We're one month away from pitchers and catchers reporting, and there are still several impact players available in the MLB free agency and trade markets. We're here to take a look at the latest from the MLB Hot Stove madness with the 3 MLB Rumors You Need To Know For January 19th.
Cespedes And The Nationals?
With the Detroit Tigers signing Justin Upton to a massive contract Monday night, the market for Yoenis Cespedes is shrinking. He wants a long-term deal, but few teams are willing to give him one. But several teams, like the New York Mets, are interested in a short-term deal. The Washington Nationals are another such team.
The Washington #Nats and Houston #Astros, each who had expressed interest in Justin Upton, may now turn their attention to Yoenis Cespedes.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 19, 2016
The Astros have been mentioned in previous reports, but this is the first time Washington has really been linked. The Nationals were interested in signing Jason Heyward, so their interest in Cespedes does make sense.
Marlins Want Cespedes As Well?
The Miami Marlins also have some interest in landing Cespedes on a short-term deal.
Sources: #Marlins among teams that have discussed pursuing Cespedes on short-term deal. Likely would require accompanying trade of Ozuna.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 19, 2016
The Marlins have looked into dealing Ozuna before, with the Cincinnati Reds and Texas Rangers involved in talks. However, the Marlins president later said the team has no interest in Cespedes.
Orioles Want To Hold Onto No. 14 Pick
The Baltimore Orioles need another outfielder and starting pitcher. However, Ken Rosenthal reports the team doesn't want to forfeit the No. 14 pick in the MLB draft. With the team's farm system hurting (which is part of the reason they want to keep the pick), the Orioles have limited ways to make those additions. The team would love to add Cespedes on a short-term deal, but that seems unlikely. Signing Yovani Gallardo would cost the team that draft pick. Rosenthal says the team likes Doug Fister, but the Orioles fear his price will rise too high.