Overall a fairly slow Winter Meetings unless you get excited about middle relievers signing. A few big trades and a couple minor ones happened. The biggest rumor of the week was the possible trade of Manny Machado. The biggest surprise of the Hot Stove/Winter Meetings so far has been how slowly the free agent market has developed. The only position players to sign a free agent contract so far has been a few catchers. Baseball fans are hoping for things to heat up soon.
NEWS
The 2018 Winter Meetings will be held in Las Vegas, NV and in 2019 it will be in San Diego, CA.
MLB has opened an investigation into the recent leaking of medical information regarding recently signed Angels RHP/DH Shohei Ohtani.
TRANSACTIONS
The Oakland A’s have acquired OF Stephen Piscotty from the Cardinals. The Cardinals will receive 2 prospects: SS Yairo Munoz (A’s #13 prospect) and 2B Max Schrock (A’s #17 prospect).
The Cubs have signed RHP Steve Cishek to a 2-year deal in the $12-14 million range.
The Pirates have acquired Rule 5 selection RHP Nick Burdi from the Phillies. The Phillies will receive $500K of International Bonus money.
The Twins have signed RHP Fernando Rodney to a 1 year/$4.5 million contract plus $1.5 in incentives.
RUMORS
The Rangers are strongly pursuing Royals RHP Kelvin Herrera.
The Phillies, Giants and Yankees are among the teams that made bids for Orioles 3B Manny Machado.
The Padres have become clear cut favorites to sign 1B Eric Hosmer.
The Rays are still deeply involved in trade talks that could involve 3B Evan Longoria or RHP Alex Colome.
The Blue Jays are interested in OF Lorenzo Cain.
The Mets have had serious talks with the Indians on 2B Jason Kipnis.
The Giants and Blue Jays have talked to the White Sox about acquiring OF Avisail Garcia, but nothing close.
The Angels are interested in SS Zack Cozart to play 3B.
The Pirates and Yankees are discussing a trade involving RHP Gerrit Cole.