Football is great and all, but we don't ignore baseball just because the season is over. Luckily for us, there's always something to talk about in the MLB. Winter Meetings are over and a several big name free agents have signed, but there are still plenty of rumors. We're here to highlight the three most intriguing rumblings currently out there with the MLB Rumors You Need To Know For Dec. 17th:
Royals Low-Balling Alex Gordon?
The Royals don't want to lose OF Alex Gordon and Gordon doesn't want to leave Kansas City. However, Gordon wants to get paid and the Royals don't have the funds to offer him the contract he could get from others. As a result, the Royals are low-balling Gordon. Jim Bowden writes (ESPN Insider) that the Royals are offering Gordon a four-year offer worth $12 or $13 million per year. Bowden expects Gordon will get a five-year deal worth about $18 million. It seems like the Royals are hoping that Gordon doesn't find an offer worth substantially more than the Royals' deal and elects to take a discount.
Wei-Yin Chen Wants $100 Million?
Chen is one of the top pitchers left on the free agent market, and the 30-year old wants a hefty contract.
Fans who keep asking if #orioles might re-sign Wei-Yin Chen: Hear he's seeking 5 years, $100 mil. So....no. It's clear team has moved on
— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) December 17, 2015
That price eliminates the Orioles from contention, because they won't pay that much for Chen. The Cardinals, Nationals and even the Cubs have been linked to Chen.
Dodgers Interested In Several Pitchers?
The Dodgers have been the subject of several rumors about pitchers this morning. First, Hisashi Iwakuma's physical didn't go as planned and the Dodgers backed out of a deal to sign the pitcher. The club is still talking with him, but they're also looking at other options.
In addition to Leake, #Dodgers also on Kazmir, sources say. Told yesterday - even before Iwakuma news - they are not ruling out anyone.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 17, 2015
But the Dodgers aren't limiting themselves to free agents. The Dodgers are also talking to the Rays about Jake Odorizzi, reports Jon Heyman of CBS. Odorizzi doesn't have much name recognition (that's what happens when you play for the Rays), but he's young, talented and under team control for another four seasons.
Finally, Ken Rosenthal says the Dodgers' acquisition of three prospects in the Todd Frazier means they could trade for a starting pitcher. At the top of the list is Marlins star Jose Fernandez.
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