We're a couple of weeks from pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training, and we've still got plenty of big free agent names left on the board (including Bryce Harper and Manny Machado). That means we've got a healthy supply of buzz even as we head toward February. To give you an idea of what's out there on Monday, we're here to round up all the notable trade and free agency rumors. As always, our Free Agent Tracker is a great way to catch up on what's already happened on that front. Now let's jump in ...
Reds angling for Realmuto
The Marlins have for months been fielding calls about All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto. Even at this late hour and even though many available catchers have been scooped up, interest in Realmuto is high. The Padres and Dodgers have been the subjects of the most scuttle recently, but now here comes Cincy ...
Dodgers and Padres have been at the forefront of the Realmuto talks in recent days. However, word now is that a 3rd team — believed to be the Reds — is also making a push.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 28, 2019
Reds are indeed very much in Realmuto mix. Cincy prospects Hunter Greene, Nick Senzel and Taylor Trammell are thought of interest to Miami, though Reds likely prefer not to include any of those 3. Possibility vet catcher Tucker Barnhart could be included in potential deal as well
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 28, 2019
It seems unlikely that the Marlins would be able to pry Senzel away from the Reds, but they could be going for the next-best thing: Jonathan India, the fifth overall pick in last June's draft:
Update on J.T. Realmuto talks. Can confirm #Marlins in substantive talks with the #Reds and Jonathan India is among names being discusses, as @JonHeyman reports. Miami still in talks with other clubs, like #Dodgers #Padres Marlins seeking best package of prospects - 2-4 players
— Joe Frisaro (@JoeFrisaro) January 28, 2019
The Reds have been aggressive this offseason, as they've already swung deals for Alex Wood, Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp (from the Dodgers), Tanner Roark (Nationals), and Sonny Gray (Yankees). Incumbent catcher Tucker Barnhart isn't really a liability, but he's also not Realmuto. No doubt, the Reds would be a better team by adding Realmuto.
#Padres remain in on #Marlins’ Realmuto, but unclear if they are as aggressive as #Reds, sources tell me and @dennistlin. From SD, MIA wants catcher (Mejia, as reported by @JonMorosi), SP prospect (Morejon under discussion) and major-league ready OFer (possibly Margot).
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 28, 2019
As for the Marlins, any such deal would be the capstone on their rebuilding process -- a process that looks very much like a mixed bag at this juncture.
Twins 'checked in' on Kimbrel
Craig Kimbrel has accumulated more saves through his age-30 season than anyone else in baseball history. Nonetheless, he's had troubles finding a gig this winter -- to the extent that teams are starting to circle back to check in. Count the Minnesota Twins among those who have reached out to Kimbrel recently, per Dan Hayes of The Athletic.
Per Hayes, the Twins wouldn't want to give Kimbrel five years -- preferring instead to give him more money for a shorter term. The catch is that if Kimbrel officially adjusts his asking price in that same direction, he'd likely see his count of suitors increase. The Twins, then, have to thread the needle by offering more money than other teams without giving him a full five seasons. If that seems tricky to you it's because it is.
Rangers nearing deal with Kelley
Not many expect the Texas Rangers to compete next season, but give them credit: They're trying to get better. Texas entered Monday having already added Asdrubal Cabrera, Jeff Mathis, Lance Lynn, Drew Smyly, Shelby Miller, and Jesse Chavez (among others) this winter. Now they've reportedly grabbed another veteran -- reliever Shawn Kelley.
Free agent reliever Shawn Kelley and the Texas Rangers are in agreement on a one-year, $2.5 million contract, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 28, 2019
The deal also includes a club option, Passan added.
Kelley split last season between the Nationals and Athletics. (He was released by Washington after a blow-up on the mound saw him throw his glove and "disrespect" the club.) Overall, he posted a 2.94 ERA in 49 innings while registering more than 4.5 strikeouts per walk. He will likely pitch in a setup role to begin the season.
Update on Harper, Machado markets
As noted above, Harper and Machado are still unsigned at this late hour. Their markets, however, may be beginning to take shape, at least when it comes to serious contenders for their services. On that note, here's an overview of where things stand with these two superstar free agents.
