Rumor roundup: Desmond suitors emerge

Kenta Maeda's reported eight-year agreement with the Dodgers became the final major baseball news of 2015, but there were plenty of other rumors buzzing on New Year's Eve.

As we enter 2016, the Hot Stove is still ablaze. Here's a roundup of Thursday's biggest rumors:

White Sox, Rockies 'dark horses' for Desmond
The White Sox and Rockies are dark-horse candidates to sign Ian Desmond, CBSSports.com reports. The same report calls the Padres the most logical landing spot.

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However, the report cites a person with connections to the Padres, wondering how much San Diego -- currently in a rebuilding phase -- would be willing to invest in the 30-year-old shortstop.

The Padres, Rockies and White Sox all have serious question marks at short. Desmond is coming off a down year in 2015, but he's been one of the most reliable shortstops in baseball since 2010. Desmond hit .233/.290/.384 last season.

Rox pursuing Parra
The Rockies are reportedly pursuing outfielder Gerardo Parra, which would seem to indicate their intention to trade one of their current starting outfielders -- Carlos Gonzalez, Charlie Blackmon or Corey Dickerson.

Parra, an elite defender, appears to be a nice fit for Coors Field's spacious outfield. The Rockies, who desperately need pitching help, could theoretically sign Parra, and use their excess of controllable outfielders to trade for a pitcher with team control.

Parra split 2015 between Milwaukee and Baltimore, hitting .291/.328/.452. It was a roller-coaster season for Parra, who batted .435 in July but just .237 after being dealt to the Orioles.

Orioles unwilling to offer Span multiple years
The Orioles appear unlikely to sign Denard Span, according to MASN, despite their obvious interest in the free-agent outfielder.

Baltimore is in need of at least one outfielder and could also use a left-handed bat. Span fills both of those needs, and the O's were linked with him as early as November.

But according to the MASN report, Baltimore doesn't seem willing to go beyond a one-year deal with Span, who had hip surgery in September. Span will undoubtedly be looking for a multiyear contract.

Span will work out in Tampa in January for clubs that are interested in him -- an effort to prove he's fully recovered.