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. Winter Meetings are over and a several big name free agents have signed, but there are still plenty of rumors. We're here to highlight the five most intriguing rumblings currently out there with the MLB Rumors You Need To Know For Dec. 18th:
Royals Targeting Wei-Yin Chen?
There's plenty to discuss with the Royals, thanks to new details from CBS' Jon Heyman. We'll start Chen, who the Royals are targeting per Heyman. If the Royals can't land Chen (or he becomes too expensive), they have their eye on Yovani Gallardo and Scott Kazmir. The Royals, not surprisingly, lost Johnny Cueto and are in the market for a new starting pitcher. The team also wants to keep Alex Gordon, but the price for Gordon's services might be too high. Finally, the Royals are working on an extension with catcher Salvador Perez. Both sides want to find a way to keep Perez a Royal for life.
Dodgers Looking To Trade For Starting Pitcher?
The Dodgers missed out on high-priced free agents Zack Greinke, David Price and Cueto. They signed Hisashi Iwakuma, but the deal fell apart over concerns about his physical and he rejoined the Mariners. That means the Dodgers are still searching for starting pitcher help.
Extra depth only should help for trades. #Dodgers still figure to trade for one SP and sign another, plus trade for a late-inning reliever.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 18, 2015
There are some intriguing options the Dodgers could go after. They're reportedly already working to make a deal.
Sources: #Dodgers engaged in ongoing trade talks with #Indians (Carrasco or Salazar) and #Rays (Odorizzi) aimed at acquiring starter. @FS1
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 18, 2015
Rosenthal said yesterday he thought the Dodgers' top target is Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez.
Cardinals Moving Matt Holiday To 1B?
According to CBS Sports' Jon Heyman, the Cardinals have Matt Holiday working at first base. Holiday didn't want to make the shift last season, but he reportedly is doing it to length his career. If Holiday can play first, that could help open up a space in left field. If that happens, then maybe the Cardinals will end up targeting Alex Gordon.
Nationals Looking At Two Reds?
Heyman speculates that the Nationals could target Reds' pitcher Aroldis Chapman. They're already trying to acquire second baseman Brandon Phillips, which would give the team yet another Red. Manager Dusty Baker is high on Chapman and that could be a big reason why the Nationals are willing to overlook or at least wait out the MLB investigation into Chapman. It's a highly speculative piece, but Chapman to the Nats does make sense.
Scott Kazmir Looking For Four-Year Deal?
Kazmir has several threey-ear offers worth between $12-13 million, reports Jon Heyman. Among the interested teams are the Orioles, Athletics, Royals and Dodgers. However, Kazmir is holding out for a four-year deal. Once he gets that, Heyman expects him to sign quickly. He posted a 3.10 ERA and a 1.2 WHIP last year.