The first full weekend of January has almost arrived and there are plenty of MLB rumors floating around, including some surrounding potential lineup additions for the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and Colorado Rockies.
MLB rumors: Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees checked in with Pittsburgh Pirates on Bryan Reynolds
According to this article on MLB.com, there are “many teams” that are checking on the availability of Bryan Reynolds and what it might take to pry the 27-year-old outfielder away from Pittsburgh. Among the teams mentioned in the Reynolds trade talk are the Dodgers and Yankees, both teams that could use some help in the outfield.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (subscription required) wrote before the start of 2023 that it would take a “ Soto-type package” for Pittsburgh to part with Reynolds, an All-Star who isn’t scheduled to be a free agent until the 2026 campaign. Would the Yankees or Dodgers (or any other MLB team) be willing to give up that much for Reynolds? MLB.com hypothesizes that the Dodgers could be the team that ultimately makes a move since his $6.75 million salary would help Los Angeles stay under the Competitive Balance Tax threshold this season. Los Angeles also has the farm system that could potentially be enough to bring Reynolds to Chavez Ravine.
MLB rumors: Jurickson Profar becoming name to watch with New York Yankees, Colorado Rockies
Along with potential trades, there are still some free agents available who could help teams in 2023. That list includes Jurickson Profar, a 29-year-old infielder/outfielder who has played the last three seasons with the San Diego Padres, a team that has expanded its roster significantly this offseason.
The same MLB.com article tying the Yankees to Reynolds also mentions Profar could be a part of New York’s plan to boost left field options. Jim Bowden of The Athletic (subscription required) mentions that Profar is “a real possibility” for a Rockies team that went into the offseason looking for a left-handed hitter to potentially serve as a leadoff hitter. The switch-hitting Profar could fit that role nicely for a Colorado franchise that has been fairly quiet this offseason.
Profar could become a name to watch with several teams that haven’t completed their offseason goals as January continues and the list of free agents who could make an impact dwindles.