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Yankees Rumors: Gerrit Cole's Contract Offer Exceeds Stephen Strasburg's $245M

Dec 10, 2019
FILE - In this Oct. 27, 2019, file photo, Houston Astros starting pitcher Gerrit Cole throws against the Washington Nationals during the first inning of Game 5 of the baseball World Series in Washington. Gerrit Cole, the top pitcher on the free-agent market, was to meet with New York Yankees officials in California on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019. General manager Brian Cashman, manager Aaron Boone and new Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake made the trip to speak with the 29-year-old right-hander, a person familiar with the planning said. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the meeting was not announced.(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)
FILE - In this Oct. 27, 2019, file photo, Houston Astros starting pitcher Gerrit Cole throws against the Washington Nationals during the first inning of Game 5 of the baseball World Series in Washington. Gerrit Cole, the top pitcher on the free-agent market, was to meet with New York Yankees officials in California on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019. General manager Brian Cashman, manager Aaron Boone and new Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake made the trip to speak with the 29-year-old right-hander, a person familiar with the planning said. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the meeting was not announced.(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

The New York Yankees have reportedly made a formal offer to free-agent starting pitcher Gerrit Cole that exceeds the seven-year, $245 million contract signed by Washington Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg.

ESPN's Buster Olney reported the update Tuesday and indicated the Yanks may be trying to outbid the Los Angeles Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers for the 2019 AL Cy Young Award runner-up. 

Strasburg's deal, which was agreed to Monday, set the new record for both total value of a contract for a pitcher and average annual salary at the position ($35 million). Those records may not last for long.

Cole is coming off a dominant 2019 campaign during which he posted a 2.50 ERA and 0.89 WHIP while striking out an MLB-high 326 batters in 212.1 innings across 33 starts for the Houston Astros.

The Yankees, who could be a true ace away from a 28th World Series title, have been in hot pursuit of the right-hander during free agency. There's been some concern the California native would prefer being closer to his hometown, thus the links to the Angels and Dodgers.

"We know he wants to be a West Coast guy," Astros teammate Josh Reddick told Bleacher Report's Scott Miller in October about Cole, who turned down an offer from the Yankees in 2008 to pitch collegiately at UCLA.

That said, the three-time All-Star told New York at a recent meeting he doesn't have a "West Coast bias," per Jon Heyman of the MLB Network.

Although most of the conversation has surrounded the Yanks and the two L.A. teams, there's also a "mystery team" involved in the process, according to Heyman.

The Yankees are going all out to convince Cole to don the legendary pinstripes, though. That doesn't come as a major surprise since a legitimate No. 1 starter is their biggest need and the other one available on the open market this offseason, Strasburg, has now re-signed with the Nats.

A rotation with Cole, James Paxton, Masahiro Tanaka, Luis Severino and Jordan Montgomery combined with an offense that led MLB in runs scored last season despite numerous injuries and a dominant bullpen would make the Yankees the 2020 World Series favorite.

It sounds like New York will do everything in its financial power to make that a reality.

Red Sox Rumors: Latest on Possible Jackie Bradley Jr. Trade, Free-Agent Talks

Dec 9, 2019
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 14: Jackie Bradley Jr. #19 of the Boston Red Sox in action against the Philadelphia Phillies during a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 14, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 14: Jackie Bradley Jr. #19 of the Boston Red Sox in action against the Philadelphia Phillies during a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 14, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

The Boston Red Sox are "actively trying to trade" veteran outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr., according to the Boston Globe's Pete Abraham

Abraham reported the Sox were working on a possible deal with the New York Mets before the Mets acquired Jake Marisnick from the Houston Astros.

Red Sox ownership made it clear in September that Boston was likely going to trim payroll this offseason in order to avoid the luxury tax.

Bradley would be a natural candidate to move. Spotrac estimates he could earn $11 million in arbitration this offseason, and he becomes a free agent in 2021.

Boston could've let Bradley walk this winter but decided to tender him a contract, presumably with the idea of flipping him to another team.

The market for the 29-year-old may not be all that robust, though, especially with one interested suitor going in a different direction. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal threw out the Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs as possibilities as they look to strengthen their outfields.

Bradley is a solid defender but has a .409 slugging percentage and .314 weighted on-base average over his career, per FanGraphs. He appeared to turn a corner in 2016, when he hit 26 homers and drove in 87 runs while collecting his first All-Star appearance. His performance at the plate regressed in 2017 and hasn't improved since.

As the offseason lingers on, the Red Sox might either have to keep Bradley on the roster or deal him for pennies on the dollar because his underwhelming production at the plate is bound to limit Boston's realistic options.

Anthony Rendon Rumors: Dodgers, Rangers Favored, Nationals Not Confident

Dec 9, 2019

The defending champions brought back one of their marquee free agents Monday but reportedly aren't confident they will re-sign the other.

Jon Heyman of MLB Network reported the Washington Nationals "don't seem confident" they will re-sign third baseman Anthony Rendon. The Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Dodgers are "seen as the favorites" for the slugger at this point.

Washington's perspective comes after Jeff Passan of ESPN reported it re-signed pitcher Stephen Strasburg to a seven-year, $245 million deal.

Perhaps it shouldn't come as a surprise the Nationals are feeling lukewarm about their chances to bring back Rendon after re-signing Strasburg since managing principal owner Mark Lerner said, "We can really only afford to have one of those two guys" during an interview with Donald Dell (h/t Todd Dybas of NBC Sports Washington).

"They're huge numbers," he added. "We already have a really large payroll to begin with."

However, it should be noted Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said there is interest in bringing Rendon back, per TR Sullivan of MLB.com.

Agent Scott Boras did not buy Lerner's payroll concerns and told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, "The Nationals are experiencing a revenue festival in 2020. ... The franchise value has increased by nearly $2 billion since their purchase. The Nationals made an extra $30 million winning the World Series. Attendance will increase by more than four to five hundred thousand. TV rating and advertising rates all skyrocketed."

In September, Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post reported the Nationals offered Rendon a seven-year contract extension worth between $210 million and $215 million. The fact he didn't accept it could lend insight into the type of money he is looking for as a free agent.

Rendon figures to sign a massive contract with a team considering he is just 29 years old and coming off his first All-Star season in which he slashed .319/.412/.598 with 34 home runs. He led the league with 44 doubles and 126 RBI.

It was his fourth straight year with 20 or more home runs and second straight year leading the league in doubles.

What's more, Rendon was brilliant in the playoffs for the World Series champions and slashed .328/.413/.590 with three home runs and 15 RBI in 17 games.

Francisco Lindor Trade Rumors: Indians Prefer Not to Deal Star, May Wait a Year

Dec 9, 2019
Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor fields a ground ball during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Friday, Sept. 27, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor fields a ground ball during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Friday, Sept. 27, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Francisco Lindor has been heavily discussed as a possible trade target this offseason, but the Cleveland Indians reportedly "prefer" not to deal the shortstop this winter and want to wait another year, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network. 

Lindor has two more years under team control before potentially hitting free agency after the 2021 season.

The report builds on public comments from the organization about planning to keep Lindor. 

"My expectation is Frankie will be the shortstop Opening Day next year," Indians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said in November, per Heyman.

Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reported the team would have to be "overwhelmed" by an offer in order to complete a deal this offseason. 

There is certainly plenty of interest in Lindor around the league, which makes sense considering his production to this point. The 26-year-old switch-hitter has been an All-Star in each of the last four years, earning MVP votes each season while also adding two Gold Gloves and two Silver Slugger awards.

He has at least 30 home runs and 40 doubles in each of the last three years while playing elite defense at a premium position.

Despite his ability, the Indians haven't given any indication they will sign him to an extension worthy of his value, meaning his time with the organization remains limited.

Trading him this offseason could provide a maximum return that will help stay competitive in future seasons, but it also makes sense for any team to hold onto this type of talent for as long as possible.

MLB Rumors: Latest on Yankees, Gerrit Cole, Hyun-Jin Ryu and Josh Lindblom

Dec 9, 2019
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 12:  Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros throws against the Texas Rangers in the first inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on July 12, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 12: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros throws against the Texas Rangers in the first inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on July 12, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The MLB winter meetings have started, and with that comes the promise of a flurry of activity in the coming days.

Several notable dominos have already fallen on the starting pitching market, with Zack Wheeler, Michael Pineda, Kyle Gibson, Cole Hamels and Jordan Lyles all signing new contracts.

However, there are still several impact arms available for teams looking to upgrade their starting rotation, including one of the best pitchers to ever hit the open market.

Here's a quick roundup of some of the latest rumors surrounding the starting pitchers still searching for a new home.

      

Yankees reportedly make a record-setting offer to Gerrit Cole

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 27:  Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros delivers the pitch against the Washington Nationals during the sixth inning in Game Five of the 2019 World Series at Nationals Park on October 27, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patric
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 27: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros delivers the pitch against the Washington Nationals during the sixth inning in Game Five of the 2019 World Series at Nationals Park on October 27, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patric

The Yankees have long been connected to top-tier starter Gerrit Cole. Now it appears they have now made a concrete offer to the American League Cy Young runner-up.

As expected, it's a big one.

Originally drafted by the Yankees with the No. 28 overall pick in the 2008 draft out of high school, Cole instead honored his commitment to UCLA, eventually turning himself into the No. 1 overall selection three years later.

Since joining the Houston Astros in a trade two offseasons ago, Cole has emerged as one of the game's elite pitchers.

In 2019, he went 20-5 while leading the AL in ERA (2.50), FIP (2.64), ERA+ (185) and strikeouts (326) while setting the single-season record for strikeouts per nine innings (13.8) by a pitcher who qualified for the ERA title.

There are only a handful of pitchers of his caliber that have ever hit free agency, so it's not surprising to hear a record-setting salary figure being thrown around.

The Dodgers and Angels are the other teams heavily tied to Cole.

Will we see a decision during the winter meetings?

     

Twins, Blue Jays, Dodgers in on Hyun-Jin Ryu

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 06: Pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu #99 of the Los Angeles Dodgers delivers in the first inning of Game 3 of the NLDS against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on October 06, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Image
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 06: Pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu #99 of the Los Angeles Dodgers delivers in the first inning of Game 3 of the NLDS against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on October 06, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Image

One of the more polarizing free agents on this year's market is Hyun-Jin Ryu.

Despite some question marks, teams are already showing interest.

The 32-year-old is coming off the best season of his career, as he led the National League in ERA (2.32) and ERA+ (179) and finished as the runner-up in NL Cy Young voting.

However, his lengthy injury history raises a red flag when it comes to a potential long-term deal.

While he threw 182.2 innings in 2019, he only managed 213.2 innings in the previous four years, and pitchers rarely become more durable in their mid-30s.

Still, for teams looking for an immediate upgrade to the starting rotation and unwilling or unable to commit the money or years it will take to sign someone like Cole or Madison Bumgarner, Ryu is an appealing alternative.

The Dodgers are the only team he's played for since making his way stateside in 2013 following seven seasons with the Hanwha Eagles in his native South Korea, so that comfort level could give the team a leg up on re-signing him.

Looking at the bigger free-agency picture, he might have to wait until Cole makes his decision if he's serious about leaving the Dodgers, as the teams that miss out on the market's top starter might view him as a fallback plan.

     

Cubs interested in Josh Lindblom

It's no surprise if the name Josh Lindblom is not a familiar one to the casual MLB fan.

The 32-year-old has spent most of the past five seasons pitching in South Korea, where he has emerged as one of the hitter-friendly league's best pitchers.

This past season, the 6'5" right-hander went 20-3 with a 2.50 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 189 strikeouts in 194.2 innings, leading the Doosan Bears to a title while earning the KBO League MVP honor.

Now the Indiana native is eyeing an MLB return, and multiple teams are interested, including the Chicago Cubs.

With Cole Hamels gone, there's a hole to fill in the starting rotation, and the Purdue product will presumably come cheaper than some of the other top options on the free-agent market.

Interestingly enough, this is not the first time the Cubs have been connected to Lindblom.

A Ryan Dempster trade with the Dodgers never came together that summer, and he was instead traded to the Texas Rangers in exchange for third-base prospect Christian Villanueva and a Single-A pitcher named Kyle Hendricks, so it all worked out in the end.

Still, it would be interesting to see this story come full circle.

     

All stats courtesy of Baseball Reference unless otherwise noted.

MLB Rumors: Jose Bautista Wants to Play in 2020 After Sitting Out 2019 Season

Dec 8, 2019

Jose Bautista is tossing his bat in the ring.

According to MLB Network's Jon Heyman, the 39-year-old "is looking to play in 2020 if the opportunity presents itself."

Bautista last played for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2018. He began that year with the Atlanta Braves, who released him a month after signing him to a minor league deal. The New York Mets signed him to a one-year deal in May before trading him to the Phillies in late August.

The outfielder became a free agent after the season and has since remained unsigned. 

In September 2018, Bautista made it clear he wanted to play in 2019 and preferably for "a contender":

The Dominican's best years were with the Toronto Blue Jays. The three-time Silver Slugger winner landed in Toronto in August 2008 through a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He remained with the Jays until 2017, with his six All-Star appearances coming in consecutive seasons from 2010-15.

Bautista led MLB in home runs in back-to-back campaigns with 54 in 2010 and 43 in 2011. His signature moment came in Game 5 of the 2015 American League Division Series when he hammered a go-ahead homer and punctuated it with a bat flip.

The Blue Jays let Bautista walk following the 2017 season, declining to pick up his 2018 mutual option.

At this point, Bautista's upside would be serving as veteran depth on a contender.

MLB Rumors: Hottest Trade Rumors Entering Winter Meetings 2019

Dec 8, 2019
Boston Red Sox's Mookie Betts plays against the Baltimore Orioles during the fifth inning of a baseball game in Boston, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Boston Red Sox's Mookie Betts plays against the Baltimore Orioles during the fifth inning of a baseball game in Boston, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

The 2019 MLB winter meetings will get underway Monday, which should coincide with the true heating up of the hot stove.

There have been a few notable signings and trades this offseason, but a vast majority of the big names remain on the market. While there's a good idea of which teams are ready to back up the Brinks truck for the likes of Anthony Rendon, Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg, the trade winds are harder to figure out.

Here's what we know about two of the biggest names that could potentially be on the move.

      

Mookie Betts Staying Put?

It's no secret the Boston Red Sox want to avoid the luxury tax in 2020. Whereas the rival Yankees have apparently grown so frustrated with falling short in October that they're ready to bury Gerrit Cole in cash, the Red Sox are only a year removed from a World Series and are a little wary about investing more money in last season's disappointing bunch.

That sound you hear is an entire group of Boston fans scrunching their faces in horror because they know where this is headed.

The fall guy in this scenario appears, strangely enough, to be Mookie Betts. The All-Star outfielder appears to be the exact type of player the Red Sox would want to invest in for the foreseeable future. He's a four-time All-Star, one-time MVP, four-time Gold Glove winner and three-time Silver Slugger recipient at age 27. Mike Trout is the only position player who has more wins above replacement than Betts over the last five seasons, per FanGraphs.

Given the market set by Trout, Bryce Harper and Manny Machado last offseason, it would stand to reason that the Red Sox should be lavishing him with a contract approaching $400 million. That's not been the case. Instead, Betts has been the subject of trade speculation dating back to the regular season—a source of mass frustration with the fanbase, given Red Sox ownership is flush with cash.

The good news: Betts is unlikely to be on the move. For now.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported it's "unlikely" the Red Sox trade Betts this offseason because teams are not willing to meet the asking price. Betts can become an unrestricted free agent next winter, and teams are apparently satisfied with waiting until then rather than potentially seeing him walk without compensation a year from now.

That's a smart strategy on their part and also why the Red Sox need to refocus their efforts on retention. It frankly should have never gotten to this point. Betts is a franchise cornerstone who deserves the respect of the biggest contract in Red Sox history. Hand-wringing over the financials when you're the Boston Red Sox is an awful look for the front office.

     

Pirates Want Catching Prospects for Marte

Speaking of alienated fanbases, the Pittsburgh Pirates enter this offseason with little hope of contending anytime soon. Their fun run near the top of the NL Central from the middle part of the decade is over, with three losing seasons in their last four. Pittsburgh's 69 wins last season were the club's fewest since 2010.

The downturn could spell the end of Starling Marte's time in the Steel City. The 31-year-old is the Pirate with the most value to opposing clubs, and he's old enough that it's unlikely he'd still be in his prime when they're contending for a playoff spot again.

Jon Heyman of MLB Network reported the Pirates have yet to find "traction" on a trade market for Marte, but they desire a catching prospect in talks. Bradford Doolittle and David Schoenfield of ESPN suggested the Diamondbacks as a potential trade partner. Arizona has catching prospect Daulton Varsho, though it's unclear if they'd be willing to move him in a deal.

Marte is the type of player who doesn't necessarily command an elite, top-level prospect but should return two mid-level guys and another young, high-upside prospect. He's under team control through the 2021 season, with a no-brainer club option for $12 million that season. 

That affordability makes it possible the Pirates will keep him into the season with the hopes that a better offer will come available in July. 

MLB Winter Meetings 2019: Dates, Schedule, Rumors and Predictions

Dec 8, 2019
FILE - In this Nov. 21, 2019, file photo, baseball commissioner Rob Manfred speaks to the media at the owners meeting in Arlington, Texas. Major League Baseball is pushing a proposal to whack 42 teams _ and several entire leagues _ from its vast network of minor-league affiliates that bring the game to every corner of country. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
FILE - In this Nov. 21, 2019, file photo, baseball commissioner Rob Manfred speaks to the media at the owners meeting in Arlington, Texas. Major League Baseball is pushing a proposal to whack 42 teams _ and several entire leagues _ from its vast network of minor-league affiliates that bring the game to every corner of country. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

The 2019 baseball winter meetings kicked off Sunday as MLB executives descended on San Diego, allowing general managers face-to-face chance to discuss trades and meet with representatives for free agents.

Although the signings and trades are usually the highlights of the annual event, there's also the Rule 5 draft and a multitude of other activities throughout the week. It's a chance for people seeking their big break in the baseball industry to rub elbows with plenty of high-profile individuals.

Let's check out all of the details for the offseason showcase. That's followed by a look at some of the early rumors and speculation from the proverbial hot stove.

       

Key Information

Where: San Diego

When: Sunday through Thursday

             

Notable Events (all times Pacific)

Sunday: PBEO job fair (7 a.m.), Business of Baseball Workshop Series (8 a.m.), banquet (6:30 p.m.)

Monday: Opening session (9 a.m.), awards luncheon (12:15 p.m.)

Tuesday: Trade show (10 a.m.), presidential election (4 p.m.)

Wednesday: Closing session (4 p.m.), gala (7 p.m.)

Thursday: Rule 5 draft (9 a.m.)

Full list of events available on the winter meetings' official website.

             

Rumors and Predictions

New York Yankees Showing Interest in Gerrit Cole, Stephen Strasburg

The Yankees are on the fringe of championship contention, especially if they can avoid the rash of injuries they dealt with in 2019. A true ace is the one asset they lack, but it appears they're making a strong effort to change that via free agency.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported New York held sit-down meetings with Cole and Strasburg before the winter meetings, though it's far from alone in making a push to sign the elite right-handers.

The good news for the Yanks is they only need to convince one of them to don pinstripes. James Paxton was terrific in the second half of last season, and they feature plenty of rotation depth in the likes of Masahiro Tanaka, Luis Severino and Jordan Montgomery.

So the Yankees only need a commitment from one of Cole and Strasburg to potentially push themselves atop the World Series odds for next season. Right now, that honor belongs to the Houston Astros as +500 favorites (bet $100 to win $500), with the Yanks and Los Angeles Dodgers (both +600) close behind, per Caesars Sportsbook.

Since New York's front office likely reads the situation the same as most outside observers—the roster is probably a top-tier starter away from being complete—the club should go all-in on making one of the winter's top signings.

Predictions: Cole to Angels, Strasburg to Yankees

               

Anthony Rendon Could Sign Soon with Multiple Teams Involved

Rendon has been one of MLB's most overlooked superstars in recent years. That anonymity came to an end as he helped lead the Washington Nationals to a World Series triumph with a 1.003 OPS, three home runs and 15 runs batted in across 17 playoff games in 2019.

That postseason success, paired with another monster regular season highlighted by a career-high 34 homers, allowed him to hit free agency at the perfect time.

ESPN's Buster Olney reported the 29-year-old could become the first of the big-dollar free agents to sign amid interest from the Nationals, Dodgers and Texas Rangers. The Philadelphia Phillies are another team to watch, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

A battle between the Nats, Dodgers and Phillies for him could shift the balance of power in the National League. If he chooses L.A., that would make it the undisputed favorite in the senior circuit.

The Rangers are an interesting sleeper since the third baseman is a Texas native and the club is getting ready to open Globe Life Field, their new home park, in 2020. He could be the type of massive draw the front office would like to add to help attract fans after a 78-84 season.

That said, getting a taste of World Series baseball might convince Rendon to remain with a contender.

Prediction: Rendon to Phillies

             

Will the Boston Red Sox Trade Mookie Betts?

The idea of trading Betts would have seemed absurd one year ago. The Red Sox were coming off winning the 2018 World Series, and the outfielder had been named the 2018 AL MVP.

Boston failed to qualify for the playoffs in 2019, however, and owner John Henry made it clear in September the team wants to trim payroll for next year.

"We need to be under the [competitive balance tax]," Henry told reporters about the $208 million tax threshold. "That was something we've known for more than a year now."

In turn, Betts' name has popped up in the rumor mill.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported a blockbuster deal involving the superstar five-tool player is "unlikely to happen," with the club first looking to move a pitcher to solve its payroll quandary.

The Red Sox must also consider the fan backlash that could arise from moving a player with Betts' ability and history with the team for purely financial reasons. It likely shifts trading him into the last-resort category, but it's still impossible to rule out at this stage of the offseason.

Prediction: Betts stays with Boston

MLB Trade Rumors: Latest Trade Buzz Before 2019 Winter Meetings

Dec 6, 2019

The 2019 MLB winter meetings begin Sunday in San Diego, and things are heating up at just the right time. 

There were a number of high-profile moves Wednesday, with Zack Wheeler signing with the Philadelphia Phillies and Cole Hamels agreeing to terms on a one-year deal with the Atlanta Braves.

Thursday offered more action in the trade market, as the New York Mets acquired former Houston Astros center fielder Jake Marisnick and the Milwaukee Brewers traded for former Seattle Mariners catcher Omar Narvaez as a replacement for Yasmani Grandal.

Plenty of teams are starting to ramp up activity with just a couple of days until the meetings begin. This could include clubs like the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox, who are looking to get back in the playoffs after missing out in 2019.

Here is some of the latest trade buzz before various front offices head to San Diego.

        

Astros Could Deal for Willson Contreras

The Astros are in the market for a catcher given that both Robinson Chirinos and Martin Maldonado are free agents. Meanwhile, the Cubs might be dangling All-Star catcher Willson Contreras in trade talks as they look to replenish their farm system.

Might the two sides work out a deal?

Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reported that the Astros have shown interest in Contreras since the beginning of the offseason, and David Schoenfield of ESPN devised a hypothetical trade offer (which also involves the Cincinnati Reds) that would send Contreras to Houston while bringing the Cubs a massive prospect haul.

Contreras has established himself as one of the best-hitting catchers in baseball. The 27-year-old was named to his second consecutive All-Star team last year, and he clubbed 24 homers in just 409 plate appearances while posting a career-high 127 weighted runs created plus (wRC+), according to FanGraphs.

Not to mention Contreras is valuable because he is only just entering his first year of arbitration and also has two more years of control after 2020. Acquiring Contreras would likely put a sizable dent in Houston's farm system, but general manager Jeff Luhnow proved that he is not afraid to gamble when he executed the last-minute trade for Zack Greinke at the trade deadline in July.

Meanwhile, the Cubs might be operating out of desperation at this point. Jeff Passan of ESPN reported that the Cubs have been "aggressive" and "obvious" in their desire to make a move.

      

Teams Asking About Nolan Arenado's Availability

Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado is probably one of the last star players that MLB fans would expect to see popping up in trade rumors.

After all, the Rockies signed Arenado to an eight-year, $260 million extension in February with the idea that he would be a franchise cornerstone. Nevertheless, Passan reported that "multiple teams" have contacted the Rockies about Arenado's availability this winter. 

Arenado was certainly not the problem during Colorado's 71-91 season. He slashed .315/.379/.583 with 41 homers and also won his seventh consecutive Gold Glove. But there are reasons to suggest the Rockies could listen to offers for Arenado.

For starters, Arenado has an opt-out after the 2021 season. He will be entering his age-31 season in 2022, and there is no reason that he could not sign another large contract in free agency if he continues to produce at his current level.

Second, the Rockies just increased payroll for the sixth consecutive season, and owner Dick Monfort said that the team's new TV deal will not kick in additional funds until 2021. The Rockies still need to consider what they are going to do with shortstop Trevor Story, who will be a free agent after 2021.

Lastly, the Rockies have just two prospects in MLB.com's Top 100. They have to make a concerted effort to develop pitching while also looking to add relievers and starters this offseason.

A trade involving Arenado seems unlikely, especially because the Rockies would like to compete in 2020. But perhaps there is a team that can blow the Rockies away with an offer that is too good to refuse.

        

Red Sox Looking to Move a Starter

Speaking of teams with financial questions, the Boston Red Sox are in quite the bind. Boston is projected to be sporting a $227 million payroll on Opening Day, according to Baseball Reference. 

Although the Red Sox would consider trading Mookie Betts given his projected salary ($27.7 million) as well as the fact that he is in a walk year, Passan reported that most executives believe he will not be dealt.

Instead, the Red Sox might be looking for other avenues to move money around. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that Boston is hoping to move at least one of their high-priced starters. 

This likely implies that the Red Sox are shopping David Price and Nathan Eovaldi. Price will make $32 million in each of the next three seasons, with Eovaldi set to make $17 million.

It seems improbable the Sox would trade Chris Sale after signing him to a five-year extension in March. Then again, anything is possible given that owner John Henry is determined to get below the competitive-balance tax threshold.

Trading either Price or Eovaldi figures to be difficult. Both are making plenty of money, plus Price will be 34 next summer and Eovaldi has a history of injury concerns. Not to mention the Red Sox need all the pitching they can get after their starters ranked 20th in ERA in 2019, according to FanGraphs.

Regardless, Red Sox general manager Chaim Bloom has his work cut out for him this offseason.

      

All stats courtesy of Baseball Reference and all contract information courtesy of Spotrac unless noted otherwise.