There are just 63 days until pitchers and catchers report for spring training, yet there is still plenty of hot-stove fodder to feed on.
The winter meetings seem like ages ago given the splash of free-agent signings, yet the trade market remains fluid among plenty of potentially franchise-altering talent.
Here is a look at some of the latest trade buzz.
Reds open for business on Todd Frazier
At least seven teams have been reportedly involved in trade talks with the Cincinnati Reds for star third baseman Todd Frazier, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported a trio of American League Central teams are heavily involved:
Frazier is a viable commodity given his ability to play first base and outfield, and he has an affordable contract—he’s due $8.2 million in 2016 and is under club control through 2017, per Spotrac.
The Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Indians each underachieved last year despite high expectations. Should Frazier join Chicago, he’d be an immediate boost to a lineup that scored the third-fewest runs in MLB.
The White Sox traded for Brett Lawrie to fill their void at third base, but Frazier would be a much more viable option, and statistics say Lawrie is actually better at second—a .972 career fielding percentage there against a .956 at third.
The Kansas City Royals already have All-Stars Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas at first and third, respectively, but have two corner outfield spots to fill with Alex Gordon and Alex Rios on the free-agent market.
The Reds are in the midst of a rebuild—they’re also trying to offshore second baseman Brandon Phillips and outfielder Jay Bruce, per Heyman—meaning they’ll likely want a prospect-heavy deal, which all three Central teams could oblige.
Buzz dead on Marlins’ Jose Fernandez, who won’t comment on future
After much speculation on a possible deal at the winter meetings for Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reported those talks have dwindled:
Fernandez, speaking for the first time publicly since the meetings, was mum on the topic.
“I’ve got no comment on that,” Fernandez said, per Walter Villa of the Miami Herald. “I’m not allowed to comment on it.”
Despite the rumors—Fernandez was linked to the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants, per Heyman—the Marlins remained adamant they weren’t shopping the 23-year-old ace.
Fernandez is represented by Scott Boras, who generally encourages clients to fulfill their initial contracts and hit the free-agent market to seek a maximum-value deal.
Fernandez, who returned midseason last year from Tommy John surgery, has three years left of club control, per Spotrac.
The Marlins but are in the market for starting pitching to build around Fernandez, but they have been relatively quiet this offseason and don’t appear on the brink of making any significant transactions.
Fernandez’s refusal to comment on his future has warranted speculation surrounding his future in Miami.
Fernandez is one of the best young arms in the game and could immediately catapult any contender’s rotation. If he’s not totally committed to the Marlins and their chances to contend, which could take time given their limited roster, they may find it in their best interest to move on.
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