Spring Training sites in Arizona and Florida are bustling with activity right now, with the overall focus finally shifting from MLB front offices to the players on the field. However, there's still plenty of residual heat from the MLB Hot Stove to work through. The biggest news remains the surprise signing of Dexter Fowler by the Chicago Cubs, that move could have an impact on several teams. With that in mind, here is our MLB Rumors Roundup For February 25th.
What's Next For The Orioles?
It was reported that the Orioles were going to land Fowler, but he surprisingly signed with the Cubs. The Orioles could still be searching for another outfielder. That could result in the Orioles taking another look at Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jay Bruce. The Orioles had interest in Bruce before turning their attention to Fowler. The Reds nearly pulled off a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays involving Bruce, but it fell apart during the medical review. If Baltimore still wants a right fielder, Bruce might be their best option.
What Will The Cubs Do With Jorge Soler?
With the Cubs signing Fowler, there's a bit of a crowd in the outfield. Jason Heyward heads back to right, with Fowler taking over in center. Unless the Cubs surprisingly move Kyle Schwarber to catcher, he'll remain in left field. While Soler could platoon with Schwarber in left field, he was mentioned in several trade rumors this offseason, including with the Tampa Bay Rays.
While this is mostly speculation at this point, dealing Soler could fetch the Cubs another quality starting pitcher. Of course, the Cubs cleared some outfield space by trading Chris Coghlan to Oakland today as well. The Cubs could very well elect to keep Soler, but the possibility of him being dealt will reappear with the signing of Fowler.
Salvador Perez Getting A New Deal Before Opening Day?
The Royals have a talented young catcher in Perez, who happens to be a very team-friendly contract. Perez is under team control through 2019, but is underpaid compared to his level of play. Sam Mellinger says there are signs that the Royals and Perez could have a new deal before Opening Day.
And now, in the first spring training after Perez went public with his desire for a new contract, there are signs he may be getting a new deal before opening day.
"I want to be George Brett," Perez says. "I want to be like Frank White, like Alex Gordon. One of those guys. Because this team gave me the opportunity to play in the big leagues."
Negotiations are impossible to predict, but there is an openness from the team’s side that didn’t exist before.
The Royals wisely want to make sure Perez stays in Kansas City for the long-haul. After all, he's only 25 years old. For more Royals coverage, download the Chat Sports Android and iPhone app.
Rockies And Ian Desmond?
With the possibility that Jose Reyes will face a suspension, the Colorado Rockies could be in the market for a shortstop. However, the team hasn't had much contact with potential veteran shortstops.
No veteran has been discussed. Even contact with Ian Desmond, despite reports, has been minimal https://t.co/5zDXqPccjT
— Thomas Harding (@harding_at_mlb) February 24, 2016
While Desmond makes sense as an addition and it would only cost the team a second round pick, perhaps the Rockies feel confident in starting the young Trevor Story.
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