The MLB hot stove continues to evolve, but it appears as if teams are simply getting their ducks in a row at this point in the offseason. Let’s take a look at the chatter going on around the MLB.
Buster Olney of ESPN reports that the Mariners consider “closer Edwin Diaz and outfielder Mitch Haniger […] the closest they have to untouchable [and] would have to be completely overwhelmed to consider a deal of either”.
Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times is reporting that the San Francisco Giants are “speculating on ways” to trade former Rays All-Star Evan Longoria. The third baseman is owed $67.5 million through 2022.
Jon Morosi of MLB.com confirmed that free-agent outfielder Nelson Cruz is garnering interest from a number of teams, including Tampa Bay, Houston, and the White Sox, solidifying a report from Jon Heyman of FanCred earlier in the month.
The Nationals could be in the market for another catcher, even after signing veteran backstop Kurt Suzuki earlier in the week. MASN says that the Nats should — and could — be in on free agents Wilson Ramos and Yasmani Grandal, as well as potential trade target J.T. Realmuto.
Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports that the Minnesota Twins are considering moving Miguel Sano from third base over to first or exploring first base options such as Carlos Santana and C.J. Cron. It appears as if Paul Goldschmidt has fallen off of the Twinkies’ radar.
According to Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News, the Texas Rangers “have not indicated a desire to bring [Bartolo Colon] back for one more season”. Colon, 45, will make five starts in the Dominican League beginning next week, as per Emily Waldon of The Athletic.
Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reports that Yankees pitcher Sonny Gray has been drawing interest from his former employer, the Oakland A’s, as well as the Braves, Padres, Rangers, and Twins.
