The MLB Hot Stove is scalding hot right now as we inch towards Christmas, with plenty of big names currently being floated in both trade talks and free-agent rumors. Here's the biggest rumblings from around baseball for December 19th.
Defending Champs Active On The Market
The Kansas City Royals have their eyes on three starting pitchers right now: lefties Wei-Yin Chen and Scott Kazmir, along with righty veteran Yovani Gallardo. According to CBS Sports' Jon Heyman, Chen is the most likely fit. Although the former Orioles stalwart will likely command in the neighborhood of five years and $100 million, his mid-rotation consistency and considerable upside at thirty could be enough for the Royals to pull the trigger.
Also of note: Kansas City still has left fielder Alex Gordon atop their priority list. The problem is that there's a gap of around $5-6 million per year between Gordon's representation and the team. It'd be fantastic to see Gordon finish his career as a Royal, but the financial divide between the sides could be too much to overcome.
Cubs Still Dangling Soler
The Chicago Cubs are still entertaining offers for budding young outfielder Jorge Soler. If the team decides to move him, expect Jason Heyward to shift over to right field -- a slot where he has excelled defensively over the course of his career.
Who would the Cubs target with such a move? Unless something significant shifts with the Cubs front office's current tact, Soler will only be dealt for a young starter with marquee potential. Names being floated around right now include the Cleveland Indians' Carlos Carrasco and Danny Salazar, the Toronto Blue Jays' Drew Hutchison (a move that would likely need another bigger name from the Jays) and the San Diego Padres' Tyson Ross.
Yasiel Puig Headed Out Of LA?
"Word is that the Dodgers would trade Puig, but only if they can get a good pitcher back. They are not to the point of giving him away, as he obviously has the potential he showed his first year before regressing. Their main efforts are being directed toward getting the best out of him, not trading him."
The pitchers connected to Soler may also be fits with varying levels of likelihood in a Puig trade. However, the mercurial Dodgers outfielder's value on the market is unclear right now considering recent reports of personality conflicts caused by his attitude both on and off the field.
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