Rumor roundup: Dodgers look into Chen
Free-agent lefty reportedly seeking 5-year, $100M contract
Major League clubs made a flurry of under-the-radar roster moves on the waiver wire Wednesday, and there were still a number of rumors surrounding some big-name free agents.
Here's a look at some of the latest Hot Stove rumblings circulating around the big leagues:
Dodgers seek rotation help
The Dodgers have some holes to fill in their starting rotation, and rival executives believe Los Angeles could be the landing spot for left-hander Wei-Yin Chen, according to a report from Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.
Chen, 30, is reportedly looking for a five-year contract worth $100 million. He rejected a $15.8 million qualifying offer from the Orioles, meaning the team that signs Chen must forfeit its highest unprotected pick in the 2016 Draft.
The Dodgers are in need of rotation depth after the departure of Zack Greinke and the aborted signing of Hisashi Iwakuma. The club has recently been linked in trade speculation for Carlos Carrasco or Danny Salazar of the Indians or Jake Odorizzi of the Rays. The Dodgers are also said to be interested in free agent Scott Kazmir and Kenta Maeda of Japan.
Video: Justice on Dodgers' acquisitions, potential trades
Royals targeting free-agent starters
The Royals would like to sign a starting pitcher and have been in contact with Yovani Gallardo, Ian Kennedy and Kazmir, according to a report from CBS Sports.
Chen appears to be at the top of the Royals' wish list, but Kansas City is reportedly not prepared to offer Chen a six-year deal or shell out $100 million over five years.
Like Chen, Gallardo and Kennedy also rejected qualifying offers this offseason.
Nationals pursuing Murphy, Kendrick
The Nationals are in need of a second baseman and have engaged in dialogue with representatives for free agents Daniel Murphy and Howie Kendrick, reports MLB.com's Bill Ladson.
Already this offseason, the Nationals have missed out on signing Ben Zobrist and seen a trade with the Reds for Brandon Phillips fall through.
Murphy and Kendrick are productive offensive players who are also considered to provide good chemistry in the clubhouse. Signing either would result in a loss of a first-round Draft pick for the Nats, as both rejected the $15.8 million qualifying offer.