It mostly was a quiet day Thursday at the Major League Baseball winter meetings.
There were some interesting rumors, though, including a mystery team being in on Jason Heyward. You can check out that rumor and more in the live blog below.
5:28 p.m.: We’ve heard rumors that the Nationals are shopping both Jonathan Papelbon and Drew Storen. They’ll obviously need to replace those guys. Shawn Kelley should help.
4:53 p.m.: Remember that “mystery team” linked to Jason Heyward? It could be the Nationals.
3:44 p.m.: A report Wednesday indicated that the Cincinnati Reds were shopping Todd Frazier. Is it possible the defending World Series champions are considering taking the bait?
This is a fun rumor because Kansas City already has Mike Moustakas and Eric Hosmer plugged in at third base and first base, respectively. If the Royals decide to shift Frazier to left field, he’d replace Alex Gordon, who’s currently a free agent.
3:34 p.m.: The Angels reportedly are making a move.
All’s quiet on Los Angeles’ reported pursuit of an outfielder, though.
Yunel Escobar played mostly third base with the Nationals last season, though the bulk of his major league experience has come at shortstop. The 33-year-old thus will give the Halos defensive versatility in addition to some offensive potential.
Escobar had an excellent 2015 campaign, hitting .314 with nine home runs, 56 RBIs and a .375 on-base percentage in 139 games with the Nats.
3:03 p.m.: The D-Backs have been the talk of the winter meetings. That hasn’t changed on Day 4.
3:01 p.m.: It appears the Nationals are simultaneously buying and selling.
2:58 p.m.: Jason Heyward is the biggest fish remaining in the free-agent pond. And it sounds like his demands might be different than originally believed.
1:34 p.m.: Mark Reynolds generally hits the ball a long way when he makes contact. That makes Colorado an interesting destination for the 32-year-old slugger.
12:21 p.m.: Although Michael Hill said this week that right-hander Jose Fernandez will not be moved, the Miami Marlins president of baseball operations still has been a popular guy.
12:17 p.m.: The Diamondbacks aren’t sitting on their hands despite already signing Zack Greinke and trading for Shelby Miller. Quite the opposite, in fact.
12:13 p.m.: The Braves have an intriguing rebuilding process going. It seems like they’re mentioned in trade chatter every 45 seconds.
11:38 a.m.: The Red Sox officially announced that they’ve traded Garin Cecchini to the Brewers for cash considerations.
11:36 a.m.: The likelihood of Chris Davis leaving the Orioles in free agency might have just increased.
Baltimore reportedly offered Davis a seven-year contract in the neighborhood of $150 million.
11:31 a.m.: Left-handed reliever Tony Sipp reportedly is staying put.
11:28 a.m.: Boston Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said Wednesday that third baseman Garin Cecchini, who was designated for assignment last week to make room on the 40-man roster for David Price, was drawing trade interest. He wasn’t lying.
10:25 a.m.: Free-agent outfielder Jason Heyward, as expected, is drawing interest from multiple teams.
10:05 a.m.: The D-Backs continue to be active.
The Rule 5 draft also begins today.
9:35 a.m.: The Orioles appear to be very serious about keeping Chris Davis.
9:05 a.m.: Detroit is no stranger to spending money.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers are moving on to other options after not acquiring Aroldis Chapman from the Cincinnati Reds.
8:35 a.m.: Let’s start the day with an update on the Miami Marlins and an update on the busy Arizona Diamondbacks’ situation.
8:30 a.m. ET: The MLB Winter Meetings conclude Thursday, and if the previous three days are any indication, it should be another wild 24 hours.
We saw plenty of action go down Wednesday, including the New York Mets reportedly signing shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera and the Chicago White Sox acquiring third baseman Brett Lawrie in a trade with the Oakland Athletics.
Stay tuned to this live blog for all of the rumors, news and updates surrounding all 30 MLB teams as the winter meetings wrap up in Nashville.
Thumbnail photo via Steve Mitchell/USA TODAY Sports Images
