5 rumors and takeaways from day 1 of the winter meetings
After weeks of anticipation, two of the offseason's biggest names - Shohei Ohtani and Giancarlo Stanton - have found new homes, which is expected to lead to a flurry of activity with the winter meetings now underway. Despite a quiet day one, here are five rumors and takeaways from Lake Buena Vista, Fla. to keep an eye on:
Harvey trade talk heating up
Now that Matt Harvey is being made available through trade by the New York Mets, a few teams including the Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles have already inquired about the 28-year-old starter. After coming off his worst season as a pro, it would appear the Rangers, Orioles, or any other interested party are prepared to buy low on Harvey, who is slated to become a free agent in 2019.
Red Sox after big bat, Bradley Jr. not going anywhere
With Stanton now in New York, the Boston Red Sox are on the clock, though it's hard to predict in which direction the team and president Dave Dombrowski will go.
"We're looking for a middle-of-the-order bat. That hasn't changed. First base or DH," Dombrowski said on day one of the winter meetings. When asked if the club would pursue more than one slugger, Dombrowski said: "I don't know where we'd play the two bats."
The executive also poured cold water on trade speculation involving Jackie Bradley Jr., referring to the rumors as "inaccurate".
Marlins fielding offers on Yelich, Ozuna
Two down, two to go?
The Miami Marlins' teardown is underway after separate deals involving Dee Gordon and Stanton. Now, the club appears focused on trading Marcell Ozuna and Christian Yelich.
As many as eight teams including the St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco Giants, and Washington Nationals are in the mix for Ozuna, who is said to be getting "pushed" by the Marlins ahead of Yelich in trade discussions. Still, expect the Cardinals to remain interested in both outfielders, especially after being spurned by Stanton.
Yankees' Cashman: More moves are coming
The Yankees landed the biggest fish of the offseason by acquiring Stanton, the 2017 National League MVP. Despite the team now being pegged as early favorites to win the World Series, Brian Cashman doesn't appear to be satisfied with his roster just yet.
After introducing Stanton on Monday, the executive said the club wouldn't shy away from dealing more prospects in an effort to improve through trade. Pittsburgh Pirates ace Gerrit Cole appears to be of interest, and a reunion with CC Sabathia is in the cards.
Giants not expected to spend big
Stanton might have done the Giants a favor by not waiving his no-trade clause. Despite the organization's willingness to take on the slugger's mammoth contract, general manager Brian Sabean said his team isn't likely to pursue big-ticket free agents such as Lorenzo Cain and Mike Moustakas.
"If you're asking me personally, my vote would be a no, being that we wouldn't want to get involved with somebody like that," Sabean said when asked about the two former Kansas City Royals, who would cost the Giants a second-round draft pick and $1 million in international bonus pool money.
Nothing should be ruled out just yet, but a rebuild might be on the horizon in San Francisco.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)