MLB rumors roundup: Tatis and Yankees, Dansby Swanson, Carlos Rodon

Let’s look around the league at some of the latest MLB rumors and some of the teams that may (or may not) be looking to see how they can improve their rosters this offseason.

MLB rumors: Fernando Tatis Jr. and the New York Yankees

This Tatis-to-New-York rumor was really over before it ever started. On Monday, a rumor began that the New York Yankees were looking at making a big move, and it involved a potential deal with the San Diego Padres for Fernando Tatis Jr.

With the Padres inking Xander Bogaerts to a massive contract this offseason, it may seem that the shortstop position is no longer a fit for Tatis Jr., who will begin the season on the suspended list after testing positive for PEDs during the 2022 campaign, a year in which the All-Star never took the field after a wrist injury suffered the previous offseason. However, the Padres are building a team that they believe can win the National League West and more next season, and Tatis Jr. will be a big part of that once he returns from suspension.

Look for Tatis Jr. to be in the Padres lineup as soon as his suspension ends (April 20) and used at shortstop, designated hitter, and outfield in 2023.

By the way, another rumor is saying Bogaerts could help the Padres land catcher Christian Vazquez this offseason.

MLB rumors: Los Angeles Dodgers interested in Dansby Swanson?

According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Dodgers could look to Swanson to fill a hole at shortstop after Trea Turner signed an 11-year deal with the Philadelphia Phillies during the recent MLB Winter Meetings.

Swanson would be reunited with former Atlanta Braves teammate Freddie Freeman if he signed with the Dodgers. However, Los Angeles has plenty of competition for Swanson’s services, including a potential bidding war brewing between two National League Central rivals.

MLB rumors: San Francisco Giants not ready to say goodbye to Carlos Rodon

According to Susan Slusser of The San Francisco Chronicle (subscription required), the Giants are hoping for a reunion with starting pitcher Carlos Rodon, who was stellar for the Giants in 2022.

San Francisco just signed pitcher Sean Manaea to a two-year deal, but the Giants appear willing to discuss the high price and long contract that the 30-year-old southpaw is seeking (reports are around $30 million per year and a preference for a seven-year deal). There has been talk about the St. Louis Cardinals and Yankees being interested in Rodon as well, so a San Francisco reunion won’t come cheap or easy.

With Rodon being the top free agent starting pitcher still available, it’s no secret the price for him is high. Will the Giants be willing to spend it after missing out on pitcher Kodai Senga and outfielder Aaron Judge already this offseason?

We’ll keep you updated with rumors and rumblings here, so make sure you’re following Call to the Pen on Twitter here.