Hot Stove roundup: Infield depth gives Texas options
Rangers could offer Profar, Andrus or Kinsler to strengthen areas of need
When a team is looking to improve on one facet of its club, it helps when it has a surplus in another area. Read ahead in today's Hot Stove roundup to find out which club is in such a situation, and plenty of other news:
• With Jurickson Profar, Elvis Andrus and Ian Kinsler, the Rangers have a wealth of infield depth. The Dallas Morning News' Evan Grant reports the Rangers could very well trade one of those players (with some top prospects also working their way into the picture) to fill other needs.
"We have three guys at the Major League level and two guys at Double-A [Rougned Odor and Luis Sardinas]; it would be irresponsible not to consider it," general manager Jon Daniels told Grant. "Will we ultimately make a deal? I really don't know. Teams are getting the lay of the land, see what's out there and make a decision."
• The Blue Jays are looking to add starting pitching talent. But would they be willing to part ways with Jose Bautista in order to get it? The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo says it's a possibility.
Cafardo also notes there's a "growing sentiment" that the Padres will deal third baseman Chase Headley this winter.
• It's no secret the Tigers need a closer, and Joe Nathan and Brian Wilson are two names that have been closely linked to Detroit. It was reported earlier this week that there has been mutual interest between the Tigers and Nathan, but Buster Olney tweeted that the Tigers may prefer Wilson because of salary.
• Right-hander Jeff Samardzija has the potential to be a building block for the Cubs moving forward, and David Kaplan is reporting that the Cubs have reached out to him about a contract extension. Samardzija, who will become a free agent after the 2015 season and turns 29 in January, had a 4.34 ERA last year and logged a career-high 213 2/3 innings.
• Because of the unique structure of Bryce Harper's contract and some unresolved issues, the Washington Post's Adam Kilgore reports that Harper and the Nationals could be looking at a grievance hearing next winter.