The MLB hot stove has cooled off dramatically after the initial frenzy, but there are still plenty of high quality free agents available. At the same time, teams are trying to make trades to help improve their roster before the start of the season. Here are all the latest MLB rumors you need to know:
Mets expected to trade Jay Bruce "soon"
The New York Mets have been shopping outfielder Jay Bruce every since they re-signed Yoenis Cespedes, but there hasn't been a lot of interest in him. However, they are expected to trade him "soon," according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.
But a trade can, and likely will, still happen, with plenty of clubs poking around for outfield help.
Though the Orioles satisfied their need for a left-handed bat when they acquired Seth Smith last Friday, the Mariners have an outfield hole as a result. The Phillies also recently became the subject of rumors involving Bruce, while the Blue Jays have been an option all offseason. Any number of those teams could pick up the phone and acquire Bruce.
For the Mets, the issue is not their ability to trade Bruce, but their steadfastness in acquiring something valuable in return. The Mets do not simply want to dump Bruce and his $13 million salary off to the first willing bidder, even if clearing payroll space is a primary goal of theirs. To the contrary, they want something that can visibly help them -- either an arm for their bullpen or a bona fide prospect to boost their flagging farm system.
Bruce hit .250 with 33 home runs and 99 RBIs in 147 games with the Reds and Mets last season.
No deadline on Twins shopping Dozier
Another player that has been made available this offseason is Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier, but the Twins were reportedly gave teams a deadline on when to make their final offers for him. However, ESPN reports that isn't the case:
Without mentioning the Dodgers specifically, Levine said in a radio interview with Go 96.3 FM Wednesday night that no "hard-and-fast" deadline was imposed. “I can assure you that is not the way we’re going to operate. First of all we would never use that as a ploy just to leverage a negotiation,” said Levine, as reported by Mike Berardino of the Pioneer Press.
Levine added the Twins may stop initiating trade talks at some point but will always listen to offers from other clubs.
Dozier hit .268 with 42 home runs and 99 RBIs last season.
Latest arbitration settlements
The deadline for teams to exchange arbitration figures with their eligible players was midday Friday. Here are the settlements that were made regarding some notable players, courtesy of Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports:
Harper, Nats agree at $13.625M
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 13, 2017
Arrieta, cubs agree at $15.6375M
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 13, 2017
dallas keuchel, astros agree at $9.15M @jakemkaplan & @brianmctaggart 1st
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 13, 2017
michael pineda, yanks settle at $7.4M
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 13, 2017
Travis d'Armaud, mets settle at $1.875M
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 13, 2017
Hechavarria, marlins agree at $4.35M
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 13, 2017
sonny Gray, A's settle at $3.575M
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 13, 2017
Back to the MLB NewsfeedBilly hamilton, reds settle at $2.625M
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 13, 2017