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. 6th.
Red Sox waiting to extend Betts, Bogaerts
The Boston Red Sox discovered two young stars last year in Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts, but the team is not in any rush to offer either a contract extension, reports the Boston Globe's Alex Speier. Boston is already over the luxury tax threshold, and waiting the extra year might actually save the Red Sox money in the long-term:
The benefit of extending a player like Bogaerts now as opposed to next year might be something like a couple of million dollars a year – a tangible benefit but not a roster reshaping one.
In short, as much as the theory of extending young players seems compelling, in the case of the Red Sox, there’s little need to approach the possibility of extending Betts and Bogaerts this winter with a sense of desperation unless the team believes that this winter represents the only time when either player will be open to such a suggestion. Barring that conclusion, the team – and the players – may both prefer to wait until the dust settles on the next Collective Bargaining Agreement between owners and players is in place.
Boston seems content to sit on their hands at the moment and let this season play out before discussing a possible extension with both Betts and Bogaerts.
Dodgers Looking To Deal Either, Keep Puig
The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to trade outfielder Andre Ethier, according to the USA Today's Bob Nightengale. 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.
Fellow Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig isn't on the trade block, "at least not right now," Nightengale reports. Questions about Puig's character and clubhouse influence have dominated the headlines this offseason, which has dimished his trade value, but the Dodgers remain cautiously optimistic that they can keep him in check.
Cubs, Arrieta avoid arbitration
The Chicago Cubs have agreed to a $10.7 million deal with star pitcher Jake Arrieta to avoid arbitration, according to multiple media reports. The agreement avoids what would have been the most high-profile arbitration hearing of the offseason. Arrieta originally filed at $13 million, while the Cubs filed at $7.5 million.
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.
Indians offer Uribe
The Cleveland Indians have offered Juan Uribe a one-year deal worth $3 million, reports ESPN's Buster Olney. Cleveland is one of several teams that has shown interest in Uribe, but his salary will fluctuate based on how much playing time he gets next season. The Indians would like to pair him with Giovanny Urshela at third base, with Urshela getting a large majority of the playing time.
Back to the MLB Newsfeed