MLB trade rumors and news for December 5th, 2016

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WELCOME TO THE START OF THE WINTER MEETINGS, BASEBALL FANS! This is the time of year when everyone who has the job description “baseball _________” gets little to no sleep (we’re quite proud to fall into that category). GMs will meet in person to sort out trade deals and make baseball magic, and you bet we’ll have all the inside scoops over the next few days. May the odds be ever in your team’s favor.

Here’s a roundup of what’s going down in the National League West.

The Marlins are joining the Aroldis Chapman arena and are interested in Mark Melancon as well.

“The Marlins want to sign a “big-time closer” and are interested in Aroldis Chapman, Kenley Jansen and Mark Melancon, according to FanRag Sports’ Jon Heyman.

Though Miami is reportedly still seeking starting pitching help after signing Edinson Volquez to a two-year deal last week, the club is also focused on signing one of the three best closers available.”

Washington is set to have an interesting Winter Meetings with the team after two huge names: Andrew McCutchen and Chris Sale.

“NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. -- The Nationals are simultaneously pursuing Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen and White Sox lefty Chris Sale in trade talks, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. The Nats are known to be looking to make aggressive strikes at this week’s Winter Meetings, which are being held outside of their home city.

Washington believes it has the prospects to get both deals done, according to Nightengale, though the club will likely have to be willing to deal Trea Turner to facilitate the Sale deal. Chicago’s asking price on Sale is said to be extremely high, with clubs like the Braves and Red Sox seen as threats as well.”

Speaking of Cutch, let’s take a look at laundry list of team’s expressing their interest for the outfielder this offseason.

The Yankees are bringing a big bat into the Bronx.

“NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. -- The Yankees have agreed to a 1-year, $13 million contract with free-agent slugger Matt Holliday, a source has confirmed to SB Nation. Sweeny Murti of WFAN and FanRag Sports’ Jon Heyman were first to report the deal.”

The Nationals aren’t the only ones chasing down Chris Sale. The Astros are looking to acquire the ace too.

“The Astros are looking to acquire a pair of Chrises, reports Jon Heyman of FanRagSports.com. Both Chris Sale and Chris Archer could be making their way to Houston in the near future.

It’s likely that Tampa Bay will be dealing either Chris Archer or Drew Smyly this winter reports ESPN’s Buster Olney. So it makes sense that a team like the Astros, who are looking to strike an even blend of young arms and veterans, could swoop in and give the Rays an offer they can’t refuse. In 2016, Archer had a career high of 19 losses and a 4.02 ERA with 233 strikeouts, though he still maintains strong value on the trade market.”

Could the Mets deal both Curtis Granderson and Jay Bruce?

“Fired up by the return of Yoenis Cespedes, the Mets are prepared to move fast when it comes to a Curtis Granderson/Jay Bruce deal, reports Marc Carig of Newsday. The Orioles and Red Sox have both shown interest in Granderson, who appears to be drawing stronger interest than Bruce.

With Mets fans across the nation able to wear their Cespedes jerseys for four more years, the team has an abundance of bodies to put in the outfield. The Mets are in a position to add relievers, so dealing both outfielders to fill that need isn’t a stretch of the imagination.”

Get your holiday wish list ready: MLB The Show 17 has a “retro mode” and it will give you all the nostalgic feels. If we were any more here for this we’d have traveled back to the 90’s and about to play a rousing game of Tecmo Super Bowl following this.

Important Links:

MLB Injury Tracker

Offseason Trade Tracker

2016-17 Free Agent Tracker

The deeper we get into the postseason, the more managers will lose their jobs. Keep up with that game of chess in one place . Send us a thank you card later.

The Winter Meetings are upon us (and Baltimore). There will be plenty going down during a period of a lot of power in one hotel conference room. Like Game of Thrones but with less dragons and more loafers. Sound like something you’re into? We’ll have live Instagram stories and exclusive insight to keep you in the loop. Terrified you’ll miss something important? Better head on over to our Instagram, @MLBDailyDish to never miss an update or crabcake.

Today in baseball: On December 5th, 1978, After sixteen years with the Reds, Pete Rose signs a four-year, $3.2 million deal with the Phillies.

Question of the Day: What do you think the biggest deal of the Winter Meetings will be?