Spring Training has already begun for MLB teams, as the focus has finally shifted from MLB front offices to the players on the field. However, there's still some activity from the MLB Hot Stove to work through. With that in mind, here are the latest MLB Rumors for March 18th.
Adam LaRoche Update
The now former White Sox DH has been in the headlines with his decision retire from the White Sox. The decision stems from the team's refusal to let LaRoche's son in the clubhouse, as the sides has previously agreed to when LaRoche signed.
The White Sox filed LaRoche's retirement paperwork today and LaRoche himself issued a statement on TwitLonger.
"The current situation arose after White Sox VP Ken Williams recently advised me to significantly scale back the time that my son spent in the clubhouse" part of LaRoche's statement reads. "Later, I was told not to bring him to the ballpark at all. Obviously, I expressed my displeasure toward this decision to alter the agreement we had reached before I signed with the White Sox. Upon doing so, I had to make a decision. Do I choose my teammates and my career? Or do I choose my family? The decision was easy, but in no way was it a reflection of how I feel about my teammates, manager, general manager or the club’s owner Jerry Reinsdorf."
The White Sox players are in support of LaRoche, and nearly boycotted a spring training game. Finally, the players were reportedly not happy with Williams during a meeting earlier this week.
Potential Astros-Blue Jays Trade?
The Blue Jays and Astros could make a trade in the near future. The Astros appear to have interest in catcher A.J. Jimenez.
A baseball official tells me the Blue Jays started Jimenez today to showcase him to the #Astros & a few other scouts here to watch him.
— Jose de Jesus Ortiz (@OrtizKicks) March 18, 2016
The Blue Jays likely won't bring Jimenez on the 25-man roster and he's out of options. Jimenez is 25 and hasn't yet made the majors, but is a former top 30 Baseball America prospect. Toronto could try to get something in return for him, rather than risking putting him on waivers and losing him for nothing.
Rafael Soriano Retires
Speaking of the Blue Jays, reliever Rafael Soriano won't be joining them on a minor-league deal.
From former Nat dept.: hearing Rafael Soriano, who had a minor lg deal with Toronto, is retiring. Last full year in MLB was w/ Nats in '14.
— James Wagner (@JamesWagnerWP) March 18, 2016
Soriano had yet to join Toronto because of Visa issues, and it sounds like his career is over.
Rangers Going After Derek Norris, Not Jonathan Lucroy?
The Texas Rangers are in need of a catcher, and both the Padres and Brewers could deal a catcher. While the Brewers' Jonathan Lucroy was the assumed top target, the Dallas Morning News reports that might not be the case.
Instead, the Rangers are more likely to target the Padres' Derek Norris. Norris would likely cost the team less in both prospects and salary. He'd also be under club control through 2018, two years longer than Lucroy. If the Rangers add a catcher, he'll split time with Robinson Chirinos.
Back to the MLB Newsfeed