We're just over a month away from pitchers and catchers reporting, and there's still several impact names out there both in the free agency and trade markets who'll be on the move before the middle of February gets here. We're here to take a look at the latest from the MLB Hot Stove madness with our Rumors Roundup for January 14th.
Epstein Extension Coming?
Chicago Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts says that both he and President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein are "on the same page" about an upcoming contract extension, per ESPN's Jesse Rogers.
In the final year of a five-year, $18.5 million deal, Epstein has not intimated any desire to play the field after his contract his up. According to media reports, he could receive a generous raise on his next deal with the Cubs thanks to the franchise's recent run of success -- both on the field and on the free agency & trade markets.
Speaking Of The Cubs...
Chicago may still in the market for a center fielder, with the option available to move Jason Heyward back to right field. With Dexter Fowler still available in free agency, ESPN's Buster Olney suggests that the team could re-sign Fowler on a short-term deal.
He does have a fan in manager Joe Maddon, after all...
"I don’t know why,” Maddon said when asked why he thinks Fowler is still on the market, per the Chicago Tribune. “I’m sure (Fowler) is going to be fine. He did have a good year, and he’s young and he’s good.”
Allen Craig To Pittsburgh?
In another bit of Buster Olney speculation, he posits the Pittsburgh Pirates as a trade fit for Boston Red Sox first baseman/right fielder Allen Craig if he bounces back from two extremely tough years at the plate.
If the Pirates were to put out feelers for Craig, it'd likely be contingent on the Boston eating a large portion of the remaining $21 million on his deal.
Two More Starter Names For Kansas City To Consider?
FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal says the Royals are "serious" about making a play for free agent righty Ian Kennedy, and they've also got an eye out for veteran Yovani Gallardo. However, both of those starters would cost the Royals a first round MLB Draft pick.
If Kansas City isn't willing to jump in on either guy for whatever reasons (money, draft pick or otherwise), two alternate options that have surfaced in rumors over the past couple of days are righties Mat Latos and Doug Fister. Fister's an interesting case of a veteran coming off a bad season who a) doesn't have a qualifying offer attached and b) could be had on a budget, short-term deal.
That's right up GM Dayton Moore's alley, so keep an eye on Fister if both Gallardo and Kennedy don't pan out.
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