The baseball world is flush with MLB free agency rumors as the hot stove gets going big time. Stars such as Carlos Correa, Carlos Rodon, and Dansby Swanson have been talked about a whole heck of a lot.
While not much has happened from an official perspective, we’re hearing the possibility that some of these players could actually change teams. In a post that will be updated throughout the hot stove period, here are your latest MLB free agency rumors and news. Bookmark this page for consistent updates.
Related: MLB free agency tracker
MLB free agency rumors: San Francisco Giants options to replace Carlos Rodon
San Francisco added veteran pitchers Ross Stripling and Sean Manaea to slot in behind ace Logan Webb in its rotation. However, the loss of Rodon is absolutely huge for a team that largely struck out in retaining and/or bringing in their top talents during free agency.
As of right now, Webb, Stripling and Manaea will be joined by Alex Cobb and Alex Wood in the Giants’ rotation. With that said, they don’t really have a clear No. 2 behind Webb. Unfortunately, San Francisco would have to look at the trade market if it were to acquire one with the free-agent market now bare-bones.
Dansby Swanson sweepstakes down to two teams
While the Minnesota Twins would like to get involved in the Dansby Swanson sweepstakes after losing Carlos Correa, it appears that they are in a distant third in the race for the All-Star.
Reports indicate that the Chicago Cubs and Swanson’s current Atlanta Braves team are the two favorites to sign the shortstop. Swanson’s new wife Mallory Pugh plays for the Chicago Red Stars of the National Women’s Soccer League. This makes Chicago a strong contender to pull off another big-name signing.
Though, it would not be a surprise if Swanson did indeed return to Atlanta. Shortstop is one of the only holes the defending NL East champions have after aquiring catch Sean Murphy from the Oakland Athletics in a three-team trade.
Related: MLB free agent tracker
Boston Red Sox’ hot mess
The loss of Xander Bogaerts painted Boston in a bad light, especially after it was unable to extend him ahead of the 2022 season. Signing Japanese outfielder Munetaka Murakami does very little to change this.
Now, the Sox are in a similar situation with third baseman Rafael Devers. He’s set to become a free agency after next season and could follow Bogaerts out of town. However, Devers is said to be a top priority of Boston’s brass. The two-time All-Star is likely in line for something similar to the 11-year, $280 million contract Bogaerts landed with the San Diego Padres should he hit the open market next year.
New York Yankees looking to clear some cash
After exhausting a combined $522 million on re-signing Aaron Judge and bringing in Carlos Rodon, Yankees front office head Brian Cashman is looking to free up some cash. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, New York has veteran Aaron Hicks and Josh Donaldson on the trade block.
Unfortunately for the Pinstripes, they have not been able to find a taker for either player. Hicks is currently playing under a seven-year, $70 million contract. He hit just .216 with a .642 OPS last season. As for Donaldson, the former AL MVP has fallen on hard times recently (.222/.682 split) and is set to earn $21 million in 2023.
Seth Lugo being chased by contenders, may be given chance to start
After starting just seven games over his past four seasons, yet making a total of 185 appearances, Seth Lugo is a free agent. So far, the right-handed reliever is catching the eye of the Dodgers, Padres, and Nationals. As Jon Heyman suggests, it’s believed Lugo will get the chance to start, wherever he lands.
With Lugo frequently going longer than just a typical inning we see from many relief pitchers, it appears the former Mets starter may finally return to the starting rotation, depending on where he signs.
Related: Highest paid MLB players of 2022-23
MLB free agency rumors: Los Angeles Dodgers may chase after Dansby Swanson
The Los Angeles Dodgers, previously believed to be in on the shortstop market, have seen players such as Trea Turner, Carlos Correa and Xander Bogaerts sign massive contracts elsewhere.
This could mean the Dodgers save a bit of dough and go after Dansby Swanson instead. Also a Gold Glove shortstop, Swanson’s bat could go a long way toward providing more stability to L.A.’s lineup. He’s also proven extremely durable, playing in 322 games during the past two seasons. We should see the next domino fall in the shortstop market soon.
Justin Turner drawing immense interest
While he may not be among the biggest names left on the free agent market, two-time All-Star third baseman Justin Turner is generating tons of interest early on. According to Jon Heyman, roughly a half-dozen teams are looking into signing the 38-year-old infielder.
The Diamondbacks, Dodgers, and Marlins are just a few of the teams inquiring about Turner so far. The former NLCS MVP hit 13 home runs while hitting .278 across 468 plate appearances for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2022.
MLB rumors: Evan Longoria linked to Arizona Diamondbacks, many others
Over a decade removed from being a three-time All-Star, Evan Longoria is still drawing plenty of interest in free agency. Longoria is believed to be intriguing the Arizona Diamondbacks, as well as four other teams kicking the tires on the 37-year-old third baseman. Longoria hit 14 home runs while hitting .244 across 266 at-bats for the Giants in 2022.