We're already a full month into the MLB offseason, and the hot stove is in full swing. Several big trades have already been made, and while a few of the most notable free agents have been taken off the market already, there are still a plethora of rumors swirling around the league. Here is all the latest MLB news and rumors you need to know:
Marlins make big offer to Jansen, Dodgers won't match
With Aroldis Chapman now off the market after signing with the Yankees, Kenley Jansen is the top closer available on the open market. Several teams are interested in him, but the Miami Marlins appear to be the favorites to sign him after offering a five-year, $80 million deal, according to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports:
Sources: The Marlins have made a monster offer for Kenley Jansen -- almost at the level of Aroldis Chapman. Five years, more than $80M.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 8, 2016
The Los Angeles Dodgers appear willing to let him leave for that price and won't match the money the Marlins are throwing at him, reports Andy McCullough of the Los Angeles Times:
As the Winter Meetings wrap up, the sense among some rival execs is the Dodgers won't be willing to match the Marlins offer for Ken Jansen.
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) December 8, 2016
Jansen had a 1.83 ERA with 47 saves in 71 appearances last season.
Red Sox expected to trade a starting pitcher
The Boston Red Sox pulled off the biggest trade of the offseason to this point by acquiring ace Chris Sale from the White Sox, strengthening their starting rotation. It also gives them a surplus of starters, so they are looking to trade one of their lesser starters, reports WEEI's Rob Bradford:
Dave Dombrowski noted Wednesday night that the Red Sox had spent the day fielding calls from teams interested in some of their starting pitchers. Specifically, the president of baseball operations noted, the focus from other clubs were on Eduardo Rodriguez, Drew Pomeranz, Steven Wright and Clay Buchholz.
But, according to teams talking with the Red Sox, Dombrowski has seemingly prioritized dealing Buchholz over Pomeranz. In fact, one source suggested the Sox aren’t currently showing any inclination that they want to move Pomeranz.
Blue Jays not giving up pursuit of Encarnacion
Edwin Encarnacion is being heavily pursued by both the Rangers and Indians, but his preference is still to re-sign with the Toronto Blue Jays. The Blue Jays want him back as well and are doing everything they can to sign him, yet though don't see how it will happen:
Atkins on Edwin: "If there's a way, I don't see it. I don't think Paul (Kinzer) sees it either but we haven't stopped trying." #BlueJays
— Gregor Chisholm (@gregorMLB) December 7, 2016
Encarnacion hit .263 with 42 home runs and 127 RBIs last season.
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