Tag: Preview/Prediction

Predicting Boom or Bust for Each Big 2015-16 MLB Offseason Move to Date

Every blockbuster trade and free-agent signing during the offseason is made with a high level of confidence that everything will play out according to plan.

As we know, though, that’s not always the case.

Last offseason some brilliant moves were made, headlined by the Toronto Blue Jays’ acquisition of Josh Donaldson and a string of under-the-radar moves by the Kansas City Royals that worked to perfection.

On the flip side, the Boston Red Sox signings of Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval proved to be a huge flop, and busy offseasons from the San Diego Padres and Chicago White Sox yielded little success in the win-loss column.

There is still a ways to go until the MLB offseason comes to a close and spring training begins, but we’ve already seen a number of significant moves made this offseason.

Ahead is a look at each big offseason move to date, and my take on whether it will be a boom or bust for the team involved.

Some of the predictions are stat-based, some are situation-based and some are simply gut feelings. Nothing here is meant to be a calculated attack on a specific player or team, just one person’s opinion on each major move.

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Updating the Hottest Questions of the 2015-2016 MLB Offseason, Week 6

From trying to decipher what the heck the Los Angeles Dodgers are doing to puzzling over where Yoenis Cespedes will play next season, there are plenty of giant questions left to be answered before the MLB offseason begins its brief holiday hibernation.

While Cespedes isn’t the only free-agent headliner who cracks this list, there’s also room for a veteran infielder who has recently ended up on the trade block.

Departing from the trade and free-agent theme, there’s also a place in the conversation for one National League powerhouse that just can’t seem to catch any luck on the health front.

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2016 MLB Free Agents: Rumors and Predictions for Top Available Players

Headlines around baseball have been dominated by Pete Rose’s failed attempt for reinstatement into the game over the past few days, but the hot stove has continued to hum along this December. 

In that span, the San Francisco Giants have gained another arm for their rotation in Johnny Cueto, while the Chicago Cubs introduced newest outfielder Jason Heyward

There are still some big names, especially in the outfield, that are out on the free-agent market and could provide large upgrades for teams that are interested. 

Let’s take a look at the latest on some of the best remaining free agents. 

 

Justin Upton

After a somewhat quiet start to the offseason, interest in outfielder Justin Upton is starting to heat up. According to ESPN’s Jim Bowden, the Los Angeles Angels, Baltimore Orioles and San Francisco Giants have all inquired about the outfielder. 

Upton’s six-year, $51.5 million contract (via Spotrac.com) expired at the end of the 2015 season, his first with the San Diego Padres after being dealt from the Atlanta Braves. He’s had some difficulty living up to the .300/26/86 season he put up as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2009 that earned him that deal, but Upton is still a big bat that is being coveted by teams around the league. 

Last season, Upton batted .251, his lowest average since 2008, but recorded his third consecutive year in which he hit over 25 home runs. While the Padres dealt for him during the 2014 offseason, Rosenthal believes that the odds of the Padres re-signing him are “very low.”

Two-thirds of the Angels outfield looks set with Mike Trout in center field and Kole Calhoun in right. Trout hit .299/41/90, while Calhoun put together a career year with 26 home runs and 83 RBI, similar numbers to Upton. 

Left field, though, has been an issue. Matt Joyce, who started 93 games in left, batted just .174, forcing the Angels to go out and get David Murphy and Shane Victorino. They were just two of four utility left fielders the Angels used last season. 

Upton would provide stability to the position while rounding out what would become one of the most powerful outfields in the league. 

Another team with holes in the outfield is the Orioles, who need to find help surrounding center fielder Adam Jones. Gerardo Parra is testing the free-agency market after being shipped to the Orioles from the Milwaukee Brewers while Steve Pearce appeared in 93 games. They were just a part of a revolving door that was implemented in the outfield as six other players made appearances last season. 

Parra, like Upton, is drawing interest from the Giants according to the San Francisco Chronicle‘s John Shea

If the Orioles lose first baseman Chris Davis to free agency, they will also desperately need to replace some of the power that he brings. Upton doesn’t necessarily hold the same power as Davis, who led the American League with 47 home runs last season. But piecing together an offense by committee to replace the slugger would prove just as beneficial. 

Also losing Davis will clear up plenty of money to give to Upton, who at 28, will require a longer deal to bring in. 

The Giants have flashed some serious cash already this winter with the signings of pitchers Jeff Samardzija for $90 million and Cueto for $130 million. While they still need help offensively in the outfield, as Angel Pagan, Nori Aoki and Hunter Pence combined 17 home runs last season while all dealt with injury, the Giants might have to go a cheaper route. 

Prediction: Upton signs six-year, $115 million deal with Orioles.

 

Yoenis Cespedes

Yoenis Cespedes had one of the most prolific second-halves to a season since Carlos Beltran’s 2004 with the Houston Astros as he sparked the New York Mets to a National League championship, hitting 17 home runs in 57 games. 

The 30-year-old, who attained career highs with 35 home runs and 105 RBI last season with the Detroit Tigers and Mets, hasn’t fielded a ton of action on the market this winter.

It might be because of the length of the deal he is asking, as he told ESPN’s Marly Rivera that he is looking for a six-year deal, which would most likely put him well over the $100 million mark. 

Cespedes‘ departure would obviously hurt the Mets, who have just seen money freed up due to the retirement of Michael Cuddyer. Still, Cespedes is outside of the Mets’ price range, according to the New York Daily NewsKristie Ackert

That being said, Ackert reports that the Mets would still “be happy to welcome him back” if the price comes down. They should replace the world “happy” with “thrilled” because of his influence on the Mets lineup upon his arrival: 

But there could be teams willing to pay that kind of deal to lure Cespedes away from Queens, which include the Angels, among others per the New York Post‘s Joel Sherman

While the Giants, Tigers and Kansas City Royals are also interested, I can’t see Cespedes going anywhere other than Los Angeles. The Angels will throw serious cash at him in an attempt to round out their outfield and make them into serious American League contenders. 

Putting in his lethal bat with the likes of Trout and Albert Pujols will ensure that the Angels will be providing plenty of power, almost as much as the Toronto Blue Jays are capable of putting together.

Prediction: Cespedes signs six-year, $125 million deal with Angels.

 

Alex Gordon

The team that beat Cespedes‘ Mets in the World Series, the Kansas City Royals, are facing the possibility of losing one of the faces of their franchise in Alex Gordon. 

Gordon is testing the free-agency market and had been linked to the in-state rival St. Louis Cardinals, per USA Today Sports’ Bob Nightengale after they lost out on Jason Heyward

However, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch‘s Derrick Goold reports that the team doesn’t see the 32-year-old Gordon as a replacement for Heyward.

Having spent the first nine years of his career in Kansas City, Gordon has stuck with the Royals through thick and thin, becoming a favorite among fans and players alike. 

Royals play-by-play man spoke with Brian Rosenthal of the Lincoln Star Journal:

I don’t know if there’s a more respected player in the league by everybody — young guys, veteran guys, middle-of-the-road guys, coaches, managers. There’s 29 other teams that would love to have Alex Gordon.

There hasn’t been a definitive asking price for Gordon revealed yet, but teams like the Cardinals and Giants should be interested. 

However, I don’t think Gordon will leave Kansas City in what could be a rare showing of loyalty in baseball. 

Prediction: Gordon signs three-year, $48 million deal with Royals.

Stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com


MLB Rumors: Hot-Stove Trade Buzz Surrounding 2016’s Premier Talent

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 Heymanthe 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. 

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com


Fact or Fiction on All of MLB Offseason Week 6’s Free-Agency, Trade Rumors

If you thought the hot stove was going to cool off in time for the holidays, well, you were wrong. We’ve seen a handful of blockbuster deals go down in recent days.

There was Jason Heyward’s eight-year, $184 million free-agent pact with the Chicago Cubs and Johnny Cueto’s six-year, $130 million deal with the San Francisco Giants, which took two of the biggest free agents off the board.

Then there was the five-player haul Philadelphia got from Houston in exchange for closer Ken Giles—a package that included former No. 1 draft pick Mark Appel—that removed a number of valuable trade chips from the market.

Crazy as it may seem, we could be in store for even more action as we continue to cross off the shopping days left until Christmas.

Have escalating prices convinced a perennial contender to close up shop for the winter? Are the top free-agent outfielders all going to benefit from Heyward’s massive payday? Could one of baseball’s best up-and-coming stars be traded before Opening Day?

We’ll tackle all of that and more in this week’s edition of Fact or Fiction.

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Impact MLB Offseason Deals That Will Still Go Down Before the New Year

The 2015 MLB offseason has been an exercise in patience for prime-time outfielders like Yoenis Cespedes, Alex Gordon and Justin Upton.

Now that Jason Heyward has inked an eight-year, $184 million deal with the Chicago Cubs, the market has been set and the offseason game of outfield musical chairs can begin.

No team wants to be left without a seat—or rather, an outfielder—so the biggest names should start flying off the board in short order.

From predicting a new home for La Potencia to sending Gordon to one of the Kansas City Royals’ division rivals, here are four deals that will go down before New Year’s.

In addition to the free-agent forecasts, there’s also room on the list for a trade involving a vet who smashed 40 home runs in 2015

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MLB Trade Ideas Based on Offseason Week 6 News, Rumors and Speculation

Baseball’s annual winter meetings are over, and while there was a flurry of activity, nearly every team departed Nashville, Tennessee, having also laid the groundwork for potential deals down the road.

It’s something that wasn’t lost on the rumor mill, which hasn’t stopped buzzing with speculation about who will be the next big name to change uniforms this offseason. All-Star position players and pitchers who garnered votes in their respective league’s Cy Young Award race were dealt, and there’s plenty of activity yet to come.

To be sure, some speculation is swirling around players who we’ve generated trade ideas for before, whether it be during the regular season or, in some cases, even last offseason. Others are making their first appearance in our weekly endeavor, which we bring to you every Tuesday.

Keep in mind these proposed deals are only ideas and pure speculation. Unless otherwise noted, there’s no indication any of them has actually been discussed.

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Why the New York Mets Have Been Treading Lightly This Offseason

The New York Mets are clearly within arm’s reach of a World Series title, and many fans are patiently awaiting news of a major offensive transaction that they believe is necessary to bring a championship back to Queens for the first time in 30 years.

The Mets 2015 season did not begin to turn around until the team acquired Yoenis Cespedes from the Detroit Tigers and Juan Uribe and Kelly Johnson from the Atlanta Braves.

Prior to acquiring Cespedes the Mets were quite literally the worst offensive team in the league, averaging just 3.5 runs per game and hitting .234 as a team.

After the Mets traded for Cespedes on July 31st, they almost immediately transformed into the best offensive team in the National League, hitting .275 and averaging 6.5 runs per game.

Now one certainly does not need to be a sabermetrics expert to conclude that the only thing the Mets’ lineup had been missing during the first half of the 2015 season was an offensive punch. The pitching was there, as was the defense. As soon as the Mets added some power to their lineup, all of the pieces began to fall into place.

So far this offseason the Mets have watched Cespedes and NLCS hero Daniel Murphy walk out the door along with their combined 49 home runs and 178 RBIs (although only half of that production from Cespedes came after he was traded to the Mets midseason).

The biggest transactions the Mets have made to date have been trading Jonathon Niese to the Pittsburgh Pirates for second basemen Neil Walker and signing free agent shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera to a two-year contract.

While Walker and Cabrera should improve the Mets’ defense up the middle, these players bring with them a combined 31 home runs and 129 RBIs from last season.

That essentially means that losing Murphy and Cespedes while bringing in only Walker and Cabrera will result in around 30 percent less offensive production.

Clearly New York has some ground to make up in the middle of their lineup if they are to mount another run at a World Series title in 2016.

But the problem with the Mets right now is that they are in no position to shell out huge money for a big-time free agent when they have far too many internal questions that need to be answered.

First and foremost, the Mets don’t really know what they have offensively heading into the 2016 season.

David Wright missed nearly the entire 2015 season due to a back injury, and Michael Conforto has played only 56 regular season games in the big leagues.

If Wright remains healthy and Conforto develops into a major offensive threat while becoming the Mets’ everyday left fielder, then these two players, combined with Walker and Cabrera, could make up for the offensive production the team will lose in Cespedes and Murphy.

Travis d’Arnaud has been plagued by a number of injuries throughout his young career and played just 67 games for the Mets last season. But the 26-year-old catcher has also shown the potential to develop into a stronger offensive threat. If d’Arnaud can manage to remain healthy for most of the 2016 season, he could add some additional offensive power that the team lacked at the catcher position for most of 2015.

The Mets would like to resolve these issues before shelling out a boatload of money for a big-bat free agent that they may not even need right now.

Of course free agency is not the only way to acquire another middle-of-the-lineup bat. The Mets could also make a trade that will bring a Cespedescaliber player to New York for the start of the 2016 season. But they are also in no position to pull off a major trade right now due to the value of some of their key trading options.

If the Mets were to pull off a deal for a big-time bat, the trade would almost certainly involve at least one of the following three players: Conforto, Zack Wheeler or Matt Harvey.

Conforto is a hot young prospect that would be attractive to any team in the trade market. But if he continues to develop in a manner that most expect him to, he will have not even reached a fraction of the value the Mets could extract from him six months to one year down the line.

Harvey also has to be considered a trade option for the Mets. The right-hander begins arbitration this season and will be an unrestricted free agent in 2018. If this year’s market for strong starting pitching is anything to go by, Harvey will be looking at a massive payday during the 2018 offseason.

So the Mets can either maximize Harvey’s value in a trade sooner rather than later, or they can watch him head out of town in the free-agency market without getting anything in return.

The problem with Harvey is that he, too, has not yet reached his maximum trade value. He is coming off of his first year following Tommy John surgery, and any prospective taker would likely want to evaluate how Harvey emerges in 2016 after throwing the most pitches ever recorded by a player in the year immediately following such surgery.

If Harvey starts strong in 2016, he will likely hit his maximum trade value by the middle of the season, which is when the Mets may be able to utilize him to acquire a big bat.

Wheeler is another trade option for the Mets, but his value is almost nonexistent right now, as he has not yet returned from the Tommy John surgery that had him sidelined for the entire 2015 season. If Wheeler comes back strong in 2016, his trade value could increase dramatically.

Wheeler is also a player that could be expendable for the Mets if the team decides to hold onto Harvey. But the other side of that coin is that the Mets will not really know if they can afford to trade Harvey until they have had sufficient time to evaluate Wheeler’s return from Tommy John.

So the Mets certainly have the ability to acquire the offensive power they need through either a trade or free agency. But signing an expensive free agent to a long-term deal before knowing if he is truly needed— or unloading young players in trades before they have reached their maximum trade value—is not the right way to go about building a team that can be a World Series contender in coming years.

The Mets have been treading lightly this offseason, which may not be exactly what the New York fans were hoping for.

But many questions must be addressed before the Mets can intelligently proceed toward acquiring the bats they need.

And much to the chagrin of Mets fans, these questions will more than likely not be answered until at least the middle of the 2016 season.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com


MLB Trade Rumors: Buzz Surrounding Aroldis Chapman and Top Players Available

The MLB hot stove continues to simmer well after the winter meetings ended Wednesday. 

The free-agent market continues to remain fluid—apropos the Chicago Cubs’ splash signing of Jason Heyward on Friday—though teams continue trade talks with plenty of potential moves that could continue to shift the competitive landscape. 

Here is a look at the latest buzz heading into the post-meetings weekend. 

 

Despite investigation, Reds still trying to trade Aroldis Chapman

The Cincinnati Reds’ trade of closer Aroldis Chapman with the Los Angeles Dodgers was a done deal until news surfaced that the hard-hurling lefty had been involved in a domestic violence incident that prompted MLB to launch an investigation into the incident. 

The Dodgers have since moved on and are now pursuing other options, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, leaving the Reds in possession of damaged goods—with a possible suspension looming. 

Yet despite MLB’s probe, teams are still in contact with the Reds about a possible deal, according to Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports:

One reason: A lengthy suspension could result in an extra year of team control over Chapman, who currently is on track to accrue the necessary six years of service by the end of the 2016 season.

No trade is close, but clubs are allowed to pursue Chapman while he is under investigation, sources say.

Chapman is among the game’s best closers, but the Reds are desperate to rid themselves of the four-time All-Star, as he has just one year remaining on his current deal and will likely command a figure well out of their price range next winter.

However, that’s if he reaches sufficient service time, which is 138 days this season on an active roster or disabled list, per Rosenthal and Morosi. MLB would not credit him time under a suspension for domestic violence. 

Cincinnati was in a similar situation last year with the looming departure of ace Johnny Cueto, who remains on the market and has rejected a deal of $120 million—well outside the Reds’ budget—from the Arizona Diamondbacks, per Steve Gilbert of MLB.com.

The Reds would get less from a trade for Chapman at this juncture, but as Rosenthal and Morosi noted, “They might be so motivated to move him, however, that they would accept a lesser return.”

 

Rockies listening to calls on outfielders

The Colorado Rockies have long been trying to deal powerful outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, but they have also been fielding calls for Charlie Blackmon and Corey Dickerson, according to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com.

Crasnick noted the Kansas City Royals are in the market for outfielders with both Alex Gordon and Alex Rios on the free-agent market, and Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star noted Gordon’s return appears doubtful:

Joel Wagler of FanSided made a case for why the defending champions should make a run at Gonzalez.

“Even if you account for the Coors Field inflation (he hit 24 of his dingers at home), he still offers more power than most of the current Royals,” Wagler wrote. “A good chunk of those homers will turn into doubles at Kauffman [Stadium], but he would fit into what the Royals like to do.”

Injuries hindered Gonzalez in 2012 and 2013, but he totaled career highs in home runs (40) and games played (153) in 2015. 

The Royals reached the promised land by developing their remarkable farm system, and the Rockies will ask a lot for the eight-year outfielder, who is owed more than $37 million the next two years, per Spotrac.

If the Royals were to part with a sizable chunk of their prospects, they would remain favorites in the American League by adding a formidable force like Gonzalez to their lineup.

 

Cubs remain active in pitching market

The Cubs have added Heyward, utility man Ben Zobrist and right-handed pitcher John Lackey—but they aren’t done yet. 

Chicago is reportedly seeking another starter, according to Carrie Muskat of MLB.com, to supplement its already-remarkable rotation that includes reigning NL Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester and Lackey. 

Morosi reported talks are already underway with a pair of clubs for the Cubs’ would-be No. 4 spot:

As Muskat noted, the Cubs still have plenty of chips to offer to solidify their rotation, such as outfielder Jorge Soler and infielder Javier Baez. 

Baez seems to be the more logical move, as the Cubs infield appears set with Anthony Rizzo at first base, Zobrist at second, Addison Russell at short and NL Rookie of the Year Kris Bryant at third.

Parting ways with Soler would be more costly—at least for now—as Chicago only has Heyward and Kyle Schwarber to man the outfield. 

The Cubs are already the favorites to win the World Series, per Odds Shark, but team president Theo Epstein and company are well aware that adding another arm in their rotation would give them more assurance come October.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com


MLB Trade Rumors: Latest Trade Rumblings Following 2015 Winter Meetings

The MLB winter meetings were the biggest platform for what’s been arguably the most active offseason in recent memory. 

The Arizona Diamondbacks supplemented their splash signing of mega-free agent Zack Greinke by trading for up-and-coming Atlanta Braves starter Shelby Miller.

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ deal with the Cincinnati Reds for lights-out closer Aroldis Chapman was halted when MLB launched an investigation into domestic abuse accusations against the hard-hurling lefty.

The Chicago Cubs finally pulled the trigger and traded shortstop Starlin Castro, who’d been linked to trade talks as far back as the 2014 non-waiver deadlineto the New York Yankees

The meetings are in the books, but as teams trek home from Nashville, Tennessee, there are still ongoing trade discussions that could manifest into moves in the coming days. Here is a look at the post-meetings buzz. 

 

Reds discussing Todd Frazier with Royals

The Reds failed to return on what would’ve been a high-end deal for Chapman, but they have also actively shopped third baseman Todd Frazier, according to C. Trent Rosecrans of the Cincinnati Enquirer.

The defending champion Kansas City Royals have emerged as a potential suitor, according to ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark:

The Royals already have All-Star Mike Moustakas at third, but as Stark indicated, they’ll need to fill two corner outfield spots with Alex Gordon and Alex Rios currently on the free-agent market.

Frazier is a Gold Glove winner at third base and has played only 13 games in the outfield since breaking into the bigs in 2011, though he did start 173 games there in five minor league seasons. 

Frazier has two years of club control left and is due to make $7.5 million next year, per Spotrac, which is well within the mid-market Royals’ budget.

The Reds are said to be seeking MLB-ready talent for Frazier, according to Stark, which the Royals may be hesitant to cede. The defending champs are already primed for another pennant run, but adding Frazier would only bolster their odds, which are currently fifth-best at 12-1, per Odds Shark.

 

Rockies speak with Nationals about Charlie Blackmon

The Colorado Rockies have long been linked to trade rumors for power bat Carlos Gonzalez, but fellow outfielder Charlie Blackmon has surfaced as another potential chip, according to Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com. 

The Washington Nationals have been in contact with the Rockies for the outfielder, though the Rockies are said to be seeking a lot for the burly and bearded center fielder, according to Pete Kerzel of MASNSports.com:

Blackmon has been an everyday workhorse the past two seasons, missing just 13 games during that span while compiling a .288 batting average, 18 home runs and 65 RBI a year.

The Rockies desperately need pitching—of which the Nationals have plenty—as Colorado collectively compiled an MLB-worst 5.04 ERA in 2015, but it has struggled to lure free agents to hitter-friendly Coors Field. 

The Rockies offense has ranked in the top five in runs scored in each of the last two years, but they’ve finished no better than fourth in the National League West in that span. 

 

Marlins say they won’t trade Jose Fernandez

Miami Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill said Wednesday that ace Jose Fernandez “is not going anywhere,” per Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald

The Marlins have fielded calls for the 23-year-old star right-hander, but any momentum of a possible deal dwindled toward the end of the winter meetings, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com.  

Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports broached that the D-backs—given their incredibly aggressive offseason that clearly shows they fully plan to contend in 2016—should pursue Fernandez to complete what would be one of the best rotations in baseball:

[General manager Dave] Stewart lives in the today, the heavy rush of the moment – as well as the imperative from his bosses – outweighing what a kid might become. It’s why Fernandez makes so much sense. Greinke and Fernandez immediately would become the game’s best duo – one reminiscent of the Curt Schilling-and-Randy Johnson-led World Series-winning team in 2001 that Arizona still reveres. And if it costs prospects, well, Stewart ripped open that Pandora’s box like it was a present Christmas morning.

Fernandez would immediately catapult any contender, but the Marlins are hoping he can be their catalyst in the coming years as they aim to chase the Nationals and New York Mets in what is shaping up to be a competitive NL East. 

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com


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