It’s no longer about a baseball trade. That part of the deal couldn’t be less important. The Cincinnati Reds may eventually trade closer Aroldis Chapman. They may even trade him to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
30 teams, 30 rumors: Catch up on the latest buzz
The great thing about the Winter Meetings is that every club is involved. No matter who you root for, there is going to be a rumor or two tied to your team every day of the proceedings. With that in mind, here’s a look at the most intriguing rumors attached to each club, as of Monday night.
Incident probe casts cloud over Chapman trade
A proposed trade that would send Reds All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman to the Dodgers for two prospects is apparently in doubt because of an alleged domestic violence incident involving the reliever, according to a story by Yahoo! Sports.
Giants casting wider net for outfield help
The Giants might have to get creative to fill their outfield vacancy. That’s outfield, not just left field.
Reds focused on acquiring young talent
As a proposed trade of closer Aroldis Chapman had to be put on hold amid the surfacing of a report of alleged domestic violence, the Reds stayed focused on other baseball business Monday during the Winter Meetings.
Suitors may be lining up to ask for Giles’ arm
General manager Matt Klentak said on Monday at the Winter Meetings that he is receiving numerous calls about closer Ken Giles.
Chapman gun incident being investigated
Cincinnati Reds All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman is the subject of a domestic violence investigation after an incident in which he allegedly had a physical altercation with his girlfriend and fired eight gunshots into the garage of his Miami-area home, according to a Yahoo! Sports story.
Bryant, Franco file grievances over service time
Two top rookie third basemen, Kris Bryant of the Cubs and Maikel Franco of the Phillies, have filed grievances claiming their teams manipulated their service time to delay their eligibility for free agency. In at least Bryant’s case, the grievance was filed early this past season. The story was first reported by Yahoo on Monday.
Play Ball event in Nashville caps exciting year
The baseball world gathers at the Winter Meetings. So this week was a perfect opportunity for Major League Baseball to stage its final Play Ball event of the year Monday night at the Vanderbilt University Recreation and Wellness Center.
Marlins, Gordon’s agent continue to work on extension
Dee Gordon racked up his share of accolades and awards in 2015. Now, the All-Star second baseman is primed to cash in on a long-term contract. Marlins officials met on Monday with Gordon’s agent, Rick Thurman, of Beverly Hills Sports Council, and talks are progressing.
Rangers willing to trade from strengths
The Rangers have been aggressive at the Winter Meetings in pursuit through the trade market for starting pitching and catching help. The Rangers just happen to have two assets that other clubs covet: power arms in the bullpen and top young prospects.
Blue Jays, Encarnacion yet to talk extension
The Blue Jays have yet to engage in serious contract negotiations with designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion but remain open to the idea of signing him to a long-term extension.
Mets zeroing in on bullpen help
The fact that the Mets at least floated the possibility last summer of trading for Aroldis Chapman speaks volumes about their relief strategy going forward. Though the Mets were solid in that area last season, they were not spectacular, and so they are overturning plenty of stones in their quest to improve.
D-backs snagged Greinke in one-day deal
When Tony La Russa showed up for work last Friday morning, the D-backs’ chief baseball officer had no idea the day would end with the club agreeing to terms with free-agent pitcher Zack Greinke on the largest deal in franchise history.
Free-agent focus shifts to packed outfield
With most of the top pitchers off the market, outfielders are now moving into a crowded on-deck circle at the Winter Meetings.
Mariners reinforce rotation with Miley
Jerry Dipoto moved quickly to replace Hisashi Iwakuma in the Mariners rotation as the new general manager acquired left-handed starter Wade Miley and reliever Jonathan Aro from the Red Sox on Monday in a trade for reliever Carson Smith and lefty Roenis Elias.
Brewers open to offers for Lucroy, but trade would hurt
To trade catcher Jonathan Lucroy, or rebuild the franchise around him? That question seems to be dividing fans and executives alike as the Brewers brainstorm their options at these Winter Meetings.