MLB rumors: Los Angeles Angels, Houston Astros, Shohei Ohtani

Let's explore some of the latest MLB rumors, news and notes, including thoughts on the Los Angeles Angels, Houston Astros, and the New York Mets pursuing Shohei Ohtani.

In his latest weekly column for USA Today, MLB insider Bob Nightengale is throwing cold water on any thoughts of the New York Mets landing Shohei Ohtani this offseason.

"The New York Mets have their eyes on Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, believing they have no realistic chance to land Ohtani," Nightengale wrote.

Earlier in his column, Nightengale penned that, if Ohtani doesn't stay in Los Angeles with either the Angels or Dodgers, he could end up with the Chicago Cubs or Texas Rangers. It seems as if any destination on the East Coast isn't at the top of the list for Ohtani, but perhaps the Mets could land another prize addition this offseason in Yamamoto.

Houston Astros rumors: It's Joe Espada time

Nightengale says that the Astros will name Joe Espada as the team's new manager on Monday, keeping the leadership in the dugout in-house as Espada has served as the franchise's bench coach under Dusty Baker.

Espada has been with Houston since 2018 and the announcement, while not yet official, seems to be happening on Monday morning (Houston time) as the Astros have called a press conference for 11 a.m.

MLB rumors: Tim Anderson heading to Los Angeles Angels?

Could Tim Anderson not only find a new team this offseason, but a new position as well? According to Nightengale, "The Angels are expressing strong interest in shortstop Tim Anderson, who was cut loose by the White Sox, and could convert him to second base."

With Ron Washington taking over as the team manager, a fresh start for Anderson could be eased thanks to Washington's gift with teaching infield defense. Anderson, who played in just two games last season at second base, earned an All-Star nod in the two seasons before 2023 when injuries and a much-discussed brawl put a damper on his campaign.