While Manny Machado and Bryce Harper have rightfully dominated the headlines this offseason, some other free agents seem to be flying under the radar.

Count A.J. Pollock among that group.

The center fielder was considered to be one of the top 10 players available on this year's market, the No. 2 outfielder behind only Harper. Yet aside from a mention here or there, Pollock's name has been noticeably absent from the Hot Stove rumor mill.

• Hot Stove Tracker

Pollock, who turned 31 earlier this month, is reportedly seeking a contract similar to the five-year, $80 million deal Lorenzo Cain signed last offseason with the Brewers. Cain was nearly a year older than Pollock when he signed his deal, though the former Royals All-Star had something Pollock does not: a track record of staying on the field.

Cain played 133 games or more in three of the four years leading up to free agency, while Pollock has missed 341 games over the past five seasons. Aside from his 157-game breakout in his All-Star 2015 season, Pollock hasn't played more than 113 games in a year since 2013, sustaining a variety of injuries including elbow, groin and hand issues.

"He's going to have trouble getting the deal he wants because he hasn't been able to stay on the field," one industry source said. "The Draft pick [compensation for declining a qualifying offer] doesn't help, either."

As MLB.com's Andrew Simon noted last month, Pollock's 469 games played since the start of 2014 are tied for 218th among position players, placing him behind the likes of Peter Bourjos, Brandon Guyer and Ben Revere. Yet his 17 Wins Above Replacement during that stretch rank 41st in that group, ahead of many big-name players, including Charlie Blackmon, Khris Davis, Andrew McCutchen and Michael Brantley.

Video: LAD@ARI: Pollock drills a 3-run homer to center field

By comparison, Cain had a 27.2 WAR during the five years leading up to his free agency, a significantly higher number than the one Pollock has accrued. Can Pollock convince teams he's worth the same kind of contract Cain received? McCutchen's three-year, $50 million deal with the Phillies should help Pollock's cause, though it remains to be seen whether he can get $80 million or more.

Here's a look at nine clubs potentially in the mix for Pollock's services.

The Favorites

Mets
General manager Brodie Van Wagenen has been bullish on Pollock, who would fit nicely into the Mets' outfield, settling in between Michael Conforto and Brandon Nimmo. Van Wagenen has been ultra-aggressive already this offseason, adding Robinson Cano, Edwin Diaz, Jeurys Familia and Wilson Ramos, leaving center field as his top priority.

One issue for them is what to do when Yoenis Cespedes -- who is signed through 2020 -- is back on the field after surgeries on both of his heels. If the Mets sign Pollock, it's probably a sign that they don't expect to see much of Cespedes this season, and will worry about potential outfield "overcrowding" in 2020 when the time comes.

Phillies
Harper and Machado remain the Phillies' primary targets, but Pollock figures to be a solid Plan B if they're unable to land either star. Philadelphia, which moved Rhys Hoskins from left field back to first base, has already traded for shortstop Jean Segura and signed McCutchen, though the latter deal won't preclude the club from going after another outfielder such as Harper or Pollock.

Braves
Having already spent $25 million on Josh Donaldson and Brian McCann this offseason, the Braves remain in the market for an outfielder to replace Nick Markakis. Atlanta appears to have the money to sign another notable player such as Pollock, who would join Ronald Acuna Jr. and Ender Inciarte to form a superior defensive outfield. The Braves -- who had interest in McCutchen before he signed with the Phillies -- could also address their outfield need in a trade with the Dodgers, for whom GM Alex Anthopoulos worked before taking over in Atlanta last year.

The Dark Horses

Dodgers
The idea of the Dodgers adding another outfielder seems outlandish at first, but with Yasiel Puig, Joc Pederson, Matt Kemp and Alex Verdugo all being floated as trade candidates, anything is possible. Los Angeles has seen Pollock up close in the National League West for years, and if the Dodgers are able to move multiple outfielders in other deals, there could be a fit.

Reds
Cincinnati seems to be involved in a number of scenarios, from free agents such as Dallas Keuchel and Pollock to trade options including Puig and Trevor Bauer. It seems clear that the Reds have money to spend and want to make a splash to some extent, so why not add the best pure center fielder on the market? After cutting ties with Billy Hamilton, the spot is wide open.

Indians
Brantley and Lonnie Chisenhall are gone, leaving openings in the Indians' outfield. If Cleveland can make a move to clear some salary -- something the Indians appear to be attempting with potential trades of Corey Kluber and/or Bauer -- it could pave the way for Pollock to join the Tribe, who could use his right-handed bat in the outfield.

The Field

Rockies
Pollock is a better defender than Blackmon, who could move to a corner outfield spot. The Rockies could be hesitant to sign a big contract, though, as Nolan Arenado is set to become a free agent next year.

Astros
Houston's biggest need is starting pitching, but with many of the top arms already signed, the Astros could turn their attention to adding another bat. Putting Pollock in the outfield with George Springer and Josh Reddick would make the Astros even more of a force to be reckoned with. But with Brantley reportedly nearing a free-agent deal with the Astros, it remains to be seen whether they would also sign Pollock.

White Sox
Chicago is pursuing one of the two mega-stars (Machado, Harper), but like the Phillies, the White Sox could turn to Pollock if they're unable to land either of the big fish.

Roughly two months remain before pitchers and catchers report to Major League camps for Spring Training, and that gives teams plenty of time to get creative on the Hot Stove. We've already seen it in the starting-pitcher market, where the Yankees went and got a potential ace in James Paxton and the Reds traded for Nationals workhorse Tanner Roark.

The Roark deal highlights how quickly the landscape can change for a player from one year to the next. Roark has been a dependable pitcher in Washington for years, but with his salary figuring to be roughly $10 million through the upcoming arbitration hearings, per MLB Trade Rumors, the Nationals made the hard decision to field offers. A pitcher can be a stalwart of his rotation until, suddenly, the financial landscape means he's not.

We could see more examples of pitchers like Roark changing teams in the coming weeks, and so here are three "buy-low" trade candidates that come to mind:

Marcus Stroman, RHP, Blue Jays
Stroman was a Team USA hero in the 2017 World Baseball Classic and parlayed that into a career season for Toronto (13-9, 3.09 ERA over 201 innings). But things changed in a hurry, and he never really could get back on track. Stroman lost his arbitration case in February and voiced his displeasure through his Twitter account, and then battled through shoulder inflammation that eventually forced an extended disabled-list stint. The Blue Jays' presumptive Opening Day starter saw his ERA rise to 6.80 after his first start back from the DL in late June, and from there it was easy to write him off in a lost season.

Video: BOS@TOR: Stroman fans 4 over 7 terrific innings

But while Stroman's 4.65 ERA over his final 11 starts doesn't impress either, there were signs of his former self below the surface. With Stroman, you start with his elite ability to keep the ball on the ground, and no other qualified starter came close to Stroman's 64.2 percent ground-ball rate from his June 29 start through the end of the season. More importantly, Stroman sliced his rate of hard-hit balls allowed (or those hit with exit velocities of at least 95 mph) from a league-high 51.8 percent through his first eight starts to 32.1 percent over his final 11. Softer contact led to Stroman's excellent .280 expected weighted on-base average (xwOBA, Statcast™'s all-purpose metric that measures how hitters and pitchers should fare based on strikeouts, walks and quality of contact) in the second half, the same as Patrick Corbin's in that span and much better than the .320 xwOBA he compiled in 2017. What's more, Stroman showed these improvements while battling a blister issue that ended his season in early September.

MLB Trade Rumors pegs Stroman earning roughly $7 million through arbitration next year, and he's still under team control through 2020. That makes him a desirable asset, and with the Blue Jays in a time of transition following the departures of former stars Josh Donaldson, J.A. Happ and Troy Tulowitzki, this would seem to be the time for Toronto to try to acquire some elite prospects in the trade market. The Brewers and Reds both need a quality starter, but they might not have the name-brand pitching prospects the Blue Jays would likely want in return. The Yankees, meanwhile, seem to have a surplus of pitchers like Albert Abreu, Domingo Acevedo and Jonathan Loaisiga in their pipeline. New York already traded away one big name in Justus Sheffield to get Paxton. Could the Yankees do the same thing again to get a starter they know extremely well?

Alex Wood, LHP, Dodgers
The 3.68 ERA and 3.53 FIP that Wood recorded last season would have made him an upper-rotation starter for many teams, but the lefty happens to play for one of the only clubs with a "surplus" of starting pitching. The Dodgers wound up moving Wood to the bullpen for September and the postseason, and he struggled to a 5.22 ERA in a role he didn't appear to be all that comfortable performing.

Video: WS2018 Gm3: Wood induces DP in 18th, earns Game 3 win

The ascendance of phenoms Walker Buehler and Julio Urias to go alongside Clayton Kershaw, Rich Hill and Hyun-Jin Ryu (not to mention Kenta Maeda and Ross Stripling) means Wood could be the odd man out again in 2019. His name already came up in a rumored trade that would have sent he and Matt Kemp to the Reds in a salary-dump trade involving Homer Bailey, and that's surely not the last time Wood will appear in rumors this offseason. Wood is projected to make roughly $9 million in arbitration, per MLB Trade Rumors, but his impending free agency next offseason likely drives down the Dodgers' asking price. Los Angeles has to empty some of its depth before Opening Day, and so a pitcher of Wood's caliber (his .286 xwOBA in '18 was a top-25 mark among qualified starters) could switch uniforms for a cheaper cost than one might think.

Wade LeBlanc, LHP, Mariners
A year ago at this time, LeBlanc had wrapped up a full season of relief work for the Pirates -- his seventh Major League club -- and his release by the Yankees in Spring Training was still to come. What followed next was one of the more surprising performances of 2018: A 3.72 ERA over 32 outings (including 27 starts) that saw LeBlanc earn a rare one-year, midseason contract extension from the Mariners. Again, this was a 33-year-old journeyman -- with an emphasis on journey after stints with a couple now-defunct Triple-A teams and a year in Japan -- who threw a mid-80s fastball and yet carried a sub-3.00 ERA through mid-June.

Video: BOS@SEA: LeBlanc strikes out 9 over 7 2/3 scoreless

It's hard to imagine a pitcher with LeBlanc's track record duplicating that kind of success again, and his 4.23 ERA and 4.61 FIP immediately after signing the extension already points to imminent regression. Still, LeBlanc's $2.75 million base salary for 2019 means he could still be plenty valuable if he's anything close to a league-average starter. The Mariners figure to keep trading veterans as they turn over their roster, and LeBlanc would be a fit in a lot of rotations -- certainly for the Angels, Reds or Nationals, to name a few -- for perhaps the cost of a mid-tier prospect or two.

HOUSTON -- The Astros were close to adding an impactful bat to their already potent lineup on Monday, zeroing in on a premier left-hander to insert in the middle of an order already stacked with right-handed power hitters.

A source confirmed to MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi that outfielder Michael Brantley, a 2018 All-Star with the Cleveland Indians, was nearing a two-year contract with the Astros. The development was first reported by MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal.

The 31-year-old Brantley, a three-time All-Star and 2014 Silver Slugger Award winner, could be a candidate to slide into the fifth spot in the Astros' batting order, between shortstop Carlos Correa and first baseman Yuli Gurriel. Currently, Josh Reddick is the only other left-handed starter, with Tony Kemp as a lefty option off the bench.

• Hot Stove Tracker

A quick examination of Brantley's strengths suggests this signing isn't all that surprising, given the organization's recent history of employing hitters with a penchant for putting the bat on the ball.

The Astros already collectively had the second-lowest strikeout rate in 2018, and they just strengthened that area of their arsenal. According to Statcast™, Brantley swung at 1,008 pitches and missed only 111 times last season. His 11 percent whiff rate was the third lowest in the Majors, mere steps ahead of Houston third baseman Alex Bregman, whose 12.9 strikeout rate was seventh lowest.

Tweet from @darenw: Michael Brantley swung at 1008 pitches last season and only missed 111 times. His 11% whiff rate was 3rd lowest in @mlb. Alex Bregman was 7th lowest. https://t.co/469CiJXhZ0

Brantley was also one of the game's better fastball hitters last season, hitting .308 while slugging .473. Of the 1,388 fastballs he saw in '18, he struck out on them just 18 times.

The outfielder enjoyed a bounce-back season in '18 after injuries limited him to 101 games the prior two seasons combined. He slashed .309/.364/.468 with 17 homers and 76 RBIs over 143 games in '18, making 134 starts in left field while serving as the Tribe's DH seven times.

Brantley missed most of the Indians' pennant-winning season in '16, playing in just 11 games because of right shoulder surgery the prior offseason. He missed 79 games in '17, following right ankle surgery.

Brantley signing would be the Astros' first big splash of the offseason, but it's likely they're not yet finished shaping their roster for the 2019 season. The club would like to add a starting pitcher to complement co-aces Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole, and multiple media reports are still linking Nelson Cruz as a possible DH target.

Earlier in the offseason, the Astros traded for utility man Aledmys Diaz and signed catcher Robinson Chirinos to a one-year contract.

It's Hot Stove season, and MLB.com is keeping track of all the latest free agent and trade rumors right here.

• Free agents, by position
• Free agents, by team

Phillies: Harper or Machado not necessary for success
Dec. 17: The Phillies have long been connected with both of the premier free agents on this offseason's market, 26-year-old superstars Bryce Harper and Manny Machado. But president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said Monday that while managing partner John Middleton said last month that the club might be "a little bit stupid" in how it spends money this winter, an acquisition of either isn't a prerequisite for success in 2019.

"You can have a very successful offseason and not include either one of those [players]," said MacPhail. "That may or may not be the case. But the way that it was portrayed put John in an awkward spot."

After competing for a National East division title for most of last season, only to fade fast down the stretch, Philadelphia has been rumored to be ready to make a big splash or two this offseason. It's even been suggested that the Phillies could land both Harper and Machado. Machado has ties to the Phillies through the front office, as MacPhail was the Orioles' general manager while Machado was in Baltimore. 

Former MLB general manager Jim Duquette, an analyst for MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM, said he thinks the Phillies are still by far the frontrunners to land Machado.

"I would be surprised if he ends up with the White Sox. I think the Phillies will be the team," Duquette said. "The owners continue to talk about how much they're going to spend money. And they love him in the front office. I think they're the most motivated, they need him at third base, all of those things combined. ... I feel stronger today than I did before the offseason even started, that he's going to be a Phillie."

Machado is scheduled to meet with the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Thursday, a day after he visits the Yankees in New York. He met with the White Sox in Chicago on Monday.

Tweet from @MLBNetworkRadio: .@Jim_Duquette: More than ever, the #Phillies look like the frontrunner for Manny Machado. pic.twitter.com/r6pL7KiykK

Report: Astros 'closing in on' deal with Brantley
Dec. 17: The Astros may be on the verge of adding an impact bat to their lineup.

A source confirmed to MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi that outfielder Michael Brantley, a 2018 All-Star with the Cleveland Indians, was nearing a two-year contract with Houston. The development was first reported by MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal.

Tweet from @Ken_Rosenthal: #Astros closing in on free-agent outfielder Michael Brantley, sources tell The Athletic. Rival executives expect deal to be in two-year, $32M range.

Rosenthal reports that the deal is expected to be for two years and around $32 million.

While he's not in the same tier as fellow free agents Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, the 31-year-old Brantley is one of the more productive players on the open market. He's coming off a season in which he played 143 games -- his most since 2014 -- and slashed .304/.364/.468. Known for strong contact skills, Brantley would be an ideal fit as a left-handed bat in a righty heavy Astros lineup.

Tweet from @JeffPassan: Brantley's versatility and bat-to-ball ability greatly appealed to the Astros, who have a team full of those types. The plan is for him to rotate among left field, first base and DH. Top of the lineup is Springer, Brantley, Altuve, Bregman in almost any order, with Correa, too.

Tweet from @darenw: Michael Brantley swung at 1008 pitches last season and only missed 111 times. His 11% whiff rate was 3rd lowest in @mlb. Alex Bregman was 7th lowest. https://t.co/469CiJXhZ0

Will Houston swing a deal for Realmuto next?
Dec. 17: With free-agent outfielder Michael Brantley reportedly agreeing to a two-year, $32 million contract with the Astros on Monday, could Houston now turn its focus to landing the most coveted catcher on the trade market, J.T. Realmuto?

Jim Bowden, a former MLB general manager and current analyst for MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM, thinks the next logical move for the Astros could be to trade their No. 1 prospect -- and No. 5 prospect in baseball per MLB Pipeline -- Kyle Tucker to Miami for Realmuto. 

"Is that the next play?" Bowden asks. "And now you have Realmuto and Brantley in the lineup. And then you sign Nelson Cruz as DH? ... Kyle Tucker's not ready, or he'd be in left field. I wonder if they're going to ship him to Miami to get Realmuto, especially since the Mets signed Wilson Ramos. So they're not in on Realmuto, and the Astros are now the best fit for Miami. ... If I'm an Astros fan, my heart is pitter-pattering right now."

Houston signed catcher Robinson Chirinos earlier this month, but he's a part-time player. The Astros have also been rumored as serious suitors for Cruz, who has continued to be one of the game's best sluggers even at age 38. 

Tucker, 21, was Houston's first-round Draft selection in 2015, No. 5 overall out of Tampa's H.B. Plant High School. He was called up briefly last season and made his Major League debut, but hit just .141/.236/.203 over 28 games. At Triple-A Fresno, he hit .332/.400/.590 with 24 home runs and 20 steals in 100 games. 

Tweet from @MLBNetworkRadio: .@astros have a reported deal with former #Indians outfielder Michael Brantley. What's next? @JimBowdenGM says go for @JTRealmuto #Astros pic.twitter.com/o8BtxnfbkE

Dodgers are in on Harper, but at what price?
Dec. 17: Despite having a deep, fully loaded outfield, the Dodgers have been lurking around the edges of the Bryce Harper sweepstakes, according to multiple reports. But how serious are they about snagging the superstar slugger, really?

"The Dodgers are widely rumored to be in on Harper, but the reality, according to Major League sources, is that they do not want him on a long-term, record-setting contract," MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal writes (subscription required) in a story for The Athletic. "A short-term deal with a high average salary and opt-outs might hold more appeal, but such an agreement likely would create luxury-tax issues for the Dodgers in 2019, and the team already has too many outfielders."

Translation: The Dodgers would like to land Harper, but more on their terms than on his (and those of agent Scott Boras). And even still, there have been reports that the front office is trying to stay under the luxury-tax threshold for the foreseeable future, meaning going after Harper might require a trade to unload some higher-salaried players. That's likely part of why Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp and Alex Wood, among others, have been mentioned as chips.

• Wood among three pitchers who are "buy-low" trade candidates

What, exactly, a "short-term deal with a high average salary and opt-outs" for Harper could look like is difficult to say, but one imagines Harper and Boras would only even consider such a proposition if the AAV were at least $35 million to $40 million -- allowing Harper to hold the record for largest per-season salary.

A contract that calls for opt-outs on Harper's end makes sense -- and might even be likely -- given that trend for big-money pacts over the past few years (think: Clayton Kershaw, Jason Heyward, David Price), as well as the fact that Harper would be young enough to re-enter the open market in his late 20s, thus giving him a second shot at securing a massive payday if he so chooses.

Machado tour swings through South Side
Dec. 17: The Machado sweepstakes could heat up this week as he tours the country to meet with potential suitors. Reports are that Machado will meet with the Yankees on Wednesday in New York and with the Phillies on Thursday at Citizens Bank Park, but first came a visit to the South Side of Chicago on Monday, when he met with the White Sox.

Want a peek at Machado arriving at Guaranteed Rate Field on Monday? NBC Sports Chicago has footage.

The White Sox were not as close to a World Series title as the Yankees and Phillies in 2018, but they have been viewed at various times this offseason as a club willing to extend a considerable financial offer toward either Machado or Bryce Harper. Those expectations were tempered slightly, however, when ESPN's Buster Olney reported Saturday (subscription required) that Chicago is unlikely to offer a contract that would surpass Giancarlo Stanton's record $325 million deal from 2014. Both Machado and Harper are expected to ask for more than that total, and so the White Sox might need to wait and see if their asking prices go down at all in the coming weeks or months.

Chicago traded for Machado's brother-in-law, first baseman Yonder Alonso, last week in a move that fueled speculation toward its pursuit of Machado, but White Sox general manager Rick Hahn downplayed the transaction as strictly a "baseball deal."

Alonso spoke with Chicago media via conference call from his Miami home. He was excited about the prospect of playing on the same club as his brother-in-law.

"We are definitely very close," Alonso said of Machado. "We live two blocks away from each other in Miami. It will be very, very nice to also be neighbors on the South Side.

"I know he's very excited for me, his whole family is very excited for me, and we feel like it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I definitely want him to be my neighbor, I'll tell you that. I want him to be by my side. But again, I know he is going to do his thing and make his own decision."

The White Sox lost 100 games in 2018, but their opportunity could be coming soon in the American League Central with the Indians' window for contention perhaps starting to close.

Video: Alonso talks about his desire to play with Machado

With Brantley off the board, what's next for Pollock?
Dec. 17: With the reported agreement on a two-year deal between the Astros and Michael Brantley, another outfielder is off the market. What does that mean for free-agent center fielder A.J. Pollock?

MLB.com's Mark Feinsand notes that Pollock has been pretty much flying under the radar so far this offseason, even though he presents a potential All-Star player with the ability to produce at the plate while excelling in the outfield. Of course, as Feinsand points out, Pollock has missed more than 300 games over the past five seasons, and also comes with Draft pick compensation attached because he rejected a qualifying offer from the D-backs.

Still, as the outfield market thins, with Andrew McCutchen joining the Phillies, that should, in theory, help Pollock. The Mets have been rumored as serious candidates to sign Pollock in a continuation of what has been a busy offseason. Other clubs that Feinsand suggests would be fits include the Phillies -- even with McCutchen in the fold -- Braves, Dodgers, Reds and Indians. Cleveland, in particular, is in need of outfielders after losing Brantley and potentially Lonnie Chisenhall to free agency.

Why a Realmuto trade could happen soon (maybe)
Dec. 17: At this point, not an offseason day goes by without at least some mention of a J.T. Realmuto trade rumor. So here goes.

After the Marlins reportedly spent the Winter Meetings last week narrowing down the list of likely suitors and in the wake of the Mets -- one of said suitors, and arguably the most aggressive at the time -- instead signing Wilson Ramos to be their backstop, will the All-Star Marlins catcher be moved any time soon?

"This will be a telling week, because the Marlins are engaged in talks with six to eight teams, including the Dodgers and Rays," MLB.com's Joe Frisaro writes. "The Mets are no longer in the mix after reaching an agreement with catcher Wilson Ramos. The Reds, Padres, Braves, Brewers and perhaps the Yankees and Angels could also be in the picture."

Of those clubs, Atlanta may no longer be in play, at least not as heavily as the club appeared to be a week ago, according to MLB.com's Mark Bowman.

Frisaro also suggests that although the Marlins have continued to indicate they are prepared to retain Realmuto -- who is under club control through the 2020 season -- that seems "unlikely." That certainly stands to reason, given all of the buzz and hype surrounding not only the player but also the interested parties.

Will Astros still target Cruz?
Dec. 17: With reports that Houston is nearing a two-year deal with Michael Brantley, what does that mean for its possible pursuit of Nelson Cruz?

The prevailing thought with regard to Cruz is that his market is limited by two very key factors. One, he's pretty much a full-time designated hitter at this stage of his career, so it's almost a certainty that only American League teams would be in play. And two, he's 38, so it's more likely that contending clubs would be interested, since he could fit their window to win now.

The first reason above is why just about every Cruz-related rumor so far has linked him to teams like the Rangers, White Sox, Twins, Rays and Astros. The second reason above is why the Rays and Astros -- two teams certainly ready to contend right away in 2019 -- might make the most sense of all.

If the Brantley deal is completed, he is likely to see time in left field, first base and DH for the Astros, according to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports. That doesn't necessarily block Houston from going after Cruz. And indeed, USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale reports the Astros are still pursuing Cruz even after the Brantley agreement.

Tyler White still looks like the Astros' leading candidate to DH. While he had an impressive late-2018 showing (.879 OPS across August and September), Cruz's power -- he has averaged over 40 homers with a 145 OPS+ the past five seasons -- would provide an upgrade to a lineup that was still good last year but took a step back after a historic '17.

Beyond that, Brantley and Cruz offer completely different offensive skill sets, with the former being a contact-oriented gap-to-gap hitter and the latter being a pure slugger. MLB.com's David Adler covered just this topic, writing: "As great as the Astros have been, two of the things their offense could use most are a prototypical masher and a reliably productive designated hitter. Or, to put it another way, one of the things the Astros' offense could most use is Cruz.

"In both 2017 and '18, the DH spot was not Houston's strength. Carlos Beltran was the team's primary DH in '17, and he posted a 77 Weighted Runs Created Plus in that role -- 100 is MLB-average production, so Beltran was 23 percent below average as a DH. This past season, Evan Gattis had the most at-bats at DH, and he had a 99 wRC+. For '19, the Astros' best current option looks like Tyler White, who was excellent in limited DH games in August and September. But White is no Cruz.

"Cruz's wRC+ in 144 games as a DH in 2018 was 134. In 155 games at DH in '17, it was 147. Combined over the two seasons, Cruz posted a 141 wRC+ at the DH position."

Tweet from @BNightengale: The #Astros still have interest in signing Nelson Cruz, too

Could Pollock fit in L.A.?
Dec. 17: When it comes to the free-agent outfield market, the Dodgers look to be in an intriguing position. On one hand, they have plenty of outfield depth on their current roster, including Yasiel Puig, Joc Pederson, Matt Kemp, plus versatile options like Chris Taylor, Cody Bellinger and Enrique Hernandez, as well as prospect Alex Verdugo. On the other hand, they could be in the mix for either Bryce Harper or A.J. Pollock, according to MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal. Let's explain.

To bring aboard either Harper or Pollock, the club clearly would have to clear a spot -- as well as some salary -- which is why there has been speculation that Puig, Pederson, Kemp and/or Verdugo might be traded. The Dodgers have been linked to the Indians (for Corey Kluber and/or Trevor Bauer) and the Marlins (for J.T. Realmuto), and presumably, if they were to complete a deal, one or more of their current outfielders would be involved.

While the Harper rumors are gaining some steam, however, it's worth wondering whether Pollock might be a better fit, given both his much lower price tag and the club's roster construction.

"For the moment, the team is committed to Cody Bellinger in center, but A.J. Pollock's ability to play that position might actually make him a better free-agent fit than Harper, provided the Dodgers indeed trade other outfielders," Rosenthal writes (subscription required) in a story for The Athletic. "Pollock has not played more than 113 games in a season since 2015, but the Dodgers -- due to their depth and versatility -- could withstand his absences more easily than most clubs. He would be the position-player version of left-hander Rich Hill, valued for bursts of excellence in limited action. And he would be considerably less expensive than Harper, likely commanding a contract in the three- or four-year range at around $15 million per season."

Landing Pollock would make Bellinger the Dodgers' primary first baseman again, potentially putting 2018 breakout slugger Max Muncy at second base -- an area of need for L.A. -- although neither player likely would play those positions exclusively.

Is it time for the Mets to address their depth?
Dec. 17: The Mets have been among the most active teams in the Majors this offseason, and have made multiple big splashes, trading with the Mariners for second baseman Robinson Cano and closer Edwin Diaz, bringing back reliever Jeurys Familia, and on Sunday, agreeing to a two-year deal with veteran catcher Wilson Ramos. But according to MLB Network insider Joel Sherman in an article for the New York Post, it's time for New York to turn its attention to depth.

"The Mets are not getting better in a vacuum," Sherman writes. "The Braves, Nationals and Phillies finished ahead of the Mets in 2018 and also are pushing to improve for 2019. ... Deepening the roster now with one-year alternatives gives the Mets a better overall team to go for it now while not being tied to more long-term burdens if the breaks familiarly go against them and they have to sell out of this in July and think beyond 2019."

Three specific areas that Sherman argues the Mets need to bolster are the starting rotation, the outfield and catching depth. He writes that while the Mets were one of only nine teams to have five starters make at least 20 starts each last season, they can't bet on that happening again, and should target a veteran like Francisco Liriano on a short-term contract.

In the outfield, Sherman suggests that while A.J. Pollock has been linked to the club in rumors recently, he's injury-prone and hasn't hit as well away from Chase Field over the past two seasons. The club did, however, bring in veteran speedster Rajai Davis on a Minor League deal as a depth option Monday. And while the Mets landed one of the best catchers on the market in Ramos, he has been prone to injury himself.

Could Kimbrel wind up back with Boston after all? 
Dec. 17: Is there a chance Craig Kimbrel could return to the Red Sox? After signing righty Nathan Eovaldi to a four-year, $68 million contract, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said he doesn't expect to make a "big expenditure" to fill the closer's role, according to MLB.com's Ian Browne. So that would seem to rule out Kimbrel, who served as Boston's stopper the past three seasons, culminating in the 2018 World Series title ... right?

Nevertheless, ESPN's Buster Olney lays out the reasons (subscription required) why Kimbrel could find his way back to Boston, including a strong buyer's market for teams seeking relievers, the Red Sox's need for bullpen help and an apparent lack of widespread interest in Kimbrel -- partly because of his lofty asking price (a reported six-year, nine-figure deal), and partly because a number of contending clubs already have an established closer in place.

In fact, Olney draws a comparison to last offseason, when the Red Sox seemed like the best fit for slugger J.D. Martinez all along, then simply waited out the market and wound up getting him at a price that fit their terms.

Grandal would be a huge upgrade for Halos
Dec. 17: With Jose Briceno and Kevan Smith as the only two catchers on their 40-man roster at the moment, the Angels have a glaring need behind the plate. Between that and the club being in win-now mode with superstar Mike Trout smack in the middle of his prime and only under contract through 2020, it's not too much of a leap to see why the Halos would be interested in Yasmani Grandal, as sources confirmed to MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi.

Tweet from @jonmorosi: #Angels showing interest in free agent Yasmani Grandal, sources confirm @maria_torres3 report. @MLBNetwork @MLB

Now that Wilson Ramos has a two-year agreemen with the Mets, Grandal unquestionably is the top free agent backstop in the business -- in fact, he was considered that even before Ramos' deal. The 30-year-old Grandal, who has averaged more than 24 homers and posted a 113 OPS+ since the start of 2016, not only would bring stability to both sides of the ball for the Angels, he would massively enhance their expected production.

A few clubs remain in the market for an upgrade at catcher, including the Dodgers, Astros, Braves and A's, but few teams with hopes of contending in 2019 are in as dire shape at the position as the Halos are.

Keuchel, Reds could be a perfect fit
Dec. 17: The Reds have made their search for starting pitchers well known. They acquired veteran innings-eater Tanner Roark from the Nationals last week to address their rotation, but they're likely looking to do more to improve what has long been a weakness. What better way to do that than go after the top remaining starter on the open market: Dallas Keuchel.

The Reds already have been linked to the southpaw, and it's a match that does make a lot of sense for a number of reasons, including Keuchel's resume (2015 AL Cy Young Award winner), durability (190 2/3 IP per season since '14) and homer-suppressing, ground-ball-inducing repertoire. As far as that last element goes, MLB.com's Manny Randhawa explains why Keuchel would be a great fit for the Reds and their homer-friendly home park.

"Keuchel had the highest ground-ball rate of all qualified starting pitchers last season, at 53.7 percent, and his 58.0 percent ground-ball rate over the past three seasons is fourth among qualified starters over that span," Randhawa writes. "His career high was 66.8 percent in '17. As for quality of contact, Keuchel's barrel rate of 4.5 percent was eighth-best among pitchers that yielded at least 400 batted balls (91 pitchers) last season.

"A byproduct of Keuchel's penchant for ground balls and weak contact is the low rate at which he's surrendered home runs in what has been a prodigious era for sluggers. In '18, his home runs per nine innings rate was 0.79, ninth-best among qualified starters. And in the season prior it was 0.93. Out of all balls hit in the air off Keuchel last season, just 18.5 percent were hard-hit according to Statcast™, 10th-lowest among pitchers that induced at least 400 batted balls (91 pitchers) in '18."

Another factor to consider? The current Reds rotation is expected to feature Roark, Luis Castillo, Anthony DeSclafani and Tyler Mahle, so a lefty like Keuchel would provide a different look and some variety.

After losing Mercer, the Pirates are interested in Tulo
Dec. 17: The Pirates lost longtime shortstop Jordy Mercer to free agency earlier this month, and according to MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal in an article for The Athletic, Pittsburgh is showing interest in Troy Tulowitzki, who was recently released by the Blue Jays. 

Tulowitzki, 34, missed all of last season after having surgery to remove bone spurs in both feet. Ankle injuries limited him to 66 games in 2017, in which he hit .249/.300/.378 with seven homers. The prior season, his first full campaign with Toronto after being traded by Colorado, he hit .254/.318/.443 with 24 homers and 3.4 wins above replacement in 131 games.

Tulowitzki claims he's now fully healthy, and will be having open workouts before big league teams in search of a shortstop. Pirates manager Clint Hurdle was Tulowitzki's first Major League manager while with the Rockies, and the two were together in Colorado for nine seasons.

Nationals have been 'active' in second-base market
Dec. 17: As they continue to search for their next second baseman, the Nationals may not pursue the top end of the market, according to the Washinton Post. Though the club has spoken with DJ LeMahieu's representatives, Washington may seek less expensive options to fill the role, such as Brian Dozier, Josh Harrison or Jed Lowrie.

Which player(s) the team is targeting at the position might be fluid, but it's pretty clear the Nats "have been active" in the second-base market, MLB.com's Jamal Collier writes.

LeMahieu won a batting title with the Rockies in 2016, and in eight Major League seasons, has a .298/.350/.406 slash line (92 OPS+). He's an excellent defender at second, having won three Gold Glove Awards. While he could command a fairly large contract at age 30, Dozier, Harrison and Lowrie could all be strong temporary solutions. 

Dozier, 31, struggled last season after posting a 130 OPS+ with 76 homers over the two prior years. In '18, he hit .215/.305/.391 with 21 home runs in 151 games between the Twins and Dodgers. Harrison, 31, is a two-time All-Star but since a breakout season in '14, his OPS+ is 92. He brings defensive versatility, though, which could be a plus. Lowrie is the oldest of the group, at 34. But his last two seasons have been the best of his career; from '17-18, he hit .272/.356/.448.

With another catcher off the board, how does it affect Realmuto's market?
Dec. 16: With the Mets reportedly agreeing to a two-year deal with free-agent catcher Wilson Ramos on Sunday, there's one fewer catcher on the market this offseason, as well as one fewer team looking for a backstop. How does that affect the trade market for the much-coveted J.T. Realmuto? 

The Braves are another team that has apparently bowed out of the Realmuto sweepstakes, sources told MLB.com's Mark Bowman on Saturday. Based on past reports, that narrows the field to the Reds, Rays, Dodgers and Padres. All four clubs have very strong farm systems, and with the Marlins rebuilding, could make enticing offers for the 27-year-old All-Star.

The Dodgers are looking for a catcher to replace free agent Yasmani Grandal, and with Ramos no longer an option, it may prompt the front office to intensify its bid for Realmuto, who was the best-hitting catcher in the Majors last season. Meanwhile, the Padres have been rumored to be in the mix for several prominent players, and after signing Eric Hosmer to a big contract last offseason, San Diego may be thinking to significantly upgrade its big league club as farm talent nears the Majors.

The Rays were the biggest surprise of last season, finishing with 90 victories despite having one true starting pitcher and having traded away several key players prior to the non-waiver Trade Deadline. They may be looking to build on that success by adding another young talent behind the plate. And the Reds have been rumored to be in on several impact free agents as well, meaning Cincinnati appears serious about competing in the very near future.

Do the Yankees 'have to get a deal done' with Machado?
Dec. 16: The Yankees will be without shortstop Didi Gregorius for the first half of the 2019 season. As New York has worked to upgrade its starting rotation this offseason, Jim Memolo of MLB Network Radio on Sirius XM asks whether the Bronx Bombers need to be more urgent about signing Manny Machado.

"If you're the Yankees, and you don't sign Machado, and even if you sign someone like [Troy Tulowitzki] as a stopgap, you are not as good a lineup as you were last year," Memolo argues. "Troy Tulowitzki and some of the other names mentioned are not as good offensively or defensively as Didi Gregorius. So you tell me about that 'fully operational Death Star,' and I tell you that your lineup today, December 16, is not as good as it was last year."

Machado is expected to land a long-term contract in the neighborhood of $300 million this offseason. Along with Bryce Harper, the 26-year-old Machado is the most coveted free agent on the market. A four-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove Award winner, he hit .297/.367/.538 with 37 home runs and 14 steals between the Orioles and Dodgers last season.

As the Yankees work to put together a roster that can match the defending World Series champion Red Sox in the American League East, New York will be looking for any edge possible heading into the '19 season.

Tweet from @MLBNetworkRadio: .@jimmemolo thinks the #Yankees have to get a deal done with Manny Machado.#DeathStar pic.twitter.com/UYiyqPkYLa

Thor takes to Instagram amid trade rumors
Dec. 16: Noah Syndergaard has been the subject of trade rumors recently, particularly with his name reportedly coming up in discussions between the Mets and several other clubs, including the Yankees and Marlins. But the hard-throwing right-hander has taken to social media to convey his thoughts on the matter.

On Sunday, Syndergaard posted the following message on his Instagram account: "My Team, Our Colors, New York's Future."

 Instagram from @nsyndergaard: My Team, Our Colors, New York's Future

Syndergaard, 26, has been among the game's elite starting pitchers since making his Major League debut in 2015. In 25 starts last season, he posted a 3.03 ERA with a 1.21 WHIP. With the Mets reportedly agreeing to a two-year deal with free-agent catcher Wilson Ramos on Sunday, along with the return New York would be seeking in a potential Syndergaard trade, it looks more and more like he will remain in Queens.

Under new general manager Brodie Van Wagenen, the Mets have had a busy offseason so far, acquiring second baseman Robinson Cano and closer Edwin Diaz from the Mariners, and bringing back reliever Jeurys Familia on a three-year deal during the Winter Meetings. 

Now that Mets have found their catcher, how does that affect Grandal's market?
Dec. 16: The Mets were rumored to be a serious suitor for free-agent catcher Yasmani Grandal, but New York struck a two-year deal with Wilson Ramos on Sunday. What does that mean for Grandal?

The two premier catchers remaining on the market this offseason are Grandal and Marlins All-Star backstop J.T. Realmuto, who is on the trade block. The clubs that are still reportedly looking for an upgrade behind the plate include the Reds, Rays, Brewers, Dodgers, Padres, Angels, Astros and White Sox.

According to MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi, Los Angeles is open to the idea of bringing Grandal back on a one-year deal, though it may not be for as much as the $17.9 million qualifying offer the Dodgers extended him following the end of the World Series.

But the Dodgers reportedly are also serious players for Realmuto, as are several of the teams noted above. That may mean that until Realmuto is moved, Grandal may be in a holding pattern.

Grandal, who turned 30 last month, had his best offensive season in 2018, slashing .241/.349/.466 with 24 home runs in 140 games. Though he struggled defensively during the postseason, he is known as a very good defensive catcher.

Machado to meet with Yanks on Wednesday, Phils on Thursday
Dec. 16: Manny Machado will formally meet with the Yankees on Wednesday in New York, according to George A. King III of the New York Post. And he'll meet with the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Thursday, reports NBC Sports' Jim Salisbury. 

Tweet from @GeorgeAKingIII: Manny Machado and Yankees have meeting scheduled for Wednesday in New York

Regardless of ownership's apprehensions of Machado's work ethic and perceived character concerns, all signs have pointed to the Yankees at least exploring the possibility of adding the star shortstop this offseason. They were reportedly interested in him last winter, tried to acquire him ahead of the non-waiver Trade Deadline in July and now have a need at the position with Didi Gregorius slated to miss a chunk of the season recovering from Tommy John surgery.
  
Last month, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner called Machado's now-infamous "Johnny Hustle" comments "troubling" and said he was hoping to conduct a sit-down meeting with Machado to glean clarification on his remarks. Andy Martino of SNY.tv reported after the postseason that the club was "lukewarm" on Machado given his postseason antics, though that approach appears to have altered.

The Phillies have also been long rumored to be interested in signing not only Machado, but perhaps also the other marquee free agent this offseason, Bryce Harper. With young talent on the roster and enough payroll room to spend big this winter, Philadelphia is looking to shake up what is shaping up to be a very competitive NL East in 2019.
 
The Machado market, like most players' this offseason, has been slow to develop. Machado has been rumored to be in the market for one of the richest contracts in baseball history, potentially in the neighborhood of $300 million. The Yankees and Phillies are among only a small handful of clubs with the financial bandwidth to offer such a deal. Gregorius will be back at some time in 2019, but he will become a free agent at season's end, which could create a long-term spot for Machado. 

Video: Would the Yankees prefer Harper or Machado?

While teams continue to woo Machado, it's also worth considering this process from his point of view, too. Does Machado have a preference for where he winds up?

"Manny Machado's first choice is the New York Yankees," CBS Sports Network analyst and former big league general manager Jim Bowden said Wednesday evening. "So if the Yankees come to the table ... and are willing to compete financially for his services, they will be the team that gets Manny Machado."

Tweet from @CBSSportsNet: ���Manny Machado���s first choice is the New York Yankees.���If the Yankees are willing to meet Machado���s price tag, @JimBowdenGM tells @AdamSchein he will be wearing pinstripes. #T2S pic.twitter.com/rLwUfByWj5

The Yankees certainly have the resources to go after Machado, who is expected to score a contract that could rival that of Harper's this offseason. The question, then, might be how badly Cashman and the rest of the club's front office and ownership want Machado.

After recent trades, Indians now less likely to move Kluber, Bauer
Dec. 15: The Indians have been expected to trade either Corey Kluber or Trevor Bauer at some point this offseason, but the club's recent moves make that less likely.

According to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, Cleveland won't be as motivated by financial concerns after trading Yan Gomes, Edwin Encarnacion and Yonder Alonso. The Tribe trimmed roughly $18 million from its 2019 payroll through those deals.

Tweet from @JonHeyman: After trading Edwin, Yonder and Gomes, word is Indians won���t be as ���motivated��� by financial concerns now. Translation: Kluber and Bauer more likely to stay.

Looking to cut costs, Cleveland entered this offseason with a willingness to listen to offers for many of its top players, including Kluber, Bauer and Carlos Carrasco.

After the Indians signed Carrasco to a three-year contract extension, Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports reported that the club was "increasingly motivated" to move either Kluber or Bauer, and trade talks for Kluber picked up steam during the Winter Meetings, per a report from MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi.

If the Indians don't move Kluber or Bauer in the coming weeks, they have the option of revisiting trade discussions down the road. Kluber has club options for $17.5 million in 2019 and $18 million for 2020, while Bauer is two years away from free agency.

Would Harper take less money to play for Yankees?
Dec. 15: Bryce Harper grew up idolizing Mickey Mantle, and in fact has said he wears No. 34 because the digits add up to Mantle's No. 7. Now that he's one of the top two free agents on the market, expected to command a long-term deal in the neighborhood of $300 million to $400 million, would he take less over a shorter period of time to join the Yankees?

MLB Network Radio's Jeff Joyce and Jim Memolo discussed the notion Saturday, with Joyce suggesting Harper could sign a short deal and then "prove himself" in New York before inking a longer-term deal to stay in the Bronx. 

Though he's coming off a down year at the plate by his lofty standards, Harper still drew an MLB-high 130 walks and launched 34 home runs. He's a six-time All-Star, the 2012 National League Rookie of the Year and '15 Most Valuable Player. And he's only 26 years old.

"How bad does he really want to be a Yankee?" Joyce asked. "Does that overweigh getting the biggest contract of all-time? Does he go to his agent and say, 'Just get me there. Just get me to the Yankees. Doesn't have to be $300 million. I'll take a shorter deal ... If he really wants to be a Yankee that bad, can't you see them trying to find a way to get that done?"

Tweet from @MLBNetworkRadio: Will Bryce Harper join the Imperial March? @JeffJoyce19 and @jimmemolo lay out the path. #Yankees pic.twitter.com/oFJvAZZ927

Alonso is headed to the White Sox. Is Machado next?
Dec. 15: The White Sox have officially acquired first baseman Yonder Alonso from the Indians in exchange for Minor League outfielder Alex Call.

Alonso, 31, hit .250/.317/.421 with 23 home runs in 145 games for the Tribe last season, on the heels of an All-Star campaign split between the A's and Mariners, in which he slugged .501 with 28 homers in 142 games. He has an $8 million salary for 2019, and a $9 million club option for '20, with a $1 million buyout.

Alonso is also the brother-in-law of free-agent superstar Manny Machado, who is reportedly scheduled to meet with the White Sox in a matter of days. Chicago has been rumored to be interested in adding Machado to a club that will soon see top talent from the farm system coming into the big leagues. Adding his brother-in-law to the roster may enhance the organization's chances at landing one of the premier talents in the game. More >

White Sox not planning to trade Abreu
Dec. 15: The White Sox just acquired a new first baseman, but that doesn't mean they are looking to move their old one.

While the club officially acquired Yonder Alonso from the Indians on Saturday, USA Today's Bob Nightengale reports that the club has "no intention" of dealing Jose Abreu.

Tweet from @BNightengale: Jose Abreu is staying in Chicago. The #Whitesox have no intention trading him

Abreu, 31, can become a free agent a year from now, and the White Sox are likely at least a year away from contending, even if they make a big splash in free agency. Trading Abreu makes sense on paper, but the team seems to value his clubhouse presence perhaps as much as his on-field contributions.

Abreu and Alonso will likely rotate between first base and designated hitter, leaving Daniel Palka with an uncertain role. The 27-year-old flashed strong power as a rookie (27 homers in 449 plate appearances), but he struck out 34.1 percent of the time and logged -11 Defensive Runs Saved. The White Sox may look to limit Palka's playing time in the outfield, whether they acquire Bryce Harper or not. Harper is one of Chicago's top targets, along with Manny Machado.

Keuchel may sign late in offseason
Dec. 15: Patrick Corbin and Nathan Eovaldi are off the market, and Charlie Morton and J.A. Happ have reportedly agreed to deals as well, which means Dallas Keuchel is clearly the biggest name remaining among free-agent starters. But the left-hander may not be finding his next team anytime soon.

According to Dennis Lin of The Athletic, Keuchel isn't expected to sign until late in the offseason. Lin reports that the Padres are interested in the southpaw, but his asking price is prohibitive for San Diego. The same likely goes for many other teams.

Tweet from @dennistlin: The Padres have interest in Dallas Keuchel, according to sources, though the asking price is currently prohibitive (likely so for most teams). Keuchel, a Scott Boras client and the top free-agent starter left, isn���t expected to sign until late in the offseason.

Keuchel could be this offseason's version of Jake Arrieta, who entered free agency after the 2017 campaign and didn't sign until March 2018, when he landed with the Phillies on a three-year deal for $75 million -- well below what he was reportedly seeking initially.

The similarities between the two pitchers are striking. Both are Scott Boras clients who won Cy Young Awards in 2015 but showed some signs of decline before hitting the free-agent market. Arrieta rejected a qualifying offer from the Cubs, so Philadelphia had to forfeit a Draft pick to sign him. Teams will need to do the same to add Keuchel, who rejected a qualifying offer from the Astros in November.

Video: MLB Tonight on the Padres' interest in Keuchel

Mets have talked Castellanos with the Tigers
Dec. 15: While it was reported Friday that the Mets are still serious about acquiring free-agent center fielder A.J. Pollock, Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press reports New York has had discussions with the Tigers about right fielder Nicholas Castellanos.

Castellanos, 26, is entering his final year of arbitration eligibility and MLB Trade Rumors projects he will make $11.3 million in 2019. He had his best offensive season in '18, slashing .298/.354/.500 with 23 homers in 157 games for Detroit. He is not a particularly good defensive outfielder, but he can also play third base.

Tweet from @anthonyfenech: The Tigers have talked with the Mets about Castellanos, I���m told. The asking price is high, among other words and phrases, according to multiple teams who have spoken with them.

White Sox reportedly have spending limits for Harper, Machado
Dec. 15: The White Sox like Bryce Harper and Manny Machado and are hoping to make one of them the centerpiece of their roster as they emerge from a rebuilding period, but it remains to be seen if the club will actually be among the top bidders for the two superstars. A source tells ESPN's Buster Olney that Chicago is unwilling to make a record-setting offer to either player.

Read the latest Harper rumors here and the latest on Machado here.

Phillies eyeing Minor -- but for what role?
Dec. 15: The Phillies are pursuing a trade for Rangers left-hander Mike Minor, two sources told Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer, but it's unclear where they would use him. Philadelphia is targeting starters and relievers, and Minor happens to be someone with recent experience in both roles.

Minor was a starter with the Braves over the first five seasons of his career, but after missing all of 2015 and 2016 with left shoulder problems, he signed with the Royals and became a full-time reliever in 2017.

The southpaw was excellent pitching out of the bullpen, recording a 2.55 ERA with a 1.02 WHIP and a 10.2 K/9 mark. He averaged 94.7 mph with his four-seam fastball, and yielded an outstanding .249 xwOBA with the pitch, per Statcast™.

Despite that success, Texas used Minor as a starter for the entirety of 2018 after signing him last offseason. Minor finished the season with a 4.18 ERA, a 1.12 WHIP and a 7.6 K/9, averaging 92.8 mph with his four-seamer and allowing a .372 xwOBA with the pitch.

Lauber notes that if the Phils are looking at Minor as a reliever, it could indicate the club is "cooling" on left-handed relievers Andrew Miller and Zach Britton. That said, Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports reported Friday that the Phillies have continued to target Miller while engaging with Texas about a deal for Minor.

Tweet from @JeffPassan: As the Phillies pursue pitching, they���ve engaged with the Rangers about left-handed Mike Minor and continued to target left-handed reliever Andrew Miller, league sources tell Yahoo Sports. Minor could start or relieve, and Miller is one of the best relievers left on FA market.

Braves out on Realmuto?
Dec. 15: The Braves haven't been in contact with the Marlins about potentially acquiring catcher J.T. Realmuto in the past five days, and Atlanta doesn't plan on picking those discussions back up, a source told MLB.com's Mark Bowman.

Realmuto was the Majors' best-hitting catcher in 2018, slashing .277/.340/.484 with 21 home runs in 125 games for Miami. Several teams, including the Reds, Mets, Rays, Dodgers and Padres have been rumored to be interested in acquiring the 27-year-old All-Star this offseason.

The Braves pursued Realmuto last offseason, before this year's Trade Deadline and at the beginning of this offseason. But when Miami wanted Ozzie Albies and made it clear at least one high-value MLB-experienced asset would also be needed in return, Atlanta signed veteran Brian McCann to a one-year, $2 million deal.

Read the latest Realmuto rumors here.

Tweet from @mlbbowman: Source: The Braves have not had any discussions regarding J.T. Realmuto within the past five days and they do not plan to have any further talks with the Marlins regarding the All-Star catcher.

Brewers considering Lowrie, Murphy
Dec. 15: Although the Brewers' top prospect, second baseman Keston Hiura (No. 30 overall, per MLB Pipeline), may soon be ready to make an impact in the Majors, Milwaukee is showing interest in both Daniel Murphy and Jed Lowrie, according to MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal in an article for The Athletic (subscription required).

Get the latest on Lowrie here.

Giants getting lots of calls on Smith, other relievers
Dec. 15: The Giants insist they are looking to be competitive in 2019, but if the right offer comes along to improve in other areas, some of their relievers could be on the move this offseason. According to NBC Sports Bay Area, the pitcher garnering the most interest is left-hander Will Smith, who had a stellar season in '18, posting a 2.55 ERA and a 34 percent strikeout rate in 58 appearances. The 29-year-old proved durable and very effective after missing the '17 season recovering from Tommy John surgery. 

With the reliever market picking up steam at the Winter Meetings, including a thee-year, $30 million contract for Jeurys Familia with the Mets, and a three-year, $25 million deal for Joe Kelly to join the Dodgers, clubs may be more inclined to scour the trade market for less expensive bullpen help. That could benefit the Giants, who have several voids to fill on their roster. Other cost-efficient Giants relievers who have been inquired about are Tony Watson and Sam Dyson.

Sources told NBC Bay Area that the Giants are positioning Smith as a cheaper alternative to left-handers Zach Britton and Andrew Miller, a pair of free agents that will likely cash in with big contracts this offseason.

Pirates have 'big interest' in Galvis
Dec. 15: Multiple clubs have shown interest in free-agent utility infielder Freddy Galvis, and the Pirates have joined that group according to the New York Post. Pittsburgh lost shortstop Jordy Mercer to the Tigers via free agency. 

Galvis, 29, has a career slash line of .246/.290/.374 over seven Major League seasons, six with the Phillies and one with the Padres. He's a strong defensive infielder who has only missed four games in the past three seasons, and could plug holes for teams like the Pirates or Yankees. New York has also shown interest in Galvis as a potential fall-back option if Manny Machado doesn't land in the Bronx.

Would Phillies splurge on Kimbrel?
Dec. 14: The Phillies have money to spend. We know this. Heck, their owner himself even said they might be a little "stupid" about it. That has led to most people in and around the baseball world expecting said money to go toward a pursuit of Bryce Harper and/or Manny Machado. But could those funds make the Phillies a match for someone else instead?

Like, say, Craig Kimbrel?

In an all-encompassing look at where the market stands after the Winter Meetings, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand lists the Phillies as his "potential fit" for Kimbrel.

"The star closer is reportedly seeking a six-year deal worth more than $100 million, which would blow away the previous record of five years and $86 million signed by Aroldis Chapman two years ago," Feinsand writes. "Several executives cast doubt that Kimbrel will be able to score that type of contract, though he could get five years and upwards of $75 million. The Red Sox have been viewed as having moved on from their closer, but they remain a potential landing spot along with the Braves, Phillies and Cardinals."

Given Kimbrel's unprecendented asking price and the Phillies' financial resources -- not to mention, their need for a proven veteran presence to solidify the back end of a promising but very young bullpen -- maybe the two sides make sense as a match. Plus, with all the money the Phillies could spend this winter, it's not as if approaching nine figures for one of the sport's best closers would preclude them from still signing Harper or Machado.

Nats 'leery' of signing Keuchel long term
Dec. 14: After shelling out $140 million and committing six years to Patrick Corbin, the Nationals have some apprehension about dishing out another long-term deal in the starting pitching market -- specifically for Dallas Keuchel, according to Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports. 

Keuchel is believed to be seeking a deal in the four- to six-year range, and many analysts predict he will get it. The Nats likely won't be willing to commit that length to the left-hander, per Zuckerman. 

Washington was one of just two clubs last year (with the Red Sox) to exceed the Competitive Balance Tax. Should it again exceed that mark, set for $206 million in 2019, the penalty will rise to the maximum of 50 percent. The club already has committed $525 million to its top three starters -- Corbin, Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg -- over separate deals. 

Though they could feature arguably the best 1-2-3 punch in the Majors, the Nats' fourth and fifth starter spots are uncertain, particularly after they traded Tanner Roark to the Reds on Wednesday. The Nats have been linked to Keuchel this offseason, more so before they signed Corbin, but there might be more affordable avenues for them to continue to upgrade the back end of their rotation.

2B market is starting to move
Dec. 14: Second base is one of the more well-stocked positions in free agency this offseason, but it seems to be starting to roll at long last.

Ian Kinsler and the Padres agreed to a two-year, $8 million deal (with a team option for 2021) on Friday afternoon, sources told MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi. He's expected to provide some stability and depth in the infield, while San Diego allows youngsters Fernando Tatis and Jr. Luis Urias -- MLB Pipeline's Nos. 2 and 27 overall prospects, respectively -- to break into the bigs at a comfortable pace.

Tweet from @AJCassavell: Friars view Kinsler as a veteran option who can play multiple spots. If and when Tatis arrives this season, it seems like Urias at 2B, Tatis at SS and Kinsler at 3B is the likeliest option.

Meanwhile, the Cubs and Cardinals are pursuing another veteran in Daniel Descalso -- a versatile infielder who saw most of his action at the keystone with the D-backs the past two years and is coming off a career campaign in 2018 -- according to MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal and USA Today's Bob Nightengale.

Tweet from @Ken_Rosenthal: #Cubs in strong pursuit of free-agent infielder Daniel Descalso, sources tell The Athletic.

Tweet from @BNightengale: Daniel Descalso indeed the #Cubs first choice as a super utility player but they just don���t know whether they can afford him in their budget with Descalso also on #Stlcards radar. https://t.co/xRhm6FXK78

This comes on the heels of the Twins recently landing Jonathan Schoop as a bounceback candidate to handle second base in Minnesota.

A number of quality starting players at the position remain on the open market, including Jed Lowrie, DJ LeMahieu, Daniel Murphy, Brian Dozier and Asdrubal Cabrera. With action starting to happen here, it's possible some of the bigger names soon will look to lock in their own deals to avoid falling behind in a plentiful market where the supply appears to outweigh the demand.

CHICAGO -- While free agent Manny Machado visited Monday afternoon with the White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field, Yonder Alonso, Machado's brother-in-law, talked with Chicago media members via conference call from his Miami home.

If Alonso has his druthers, he soon will be talking about the White Sox as a family affair.

"We are definitely very close," the upbeat Alonso said of Machado. "We live two blocks away from each other in Miami. It will be very, very nice to also be neighbors on the South Side.

"I know he's very excited for me, his whole family is very excited for me, and we feel like it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I definitely want him to be my neighbor, I'll tell you that. I want him to be by my side. But again, I know he is going to do his thing and make his own decision."

Alonso, 31, joined the White Sox on Saturday in a trade with Cleveland that sent Minor League outfielder Alex Call to the Indians. The White Sox added the left-handed-hitting first baseman for his ability first and foremost, after Alonso knocked out 23 home runs with 83 RBIs in 2018.

Video: Rosenthal on how Alonso trade could affect White Sox

White Sox interest in Alonso dated back to his time at the University of Miami and extended into last offseason, when they pursued him as a free agent. And it's difficult to ignore the close personal connection to one of the premium free agents on the market, an individual who knows Machado probably better than anyone in the game.

With that knowledge, Alonso provided insight into Machado beyond the impressive numbers and the "Johnny Hustle" comment he made during the postseason.

"He wants to be a winning player, he wants to set a legacy for himself as a winning player, as a guy who does big things in the playoffs as we've all seen," Alonso said. "This guy had a really good postseason, and the sky is the limit for him and his family anywhere he goes.

"Obviously given the playoff situation, [the comment] was a little bit overblown. We're looking at a player, a family person, a player that wants to be better every single day, a guy that pushes everybody. I know what he does off the field, on the field. When he shows up, he shows up ready to play every single day. He gives it everything he's got and at the end of the day it's about wins, wins, wins, wins. That's all he wants.

"This guy plays hard. He plays really good defense. He's been a Platinum Glove winner. On a family level, to see him every day working out and seeing him train and seeing the way he goes about his business, [he's] an all-out type of guy."

Beyond the Machado inquiries, Alonso talked about sharing first base and DH duties with Jose Abreu and their connection dating back to their days in Cuba. He also addressed the plethora of young players running throughout the organization, a talented crew only enhanced by the possible addition of Machado.

Video: Alonso on taking leadership role with White Sox

"We have a bunch of prospects and we have a bunch of good players coming," Alonso said. "But at some point, the way I see it, it's time to win. It's time to win now.

"Whatever the best opportunity is for [Machado] and regardless of the situation, whether he comes to Chicago or goes elsewhere, I stand right behind him pushing him to be a better player and hopefully not against us. Hopefully he's next to me and he's able to play well."

The Marlins reportedly are shopping J.T. Realmuto, who is arguably MLB's best catcher at a time when productive all-around backstops are in short supply.

Below you will find a list of the latest news and rumors surrounding Realmuto.

Will Houston swing a deal for Realmuto next?
Dec. 17: With free-agent outfielder Michael Brantley reportedly agreeing to a two-year, $32 million contract with the Astros on Monday, could Houston now turn its focus to landing the most coveted catcher on the trade market, J.T. Realmuto?

Jim Bowden, a former MLB general manager and current analyst for MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM, thinks the next logical move for the Astros could be to trade their No. 1 prospect -- and No. 5 prospect in baseball per MLB Pipeline -- Kyle Tucker to Miami for Realmuto. 

"Is that the next play?" Bowden asks. "And now you have Realmuto and Brantley in the lineup. And then you sign Nelson Cruz as DH? ... Kyle Tucker's not ready, or he'd be in left field. I wonder if they're going to ship him to Miami to get Realmuto, especially since the Mets signed Wilson Ramos. So they're not in on Realmuto, and the Astros are now the best fit for Miami. ... If I'm an Astros fan, my heart is pitter-pattering right now."

Houston signed catcher Robinson Chirinos earlier this month, but he's a part-time player. The Astros have also been rumored as serious suitors for Cruz, who has continued to be one of the game's best sluggers even at age 38. 

Tucker, 21, was Houston's first-round Draft selection in 2015, No. 5 overall out of Tampa's H.B. Plant High School. He was called up briefly last season and made his Major League debut, but hit just .141/.236/.203 over 28 games. At Triple-A Fresno, he hit .332/.400/.590 with 24 home runs and 20 steals in 100 games. 

Tweet from @MLBNetworkRadio: .@astros have a reported deal with former #Indians outfielder Michael Brantley. What's next? @JimBowdenGM says go for @JTRealmuto #Astros pic.twitter.com/o8BtxnfbkE

Why a Realmuto trade could happen soon (maybe)
Dec. 17: At this point, not an offseason day goes by without at least some mention of a J.T. Realmuto trade rumor. So here goes.

After the Marlins reportedly spent the Winter Meetings last week narrowing down the list of likely suitors and in the wake of the Mets -- one of said suitors, and arguably the most aggressive at the time -- instead signing Wilson Ramos to be their backstop, will the All-Star Marlins catcher be moved any time soon?

"This will be a telling week, because the Marlins are engaged in talks with six to eight teams, including the Dodgers and Rays," MLB.com's Joe Frisaro writes. "The Mets are no longer in the mix after reaching an agreement with catcher Wilson Ramos. The Reds, Padres, Braves, Brewers and perhaps the Yankees and Angels could also be in the picture."

Of those clubs, Atlanta may no longer be in play, at least not as heavily as the club appeared to be a week ago, according to MLB.com's Mark Bowman.

Frisaro also suggests that although the Marlins have continued to indicate they are prepared to retain Realmuto -- who is under club control through the 2020 season -- that seems "unlikely." That certainly stands to reason, given all of the buzz and hype surrounding not only the player but also the interested parties.

Put another way: While it's still a question of "if" Realmuto will be traded, it's becoming more of a question of "when."

With another catcher off the board, how does it affect Realmuto's market?
Dec. 16: With the Mets reportedly agreeing to a two-year deal with free-agent catcher Wilson Ramos on Sunday, there's one fewer catcher on the market this offseason, as well as one fewer team looking for a backstop. How does that affect the trade market for the much-coveted J.T. Realmuto? 

The Braves are another team that has apparently bowed out of the Realmuto sweepstakes, sources told MLB.com's Mark Bowman on Saturday. Based on past reports, that narrows the field to the Reds, Rays, Dodgers and Padres. All four clubs have very strong farm systems, and with the Marlins rebuilding, could make enticing offers for the 27-year-old All-Star.

The Dodgers are looking for a catcher to replace free agent Yasmani Grandal, and with Ramos no longer an option, it may prompt the front office to intensify its bid for Realmuto, who was the best-hitting catcher in the Majors last season. Meanwhile, the Padres have been rumored to be in the mix for several prominent players, and after signing Eric Hosmer to a big contract last offseason, San Diego may be thinking to significantly upgrade its big league club as farm talent nears the Majors.

The Rays were the biggest surprise of last season, finishing with 90 victories despite having one true starting pitcher and having traded away several key players prior to the non-waiver Trade Deadline. They may be looking to build on that success by adding another young talent behind the plate. And the Reds have been rumored to be in on several impact free agents as well, meaning Cincinnati appears serious about competing in the very near future.

Braves out on Realmuto?
Dec. 15: The Braves haven't been in contact with the Marlins about potentially acquiring catcher J.T. Realmuto in the past five days, and Atlanta doesn't plan on picking those discussions back up, a source told MLB.com's Mark Bowman.

Realmuto was the Majors' best-hitting catcher in 2018, slashing .277/.340/.484 with 21 home runs in 125 games for Miami. Several teams, including the Reds, Mets, Rays, Dodgers and Padres have been rumored to be interested in acquiring the 27-year-old All-Star this offseason.

The Braves pursued Realmuto last offseason, before this year's Trade Deadline and at the beginning of this offseason. But when Miami wanted Ozzie Albies and made it clear at least one high-value MLB-experienced asset would also be needed in return, Atlanta signed veteran Brian McCann to a one-year, $2 million deal.

Tweet from @mlbbowman: Source: The Braves have not had any discussions regarding J.T. Realmuto within the past five days and they do not plan to have any further talks with the Marlins regarding the All-Star catcher.

Is there a new team in the mix for Realmuto?
Dec. 14: What, you thought just because the Winter Meetings were over the J.T. Realmuto rumors would stop?

The latest indicates the Brewers could be "a legit player" for the Marlins' All-Star backstop, according to longtime writer Jerry Crasnick, who cites a baseball source saying "I know they've inquired ... I think they'll quietly creep into this." One thing to consider here: Would the Marlins be hesitant to deal with the Brewers again after acquiring a package of prospects from them last year for Christian Yelich, who went on to win National League MVP?

Tweet from @jcrasnick: One MLB personnel man thinks the #Brewers could be a legit player for Realmuto. "I haven't read much about them, but I know they've inquired,'' he said. "They were interested at the trade deadline. I think they'll quietly creep into this.'' https://t.co/2NfxH6D66l

That could mean there's a new team in the mix for Realmuto after reports Thursday suggested the market was down to these six clubs: the Mets, Reds, Braves, Rays, Dodgers and Padres. From that list, Crasnick's baseball executive source also brought up the latter two, pointing out that they could be fits in particular "because they both have catching prospects to send to Miami: Keibert Ruiz in LA, and Francisco Mejia in SD."

Tweet from @jcrasnick: The same exec likes the #Dodgers and #Padres as Realmuto fits because they both have catching prospects to send to Miami: Keibert Ruiz in LA, and Francisco Mejia in SD. The #Marlins currently have Bryan Holaday and Chad Wallach behind Realmuto, so they're thin at the position.

In fact, Mejia and Ruiz are two of the very best catching prospects in baseball. Mejia -- who the Padres acquired from the Indians at the Trade Deadline for relievers Brad Hand and Adam Cimber -- is ranked No. 2 at the position by MLB Pipeline, while Ruiz checks in at No. 3.

This also raises the question of whether the Marlins would prefer to acquire a backstop as part of a return in a potential Realmuto trade, a topic MLB.com's Joe Frisaro explores. Given the club's lack of a capable starter behind Realmuto, the Marlins could struggle to fill the spot otherwise. 

Video: Michael Hill on Winter Meetings, market for Realmuto

Reds enter the running for Realmuto
Dec. 12: The Reds have jumped into the J.T. Realmuto sweepstakes, according to Craig Mish of SiriusXM, though Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald has heard Cincinnati has been interested in the catcher for "a while."

Tweet from @CraigMish: Sources indicate the Cincinnati Reds have jumped into the Realmuto talks. Could be moving up into the candidates to acquire him.

Tweet from @clarkspencer: Reds have been in on Realmuto for ���a while��� I���m told. Not like they suddenly became interested. At least a half-dozen teams still in play, perhaps diminishing chance a deal gets done here in Vegas. https://t.co/y1Fck0VG55

Per Mish, catcher Tucker Barnhart and outfield prospect Taylor Trammell (Cincinnati's No. 2 prospect, No. 17 overall, per MLB Pipeline) are among the names that could highlight a potential package from the Reds. But MLB Network insider Jon Heyman has heard the Reds are refusing to include No. 1 prospect Nick Senzel (No. 6 overall).

Tweet from @CraigMish: Sources indicate the names possibly in a potential deal would be hilighted by top prospect Taylor Trammell and a catcher. Possibly Barnhart.

Tweet from @JonHeyman: Reds and Marlins continue to engage on Realmuto, though Cincy has so far held the line and not agreed to include Nick Senzel

Realmuto represents a significant upgrade over Barnhart, especially on the offseason end. Barnhart makes sense for Miami, though, as he is just a couple months older than the 27-year-old Realmuto and is signed for the next three years for a base salary of only $9.75 million. Barnhart also has a $7.5 million team option with a $500,000 buyout for 2022. Realmuto, meanwhile, can become a free agent in two years, and his agent has indicated the catcher won't be signing an extension with the Marlins.

Do the Cubs have interest in Yasmani Grandal? If they brought in Grandal, wouldn't it allow Willson Contreras opportunities to play the outfield again and get more rest days? Plus, he could learn from someone that is a better pitch framer.
-- James O., Havana, Cuba

The only way I'd envision the Cubs getting into the free-agent bidding for Grandal is if they moved Contreras in a trade, and that's not something I'd expect Chicago to do. Now, the front office has said they'd need to get "creative" to add a contract of any significance this offseason. Trading Contreras would definitely fit that description, especially if the Cubs could package him with a larger contract to free up payroll.

The more likely scenario is that the Cubs bank on Contreras -- entering his final pre-arbitration season at 26 years old -- bouncing back from a rough finish to the 2018 campaign. Contreras made the National League All-Star team last summer and had an .830 OPS through Aug. 1, but then faded to the tune of a .495 OPS over his final 45 games. During the Winter Meetings, manager Joe Maddon said Contreras might have been consumed by his struggles.

"He became really difficult on himself, and I think he dragged himself down a bit," Maddon said. "I just think he got in a bad rut and couldn't get out of it. We've got to talk to him soon early on and get things straightened out with him mentally and how you approach this whole thing. I like that he plays with his hair on fire, but you can't get too emotional. These are things we'll talk about him."

And those things would be better worked out (especially defensively) with Contreras as the starting catcher -- not as a player bouncing between catching and playing the outfield. Plus, when Grandal gets his contract, he will be doing so as a starting catcher as well. I'm just speculating, but neither Contreras nor Grandal would probably want to be in a situation where the innings are shared down the middle. They're both used to being the top option.

Video: STL@CHC: Contreras cracks a 2-run homer to left

Defensively, though, you're right, James. Contreras has a lot of room for growth, especially when considering that the Cubs' pitching staff has trended downward in both strikeout rate (24.3 percent in 2016 to 21.3 percent in '18) and walk rate (8.3 percent in '16 to 9.9 percent in '18) over the past three seasons. That's a 4.5 percent decrease in strikeout-minus-walk percentage during that span.

Last season, Contreras had a minus-17.8 Framing Runs (MLB low) per Baseball Prospectus, while Grandal ranked first at 15.7. Overall, Contreras was deemed to be minus-15.4 in Fielding Runs, while Grandal ranked second at 17.7. Contreras did rate well in Blocking Runs (fifth at 1.9) and Throwing Runs (eighth at 0.4), so it was really the representation side of things that cost him and the Cubs.

"We need to get him to continue to work on his defense to the point he understands the catcher's responsibility regarding guiding his pitching staff," Maddon said. "Sometimes you have to sacrifice comfort for function. ... The guy is an incredible talent. Strong, the way he throws, blocks the ball. There's so much good right there. So we've got to, again, extract it out of him. Start over a little bit this year."

:: Submit a question to the Cubs Inbox ::

First off, welcome to the Cubs beat! Looking forward to following along from the heart of Cardinals country here in Jefferson City, Mo. (Boo!) My question is: I don't recall seeing any updates on Yu Darvish this offseason. How is his winter progression coming, and should we expect him to be in the starting rotation come the start of the season?
-- Tyler M.

Shortly before the Winter Meetings, Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said that head athletic trainer PJ Mainville visited with Darvish in recent weeks and returned with "an A-plus glowing report" on the right-hander's rehab and offseason training progress. Until we hear otherwise, the expectation seems to be that Darvish will be ready for the start of the season.

That said, picking up Cole Hamels' option for 2019 helps guard against any setbacks anywhere else in the rotation. If Darvish or any other starter hits a snag and faces an Opening Day DL stint, the Cubs are fortunate to have strong depth in that part of the roster.

The Cubs are supposedly targeting Troy Tulowitzki or Daniel Descalso. Why not get Daniel Murphy? He is a professional hitter that was on the 2018 roster at the end of year. He is great in the clubhouse and the young Cubs looked up to him. I'd take him before Tulo or Descalso.
-- Mike B.

Once the Cubs opted to tender shortstop Addison Russell a contract for 2019, that made it less likely for the team to then target someone like Murphy or another free agent such as DJ LeMahieu. There will be a hole at second at the start of the season, while Russell finishes out a 40-game suspension and Javier Baez handles short. But the Cubs have some internal options (Ben Zobrist, David Bote or Ian Happ).

If Tulowitzki is healthy and wants a regular role at short, well, that wouldn't make sense for the Cubs. He'd be viewed as a veteran bench player. Descalso would add veteran depth to Chicago's bench as a utility man. That is more what the team is seeking, rather than a full-timer up the middle like Murphy.

How about Tyler Chatwood for Russell Martin? The Cubs have a rotation of Jon Lester, Kyle Hendricks, Jose Quintana, Hamels and Darvish, with Mike Montgomery wanting to start. It is hard to see how Chatwood breaks into the rotation. Martin's trade value is low because of the other available free-agent catchers. It would give the Cubs the backup catcher they were looking for and some payroll relief for 2020. The Blue Jays get another starter who might be better with a change of scenery.
-- Mark C., Chicago

This is the kind of deal the Cubs would probably have to do in order to move Chatwood -- a swap of large contracts. I could get on board with this, but part of it would depend upon Toronto's willingness to take on the 2020 salary. In terms of the luxury-tax aspect, Martin's average annual salary is $16.4 million, while Chatwood's is $12.6 million. So it'd be roughly a $3.8 million hit to the Cubs' bottom line for '19.

Martin would not only fit the bill as a backup, but could also offer the veteran leadership Chicago is seeking. In a perfect world, the Cubs could deal Chatwood without taking on as much salary as in this concept, but on the surface I wouldn't oppose this kind of trade if it didn't hinder the Cubs from addressing some other needs (such as the bullpen, for instance).

The Cubs need a closer. Is there any chance of signing Craig Kimbrel?
-- Patrick L., Greenville, Mich.

I wouldn't get your hopes up, Patrick. The Cubs are definitely looking for relief reinforcements, but it doesn't seem like they will be players at the top of that market. Barring some trades to free up funds, the expectation is that Chicago will be looking for some more value-type signings later this offseason. Closing experience would be beneficial, but it's not a prerequisite for the arms the Cubs are targeting.