MLB Rumors: Hot Stove Heats Up With Dodgers, Reds, White Sox Involved In A Possible Trade

The Major League Baseball hot stove is in full swing as offseason moves continue at a dizzying rate. Notable trades and free agent signings have already altered the National League and there are still big names available on the market that are keeping the rumor mill churning.

On Tuesday, the most recent big-name trade went down in a three-team deal between the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers and Cincinanti Reds:

As it turns out, third baseman Todd Frazier is part of the deal, going from the Reds to the White Sox. Chicago’s top pitching prospect Frankie Montas heads to the Dodgers while Los Angeles prospects Jose Peraza, Scott Schebler and Brandon Dixon head to Cincinnati.

Below we take a look at some notable free agents still on the market:

Yoenis Cespedes: Cespedes hit .291 with 35 home runs and 105 RBI, including 17 and 44 with the Mets in just 57 games before helping them to an NL pennant. He appears unlikely to return to New York unless his price drops dramatically but the Tigers could be a team to watch with owner Mile Ilitch willing to go over the luxury tax. Cespedes may prove to be too rich for the Giants’ blood, but he suits their needs as well.

Alex Gordon: Gordon has been a Royal since being drafted in 2005 and hit .271 with a .377 on-base percentage in 104 games en route to a World Series title. It’s thought Kansas City want their left fielder back at the right price but the Los Angeles Times reported the Angels could be in on Gordon as they are in the market for an outfielder as well. The Cardinals are also expected to pursue Gordon, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

Justin Upton: Everybody should be in the market for a power-hitting outfielder still in his mid-20s but Upton’s market hasn’t fully materialized. It’s similar enough to Cespedes with the Giants and Tigers being thought of as options, if they can pay him. The Angels are also in the market for an outfielder, though none of these teams have been deeply connected yet. Upton hit 26 home runs and knocked in 81 runs in his 2015 All-Star season.

Dexter Fowler: The Kansas City Royals are in the market for an outfielder that won’t cost them what Alex Gordon might and Fowler could be a fit. He’s a career .267 hitter with a .363 on-base percentage but will cost you a draft puck due to his declining of a qualifying offer from the Cubs. After spending money on starting pitching, the Giants are also in the market for an outfielder without a huge pricetag.

Denard Span: The Mets were looking for an outfield option to platoon with Juan Lagares but Span seems uninterested in splitting time and taking a one-year deal. ESPN’s Britt McHenry reports that New York is still in the discussion but the Giants, Orioles and Royals have all shown interest in the 31-year-old. Span his .301 in 61 games in 2015 before a hip injury required season-ending surgery.

Yovanni Gallardo: With Johnny Cueto signed and the market for pitchers shrinking, teams are starting to jump on board with Gallardo. The Astros, Royals and Orioles are all looking for starting pitching and it’s thought that the 29-year-old right-hander may be able to choose from that trip of teams. Gallardo posted a 13-11 record and 3.42 ERA in 33 starts with the Rangers last season after being acquired from the Brewers last offseason .

Scott Kazmir: Kazmir pitched to the AL’s fourth-best ERA (3.10) and has multiple teams in the market for his services. According to the Houston Chronicle, the Astros remain interested in a reunion and the two sides have already met. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports tweeted that the Royals and Orioles are also among the teams looking into Kazmir.

Mike Leake: Despite Leake reportedly willing to take less money to stay home and pitch for the Diamondbacks, Tony La Russa called it “probably unlikely.” The Astros are also in the market for a starting pitcher and the Cardinals have already been linked to Leake although it’s not known whether they’re willing to spend what he’ll cost.