With two weeks to go until pitchers and catchers report, the MLB Hot Stove is ramping up with a litany of juicy rumors. We're here to highlight the most interesting of the bunch with our MLB Rumors Roundup For Feb. 5th.
Blue Jays Closing In On Long-Term Deal With Donaldson?
2015 AL MVP Josh Donaldson and the Toronto Blue Jays have ten days to come to an accord before a scheduled arbitration hearing on February 15th. While the financial risk of doing battle with Donaldson is negligible at best (Donaldson filed at $11.8 million, Toronto at $11.35 million), the Blue Jays remain diligent about locking down the third baseman on a long-term extension.
Jays GM Ross Atkins told reporters on Thursday that negotiations with so far with Donaldson have been going “great”, according to MLB.com. He added that the sides are hammering out details on a potential long-term deal, as Toronto looks to bypass Donaldson's 2017 and 2018 arbitration years and keep him in tow through the end of the decade.
Toronto's two main contract worries, though, remain pressing. Both Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion are slated to hit the open market after this season. If they leave, they'll take 79 combined home runs and 215 RBIs (2015) worth of production with them.
Bautista has made it clear that he wants to play for the Blue Jays until the end of his career, which is cause for optimism as Atkins balances the checkbook going forward.
Cubs Not Looking To Extend Arrieta?
The Chicago Cubs ($7.5 million) and 2015 NL Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta ($13 million) will likely strike a record deal somewhere in the middle of their arbitration filings before next Tuesday's scheduled hearing, per Bruce Levine of CBS Chicago.
However, don't hold your breath about a long-term extension. Arrieta has a third and final arbitration year after this coming season, and the Cubs appear content to ride out the 2016 campaign and make sure the righty can maintain his superstar pace for another six-month stretch.
Puig No, Ethier Yes In Dodgers Trade Talks
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig isn't on the trade block, "at least not right now," according to the USA Today's Bob Nightengale. Questions about Puig's character and clubhouse influence have dominated the headlines this offseason, but the Dodgers remain cautiously optimistic that they can keep him in check.
The Dodgers are, however, looking to trade fellow outfielder Andre Ethier. The Chicago White Sox have been sniffing around, and speculation indicates that the Kansas City Royals (looking for a fourth outfielder, depth) and Baltimore Orioles (right field starting spot) could at least kick the tires here.
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