The MLB season is just around the corner with exhibition games starting today. This offseason has been one to remember, filled with exciting trades, free agent signings, and hirings, foreshadowing what will be a great 2018 season. The big market teams like the New York Yankees' may have stolen the headlines this offseason, but today a few smaller market teams take the headlines. Here are the top rumors around the MLB that you need to know:
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Carlos Gonzalez On The Move?
The Colorado Rockies all offseason have been unsure of whether they would be able to re-sign outfielder Carlos Gonzalez. Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reports that Gonzalez is a "possibility" for the Chicago White Sox and that there's "been some contact" with the Houston Astros, as well.
Gonzalez would provide some much-needed power to the White Sox corner outfield spots. If Gonzalez were to go to Chicago it would be an interesting fit to see a team who likely won't contend to sign a high-profile player like CarGo. The Astros, on the other hand, will look to win back-to-back World Series titles and adding Gonzalez to the lineup would help.
Gonzalez struggled last season, hitting only 14 home runs with 57 RBIs and a .262 batting average over 136 games. Coors Field is a hitter-friendly ballpark, so these numbers are concerning. Despite the concerning numbers, Gonzalez is one of the better outfielders in baseball.
Francisco Liriano Signed By The Tigers
Earlier today Robert Murray of FanRag Sports tweeted that the market for pitcher Francisco Liriano "is beginning to heat up." Shortly after this tweet Murray reported that the Detroit Tigers signed Liriano to a one-year, $4 million contract.
Tigers signing Liriano makes sense because the Tigers want to add starting pitching and depth to the bullpen. Liriano provides help in both those cases since last season he made the transition from the starting rotation to the bullpen after being traded to the Astros midseason.
Liriano can earn $1 million more in incentives and will compete for a spot in the Detroit's' rotation. The left-hander had a 5.66 ERA for the Toronto Blue Jays and Astros last season. Liriano is now 34 coming off back-to-back disappointing seasons.
Carlos Rodon Not Expected To Play Until June
Carlos Rodon had arthroscopic left shoulder surgery last September and was recently just cleared to start throwing Jan. 26th. According to White Sox beat writer Daryl Van Schouwen, Rodon isn't expected to make his season debut until June.
Rodon has been throwing for about a month, but it wasn't until last week that he threw on back-to-back days. The White Sox will be cautious with the left-hander who was drafted third overall in the 2014 MLB Draft.
The 25-year-old made just 12 starts in 2017, posting a 4.17 ERA over 69 1/3 innings for the White Sox.
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