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 21st.
Could David Murphy Retire?
Red Sox OF David Murphy has an opt-out looming. While Murphy has a chance to make the big league roster, he doesn't want to play minor league ball and could instead retire.
"I think I’m to the point in my career where I’ve played plenty of baseball, and I don’t think I’m interested in playing in the minor leagues," Murphy told WEEI.com. "I have four kids. My kids and my wife put up with a lot to go through with this game. When you’re a kid and you dream of playing this game, you dream of being a big leaguer. I would love to play until somebody tells me I can’t play anymore, until they rip the shirt off my back, but I think it’s got to be a big league situation ... Retirement is definitely a possibility there. I don’t know. The way that everything has gone this offseason, something like that has crept up kind of quickly. It would definitely be part of my thought process, but I really don’t know. I’d have to take a little bit of time to think about it, or to go home and stay in shape and wait for a phone call. There are so many variables, so many possibilities, that I didn’t think I would have to think about this year. But it is what it is."
Murphy is a former first round pick of the Red Sox and returned to the team after playing for the Mets last year. Murphy might make the roster because of the struggles of Rusney Castillo.
White Sox Won't Deal Chris Sale
Following an outburst in which Sale ripped GM Kenny Williams for the Adam LaRoche situation, Sale is again the focus on trade speculation. However, CSN Chicago reports multiple sources say the White Sox won't be dealing Sale. Instead, the White Sox plan to build around the 27-year old ace.
Ross Ohlendorf Opts Out Of Royals' Deal
Pitcher Ross Ohlendorf has opted out of his minor-league deal with the Royals.
Ross Ohlendorf has opted out of his contract with #Royals. They have 48 hours to add him to roster or grant him outright release.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) March 21, 2016
Ohlendorf pitched well for the Rangers in bullpen work, but he's one of several players fighting for a bullpen spot for the Royals. In eight innings of work this spring training, Ohlendorf has allowed six runs. Chien-Ming Wang seems more likely to get a spot than Ohlendorf.
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