The MLB hot stove has cooled off dramatically after the initial frenzy, but there are still plenty of high quality free agents available. At the same time, teams are trying to make trades to help improve their roster before the start of the season. Here are all the latest MLB rumors you need to know:
Blue Jays interested in Brett Gardner
The Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring outfielder Brett Gardner from the New York Yankees, according to Richard Griffin of the Toronto Star. Toronto has discussed that as a potential alternative to re-signing Jose Bautista, but since Gardner is owed just $25 million through the 2018 season, adding him wouldn't necessarily mean they couldn't sign Bautista as well.
New York put Gardner on the trade block at the start of the offseason. He hit .261 with seven homers and 41 RBIs in 148 games last season.
Jose Abreu drawing trade interest
The Chicago White Sox have received a lot of trade interest this offseason for Todd Frazier, but Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reports the White Sox have actually received more interest for Jose Abreu:
While Chicago has received more interest in Jose Abreu, there have been "due diligence" phone calls on Frazier because of his right-handed power. Frazier had 40 homers and 98 RBIs last season. The White Sox would like to move him for a prospect or two, but the fact Frazier can be a free agent after next season may be holding back his market.
The 29-year-old Abreu hit .293 with 25 home runs and 100 RBIs in 159 games last season.
Nationals want to discuss new deal with Dusty Baker
Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker is entering the final year of a two-year contract he signed with the Nationals in November 2015, but it doesn't mean this will be his last year with the team. According to Jorge Castillo of the Washington Post, the two sides are willing to talk about a contract extension:
Baker, who turns 68 in June, will return in 2017 seeking his first World Series title in his 22nd season as a manager. But his future beyond 2017 is unclear because his contract is slated to expire after the season. He is, essentially, a lame-duck manager at the moment. But that could change before Opening Day, because the Nationals are willing to talk to Baker about extending his contract. The two sides haven’t broached the topic yet, however, according to people with knowledge of the situation.
The Nationals won the NL East with a 95-67 record this past season.
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