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 five most intriguing rumblings currently out there with the MLB Rumors You Need To Know For Dec. 22nd:
Royals Looking At Gerardo Parra?
The Royals want to bring back Alex Gordon (more on him below), but they are looking into Plan Bs in the event Gordon leaves. One of those options might be Gerardo Parra.
#Royals among the teams showing interest in free agent outfielder Gerardo Parra, sources say. @FOXSports
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 21, 2015
Parra wants a four-year deal, and it's not the first time his name has been linked to the Royals as an option. He's just 28 years old, so a four-year deal shouldn't be a major issue for the team that eventually signs him.
Mat Latos Has Interest From Four Teams?
Mat Latos struggled last season, but still has upside and is only 28 years old. At least four teams have checked in on Latos.
#Pirates, #Royals, #Orioles, #Brewers, #Rays have checked in on Latos, who is probably looking at 1-year deal to re-establish value.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) December 22, 2015
Latos would cost less for these teams than players like Wei-Yin Chen and Yovani Gallardo, so there's some high-reward upside.
Dodgers Making Run At Kenta Maeda?
The Los Angeles Dodgers are searching for starting pitching help, and that could lead them to make a run at Japanese pitcher Kenta Maeda.
Sources: #Dodgers interested in Kenta Maeda and maintaining contact with his representatives ahead of Jan. 8 deadline. @FOXSports
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 22, 2015
Maeda will turn 28 in April and is considered one of the best pitchers in Japan. His posting fee is $20 million, and MLB Trade Rumors projections he'll get a five-year, $60 million deal this offseason. Maeda posted six straight seasons with an ERA under 2.60.
White Sox Want Alex Gordon?
The White Sox already dealt for Cincinnati Reds third baseman Todd Frazier and they might not be done making moves yet.
Sources: #WhiteSox showing interest in Alex Gordon, among others. Gordon appeals for several reasons: Knows division, LHH, defense, makeup.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 22, 2015
The biggest issue is that the White Sox might not be able to afford Gordon. The team might need to trade away a player or two to make space for Gordon.
Yankees Trying To Deal Ivan Nova?
The New York Yankees are trying to trade starting pitcher Ivan Nova, according to the New York Post. However, the Post reports the Yankees are having problems finding a team interested in Nova. That's not exactly surprising, given Nova's struggles last season. Coming off Tommy John surgery, Nova posted a 6-11 record with a 5.07 ERA. He finished the year with four straight starts in which he posted a 7.20 ERA. Nova will be a free agent after this season and it sounds like the Yankees won't be able to deal the 29-year old pitcher this offseason.