MLB rumors: Minnesota Twins, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs

A focus on pitching for the Minnesota Twins and Baltimore Orioles and first base for the Chicago Cubs is the subject of some of the latest MLB rumors.

MLB rumors: Michael Wacha on the radar of Minnesota Twins, Baltimore Orioles

According to an article by Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic (subscription required), the Minnesota Twins “have expressed interest in free agent Michael Wacha.”

The 31-year-old right-hander has spent the last two seasons in the American League, throwing for the Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox. If signed, his arrival in Minnesota could have a domino effect, perhaps pushing the Twins to explore a trade of starter Sonny Gray, who will be a free agent after the 2023 season.

“If they could trade Gray for a substantial return and replace him with Wacha on a one- or two-year contract, that would make some sense,” Gleeman writes. However, he also questions if that move would actually make Minnesota better on the mound. Gray joins Tyler Mahle and Kenta Maeda as Minnesota starters who become free agents after next season, so the short term situation on the mound in Minneapolis could be in flux.

Wacha is coming off a season where he posted a 127 ERA+ and is one of the bigger names left on the starting pitcher free agent market. Minnesota, however, may have competition for Wacha from the Baltimore Orioles, who were linked to the pitcher before the holidays.

MLB rumors: Chicago Cubs closing in on contract with Eric Hosmer?

According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Cubs are “close to a deal” with the 33-year-old Hosmer. He has reported the two sides working together as they have progressed toward this point, so it seems like it could be a matter of time before the deal is done.

If the Cubs sign Hosmer, it will be a minimal investment that could provide a high reward. After being sent by the San Diego Padres to the Red Sox at last season’s MLB trade deadline, Hosmer’s $13 million salary over the next three seasons is being paid by San Diego, meaning Chicago could sign him for the league minimum.

Should Hosmer and the Cubs come to an agreement, that’s another potential landing spot for free agent Trey Mancini that closes. However, there are still options for him available.