Rumor roundup: Red Sox lock in on Price
Major League Baseball's free-agent market has thus far been slow to develop, but things could pick up soon with just over a week to go until the beginning of the Winter Meetings in Nashville, Tenn. (Dec. 7-10).
There were rumblings about free agents circulating on the Hot Stove Saturday. Here's a look at the latest developments:
Red Sox hone in on Price
David Price and Zack Greinke are the consensus top starting pitchers available on the open market, and multiple clubs are sure to engage in bidding wars for each hurler's services this offseason.
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The Red Sox have locked in on Price, and are rumored to be willing to offer at least $200 million in a multiyear deal with the left-hander, according to a report in the Boston Globe.
Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has a history with Price, dating back to their days with the Tigers. Dombrowski has made it clear the Sox are in the market for a premier starting pitcher, and Price certainly fits the bill.
The Blue Jays, Cardinals, Cubs, Giants and Dodgers are also thought to be in contention to sign Price, as are longshots like the Angels, Astros, Nationals and Rangers.
Indians reach out to Victorino
The Indians are in need of outfielders, and the club has been in contact with Shane Victorino among others, according to Cleveland.com.
It's not the first time the Indians have shown interest in Victorino, who will turn 35 on Monday. The club reportedly made a four-year, $44 million offer to the veteran during the 2012 offseason. That bid was turned down and Victorino went on to sign with the Red Sox, while the Indians signed Nick Swisher.
At this point in his career, Victorino is unlikely to command a rich contract like the one he passed on in 2012. In 71 games with the Red Sox and Angels this season, Victorino hit .230/.308/.292 with one homer and seven RBIs.
Aside from Michael Brantley, who had right shoulder surgery earlier this month, the Indians don't have an everyday Major League outfielder on their roster or in their farm system.
Orioles hope to get Davis at a discount
The Orioles have made re-signing Chris Davis a priority this offseason, but the club doesn't believe it will be the highest bidder for the slugger, according to a report in the Baltimore Sun, citing unnamed baseball sources.
It appears the O's will need Davis to accept a hometown discount to keep him in Baltimore. Still, the organization is thought to be prepared to make a competitive offer to Davis, with his potential market value likely to be somewhere between $150 million and $175 million.
It's worth noting Davis is represented by superagent Scott Boras, who is known to pursue the most lucrative contracts for his clients. Still, the final decision ultimately comes down to the individual player.
Davis, 29, led the Majors with 47 home runs last season and is tops in the big leagues with 159 homers over the last four years combined.