Rumors: Cubs in ‘promising’ talks with FA 1B?

We’re keeping track of all the latest free agent and trade rumors.

Dec. 31: Hosmer and Cubs ‘in talks’ (report)

First baseman Eric Hosmer, who was released by the Red Sox earlier this week, is “in talks” with the Cubs, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, who adds that the talks appear to be “promising” but there’s no deal just yet.

Hosmer, 33, was having a solid season at the plate for the Padres before being dealt to Boston at the Trade Deadline. He struggled at the plate after that, hitting .225 over his first 12 games with the Red Sox. Then he missed six weeks due to back inflammation before playing in the final two games of the season. With the club’s No. 2 prospect (and No. 25 overall), Triston Casas, looking to cement an everyday role at first base, Boston released Hosmer.

With the Padres on the hook for Hosmer’s entire $13 million salary over each of the next three seasons, any club that signs the veteran first baseman would only have to pay him the league minimum while he’s on the active roster. The Cubs have been connected with other free agent first basemen as well, including Trey Mancini, as Chicago looks to add another potential power bat to the lineup.

Dec. 29: Padres reportedly listening on Grisham, Kim

Having signed Xander Bogaerts and Matt Carpenter, and with the return of Fernando Tatis Jr. scheduled for April, the Padres could be looking at a serious roster crunch in 2023. However, according to a report from Dennis Lin of The Athletic (subscription required), they may have a solution in mind.

The Padres are reportedly considering offloading either Ha-Seong Kim or Trent Grisham to make room for Bogaerts to take over at shortstop, a move which would likely require Tatis taking on a more permanent role in the outfield.

While he ranked second among outfielders in Outs Above Average (+17) and won his second Gold Glove, Grisham’s offensive production took a hit in 2022 — he hit just .184/.284/.341 with 17 home runs in 152 games. He will not be eligible for free agency until 2026. Several teams have reportedly looked into adding a center fielder via trade this offseason, including the Marlins, Rangers, Reds, Red Sox and Rockies. Also per Lin, the Padres have expressed interest in Miami’s Pablo López.

Kim saw action in 150 games last season, hitting .251/.325/.383 with 11 home runs and ranking in the 95th percentile in Outs Above Average. He is entering year three of a four-year, $28 million deal that includes a mutual $2 million option for the 2026 season.

In lieu of a trade, the Padres could elect to move Kim to second base and Jake Cronenworth to first, relegating Carpenter to a full time DH/pinch hitting role.

Dec. 28: What’s left for clubs still seeking rotation help?

With Nathan Eovaldi (Rangers) and Corey Kluber (Red Sox) now reportedly off the board, the market for starting pitchers is running thin, but a few interesting arms remain for teams still on the lookout for reinforcements.

The strongest available option is likely to be Michael Wacha, who rebounded with the Red Sox after four consecutive injury-marred seasons between 2018-21. Heading into his 11th Major League season, the 2013 NLCS MVP is still just 31, but he has averaged just under 132 innings per full season since 2014. Potential suitors for Wacha are reported to include the Orioles, who have expressed continued interest in the right-hander, per MLB.com’s Jon Paul Morosi.

Wacha isn’t the only former high-profile prospect out there — clubs might also see opportunity in Dylan Bundy, Chris Archer or Michael Pineda, none of whom are likely to command a high price on the open market.

Clubs in search of experience could turn to Zack Greinke, who flew under the radar with the Royals in 2022 and served as an anchor for Kansas City’s young rotation, pitching to a 3.68 ERA over 26 starts. Things went well enough that the Royals are reportedly considering a reunion — however, 2023 would be the 39-year-old’s 20th big league season, and there are likely to be concerns about the health of his right elbow (on which he has already piled up 3,247 innings) after a year in which he was nagged by forearm issues.

The market for left-handers has been all but picked clean, but clubs could still find a potential veteran presence in the form of 36-year-old Wade Miley, who was severely limited by a shoulder strain in 2022 but posted a 3.37 ERA over 28 starts in 2021. Despite dismal 2022 campaigns, teams could also choose to take a flyer on Mike Minor (4-12, 6.06 ERA in 19 starts) or 2015 AL Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel (2-9, 9.20 ERA in 14 starts.)

Dec. 27: Latest on Mets’ negotiations with Correa

While MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reported on Sunday that the Mets and Carlos Correa remain optimistic that their blockbuster deal can be worked out despite the team’s concerns about Correa’s medical records, a source who spoke to the New York Post’s Mike Puma put the chances of the two sides finding common ground at 55%.

According to Puma, the shortstop remains committed for now to trying to finalize his deal with the Mets. But at least three other teams have been in touch with Correa to express interest in case the deal falls through.

A source told MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo that the Mets and Correa’s representatives are “working through the situation,” although it’s unclear when a resolution will be reached. Puma reports that neither side would say whether talks have resumed after a presumed break during the holiday weekend.

The Mets swooped in and agreed to terms with the All-Star shortstop on a 12-year, $315 million contract (per a source) after Correa’s reported deal with the Giants fell apart due to what the team called “a difference of opinion” over Correa’s physical.

The Athletic, which first reported that Mets officials were concerned with Correa’s medicals, noted that the issue is regarding Correa’s surgically repaired lower right leg. Correa underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a fractured right fibula that he sustained during a Minor League game in 2014, but that issue hasn’t caused him to spend any time on the Major League injured list. More >

Dec. 27: Murphy agrees to extension with Braves

The Braves signed catcher Sean Murphy to a six-year, $73 million extension that runs through the 2028 season, the team announced on Tuesday.

The deal includes a $15 million club option with no buyout for 2029 that would give Murphy a seven-year deal worth $88 million. Murphy will make $4 million in 2023, $9 million in 2024 and $15 million in 2025-2028. More >

Dec. 27: Eovaldi reaches deal with Rangers

Right-hander Nathan Eovaldi has agreed to a contract with the Rangers, the team announced Tuesday. 

Eovaldi will join a rotation that includes Jacob deGrom, who signed a five-year deal with Texas earlier this month. In 2022, Eovaldi had two stints on the injured list, limiting him to 20 starts. He went 6-3 with a 3.87 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP.

Eovaldi’s breakout season came in 2018 when he put together a postseason for the ages for the Red Sox after being acquired at the Trade Deadline. After only allowing three runs in 14 1/3 innings in the American League Division Series and the AL Championship Series, Eovaldi allowed one run in eight innings in the World Series, six of which came in relief during Boston’s epic 18-inning loss in Game 3.

Eovaldi was a free agent that fall, but the Red Sox rewarded him for his postseason excellence with a four-year, $68 million contract. He has pitched in 240 games in his career, going 67-68 with a 4.16 ERA. More >

Dec. 25: Would Sox do a Sale swap?

Chris Sale has not spent much time on a Major League mound over the past few years, but apparently that is not preventing teams from inquiring about the Red Sox lefty. MLB Network Insider Jon Heyman reported Sunday that the 33-year-old is drawing some interest from the rest of the league.

Few pitchers can match Sale’s resume, which includes seven All-Star selections, two strikeout titles (including a 300-K season) and seven top-five finishes in Cy Young Award voting. He also has the distinction of recording the clinching out for Boston in the 2018 World Series.

With that being said, Sale has thrown all of 48 1/3 MLB innings since injuring his left elbow in August 2019. He underwent Tommy John surgery the following March and returned late in 2021, but rib, finger and wrist injuries (the last of those stemming from a bike accident) limited him to two starts this past season.

As Heyman notes, Sale’s no-trade clause could stand in the way of any potential agreement, and Boston also would be selling low on a pitcher who is due to make $27.5 million in both 2023 and ‘24. Those factors would appear to make the odds of a Sale trade rather low at this point, although it’s certainly notable that teams have interest in him. 

As for the Red Sox’s rotation plans, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com added that Nick Pivetta could be the more likely trade candidate. Pivetta turns 30 in February, has two seasons of club control remaining and has been roughly a league-average starter (99 ERA+) since Boston acquired him from Philadelphia in August 2020.

Dec. 24: At least 5 teams in on Eovaldi (report)

Nathan Eovaldi, arguably the top starting pitcher remaining on the open market, is drawing interest from the Angels, Padres, Rangers and at least two other teams, according to WEEI’s Rob Bradford. One of the unnamed clubs is believed to be a member of the AL East, but Bradford says it’s not the Red Sox, who have had Eovaldi for the past five seasons.

The Angels, who added left-hander Tyler Anderson to their rotation last month, are also also considering veteran righty Corey Kluber, per MLB Network insider Jon Heyman.

The Padres, who plan to use the recently signed Seth Lugo as a starting pitcher, are “strongly in the mix” for Johnny Cueto as well, according to FanSided’s Robert Murray.

The Rangers’ rotation has undergone a big facelift this offseason as they have inked Jacob deGrom and Andrew Heaney, traded for Jake Odorizzi and brought back Martín Pérez on the qualifying offer. But Texas may not be done addressing its pitching staff, which was the franchise’s No. 1 objective entering the winter.

Eovaldi, who is heading into his age-33 season, was an All-Star and received AL Cy Young Award consideration in 2021. However, his 2022 campaign was marred by injuries. He made just seven starts after the All-Star break and 20 in all. Eovaldi finished with a 3.87 ERA over 109 1/3 innings. His K/9 rate (8.5) fell significantly from the previous season (9.6).

Dec. 24: Padres, Marlins reportedly have interest in Cueto

Even after adding Seth Lugo with plans to give him a chance to start, the Padres are apparently still searching for starting pitching. San Diego is among the teams “strongly in the mix” for free-agent righty Johnny Cueto, reports FanSided’s Robert Murray. Cueto is also drawing interest from the Marlins, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman.

Although he didn’t debut until May 16, the 36-year-old had a strong season for the White Sox in 2022, recording a 3.35 ERA over 158 1/3 innings with his lowest FIP (3.79) since 2016.

The Padres lost starters Sean Manaea and Mike Clevinger to free agency this offseason, but secured their potential replacements when they re-signed Nick Martinez and struck a deal with Lugo. With Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove and Blake Snell also in the fold, either Martinez or Lugo would likely open 2023 in the bullpen if the Padres add Cueto.

Dec. 23: Verdugo on the trade block?

Another player involved in the Mookie Betts trade could be on his way out of Beantown. According to Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe, the club is expected to listen to trade offers for outfielder Alex Verdugo as a way to address other needs without surrendering top prospects.

If Verdugo is dealt, it would leave catcher Connor Wong as the only player remaining in the organization who was acquired in the 2020 blockbuster that sent Betts and David Price to the Dodgers. The Sox lost Jeter Downs, a highly touted prospect when they acquired him from L.A. in the Betts deal, to the Nationals on waivers Thursday after recently designating the infielder for assignment.

Per Abraham, the Red Sox could look to take advantage of the lack of left-handed outfield bats remaining on the free-agent market with Brandon Nimmo, Andrew Benintendi, Cody Bellinger, Michael Brantley, Michael Conforto, Joey Gallo, Joc Pederson and Kevin Kiermaier all coming off the board.

Verdugo doesn’t have much power and has struggled on defense over the past two years (-9 outs above average) while bouncing around Boston’s outfield, but he’s a lifetime .286/.341/.431 hitter (107 OPS+) — including .294/.352/.460 vs. right-handed pitchers. The 26-year-old, who earned $3.55 million last season, is controllable through 2024.

Catcher and starting pitcher are areas Boston needs to address, and the club is reportedly still trying to figure out what to do at shortstop (see below) after losing Xander Bogaerts to the Padres in free agency.

Dec. 22: Red Sox reportedly not sold on Story at short, eyeing trade options

When the Red Sox signed Trevor Story to a six-year, $140 million contract last March, the infielder was considered a likely replacement at shortstop in case Xander Bogaerts opted out of his contract and departed as a free agent this offseason. But now that Bogaerts is gone, there are some within Boston’s front office who aren’t sold on the idea of shifting Story back to short, The Athletic’s Chad Jennings reports (subscription required).

Per Jennings, some in the organization prefer Kiké Hernández at shortstop over Story, but that would leave an opening in center field that would need to be addressed.

The team has discussed a trade for infielder Joey Wendle with the Marlins, viewing him as a potential option to add to the shortstop mix. Wendle is entering his final year before free agency.

Willy Adames is a premier trade option, but the Brewers are said to be uninterested in moving him. According to Jennings’ report, the Red Sox discussed trades for the Guardians’ Amed Rosario and the Cardinals’ Paul DeJong but aren’t currently focused on either player. They haven’t ruled out signing Elvis Andrus or José Iglesias in free agency, but they don’t appear to have strong interest in either player.

Story exclusively played shortstop for the Rockies prior to joining Boston and moving to second base. The 30-year-old had an excellent season on defense at the keystone, recording 10 outs above average. However, there are lingering concerns about his arm strength stemming from a 2021 elbow injury.

Dec. 22: What will Ohtani command in free agency? $500 million-plus?

Given how much teams have spent this offseason to land star free agents, what might we see next offseason if two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani doesn’t sign an extension with the Angels and instead hits the free-agent market? According to executives interviewed by MLB Network insider Jon Heyman in an article for the New York Post, Ohtani may very well become the first $500 million player in MLB history.

“11 times 50 = $550 million,” one exec told Heyman. “Sounds crazy, but he has the ability to consistently be a 9/10 WAR player.”

Heyman lists the Dodgers, Padres, Mets and Phillies in addition to the Angels as potential bidders in the Ohtani sweepstakes if he hits the open market following the 2023 season.

Dec. 22: Yanks in contact with Pirates about Reynolds

MLB.com’s Jon Paul Morosi reports the Yankees have spoken with the Pirates recently in regards to center fielder Bryan Reynolds, who has requested a trade (per a source). The Yankees’ interest in Reynolds, a 2021 All-Star has been previously reported, but Morosi adds exactly what Pittsburgh desires in return for him. And that might be an obstacle for the Yanks. More >

Dec. 20: Eovaldi likely to end up back with Red Sox?

While most of the top names have come off the board in the starting pitching market, Nathan Eovaldi remains available as the end of 2022 fast approaches. 

According to MLB.com’s Jon Paul Morosi, there’s “pretty good confidence on the part of a lot of people in baseball” that Eovaldi will ultimately re-sign with the Red Sox.

Boston is trying to regroup quickly after losing longtime shortstop Xander Bogaerts to the Padres and designated hitter J.D. Martinez to the Dodgers. The club signed Japanese outfielder Masataka Yoshida to a five-year, $90 million contract and reached a two-year deal with veteran infielder Justin Turner earlier this week, but Boston’s rotation remains a question mark after Eovaldi, Michael Wacha and Rich Hill all reached free agency.

Two of Boston’s projected starters for 2023, Chris Sale and James Paxton, have been limited by injuries to 17 starts combined since the beginning of 2020, while Garrett Whitlock and Brayan Bello have made 20 combined starts in their careers.

Per Morosi, the qualifying offer could be holding up Eovaldi’s market. The right-hander is tied to Draft compensation after turning down a QO from Boston. The Red Sox wouldn’t have to forfeit any Draft capital to sign him because they’re the team that made him the QO.

Eovaldi finished up a four-year, $68 million deal with the Red Sox in 2022. He posted a 3.79 ERA, a 120 ERA+ and a 5.65 K/BB ratio over the final three years of the deal.

Dec. 20: Mets reportedly talking trade for Hendriks

The Mets have been one of MLB’s busiest clubs this offseason, but general manager Billy Eppler hinted after Justin Verlander’s introductory press conference on Tuesday that more moves are possible. 

One possibility? A trade for All-Star closer Liam Hendriks. The Mets are among the clubs talking to the White Sox about a deal for the 33-year-old righty, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman. More >

Dec. 20: Cubs eyeing another FA bat

The Cubs have had a busy offseason thus far, reaching deals with shortstop Dansby Swanson (seven years, $177 million), starter Jameson Taillon (four years, $68 million), center fielder Cody Bellinger (one year, $18 million) and reliever Brad Boxberger (one year, $2 million), but it appears the club isn’t done adding.

Chicago is among the teams in the mix for free-agent slugger Trey Mancini, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman.

Mancini, who hit .239 with 18 homers and a 101 OPS+ over 143 games between the Orioles and Astros in 2022, would give the Cubs another first-base/designated-hitter option, joining Patrick Wisdom, Matt Mervis and Alfonso Rivas.

The Cubs were also recently linked to free-agent outfielder Michael Conforto, though it’s possible the club is pursuing lower-cost options after making a big investment in Swanson.

Dec. 20: Greinke reportedly remains on Royals’ radar

The Royals have added Ryan Yarbrough to their pitching staff and are closing in on a deal for Jordan Lyles (per a source). However, they are still on the hunt for a rotation leader. Zack Greinke filled that role for them this past season, and he remains one of the pitchers on the team’s radar, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman.

Greinke pitched to a 3.68 ERA last year in his return to Kansas City, which drafted him in the first round in 2002. However, the 39-year-old did turn in some of the worst metrics of his career, including a 39.6 percent hard-hit rate and a meager 12.5 percent strikeout rate.

Dec. 19: Is this Plan B for teams that lost star shortstops in free agency?

The Braves (Dansby Swanson), Dodgers (Trea Turner), Red Sox (Xander Bogaerts) and Twins (Carlos Correa) have all lost star shortstops in free agency this offseason. Where might they turn for an external replacement?

According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal (subscription required), the Orioles might move shortstop Jorge Mateo if the right deal is out there. That’s because Baltimore has a lot of young middle-infield talent coming up through the organizational ranks, which might make Mateo expendable. The 27-year-old led the AL with 35 steals and played excellent defense at short in 2022.

Dec. 19: Devers expects to be FA next year (report)

The Red Sox saw one franchise player, shortstop Xander Bogaerts, depart in free agency this offseason. Could Boston lose another such player next winter? Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom has said the team will make every effort to lock up 26-year-old third baseman Rafael Devers to a long-term deal. But league sources told ESPN’s Joon Lee that the two sides are “galaxies apart” in contract negotiations, and the “current expectation” from Devers is that he will be a free agent following the 2023 season.

The Red Sox tried to sign Bogaerts to a contract extension prior to this past season. However, their offer of one year and an extra $30 million added to his remaining three years and $60 million felt like “a slap” a source told Lee. But Bloom said the franchise will probably “go beyond reason” in order to secure Devers.

“Hopefully we can get this done,” Bloom said. “There are always going to be limitations, like people can just put something plain out of reach. Some people love to bet on themselves and I hope he hits 63 homers if he does that.” 

Devers, heading into his final year of arbitration, is projected to make $16.9 million next season, according to MLB Trade Rumors.

Dec. 17: Kepler drawing trade interest after Gallo deal (report)

Twins outfielder Max Kepler is drawing significant trade interest following Minnesota’s reported one-year, $11 million deal with Joey Gallo, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman.

Kepler is under contract for $8.5 million in 2023 and has a $10 million club option for 2024. 

The 29-year-old is an excellent defender in right field, and while he has been a below-average producer at the plate over the past two seasons (96 OPS+), some of his underlying metrics suggest he’s capable of more. 

The 39-point “unlucky gap” between Kepler’s .304 wOBA and .343 xwOBA (based on quality of contact, plus strikeouts and walks) was MLB’s third largest (min. 500 plate appearances) over 2021-22.

Dec. 16: Will Machado opt out after 2023?

Would Manny Machado really opt out of his 10-year, $300 million contract at the end of next season?

MLB Network insider Jon Heyman suggests that the Padres think he might, writing in an article for the New York Post that, “They do anticipate superstar Manny Machado opting out after 2023.”

The 30-year-old third baseman will have five years and $150 million left on his deal after the 2023 season. If Machado opts out, he’d instantly become one of the headliners of the 2024 free-agent class, along with Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani and fellow third baseman Rafael Devers, whom the Red Sox are currently trying to sign to a contract extension, per Heyman.

The megadeals landed by the star free-agent infielders this offseason — $350 million for Carlos Correa, $300 million for Trea Turner and $280 million for Xander Bogaerts, all for more than 10 years — could provide some sort of baseline for Machado if he wanted to opt out.

Dec. 15: Devers is Boston’s ‘No. 1 priority’ (report)

After losing star shortstop Xander Bogaerts to the Padres in free agency, the Red Sox’s “No. 1 priority” is signing star third baseman Rafael Devers to a contract extension, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman in an article for the New York Post.

“They have to give him whatever he wants,” one baseball executive told Heyman. “Can they really let him go too?”

Given that Bogaerts inked a deal worth $280 million with San Diego, and the fact that Devers is four years younger than Bogaerts, a Devers extension could cost Boston more than $300 million, which Heyman reports is Devers’ asking price.

Dec. 15: Devers, Torres, Hendriks among top trade candidates

Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers, Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres and White Sox closer Liam Hendriks headline the top trade candidates this offseason, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. 

Feinsand ranks the top 10 trade candidates who could be on the move soon, and Devers, Torres and Hendriks are the biggest names on the list. 

Devers and the Red Sox look like they’re far apart in talks for a multi-year extension, which could lead Boston to trade the 26-year-old before he becomes a free agent next year. The Yankees could move Torres with top prospects Oswald Peraza and Anthony Volpe ready to join the infield. And the White Sox have taken calls on Hendriks as they look to upgrade at second base, the corner outfield and the starting rotation.

The other players who are trade candidates right now: Red Sox first baseman Bobby Dalbec, Mariners right-hander Chris Flexen, Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen, Marlins right-hander Pablo López, Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds, Tigers reliever Gregory Soto and D-backs outfielder Daulton Varsho. More >

Dec. 14: Wacha’s market about to heat up? Orioles among teams interested

With Noah Syndergaard reportedly reaching a one-year agreement to join the Dodgers, another mid-tier free-agent pitcher could see his market heat up — Michael Wacha. According to MLB.com’s Jon Paul Morosi, the veteran right-hander’s market “could move quickly now that Syndergaard and [Michael] Lorenzen reportedly have reached agreements elsewhere.” 

Wacha, 31, pitched well for the Red Sox in 2022, posting a 3.32 ERA (127 OPS+) over 127 1/3 innings, though he was limited to 23 starts due to injury. It was his best season since his rookie campaign in 2013, when he had a 2.78 ERA in 15 appearances (nine starts) and was named MVP of the National League Championship Series against the Dodgers.

With Wacha, health has always been a question mark — he’s only eclipsed 150 innings in a season twice during his 10-year career thus far. Nevertheless, Morosi reports the Orioles are “showing continued interest” in Wacha after a surprising 83-win season.

Dec. 13: Could Braves trade Fried this offseason?

The Braves snagged the headliner in the three-team trade on Monday, acquiring Sean Murphy from the A’s. However, their next trade might involve an even bigger name leaving Atlanta. MLB.com’s Jim Callis said near the end of his segment during Tuesday’s episode of Hot Stove that he’s hearing the Braves could trade ace pitcher Max Fried this winter.

“With the Braves’ payroll climbing, climbing — who knows if they will sign Murphy to an extension — I’m hearing some Max Fried rumors on the block,” Callis said. “They may not be able to sign him long-term. Don’t be shocked if we see a Max Fried trade this offseason.”

The left-hander, who is under team control through 2024, has recorded a 2.68 ERA over the past three seasons. In 2022, Fried tossed a career-high 185 1/3 innings, finished as the runner-up for the NL Cy Young Award and posted an outstanding 164 ERA+.

The Braves currently have a projected Competitive Balance Tax figure of about $229 million, according to FanGraphs. That is slightly under the CBT threshold for 2023 of $233 million. Fried, entering his second year of arbitration, is projected to make $12.2 million next season, per MLB Trade Rumors.

Dec. 13: Mets listening to offers for Carrasco (report)

The Mets have added a glut of talent this offseason, signing or re-signing Justin Verlander, José Quintana, Edwin Díaz, David Robertson, Brandon Nimmo and Kodai Senga (per a source). But it might be time for New York to trade away one of its own.

MLB Network insider Joel Sherman reported in the New York Post that the Mets are listening to offers for starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco. More >