We're in the middle of the 2015 MLB GM Meetings, and there's already a plethora of top names being tossed about in both trade scenarios and free agency speculation. This Who's going where? Who's a hot topic right now? Find out in our MLB Offseason Rumors Roundup: Pitchers Trade & Free Agency Edition.
Chapman, Kimbrel Drawing Major Interest
The consensus top two closers on the current trade market are the Cincinnati Reds' Aroldis Chapman and San Diego Padres' Craig Kimbrel. Several teams kicked the tires on both Chapman and Kimbrel before July's trade deadline, but neither the Reds nor Padres could find a return suitable to their wants/needs.
It's no surprise that both together are the hottest topic of conversation among general managers and assistants at this week's meetings.
Via Jon Heyman of CBS Sports:
"The Diamondbacks, Nationals, Blue Jays and Yankees were among teams that talked about Chapman at the deadline, and there are said to be "seven or eight" teams showing interest now in Kimbrel. The aforementioned four teams, plus the Braves, Red Sox and Tigers are seeking back-end relief help, with the Cubs and relief-strong Royals among many others looking at late-inning help."
The Reds are likely to be more willing to deal Chapman at a compromised price, seeing that they're in the beginning stages of a rebuild and Chapman's current contract runs out after the 2016 campaign. Kimbrel may be harder to pry away from Padres GM and "win now" philosopher AJ Preller, but San Diego does have Joaquin Benoit as a comparable replacement if the right team comes with the right offer.
Other Relievers In Play
The Yankees are reportedly entertaining offers for Andrew Miller, per a CBS Sports report on Monday. The Detroit Tigers are one of the teams who could be in play if Yanks GM Brian Cashman starts to seriously dangle Miller on the market.
Another potential banner name on the block is Pittsburgh Pirates closer and 2015 Trevor Hoffman Award winner Mark Melancon. While no concrete destinations have been listed for his as of yet, two rival GM's told CBS' Jon Heyman that he is available at the right price.
In fact, all closers may be available at the right price.
"Everyone's closer is available," a GM told Heyman. "People, especially the young GMs, have no fear of trading their closer."
The free agent market isn't nearly as stocked with back-end talent, but Baltimore Orioles setup man Darren O'Day is a fantastic setup option who some teams think could transition into a closer role. The Red Sox, Nationals, Tigers, Dodgers, Cubs and Royals are all contenders for O'Day. With the seller's market that's developing due to the scarcity of quality free-agent bullpen arms, the Orioles may be priced out in the O'Day chase even before it really heats up.
Giants and Cardinals Emerge As Big Players In Starter Market
The San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals are the two wild cards when it comes to the free agency courtship of top starting pitchers David Price, Johnny Cueto and Jordan Zimmermann.
In fact, if neither team is able to land one of those marquee names, they'll likely be among the most active teams scouting and offering the second- and third-tear of available starters.
The Cardinals' high-level urgency to find a quality starter is partly, if not a direct result of the news that Lance Lynn will sit out next season due to Tommy John Surgery.
For San Francisco, it's their lack of experience/health certainty beyond Madison Bumgarner and soon to be second-year righty Chris Heston. As FOX Sports' Jon Morosi points out, those are the only two Giants pitchers projected to start in 2015 who tallied 120 innings or more in 2015.
Back to the MLB Newsfeed