Dansby Swanson is reportedly a Chicago Cub, so another big name is off the MLB free agent market. However, there are still plenty of MLB rumors floating out there surrounding some of the teams with payroll to spend and lineup needs to meet.
MLB rumors: Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers still looking at Justin Turner?
The Dodgers have reportedly brought in outfielder/designated hitter JD Martinez on a one-year deal, but could there still be room for 38-year-old Turner at Chavez Ravine as well? Turner has played third base and designated hitter for the Dodgers for the last nine seasons, but is now a free agent.
So is LA still in the mix? According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, it’s still a possibility, but other teams are also circling, including the Boston Red Sox, which saw Martinez leave their roster to head to Los Angeles.
Dodgers haven’t ruled out Justin Turner even with JD Martinez in the fold. Other possibilities for Turner include D-Backs, Marlins. Or could Red Sox replace JD with JT?
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 18, 2022
Turner has hit 40 homers over his last two seasons, so he can still provide a capable glove and bat. Which team will bring his veteran presence on board this offseason?
MLB rumors: Dodgers in chase for Seth Lugo?
It looks like former New York Mets pitcher Seth Lugo could find a new home on the other coast if Los Angeles lands him this offseason. Lugo has reportedly wanted to find a team where he could be a starter, and Ken Rosenthal thinks LA could give him that chance.
Dodgers one of multiple teams in mix for free-agent right-hander Seth Lugo, sources tell me and @FabianArdaya. LAD most likely would build up Lugo to start, viewing him as added depth for rotation. If their young starters perform, they could always move him back to the bullpen.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 18, 2022
MLB rumors: Houston Astros not done yet
The defending World Champions added Jose Abreu at first base early in the offseason, but it seems Houston still wants to add to the lineup according to Heyman. It reflects what Houston owner Jim Crane said about his team at Abreu’s introductory press conference.
Could a reunion with Michael Brantley be in the cards, or could Houston pivot to Michael Conforto? The veterans are the biggest-impact outfielders still on the market, and arguably the biggest of the position players left as well.
What about the versatile Jurickson Profar, who could give Houston a boost in the infield or outfield? Heyman says it’s possible as well.
Brantley, Conforto and Profar are among players considered by Astros
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 17, 2022
MLB rumors: New York Yankees looking for left fielder?
With Aaron Judge and Carlos Rodon as the biggest hauls of the offseason in the Bronx, the Yankees still reportedly need a left fielder. A reunion with Andrew Benintendi is off the books after he signed with the Chicago White Sox, so could the Yankees pivot to Brantley and look to platoon him with Oswaldo Cabrera or another option in left? Could Conforto be the answer on a short-term deal?
In a power-packed Yankees lineup, it appears left field could be the position player area which could be quickly improved with another signing this offseason.