Let's start your week off with some of the most recent MLB rumors, news and notes involving the Toronto Blue Jays, Kansas City Royals and Arizona Diamondbacks.
Toronto Blue Jays rumors: Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. price tags just went up?
While the Blue Jays are still stinging after losing Shohei Ohtani to the Los Angeles Dodgers, there are reports circulating that Toronto was willing to pay "well above $600 million" to land the Japanese superstar. With that in mind, Ben Nicholson-Smith brings up an interesting point in this article regarding the optics of the Blue Jays being willing to spend that much money when Bichette and Guerrero may be discussing their long-term futures with the franchise.
As he writes about the money reportedly offered to Ohtani, "Beyond free agency, the representatives for Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will surely take note ahead of any extension talks."
Will Toronto have to pay more now that the Blue Jays have tipped their hand about being willing to spend to acquire talent? It seems like the dots could be connected there.
Arizona Diamondbacks rumors: J.D. Martinez or Justin Turner?
Another domino falling from the Ohtani signing is the lack of need for a designated hitter now in Los Angeles. With that in mind, MLB insider Bob Nightengale writes here, "The Arizona Diamondbacks are hopeful of signing free-agent DH J.D. Martinez now that the Dodgers no longer need him, with Justin Turner also in play."
Coming off an appearance in the World Series, the Diamondbacks have been busy this offseason already, and it appears they could be focusing on a veteran bat to help bring a boost to their lineup.
Kansas City Royals rumors: Starting pitching on the radar?
According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, it seems the Royals could be looking to add veteran pitchers to their rotation. There are some interesting names in his social media post, and perhaps potential opportunities for Kansas City to sign a pitcher and then flip him at the trade deadline much like the Royals did Aroldis Chapman last season.
The Royals are indeed interested in Marcus Stroman, as @JonHeyman reported, but Kansas City is casting a wide net in its search for pitching. Per sources, the Royals have also had discussions with Lucas Giolito, Michael Wacha and Jack Flaherty.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 11, 2023