MLB trade rumors and news: Moore, Chavez agree to terms on another busy day of free agency

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• The likelihood of the Rangers being competitive in 2019 is minimal, but Texas apparently isn’t going to completely abstain from free agency this winter like other bottom-feeding clubs have done in recent years. They’ve reportedly agreed to terms with right-handed swingman Jesse Chavez — who began 2018 in Texas before being traded to the Cubs at the deadline and becoming one of baseball’s most dominant bullpen arms down the stretch — on a two-year, $8 million deal.
• Much like they did with Francisco Liriano and Mike Fiers last offseason, the Tigers took another low-cost gamble on a starting pitcher who has significantly struggled in recent years, reportedly signing lefty Matt Moore to a one-year deal that will pay him between $2.5-3 million plus incentives.
• The Yankees and Mariners reportedly discussed a deal that would’ve sent Robinson Cano back to the Bronx and Jacoby Ellsbury to his native Pacific Northwest, though the talks fell apart when Seattle refused to pay down a larger portion of Cano’s remaining salary. With the Mariners seemingly intent on moving Cano this winter, it’ll be interesting to see if those talks are resurrected at some point.
• The Braves made the first big free-agent signing of the offseason on Monday, snatching up Josh Donaldson on a one-year, $23 million deal. There is plenty of intrigue surrounding the deal, but if the Braves get production out of Donaldson that is anything close to what we have seen from him in recent years, this could be an absolute steal.
• With Donaldson taking over as the Braves’ everyday starter at third base, should Atlanta examine the trade market for incumbent starter Johan Camargo?
• Signing Donaldson was not the only move the Braves made on Monday, as they also brought back an old friend in Brian McCann on a low-cost, one-year deal. He may not be the same player he used to be, but given how much demand there is for catching right now, it is hard to argue with a $2 million-dollar deal for a guy who is a proven performer and winner.
• It appears more likely than ever that the Giants will trade rotation anchor and former postseason hero Madison Bumgarner this offseason.
• The Phillies have had talks with the Diamondbacks about potentially acquiring Paul Goldschmidt, which is definitely weird since Philly already employs too many players that should probably be playing first base.
• The Twins took advantage of the Rays’ willingness to jettison position players, as they claimed CJ Cron off of waivers.
• Reds closer Raisel Iglesias has a lot of things to be thankful for, and one of them is a new three-year contract that he and Cincinnati just agreed to on Wednesday. The young star will make $24.125 million and will avoid arbitration in the process.
• The trade rumors for Noah Syndergaard are catching fire right now, as six teams are reportedly “real players” for the Mets starter.
• 39-year-old third baseman and likely future Hall of Famer Adrian Beltre called it a career last week after 21 big-league seasons. It wasn’t a surprise considering the on-field tributes in both Arlington and Seattle that Beltre participated in at the end of last season, but it’s still sad news for baseball fans everywhere. As our Eric Cole writes, the game just won’t be the same without the always-consistent hitter and skilled fielder who can’t stand having his head touched.
• The Philadelphia Phillies have several areas of need and a bunch of money to spend. Here is a look at what one can expect from them this offseason.
• The Rangers clearly are making a commitment to improving their defense behind the plate, as they’ve agreed to a two-year deal with catcher Jeff Mathis.
• Cleveland will listen to offers for veteran players, and the internet has subsequently spiraled into a rabbit hole of “what ifs.”
• Winter is here...and with it, hot stove season. Here’s a look at the biggest free agents this offseason and what we might see go down when baseball hits the Winter Meetings in Vegas.