veteran. Toronto reportedly finished runner-up to the Mets in the trade sweepstakes for Francisco Lindor.
Odorizzi drawing interest from multiple teams
Jan. 22: Free-agent right-hander Jake Odorizzi is drawing widespread interest, with the Angels, Giants, Blue Jays, Twins and Red Sox among the clubs in the mix, sources told MLB.com’s Jon Paul Morosi.
Free agent Jake Odorizzi, an All-Star in 2019, continues to draw interest from multiple @MLB teams. The #Angels, #SFGiants, #BlueJays, #Twins, and #RedSox are among the clubs with interest, sources confirm, as I just mentioned on @MLBNetwork. #HotStove
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 22, 2021
Odorizzi, 30, made three trips to the injured list in 2020, dealing with an intercostal strain, a chest contusion and a blister. As a result, he threw just 13 2/3 innings, finishing with a 6.59 ERA.
The right-hander was an All-Star the year before, registering a 3.51 ERA with a career-best 10.1 K/9 rate in 159 innings. After the season, he opted to accept the Twins’ $17.8 million qualifying offer instead of testing the open market.
Odorizzi made at least 28 starts in every season from 2014-19, posting a 3.88 ERA with an 8.7 K/9 rate in that span.
Heyman: Mets not rushing to sign Bauer
Jan. 22: The Mets have interest in Trevor Bauer, but MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reports that the club is prioritizing other free-agent targets, including center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr., utility man Enrique Hernández and a bullpen piece. More >
Braves involved in closer market
Jan. 22: The Braves are “perusing” the free-agent market for closers, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, who notes the club checked in on Liam Hendriks and likely did the same with Kirby Yates before they reached deals with the White Sox and Blue Jays, respectively.
Braves are at least perusing the closer market. They checked in on Hendriks and likely Yates before they signed elsewhere. They do have Smith, Martin, Matzek and Minter but apparently would like to strengthen area. Colome, Rosenthal, Melancon are among closers left.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 22, 2021
It’s possible Atlanta could look to reunite with Mark Melancon, whose 11 saves led the team in 2020. The Braves saw Melancon, Shane Greene and Darren O’Day enter free agency in November.
Other notable free agents with closing experience include Brad Hand, Alex Colomé and Trevor Rosenthal.
Mets reportedly have JBJ on their radar
Jan. 22: The Mets missed out on George Springer, but their search for a center fielder continues. According to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, New York has free agent Jackie Bradley Jr. on its radar. More >
Report: Twins increase offer to Cruz
Jan. 22: The Twins have upped their one-year offer to Nelson Cruz, MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reports. However, the 40-year-old slugger may continue to wait to see if the National League adopts the designated-hitter rule for 2021, which would likely boost his market. More >
Turner, Dodgers nearing reunion?
Jan. 21: Justin Turner has been at the heart of the Dodgers’ success over the past several years, including a long-awaited World Series title in 2020. And while the free-agent third baseman has been testing the waters and reportedly looking for a four-year deal that would take him through his age-39 season, SportsNet LA’s David Vassegh reports Turner may be close to re-signing with Los Angeles.
“My belief is he wanted four years from another team to pry him away from Los Angeles,” Vassegh said Thursday on MLB Network’s “High Heat” program. “He just means too much to the team, to the city of Los Angeles, for him to just leave for the same amount of years and dollars that he could get here with the Dodgers. I’ve had a few signs in the last week or so that kind of signal to me that Turner and the Dodgers are going to find their way back to each other.”
Turner ignited his career after joining the Dodgers in 2014, and in seven seasons with the club, hit .302/.382/.503 with 116 home runs. He received NL MVP Award votes in each season from 2016-18.
Is this starter a fit for the Cubs?
Jan. 21: So far this offseason, the Cubs have traded Yu Darvish (though they acquired Zach Davies in return) and seen Jon Lester, José Quintana and Tyler Chatwood sign elsewhere as free agents. As of Thursday, the team’s current crop of starting pitchers ranks 30th in projected WAR, according to FanGraphs.
So clearly, the Cubs’ rotation needs some help, although the team’s moves this winter suggest they will not be big spenders. One potential fit, according to MLB.com Cubs beat writer Jordan Bastian, would be Chris Archer. The righty would be something of a reclamation project after posting a 5.19 ERA with the Pirates in 2019 and then missing the ‘20 season (thoracic outlet syndrome). On the other hand, the two-time All-Star was a strong performer earlier in his career with the Rays, who acquired him from the Cubs in a 2011 trade while he was still a prospect.
Robertson a comeback candidate?
Jan. 21: David Robertson has enjoyed an accomplished big league career that includes a 2.90 ERA and 137 saves in 661 appearances over 12 seasons. But the righty, who signed a two-year deal with the Phillies before the 2019 season, made just seven appearances for the club before undergoing Tommy John surgery in August 2019. Robertson missed all of ‘20, but the 35-year-old free agent is now on the comeback trail, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.
David Robertson has rehired Scott Leventhal to represent him. Robertson, who is returning from August 2019 Tommy John surgery, threw his first bullpen today and is planning a showcase for early-February.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) January 21, 2021
A number of other free-agent relievers remain on the market, including Brad Hand, Trevor Rosenthal, Mark Melancon and Alex Colomé. Still, Robertson figures to get a shot to prove he’s healthy and once again able to help a big league bullpen.
Two more potential Bauer suitors?
Jan. 20: The reigning World Series champs could be looking at adding a third ace to the mix with Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler atop their rotation. According to a report from ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Dodgers are monitoring Bauer’s market and could be in play, depending on the price, as his market develops.
Another team to keep an eye on? The Blue Jays. Even after reportedly signing George Springer, they still may be in the market for Bauer, according to a report from MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. The Blue Jays signed Hyun Jin Ryu last offseason, but could still benefit from more stability and another veteran in their rotation, along with young pitchers like Nate Pearson and Trent Thornton.
Blue Jays add reliever Yates
Jan. 20: The Blue Jays signed free-agent reliever Kirby Yates to a one-year, $5.5 million deal on Wednesday.
Yates, 33, appeared in just six games with the Padres in 2020, allowing six runs in 4 1/3 innings before undergoing surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow.
The year before, Yates was one of the top relievers in the game, recording the best ERA (1.19) and FIP (1.30) among pitchers with at least 50 innings and posting a Major League-leading 41 saves with a 15.0 K/9 rate. He initially took over as San Diego’s closer in 2018, finishing with 12 saves and a 2.14 ERA.
Yates is a strong contender to close for Toronto, as the club lost its Opening Day closer (Ken Giles) and 2020 saves leader (Anthony Bass) to free agency.
Sánchez, Teheran impress in showcase; could sign soon
Jan. 19: A pair of veteran right-handed starters, Aníbal Sánchez and Julio Teheran, threw a showcase in front of 24 teams Tuesday morning, MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reports. Evidently, their sessions were impressive enough that each pitcher could ink a deal soon.
There were 24 teams represented at the Anibal Sanchez/Julio Teheran showcase this am. They did well enough that deals may not be far off.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 20, 2021
Sánchez, 36, is coming off a tough 2020 season that saw him finish with a 6.62 ERA and a National League-most 39 earned runs allowed — though he was a key piece of Washington’s 2019 World Series championship club. Teheran, 29, also struggled mightily last year, recording a 10.05 ERA and a 20/16 strikeout-to-walk ratio in his lone campaign with the Angels. Either pitcher could serve as a back-end addition for a team looking to bolster its rotation depth.
