MLB Rumors: Randy Arozarena trade garnering heavy interest
The Tampa Bay Rays have a chance to make major waves in the offseason if they ultimately end up making a trade that will send former Cy Young winner Tyler Glasnow to a pitching-needy contender. However, that might not be the only star that the Rays could put on the move via trade.
Jeff Passan of ESPN ($) reported this week that All-Star outfielder and World Baseball Classic standout Randy Arozarena is at least a possibility to be traded this offseason. Passan broke down the situation and the interest level for the Rays in possibly moving him.
"Tampa Bay isn't necessarily looking to trade outfielder Randy Arozarena; a small number of teams have inquired, though that could grow in the coming weeks. With Arozarena set to make around $9 million this year, plus two arbitration raises beyond that, the Rays could move the 28-year-old for a significant windfall."
The "isn't necessarily looking to trade" aspect of this is important. Reading between the lines, that surely means that the Rays would have to be blown away by an offer to move a true star in Arozarena. Having said that, for a team looking to upgrade in the outfield, perhaps an offer that would get Tampa Bay to budge could indeed be on the table.
Which teams could be interested? The Braves, who are looking to upgrade in left field, have been mentioned as a possibility and could offer an enticing trade package. Teams like the Cubs and Blue Jays would also make sense as they are looking for similar upgrades, though Toronto could be at a disadvantage given they are also in the AL East with the Rays.
In any case, add Randy Arozarena to the seemingly constantly growing list of stars who could garner major trade interest in the offseason as the Winter Meetings are set to commence.
MLB Rumors: Cubs connected to Emmanuel Clase trade
It's quite clear that the Chicago Cubs are big-game hunting this offseason. They're heavily in the mix for Shohei Ohtani, have been connected to big names like Josh Hader and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, are one of the teams oft-mentioned as a Juan Soto trade fit, and the list goes on.
So why not add another All-Star-caliber target for the offseason to that mix?
ESPN insider Jeff Passan ($) reported that the Guardians, in addition to Shane Bieber, are open to a trade involving star closer Emmanuel Clase. Though he's led the AL in saves each of the past two seasons and is under cheap club control through 2026, the Guardians' trade for Scott Barlow at last year's deadline and M.O. of looking to maximize trade value early could make a deal possible.
So it's only natural, then, that a team seemingly in the market for Hader would possibly be interested in a Clase trade as well as it pertains to the Cubs. Brad Wakai of Inside the Cubs asserted that as well, breaking down the situation plainly:
"Clase not only gives Chicago another option to target, but it would not break their budget as they look to add superstar talent across multiple positions."
There have not been any reports just yet about the Cubs inquiring. However, connecting the dots with Chicago's attractive and talent-rich farm system, it would be pretty reasonable to expect that Jed Hoyer and Co. will at least have a conversation with the Guardians front office about the possibility of a Clase trade.
MLB Rumors: Cardinals may be quiet after three SP additions
With a strong need to upgrade their rotation this offseason, we've seen John Mozeliak and the St. Louis Cardinals act quickly to try and upgrade the starting pitching on the roster.
The first two moves were to sign well-traveled veterans Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson to relatively modest deals. But then the Cardinals made their biggest splash by far, doling out a three-year, $75 million deal to veteran Sonny Gray.
However, with the way that Gray's contract is structured with the majority of the money backloaded on the deal, some wondered if Mozeliak and the Cardinals had more moves up their sleeve, perhaps one for another top-end starter.
From Mozeliak's own mouth, though, maybe don't hold your breath on that if you're a Cardinals fan.
Though he spoke about being "opportunistic" in free agency, Mozeliak appeared to indicate that the major additions to the rotation might be done now when speaking with Gregg Palermo of Spectrum News:
"We feel like we have a strong five right now. We feel like we have three or four guys that could give us depth throughout the season as well, so it's not like a front-line priority but you never say never because something may pop up and make sense," Mozeliak said.
That probably doesn't make many fans in St. Louis all too happy to hear. For as good as Gray can be for the Cardinals, he doesn't necessarily offer the top-end upside that other rumored targets like Blake Snell or Yoshinobu Yamamoto would. The depth, meanwhile, is also a bit of an uncertainty given the volatility of Lynn and Gibson.
We shall see if Mozeliak is just throwing up a pre-Winter Meetings smokescreen or not, but it seems as if the Cards might be closing up shop when it comes to their starting pitching.
