The latest rumors centered on trade and free agent markets in the Major League Baseball …
- O Blue Jays touched the base with the Cubs on the cost of acquiring the former MVP from NL Kris Bryant, tweets MLB Insider Jon Morosi. At this point, I was practically qualified as a supervisor if the Blue Jays had not checked Bryant, as they have investigated almost all the big names in the market so far this winter. The two sides have not discussed a possible deal for a few weeks, however, suggesting that Bryant is closer to a reserve plan for the Jays. The Cubs don’t seem particularly close to moving Bryant, so Toronto will likely have time to explore its other options before returning, should Bryant become a more attractive target.
- O Marlins are among the teams that discussed outfielder Andrew Benintendi with the Red Sox, according The Athletic’s Jim Bowden. So far, however, the two clubs have not reached an agreement on compensation. Benintendi would fulfill the Marlins’ desire to add an outside corner, having played most of his career on the left since he debuted in 2016, although it was a recovery project for Miami. Formerly a superstar and a great player in the effective league, Benintendi recorded average production in 2019 and then faced a nightmare campaign with reduced injuries last season.
- First free agent base CJ Cron he underwent surgery on his left knee that ended the season last August, but is now fine. Cron has been released for full activity and should be ready for spring training, MLB.com Jason Beck tweets. Cron, who just turned 31 last week, appears to be one of the best first base players in an open market with few impact players in that position. He delivered an above average offensive production throughout his career, evidenced by his lifelong line of 0.257 / 0.312 / 0.464, with 118 home runs in 2,586 plate presentations.