MLB rumors: New York Yankees, Orioles-Mets trade, Michael Conforto
By Kevin Henry
With the proclamation from New York Yankees team chairman Hal Steinbrenner that his team is “not done yet” this offseason, there are plenty of MLB rumors flying about what that could mean in the Bronx.
MLB rumors: New York Yankees talking to Pittsburgh Pirates about Bryan Reynolds
According to MLB insider Jon Morosi, the Yankees are still seeing if they can boost their outfield and batting order with the addition of All-Star Bryan Reynolds from Pittsburgh. Morosi, however, tweeted that there could be a problem with the deal in the Bronx.
Sources: #Yankees among teams in contact with #Pirates on Bryan Reynolds over recent weeks; one obstacle to a trade is that Pittsburgh prefers starting pitchers to headline the return and top end of Yankees’ system is deeper in position players. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 22, 2022
The 27-year-old Reynolds has seemingly been in the middle of MLB rumors for years now. He is still under team control through the 2025 season and has slashed .281/.361/.481 in just over 2,000 plate appearances in his four seasons in Pittsburgh, so it’s clear why he is a wanted commodity. It is not clear, however, if the Pirates are really interested in trading him. Reynolds has reportedly requested a trade, but Pittsburgh has indicated they will keep him on the roster heading into spring training.
It will likely take a huge return for the Pirates to consider dealing him. Will the Yankees (or any other team) be willing to pay it to boost their chances of getting to the World Series?
MLB rumors: Baltimore Orioles have a plan for James McCann
With Adley Rutschman as the team’s future behind the plate, it might have been a bit of a surprise when the Orioles acquired catcher James McCann for a player to be named later on Wednesday night. However, it appears Baltimore (which will assume $5 million of McCann’s remaining $24 million contract) has a plan for McCann and what the 32-year-old catcher can bring to the club.
James McCann, who spoke to #Orioles GM Mike Elias, is thrilled for new start where he was told he’ll be the backup catcher and will play about 80 games.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 22, 2022
After posting a 55 OPS+ last season, McCann will need to show some offense in Baltimore to truly play in that many games. However, it seems the Orioles are willing to have the veteran presence behind the plate to give Rutschman some breaks, even if it could result in a bit of a dip in offense.
MLB rumors: San Francisco Giants chasing Michael Conforto?
It’s been a disaster of an offseason in San Francisco, but could the Giants be taking a last-gasp swing at acquiring Michael Conforto to boost their outfield?
The good news? Conforto is still available and could potentially be a plus for a severely lacking Giants lineup right now. The bad news? Conforto is a Scott Boras client, the same agency that just maneuvered the Carlos Correa shocker from San Francisco to the New York Mets.
I’m told the Giants do have some interest in Michael Conforto. Wait for it: He’s a Scott Boras client.
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) December 21, 2022
San Francisco needs something to go right this offseason after missing on Correa, Aaron Judge, and Carlos Rodon. Conforto may be the last best option in the Bay Area for a glimmer of a positive offseason to happen.
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