MLB winter meetings rumor roundup: Matt Harvey for Jurickson Profar?
With tons of action expected at Major League Baseball's winter meetings, Paste BN Sports breaks down the latest rumblings from the hot stove. Check back often right here for the latest from our reporters and other media sources from Lake Buena Vista, Fla.:
Mets, Rangers swap: Harvey for Profar?
The New York Mets and the Texas Rangers have engaged in discussions to swap RHP Matt Harvey for 2B Jurickson Profar, according to Fan Rags Sports.
Harvey, who is coming off a terrible 2017 season, fits the Rangers' short-term needs for starting pitching. When the offseason began, they had only left-handers Cole Hamels and Martin Perez signed for their 2018 rotation. Since then, they've added RHP Doug Fister and LHP Mike Minor.
Marlins: Ozuna next to be traded?
Miami Marlins left fielder Marcell Ozuna has drawn interest from as many as eight teams, according to MLB.com reports.
Ozuna, who had 37 homers, 124 RBI and a .312 batting average — all career-highs — while winning his first Gold Glove last season, would be more than just a rental as he isn’t set to be a free agent until after the 2019 season.
Ozuna, 27, made $3.5 million last year in his first year of being arbitration eligible.
Phillies: Ready to welcome back Neshek
Reliever Pat Neshek and the Philadelphia Phillies will be reunited later this week, according to MLB.com. The Phillies have offered the free agent a two-year deal worth about $16 million.
Neshek, a two-time All-Star, began the 2017 season with the Phillies before he was traded to the Colorado Rockies at the July 31 trade deadline. The right-hander had a 1.59 ERA and walked just six batters over 66 1/3 innings between the two clubs last season.
Astros: Will Darvish or Arrieta fit in rotation?
The Houston Astros, fresh off a World Series victory yet still boasting significant payroll flexibility, have inquired about big-money free agents Yu Darvish and Jake Arrieta, according to The Athletic.
Rockies: Eying free agent slugger Carlos Santana
Free agent 1B Carlos Santana has drawn a lot of interest this offseason, including the Indians, Rockies, Rangers, Red Sox, Mariners and Padres. The Indians offered Santana a three-year, $36 million extension before free agency, but the offer was pulled, according to Fan Rags Sports.
If the Rockies added Santana, he could free Ian Desmond from first-base duties and move him to the outfield if the club loses Carlos Gonzalez to free agency. Desmond signed a five-year, $70 million deal last offseason,
Red Sox: Jackie Bradley available?
The Red Sox, blessed with outfield depth but seeking a power upgrade, perhaps in the form of J.D. Martinez, are willing to deal Jackie Bradley Jr. Martinez or a power hitter like him could join Mookie Betts and Andrew Benintendi in an offensively robust outfield alignment.
Cubs: Brandon Morrow as closer?
They're certainly expected to pay him closer money. The former Dodgers right-hander has agreed to a two-year, $21 million deal, per The Athletic. The Cubs will likely pursue another reliever that also could close as they seek to replace Wade Davis, an All-Star each of the past three seasons who's now a free agent.
Padres: Pursuing free agent Zack Cozart
The San Diego Padres "have real interest" in All-Star free agent shortstop Zack Cozart, who played with the Reds last season, according to the Cincinnati Enquier. Cozart, 31, had a breakout season in 2017, hitting .297 with a .933 OPS. The Padres primarily used Erick Aybar at short last season, but he was granted free agency and likely not returning.
There's also a report from Fan Rag Sports that the Padres have looked into Phillies shortstop Freddy Galvis, who is in his final season before becoming a free agent.
Gallery: Top 2017-18 top free agents