clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Offseason News & Notes: Ben Zobrist, Aroldis Chapman, Joakim Soria

A collection of some notes from around the league.

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

With the offseason well underway and a few signings and trades already completed, rumors are flying. The latest on nine players who could be on the move in the coming weeks:

Ben Zobrist

The market for Zobrist is very strong, according to sources, with as many as twelve teams checking in during the GM meetings in Boca Raton. The Royals have been public with their desire to bring back the versatile 34-year old, and the Nationals, Giants, Cubs, Mets and Cardinals are expected to be involved as well. Zobrist is guaranteed to receive a multi-year deal as a free agent, and is seen as a candidate to sign a 3- or 4-year deal as his market heats up. Interestingly, the Yankees have not yet checked in on him yet.

Aroldis Chapman

Peter Gammons reported early Thursday that there is an expectation Chapman is moved very soon, and that wouldn't come as a surprise as the Reds start their fire sale. Key players in the race for Chapman may include the Yankees, Astros and Diamondbacks, though one source familiar with Arizona's thinking said Thursday that he doesn't think the team will go after the hard-throwing lefty after a failed pursuit in July. The Red Sox were considered a strong possibility for Chapman before trading for Craig Kimbrel on Friday night.

Chris Young

The outfielder, not the pitcher. A source said late Wednesday that the Yankees' acquisition of Aaron Hicks from the Twins likely takes them out of the race for Young, which isn't a surprise. Multiple teams remain in the hunt to sign Young, who had a strong year in the Bronx. The Red Sox have "more interest than others," according to one source.

Joakim Soria

Soria's market is dependent on that of Darren O'Day, who is being linked to almost every team with a bullpen need and is being most closely paired with the Dodgers, Nationals, Tigers and Orioles. Soria has not yet received any formal offers, according to sources, but has received interest from the Royals, Tigers, Angels, Red Sox, Mets and Rangers, among others. Teams like the Twins, Nationals and Dodgers could jump in as well, as it's still early.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia

Salty is drawing interest from 3-4 teams, including the Orioles and Mariners, according to sources. Seattle may be close to signing Chris Iannetta instead of Saltalamacchia, as was reported Wednesday, though both Iannetta's camp and Seattle are staying quiet amid reports the team hasn't yet given him an offer. A return to Arizona may not be ruled out for Saltalamacchia, either.

Chris Iannetta

Iannetta has drawn interest from teams like the Braves, Twins and Mariners in the opening days of free agency, according to sources. It was reported earlier in the week that the veteran catcher was close to a deal with Seattle, which would make sense due to Iannetta's ties to Jerry Dipoto, who has worked in the front office of both of Iannetta's previous organizations. Atlanta and Minnesota filled their catching vacancies with the acquisitions of A.J. Pierzynski and John Ryan Murphy.

Cliff Pennington

Pennington is said to be close to signing, as Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com reported Sunday. I'm told three teams are in the mix for the veteran infielder. Despite reports that the Rays are among the teams interested in Pennington, they are not in consideration at this time. Toronto may pursue a reunion with Pennington after having him for the last month of the season, though their interest is not confirmed. Pennington is deciding between 1- and 2-year offers and will decide soon, according to Crasnick.