Reds' Leake on trade rumors: 'I'm curious'
Mike Leake is being very realistic about the chances of him being traded this offseason.
The Cincinnati Reds right-hander knows he's on the trade block, prompting him to check the Internet for the latest rumors.
"I'm curious," Leake told reporters at Redsfest. "I check MLB Trade Rumors every day just to see what's new. There's nothing you can do about it. You sit and wait and see if your name is thrown in a trade."
Leake is arbitration-eligible for a third and final time this offseason, and is projected to make $9.5 million in 2015. He can test the free agent waters following next season, which makes him an ideal candidate to be dealt.
"I'll be happy either way," Leake said. "I won't be upset if they choose to go a different route as an organization. I'll be happy if they have me in their plans. It's all in their hands. I guess I'm kind of kissing their feet right now, waiting for what their decision is."
As for a time frame for the Reds' decision, Leake believes his fate won't be sealed until the top free-agent left-hander signs, prompting a frenzy of activity.
"I think we're all kind of waiting on the (Jon) Lester thing and seeing what he does," Leake added. "Then I think it will start rolling."
Leake went 11-13 with a respectable 3.70 ERA in 33 starts for the Reds last season.