The MLB Hot Stove is molten right now with the days ticking down until pitchers and catchers report. We're here to zero in on three top-level free agents and where they could land in the coming days. Here's our MLB Rumors Roundup For Jan. 20th.
Royals In Running For Howie Kendrick?
It's no secret that the reigning/defending World Champion Kansas City Royals are looking for an upgrade at second base over veteran Omar Infante, but are they willing to front even more cash to land someone like Howie Kendrick on the open market?
The trouble here is that Kansas City's payroll already projects at over $130 million this year with arbitration factored in -- a number that would take a significant jump with Kendrick added, unless the deal is backloaded. In addition, they'd have to surrender a draft pick to land him with the qualifying offer tag attached (all three of our spotlighted free agents have the compensation tag attached).
However, while MLB Network's Jon Heyman has listed the Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks as the three most likely destinations for the veteran middle infielder, Royals GM Dayton Moore and the entire front office are aware that the team's championship window may last just two more years with the sheer amount of free agents heading off the books after the 2017 season.
Why wouldn't Kansas City dip deeper into the funds for a proven commodity like Kendrick, especially if they can feasibly make it work on the books?
Yovani Gallardo Market Clearing Up
The Royals dropped out of the market for Gallardo after inking Ian Kennedy to a multi-year deal, but the 29-year-old righty is still garnering plenty of interest.
The aforementioned Jon Heyman lists the Baltimore Orioles and Houston Astros as prime contenders to lock Gallardo down on a multi-year deal, especially considering the Astros have under $30 million currently committed in payroll.
Yet, there's one contender Heyman fails to list which MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince has singled out as the favorite for Gallardo's signature -- the Toronto Blue Jays:
"The Blue Jays have had some contact with Gallardo, but it remains to be seen if they're willing to extend themselves much beyond last year's payroll level. Clearly, though, they could benefit from some added rotation depth, and losing the 23rd overall pick to sign Gallardo isn't the end of the world."
Gallardo isn't necessarily the #1 or #2 starter that many billed him to be during his time in Milwaukee, but he'd be a fantastic glue guy for the Blue Jays in the middle of the rotation.
Dexter Fowler As A Budget Option
Justin Upton's six-year, $132.75 million deal may not be matched in length or value when Yoenis Cespedes finally signs on the dotted line, but he's still a pricey option who eliminates several teams with outfield needs based right of the bat with his salary demands.
So, with Cespedes chasing dollar signs, Dexter Fowler is the guy who can likely be had at a comparative steep discount. The Chicago Cubs could very well bring back Fowler, but they'd likely have to trade Jorge Soler to justify it.
Who else could be in on Fowler? The Chicago White Sox could keep Fowler in town as they continue to beef up the lineup, while the New York Mets and Los Angeles Angels are lurking as well.
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