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:
Todd Frazier latest
The Chicago White Sox are expected to trade veteran third baseman Todd Frazier as they go into full rebuilding mode, and have reportedly been fielding offers for the slugger since the offseason began. However, with no real serious in him, the White Sox will more than likely keep him and try to move him at the trade deadline, reports Jeff Todd of MLBTradeRumors:
Still, there’s probably a reason that it has mostly been crickets on the demand side for Frazier. In particular, there just isn’t that much demand for third basemen around the game. The Dodgers were rumored to have interest, but ended up bringing back top-available free agent Justin Turner. And the open market still includes at least two useful options at the hot corner in Luis Valbuena and Trevor Plouffe. Then, there’s the fact that MLBTR projects him to earn a hefty $13.5MM, which would make a dent on any team’s balance sheet.
Under the circumstances, the Sox could take Frazier into the year and hope he becomes a summer trade chip (or, perhaps, a QO candidate after the season). Holding onto him is hardly an unfathomable outcome if there’s truly no serious interest, particularly since there doesn’t appear to be a major salary-trimming imperative behind the team’s sell-off. Indeed, many of the teams discussed below seem rather unlikely to offer enough of a return to force the White Sox’ hand. But several organizations that might not give prospects and take on $13.5MM or so in salary right now may well end up having a need in the middle of the season.
Frazier hit .225 with 40 home runs and 98 RBIs in 158 games last season.
Three teams interested in Jose Quintana
Chicago is also taking offers for Jose Quintana, who projects to be the team's No. 1 starter after trading Chris Sale to the Boston Red Sox. According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the White Sox are in "daily" talks with three teams:
Sources: #WhiteSox engaged in daily trade discussions on Quintana. #Pirates, #Astros involved, possibly others. #Yankees appear longshot.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 4, 2017
Quintana was 13-12 with a 3.20 ERA and 181 strikeouts last season.
Rockies working on extension with Carlos Gonzalez
The Colorado Rockies were trying to trade Carlos Gonzalez at the trade deadline last season, but now, they want to keep him town for a while. According to ESPN's Jim Bowden, the Rockies are working with Gonzalez on an extension:
Rockies GM Jeff Bridich made it clear to me that he is hoping to extend Carlos Gonzalez and the feeling is apparently mutual. Gonzalez is on his free agent year and although he's lost a step he's still an above average defender and a solid middle of the order presence. His strong leadership skills are also a difference maker. Both sides are still far apart on a deal but they're working on it.
Gonzalez hit .298 with 25 home runs and 100 RBIs in 150 games last season.
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