We're nearing the end of the first week of January, and we still have a lack of clarity surround several big-name free agents in Major League Baseball. Things should clear up as the days dwindle down in advance of Spring Training, and speculation will be the name of the game until then. With that being said, here's our MLB Rumors Roundup For January 5th.
Gordon Keeping Door Open To Kansas City
Left fielder Alex Gordon's free agency has been the talk of the town in Kansas City since the Royals vanquished the Mets in the 2015 World Series, with varying reports emerging about the team's chances at re-signing the decade-long member of the organization.
One report from right before Christmas said that Gordon's representation told the Royals that there is "no chance" he returns to the club, citing the $6-7 million per year gap between the two sides in negotiations.
Gordon once again refuted the report in an interview with MLB Network's Harold Reynolds yesterday, adding that he's still "hoping" to make something work with the only team he's played for in his professional baseball career.
"I talked to my agent and he was kind of curious where that came from too. We called the Royals and they wanted to know where it came from. They still have a chance. We're still in talks and hoping something works out."
Asked whether he wanted to be in this position or if it's just the nature of the business, Gordon made it clear that he's viewing it from the latter perspective.
"I think it's the nature of the game. Obviously I was drafted by Kansas City and spent a lot of good times there," Gordon said, smiling. "Being from Nebraska, so close to Kansas City, everybody's always asking me (about coming back) and trying to get something out of me."
Cubs Remain In Market For Starting Pitching
The Chicago Cubs appear to have done the bulk of their shopping already this offseason, but they may not be done. In fact, Bob Nightengale of USA Today believes that the team will add one more starting pitcher -- whether it be through free agency or via trade -- before Spring Training.
ESPN's Jim Bowden agrees, positing that the Cubs have the farm system depth to be "greedy" and add another impact arm:
"After all their offseason activity, the Cubs really don't have any pressing needs, but why not get greedy and trade for one more starting pitching they can control long-term? The team is considering trade offers, and they have one of the game's strongest farm systems from which to trade."
Names that have mentioned as potential options by various sources include San Diego's Tyson Ross, Cleveland's Danny Salazar and Trevor Bauer, and Toronto's Drew Hutchison.
Back to the MLB Newsfeed