The MLB hot stove has cooled off now that the non-waiver trade deadline has passed. However, there are still some rumblings around the MLB, especially with waiver trade deadline of August 31st approaching. With that in mind, here are all the latest MLB rumors and news you need to know.
McCann to Braves gaining momentum
Yankees catcher Brian McCann has been linked to the Braves throughout the past few months as New York has transitioned to starting Gary Sanchez at the position. According to Joe Giglio of NJ.com, it seems more than likely McCann will be dealt to the Braves either before the deadline or during the offseason:
For the Braves, it's almost just as easy to understand the reasoning behind bringing back a player like McCann: The team wants to compete better in 2017 when moving into a new ballpark. For baseball's least-successful franchise of 2016, that's going to take a ton of work.
Contributions from young players and prospects can help Atlanta turn a corner fast. But a veteran sprinkled in here and there would help.
If catcher is Atlanta's No. 1 priority, the McCann rumors will persist. If the Yankees and Braves can't work out a deal, Orioles catcher Matt Wieters and Nationals breakout star Wilson Ramos headline the soon-to-be free agent class of catchers.
McCann is batting .232 with 16 homers and 48 RBIs this season.
Royals, Duffy interested in extension
The Kansas City Royals and Danny Duffy have not had long-term extension talks yet, but both sides are interested in doing so this offseason, according to Rustin Dodd of the Kansas City Star.
For now, the Royals and Duffy have not engaged in any talks about a possible extension following this season. Moore said conversations on those matters would take place “at the appropriate time.”
“Danny has been a very important part of our organization and our pitching staff,” Moore said. “And we’ll work very hard to keep him a part of what we’re doing going forward.”
It is not uncommon, of course, for players to publicly express a willingness to sign a long-term with their current team. But Duffy maintains that his sincerity is heart-felt. He feels a measure of loyalty toward the front office, he says. They stuck by him and nurtured him and allowed him to grow into a Cy Young contender.
“I could sit here and talk about this all day,” Duffy says. “Dayton Moore is one of a kind. I’m extremely fortunate to have him running the ship since I’ve been here. Lord knows I’ve tested him a lot with my performance and where my mind used to be. I just appreciate him for who he is, top to bottom.
“I want to be in Royal blue. That’s really all I’m about. I was talking to Kelvin (Herrera) … like ‘Dude, how sick would it be to spend more of your life in a Royals jersey than the other part of your life that you haven’t?’ It would be pretty sick. I got drafted at 18. It would be pretty awesome to hang your hat on it and have that kind of career.”
Duffy is 11-1 with a 2.66 ERA in 19 starts this season.
Diamondbacks to make wholesale changes?
The Arizona Diamondbacks are thinking about making sweeping changes to their whole front office, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
Diamondbacks ownership is strongly considering making sweeping front-office changes, firing some of the most respected men in the game.
Once again.
If owner Ken Kendrick and president Derrick Hall fire chief baseball officer Tony La Russa and his staff, including general manager Dave Stewart and assistant GM De Jon Watson, the D’backs will be changing GMs for the seventh time in just 11 years.
Now, with an Aug. 31 deadline looming to exercise the options on Stewart and Watson, with La Russa’s contract expiring after the season, the Diamondbacks are considering firing the trio, according to a high-ranking executive with direct knowledge of their plans.
The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the subject.
Arizona is 51-73 and is in last place in the NL West.
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