We're just a few weeks 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 MLB Rumors Roundup for January 29th.
Yankees, Rockies Talked Jose Reyes Trade
The New York Yankees and Colorado Rockies reportedly talked shop early in the offseason on a trade that would have sent veteran shortstop Jose Reyes to the Bronx, but talks ultimately stalled and the Yankees went to Plan B -- acquiring Starlin Castro from the Chicago Cubs as a likely long-term solution at second base.
Per Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports:
"The teams talked about different ways to make a Reyes trade work, according to major-league sources. The Yankees, who wanted Reyes to play second base, would have required the Rockies to pay a significant portion of his remaining salary. But the two sides never got close to a deal, sources said."
Reyes, 32, has two years and $44 million left on his current deal. His 2018 option for $22 million is unlikely to be picked up due to pronounced regression as a hitter, base stealer and defensive presence at short.
He's also slated to go on trial for November domestic violence charges stemming from an argument with his wife -- an argument which reportedly ended with her in the hospital nursing injuries to her face, neck and leg.
Where Will Bryce Harper Ultimately End Up?
The folks over at ESPN decided to look into the crystal ball when it comes to 2015 NL MVP Bryce Harper's foray into free agency after the 2018 campaign, with Jim Bowden projecting that an extension with the Washington Nationals would cost the team upwards of $400 million.
ESPN's Andrew Marchand believe that it'll ultimately come down to a game of financial chicken between the Nats and New York Yankees, but baseball analyst David Schoenfield believes there's a handful of "surprise bidders" who could make their presence known: the Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, Houston Astros, Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers.
The rejuvenated Blue Jays may be the most interesting wild card on the list. Only Troy Tulowitzki and Russell Martin are on the books for 2019, and 2015 AL MVP Josh Donaldson hits free agency after the 2018 season. If it comes down to either/or proposition for handing out one big money deal (regardless of position), the seven-year age gap favors Harper who'll just be entering his prime.
Kendrick Back To Los Angeles
According to Ken Rosenthal, the Los Angeles Dodgers re-signed second baseman Howie Kendrick to a two-year, $20 million on Friday afternoon. Courted heavily by middle infield-needy squads this offseason, Kendrick ultimately chose a return to the Dodgers after hitting .295 with nine home runs and 34 RBI for the club in 2015.
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