Football is great and all, but we don't ignore baseball just because the season is over. Luckily for us, there's always something to talk about in the MLB, especially with the Winter Meetings now underway. We're here to highlight the five most intriguing rumblings out there with the MLB Rumors You Need To Know For Dec. 8th:
Castro To Yankees?
The Cubs and Yankees are reportedly working on a deal.
Sources: #Cubs talking to #Yankees about trade that would send Starlin Castro to NYY, sources tell me and @jonmorosi.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 8, 2015
The Yankees could send outfielder Brett Gardner in a swap. The money is similar for both players and Gardner would fill a need for the Cubs. However, there's already a report Gardner isn't an option. Dealing away Castro could help the Cubs target Ben Zobrist (see below for more on him).
Jose Fernandez On The Block?
There are few pitchers as young and talented than the Miami Marlins' Jose Fernandez. That's why at least a dozen teams have checked in with the Marlins about acquiring the talented Fernandez. The Los Angeles Dodgers, Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Yankees are among the teams known to have inquired about Fernandez. The Dodgers make the most sense, because they have a few high-end prospects. If a deal for Fernandez goes down, expect it to be a massive blockbuster. Fernandez is worth a lot and it will take a hefty ransom to get him.
Ben Zobrist Has An $80 Million Deal ... Or Maybe Not
Teams and players are both waiting Zobrist to essentially set the market for position players. He's expected to decide soon and we have conflicting reports on how the 34-year old infielder will get.
Ben Zobrist has a four-year, $80 million offer on the table. The #Mets still considered favorites to ultimately land him.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 8, 2015
It's two of the most respected and trustworthy reporters who have different stories on what Zobrist will get.
Asked someone who would know if Zobrist has four-year, $80M offer. Answer: “No way.”
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 8, 2015
Agreeing with Rosenthal is ESPN's Pedro Gomez, who has Zobrist getting a 4-year, $60 million deal. Whether it's $60 or $80 million, the Kansas City Royals are unlikely to match that contract. It's simply out of their price range. The New York Mets are still considered the favorites to land Zobrist and he could make his choice tonight.
Alex Gordon Leaving KC?
The Royals wanted to keep Gordon in town, but that might not end up being the case.
Hearing the @SFGiants are hot for Alex Gordon. @Royals won't be able to keep up with the money Gordon is hearing.
— Pedro Gomez (@pedrogomezESPN) December 8, 2015
Gomez doesn't detail just how much Gordon might get from the Giants, but there's a chance it will approach a number far beyond the Royals' price range. If that's the case, the Royals just won't be able to bring back Gordon.
Rangers Looking To Move Prince Fielder?
The Rangers have reportedly reached out to clubs about dealing away Fielder and having another team take the bulk of his massive deal.
Hearing Rangers surveying clubs' interest in picking up bulk of Fielder's contract. Not getting much response
— Evan Grant (@Evan_P_Grant) December 8, 2015
That there wasn't much interest shouldn't be a surprise, since Fielder is aging and has a bloated contract. It might end up being a case of Texas trying to deal Fielder, but being unable to do so.
Back to the MLB Newsfeed