We're over a month into the MLB offseason, and the hot stove is in full swing. Several big trades have already been made, and while a few of the most notable free agents have been taken off the market already, there are still a plethora of rumors swirling around the league. Here is all the latest MLB news and rumors you need to know:
Rays seeking "massive return" for Archer
With Chris Sale now off the trade market, Tampa Bay Rays ace Chris Archer becomes the best pitcher thought to be available. However, the Rays have set a steep price for him, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.
With a handful of controllable and inexpensive starters, the Rays are in a strong position, given the barren free agent market and limited trade options, and they know it. The word from several interested teams is the Rays are seeking massive returns on just about everybody asked about. Even heard chatter they wanted more for RHP Chris Archer than the haul the White Sox got for more accomplished — though less controlled (three years vs. five) — LHP Chris Sale. While that might be frustrating to other teams, and not conducive for quick deals, it is also the Rays' prerogative. And as long as they don't stubbornly price themselves out of the market and miss out on an opportunity, that seems like a smart strategy.
Archer was 9-19 with a 4.02 ERA last season.
Red Sox putting Buchholz on trade block
After acquiring Sale, the Boston Red Sox are trying to trade one of their back-end starters. According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, the guy they've placed on the trade block is Clay Buchholz:
The Red Sox are likely making the wrong pitcher available if they’re trying to maximize return. They’re trying to keep Drew Pomeranz and deal Clay Buchholz. They’d like to deal Buchholz to save his $13.5 million salary, but some interested teams, such as the Royals, Twins, and Mariners, think the salary is too high and would much rather have the cost-controlled Pomeranz, who is expected to earn $4.7 million next season after arbitration.
Said one AL executive, “The medicals on both Pomeranz and Buchholz probably aren’t that great. That’ll be another reason why dealing either one of them could run into problems.”
Buchholz was 8-10 with a 4.78 ERA last season.
Pirates turn down deal for McCutchen, seeking major league players over prospects
Andrew McCutchen is the best position player who has already been placed on the trade block, but the Pittsburgh Pirates will only get rid of him for the right deal. According to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, they turned down a deal from a "mystery team" and are seeking major league players in return for McCutchen.
pirates received nice offer of prospects from mystery team for mccutchen but seeks MLB now or MLB ready players. so no go.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 13, 2016
McCutchen hit .256 with 24 homers and 79 RBIs last season.
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