MLB rumors roundup: Dansby Swanson, Braves, Astros, and more
With Carlos Correa signing a mega-deal on Tuesday night, let’s take a look at some of the latest MLB rumors and rumblings surrounding other free agents still available.
MLB rumors: Dansby Swanson chased by plenty of teams
With Correa, Xander Bogaerts, and Trea Turner off the board, the last remaining big-name free agent shortstop is Swanson, who has likely seen his payday get even bigger based on what his three counterparts have already generated this offseason. While we have heard that the battle for Swanson could come down to an NL Central rivalry between the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand also says that the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins (who lost out to the San Francisco Giants for Correa), and Atlanta Braves (Swanson’s former team) are still interested in signing him.
Whichever team lands Swanson will not only solve their shortstop issues for the near future, but also be paying a hefty price to do so.
MLB rumors: Atlanta Braves are or are not thinking of trading Max Fried?
Remember that rumor from Tuesday that Atlanta might be thinking of trading arguably its top pitcher in Max Fried? Well, ESPN’s Buster Olney quickly put that one to rest.
The Braves are trying to win in the immediate future. To that end, they aren't entertaining a trade of their ace, Max Fried.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 13, 2022
On the surface, it would make little sense for Atlanta to entertain a swap for Fried, especially with the division rival New York Mets opening the checkbook widely to win the National League East and more in 2023. There is likely more smoke than fire with this rumor, but the Braves making another attention-grabbing move (outside of trading their ace) this offseason certainly is likely.
MLB rumors: Houston Astros looking at another catcher?
It appears the defending World Champion Astros, after missing out on Willson Contreras, are still looking to see how they can get better behind the plate. That includes talking to the Arizona Diamondbacks about Daulton Varsho, according to USA Today‘s Bob Nightengale.
The 26-year-old Varsho isn’t scheduled to become a free agent until the 2027 campaign and slashed .235/.302/.443 with 27 home runs and 74 RBI last season for Arizona while playing in the outfield and catching as well. The versatile Varsho has drawn interest from the Astros, as well as the Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, and Cincinnati Reds.
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Varsho could certainly fit in the plans for several teams who have missed out on not only signing Contreras, but also Christian Vazquez, who landed a three-year, $30 million deal with the Twins.