We're less than one month away from pitchers and catchers reporting, and there's still several impact names out there both in the free agency and trade markets who'll be on the move before the middle of February gets here. We're here to take a look at the latest from the MLB Hot Stove madness with our Rumors Roundup for January 28th.
Astros Sign Doug Fister
It was only a matter of time before Fister signed with a team, and the Astros pulled the trigger on the 31-year old pitcher today. It's a one-year deal for Fister, worth $7 million. However, the deal can reach $12 million if performance incentives are reached. He struggled last season with the Nationals, amid injuries, but had pitched well for several seasons before that. Fister is a strong bounce-back candidate and he'll likely take a spot in at the backend of the Astros' rotation.
Both Chicago Teams Monitoring Fowler?
Dexter Fowler is fresh off his best season, but doesn't have a new contract yet. The 30-year outfielder is still waiting for a new deal, both the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs are interested.
“The Cubs are still the most likely landing spot for Fowler,” one baseball executive told Bruce Levine of 670 The Score. “He should have taken the Cubs’ qualifying offer and moved into the free agent class of 2017.”
Adding Fowler might be enough to convince the club to deal Jorge Soler for pitching help. It would also keep Jason Heyward in right field, where he's been a Gold Glove winner.
As for the White Sox, bringing on Fowler would give them another top of the order hitter to pair with Adam Eaton. However, signing Fowler would cost the White Sox a draft pick. The loss of a draft pick is one of the reasons Fowler has yet to sign.
Cervelli Interested In Extension With Pirates?
Pirates catcher Francisco Cervelli is open to a contract extension with the Pirates, reports The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. However, the Pirates are staying quite about a potential extension for Cervelli.
"We do not discuss negotiations — potential or active — publicly," Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said. "We like Cervelli a lot and would welcome the chance to have him remain a Pirate in the event we are able to find a contract that makes sense for both the player and club ... We are also fortunate to have two quality catching prospects that are near major league ready in case we are not able to reach common financial ground."
The Pirates reached an arbitration agreement with Cervelli this offseason, but have two top-10 catching prospects in the minors. The Tribune-Review reports Cervelli wants a three-year deal worth about $13 million per year.
Cardinals Unsure About Molina's Return?
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports the Cardinals remain unsure on when catcher Yadier Molina will return from thumb surgery. That's led to concerns about the team's short-term and long-term plans for catcher. The team wanted to add another veteran catcher besides Brayan Pena, but hasn't done so yet. The best of the current young options on the roster might be Michael Ohlman, who the club acquired from the Baltimore Orioles last year.