Rumor roundup: D-backs still seeking pitching
With less than 72 hours until the start of the Winter Meetings, the D-backs shocked the baseball world Friday night, reportedly winning a bidding war for prized pitcher Zack Greinke in a blockbuster move that is sure to shake up the Hot Stove.
The D-backs are rumored to be in the market for another starting pitcher, so things aren't cooling off just yet. Here's a look at some of the latest rumors floating around the big leagues Friday night:
D-backs not done yet?
The D-backs made quite a splash, and financial commitment, with Greinke, but the club might have another significant addition in the works.
Free-agent right-hander Mike Leake met with the D-backs on Thursday, according to FOXSports.com, and Arizona is said to still have interest in the starter despite reaching an agreement with Greinke to be the team's ace.
Leake, who has also been linked to the Giants, has made at least 30 starts in each of the last four seasons. He split 2015 between the Reds and Giants, compiling a 3.70 ERA and going 11-10.
Cardinals join Samardzija sweepstakes
Add the Cardinals to the long list of teams with interest in free-agent starter Jeff Samardzija, according to USA Today.
In addition to the Cardinals, the Giants and Cubs have also checked in with Samardzija's camp, per CBSSports.com.
Samardzija is rumored to have received offers of at least $90 million, according to multiple reports published earlier this week. The right-hander is coming off a down year in which he went 11-13 with a 4.96 ERA over 214 innings with the White Sox, but he still has loads of potential and is sure to have a number of suitors.
Three teams interested in Rodney
The Twins, Padres and Cubs are the three clubs showing the most interest in veteran reliever Fernando Rodney, according to a report in the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
Rodney, an All-Star closer in 2012 and 2014, finished last season in a setup role with the Cubs after being dealt by the Mariners. But it sounds as if Rodney wants to return to closing.
"In a perfect world, he wants to be a team's closer," an unnamed baseball source told the newspaper. "If the right situation is there, he's probably going to go for the team that gives him the best opportunity [to close]."
Angels could bring back Freese
The Angels and third baseman David Freese are said to be making some progress on a deal that would bring the veteran back to Anaheim, according to CBSSports.com.
Both sides have reportedly remained in touch since the Angels decided against extending Freese a $15.8 million qualifying offer last month.
In two seasons with the Angels, Freese has produced a .258/.322/.401 slash line with 24 homers and 111 RBIs.
