The MLB hot stove is virtually non-existent as spring training approaches, but there are still plenty of rumors circulating around the league as teams are still trying to make moves to help improve their roster before the start of the season. Here are all the latest MLB rumors you need to know:
Diamondbacks may trade Goldschmidt
The Arizona Diamondbacks are expected to be one of the league's worst teams again in 2017, and with a depleted farm system, they may have to look into trading All-Star Paul Goldschmidt if they do struggle again, according to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic.
Goldschmidt has never seemed to concern himself with predictions or expectations. Nor does he acknowledge thinking too many steps ahead. But it takes only a little imagination to envision the Diamondbacks approaching a crossroads, with Goldschmidt at the intersection.
If they again stumble out of the gate and find themselves distant contenders in the NL West, they might be forced to consider rebuilding. And that would mean deciding what to do with their franchise player.
His contract still has two more guaranteed years at $8.75 million this season and $11 million next, with a $14.5 million option for 2019. That would make him highly attractive to a contending team.
Goldschmidt hit .297 with 24 homers and 95 RBIs in 158 games last season.
Braves acquire Phillips
The Atlanta Braves announced they have officially acquired second baseman Brandon Phillips from the Cincinnati Reds:
#Braves acquire second baseman Brandon Phillips (@DatDudeBP) from the Reds in three-player trade. Details: pic.twitter.com/5FOSBJMvEV
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) February 12, 2017
Atlanta had previously tried to acquire Phillips in November, but he refused to waive his no-trade clause. He did this time around because of the opportunity for more playing time with the Braves.
Phillips hit .291 with 11 home runs and 64 RBIs last season.
Red Sox targeting Hernan Perez in trade?
As the Boston Red Sox look to solidify their roster, Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer thinks the Red Sox should look to acquire Hernan Perez from the Milwaukee Brewers.
“All this makes the 25-year-old an asset for the Brewers.” Rymer said. “But since they don’t have a place to play him in 2017, there’s a risk of his trade value diminishing over time. Rather than risk that, the Brewers could be willing to offload him now.
“On the Red Sox, Perez could take Josh Rutledge‘s roster spot and essentially be a right-handed-hitting version of Brock Holt. And since he’s most experienced as a third baseman in the majors, he would also be an intriguing Plan B for Pablo Sandoval in case his weight loss doesn’t translate to a return to form.”
Perez hit .272 with 13 homers and 56 RBIs in 123 games last season.
Utley took less money to re-sign with Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Chase Utley to a one-year deal late this week, something that was far from a foregone conclusion.
The Dodgers had allocated most of their money elsewhere, and Utley was reportedly considering a multitude of offers from other title contenders. However, LA was able to bring him back because he took less money to sign with them, according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports:
Utley is said to have taken less $ to return to dodgers. Geography plus excellent team obvs pluses for long beach native.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 11, 2017
Utley believed to receive 2M plus incentives on dodgers deal
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 12, 2017
Utley hit .252/.319/.396 with 26 doubles, 14 home runs and 52 RBI over 138 games last season.
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