We’re less than three weeks away from the Major League Baseball Winter Meetings, and things are already heating up. It almost seems like there is no real MLB offseason. Here are a few chirps, rumors, and deals from around the diamond today:
•The Chicago White Sox are to sign First Baseman Adam LaRoche to a two-year, $25 million contract. LaRoche played with the Washington Nationals last season and finished with 26 home runs and 92 Runs Batted In.
•The potential suitors list for free agent outfielder Torii Hunter seems to have grown. It’s being reported that the San Francisco Giants and the Baltimore Orioles have joined in on the race to sign the 39 year old. The Minnesota Twins, Kansas City Royals, and Toronto Blue Jays have also been reported to have some interest.
•From 10 to three, the Tampa Bay Rays’ managerial candidates list has gone. The last three finalists are Royals bench coach Don Wakamatsu, Indians bullpen coach Kevin Cash, and current Royals player Raul Ibanez. Rays president of baseball operations Matthew Silverman said “We were very impressed by the 10 finalists we interviewed, and could have envisioned any of them managing our club.”
•The San Diego Padres are set to offer Pablo Sandoval a contract somewhere in the $90-$95 million range. The Boston Red Sox have already tabled an offer for Sandoval for five years, $95 million. It’s also been reported to be “90% Red Sox, 10% Toronto Blue Jays” for Sandoval at this point.
Photo Credit: Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports