MLB rumors: Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners, Toronto Blue Jays

While Friday was spent tracking with baseball fans around the world tracking a plane supposedly containing Shohei Ohtani to Toronto, there were plenty of other things happening in the world of Major League Baseball. With that in mind, let's examine some of the latest MLB rumors, news and notes involving the Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays.

Toronto Blue Jays rumors: The Shohei Ohtani and Robert Herjavec experience

While the plane that was being tracked on Friday did not contain MLB's hottest free agent target, the passenger on the plane (Shark Tank's Robert Herjavec) had some fun at the expense of MLB fans on Instagram, posting a picture of himself in a Blue Jays uniform.

Sure, Herjavec is great to watch on TV, but what of Toronto's chase for Ohtani? Various MLB insiders are still reporting that the Blue Jays are considered one of the favorites to land him, but it's certainly not as cut and dried as it appeared to be on Friday.

Texas Rangers rumors: Jordan Montgomery out?

According to Ken Rosenthal in this article for The Athletic (subscription required), the Rangers may not re-sign one of their postseason heroes in Montgomery because "of financial uncertainty due to the potential loss of their local television rights deal." That loss would certainly change the payroll and perhaps push Montgomery out of their price range.

Rosenthal, however, argues that development could also allow the Rangers to chase hometown hero Clayton Kershaw on a one-year deal. Whle Kershaw may not be available to start the season because of shoulder surgery, Texas could (in theory) build its plans for the rotation around not only his return later in the season, but also Jacob deGrom from Tommy John surgery.

Seattle Mariners rumors: Jorge Soler a target?

Also in that article, Rosenthal shares that the Mariners are among the teams interested in bringing Soler on board to solve their designated hitter dilemma. Rosenthal also lists the Arizona Diamondbacks as a possible landing spot as well.

The 31-year-old Soler is projected to make $15-$16 million per season during his next contract, so his bat won't come cheap. However, his 36 home runs last season for the Miami Marlins makes him very appealing.