Rumor roundup: Trade-market talk heats up
Kemp, Cespedes, Rollins among top names reportedly drawing interest
Cuban slugger Yasmany Tomas captured the headlines Wednesday with news of his imminent signing with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Pending a physical, the 24-year-old outfielder will ink a six-year, $68.5 million deal with Arizona, according to MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez. The D-backs have yet to confirm the agreement.
The bidding war for Tomas escalated this week with the Braves, Giants and Padres also believed to have made offers.
With Tomas, Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez signing deals this week, the market for remaining free agents, such as Nelson Cruz or Melky Cabrera, should now begin to fall into place.
Padres call about Kemp, Cespedes
The Padres' quest to bolster their lineup this offseason reportedly includes reaching out to the Dodgers regarding Matt Kemp.
According to FOX Sports, the club has discussed a trade for the Los Angeles outfielder, though no agreement has been reached and talks haven't progressed recently.
After missing on Sandoval and Tomas, the Padres have shifted their offseason attention to the trade market. MLB.com's Corey Brock reported Wednesday that San Diego also inquired about Red Sox outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. The report noted that pitcher Ian Kennedy could be a trade piece in a potential deal with Boston.
The Padres have also been linked to Jay Bruce, Justin Upton, Evan Gattis, Michael Saunders, Dexter Fowler and Allen Craig.
Yankees uninterested in Headley bidding war, call about Rollins
Should Chase Headley garner significant interest on the free-agent market, his time in Yankees pinstripes may be over.
Video: Duquette on possible destinations for Headley
The New York Daily News reported Wednesday that the club has no plans on entering a bidding war for Headley. CBS Sports also reported that New York isn't willing to exceed three years on any potential deal for the third baseman.
The Giants and Indians are among the teams that may be interested in Headley. Should he sign elsewhere, Martin Prado could succeed him at third base for the Yankees.
New York also contacted the Phillies regarding the availability of veteran shortstop Jimmy Rollins, according to ESPN.com, though nothing materialized as the asking price was too high for the Yankees' liking.
Free agent Stephen Drew remains a possibility to replace Derek Jeter at shortstop next season, according to MLB.com's Bryan Hoch.
Marlins explore 1B trade market
The Marlins have reportedly inquired about potential trades for Gattis and Baltimore's Chris Davis, according to the Miami Herald.
Garrett Jones hit .246/.309/.411 with 15 home runs and 53 RBIs as Miami's primary first baseman in 2014, and the club is exploring the trade market for an upgrade at the position. Miami would likely have to offer up some of its top pitching prospects, potentially including No. 1-ranked Andrew Heaney.
Though he primarily played behind the plate and in the outfield with the Braves last season, Gattis could move to first should the Marlins acquire him.
One year removed from finishing third in American League MVP voting, Davis endured a down season in 2014, hitting just .196/.300/.404 with 26 homers and 72 RBIs.