The MLB offseason is now officially underway for every team in the league following the Houston Astros' 5-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 7 of the World Series. That means the rumor mill is buzzing with manger changes and trade talks, especially around the future of Giancarlo Stanton. Here are all the latest MLB rumors you need to know.
Cubs to pursue trade for Giancarlo Stanton?
The Miami Marlins have said they will "seriously explore" trading slugger Giancarlo Stanton this offseason, and the Chicago Cubs are the most well-positioned to make a trade if they so choose, according to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.
We mention a lot of teams as possible landing spots for the slugger — primarily the Yankees, Giants, Phillies, and Red Sox — but keep your eye on the Cubs. Theo Epstein has an arsenal of players the Marlins would love to get.
Stanton's contract is a major issue for the Marlins, as he is owed between $25 million and $32 million each of the next 10 seasons. Chicago is trying to shed salary, so the deal doesn't make sense in that regard, but the Cubs could send equal salary back to the Marlins to offset that.
Stanton hit .281 with 59 home runs and 132 RBIs in a career-high 159 games this season.
Justin Upton re-signs with Angels
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Justin Upton was contemplating opting out of his contract to become a free agent this offseason, but the Angels have signed him to a five-year contract extension, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale.
Justin Upton's new contract with #Angels: 5 years and $106 million, tacking on one year and $18M from existing deal
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 2, 2017
Upton, who the Angels acquired from the Detroit Tigers on Aug. 31, hit .273 with 35 home runs and 109 RBIs this season.
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Blue Jays not planning to trade Josh Donaldson
The Toronto Blue Jays fielded offers for All-Star third baseman Josh Donaldson this season and nearly traded him, and they expect to receive offers for him again this offseason. However, the Blue Jay have no plans to trade him, according to Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith.
As for Josh Donaldson, Atkins said the Blue Jays are open to an extension beyond 2018, the third baseman’s final season under club control. The GM acknowledged that other teams inquire about many of the Blue Jays’ best players, but said he’s not looking to subtract from the current club.
“The only way we’re going to do that is if we can make our major-league team better,” Atkins said.
More rumours are inevitable, but it’d be a surprise if Donaldson’s traded this winter. Even after a down year, the Blue Jays believe the playoffs are within reach next year. Best-case scenario, they legitimately compete until 2019, at which point the likes of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette could usher in a new era of contending Blue Jays teams.
Donaldson hit .270 with 33 home runs and 78 RBIs in 113 games this season.
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