As the month of December hits its halfway point, let's examine some of the latest MLB rumors, news and notes surrounding the Seattle Mariners, New York Mets and San Francisco Giants.
Seattle Mariners rumors: Bryce Miller "drawing steady trade interest"
With plenty of MLB teams looking for starting pitching this offseason, perhaps it's no surprise that the Mariners have been on speed dial for many franchises. Seattle has a wealth of young pitchers who have team control on their side, meaning they could be trade targets if the Mariners decide to flip them.
Among those pitchers is Miller, who MLB insider Jon Morosi says is attracting plenty of attention as a trade target this offseason. However, Morosi says that there are reasons why the Mariners may hang on to the 25-year-old right-hander.
Mariners RHP Bryce Miller is drawing steady trade interest, as Seattle looks to add offense despite payroll limits.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 14, 2023
It is difficult to envision Miller being dealt unless the Mariners (a) acquire an impact bat in the trade and (b) also add a starter via trade or FA.@MLBNetwork
New York Mets rumors: Lucas Giolito a potential fall-back option?
While the Mets are still considered one of the teams in the running to land Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, MLB insider Jon Heyman says the Mets are also one of four teams eyeing Giolito as an option for their rotation as well. Along with the Mets, Heyman says the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox and Kansas City Royals are also in the mix for the 29-year-old right-hander.
Once Yamamoto makes his decision, the scramble for other starting pitchers on the market, including Giolito, will likely begin in earnest for those teams who miss out on signing Yamamoto.
San Francisco Giants rumors: A favorite to sign Blake Snell?
Along that line of thinking, Heyman also mentions in the link above that the Giants could be considered a favorite to sign Snell, the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, if they don't win the Yamamoto sweepstakes.
Snell already has a tie to San Francisco with Bob Melvin, who was Snell's manager during his time in San Diego with the Padres, now running the Giants dugout.