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Good morning baseball fans!
The Nationals acquired Derek Norris from the Padres:
Washington was known to be looking for additions behind the plate after the departure of free agent Wilson Ramos, and will add Norris to a mix that includes Jose Lobaton and prospect Pedro Severino. The Nats are known to be aggressively pursuing outfield upgrades and have had serious talks about acquiring Andrew McCutchen from the Pirates, but decided to fill their catching need first.
The Pirates are scouting Washington’s prospects in preparation for a potential Andrew McCutchen trade.
If the Nationals are unable to add McCutchen, Dexter Fowler and Carlos Gomez are other outfield options being considered.
The Nationals seem focused on adding McCutchen, but the club is internally discussing other options. Pittsburgh might opt to keep McCutchen, and Washington may not be open to moving prospect Victor Robles and several pitchers in the deal.
Chicago added some free agent left-handed depth:
brian duensing, cubs agree at $2M
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 2, 2016
Both the Nationals and Giants are seeking late-inning relief help:
Mark Melancon's talks are moving along. #SFGiants and #Nationals still in the mix. He could land a deal in 4-year, $60M range, sources say.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) December 2, 2016
Apparently, the Giants want a power bat, too.
Sources: Giants are exploring all avenues for a power outfield bat. Among those they've talked about: J.D. Martinez, who Tigers would deal.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 2, 2016
Derek Holland is valuable and could be joining a new team during the Winter Meetings:
LHP Derek Holland still on #Pirates radar. GM Huntington expected to meet with Holland's agent Monday during winter meetings.
— Rob Biertempfel (@BiertempfelTrib) December 1, 2016
Who expected the Braves to be this active this winter?
The #Braves still have interest in Chris Sale and Chris Archer, even after adding Colon, Dickey and Garcia. They prefer Sale over Archer.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) December 2, 2016
Don’t be shocked if the Tigers move Justin Wilson:
Among #Tigers trade candidates, Justin Wilson has received perhaps the largest number of inquiries. Many @MLB teams want LH bullpen help.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 1, 2016
Kansas City might be better off in the long run by trading Dyson:
The #Royals have gotten multiple inquiries on Jarrod Dyson. "He fits a lot of teams,'' said one exec. Fast, affordable, can play RF or CF
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) December 2, 2016
Important Links:
Offseason Trade Tracker
2016-17 Free Agent Tracker
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Today in baseball: On this day in 2011, the Blue Jays acquired catcher Jeff Mathis.