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Hot Stove Digest: Rich Hill expected to re-sign with Dodgers
Welcome to The Stew’s Hot Stove Digest, our daily rundown of MLB news, rumors and gossip for Hot Stove season. Here you’ll find a quick recap of all the day’s action and other fun stuff from around the internet that we think is worth your time.
COMING BACK: Though a deal is not yet complete, multiple reports on Saturday suggested that the Los Angeles Dodgers were on the verge of re-signing left-hander Rich Hill.
MLB Network’s Peter Gammons was the first to report that at least one rival executive believed that Hill and the Dodgers were in agreement on a three-year deal worth over $40 million. FanRag Sports’ Jon Heyman added that while no deal is confirmed, the known competition for Hill had reportedly moved on, leaving the door open for a deal to be completed soon. These reports were seemingly cemented by Bill Plunkett, who noted that a multi-year deal was close.
As we all know, things can change quickly during the Hot Stove season. But it seems safe to assume Hill and the Dodgers will be continuing their relationship. [@billplunkettocr]
DONE DEAL: The Houston Astros reunited with Carlos Beltran on a one-year, $16M deal. The deal includes a full no-trade clause, which is ironic given Beltran’s angry exit from Houston 12 years ago. [The Stew]
IN THE MONEY: Closer Mark Melancon has multiple four-year contract offers worth over $60M. The Giants and Nationals are known to be in the mix, and it’s possible one other team has entered a competitive offer. [@Ken_Rosenthal]
STAYING PUT: It’s no secret the Detroit Tigers are willing to sell off any player on the roster to save money. That includes longtime slugger Miguel Cabrera, who just this weekend expressed willingness to waive his no-trade rights. However, it takes two to tango, and in the case of Cabrera it appears interest is surprisingly small. That’s led to new belief that he will remain in Detroit. [FanRag Sports]
NEEDING INSPIRATION: Speaking of AL Central slugger, the Minnesota Twins aren’t opposed to trading second baseman Brian Dozier. However, that won’t happen unless they receive an “inspiring” offer. [Pioneer Press]
PRIME TARGET: In a somewhat surprising decision, veteran catcher Welington Castillo was non-tendered by Arizona on Friday after hitting .264 with 14 home runs. Less than 24 hours later, the new free agent was reportedly connected to a pair of catcher needy teams in the Rays and Braves. [@TBTimes_Rays]
TRUMBOMBS: The market for MLB home run leader Mark Trumbo is expected to take shape during the upcoming winter meetings. It’s reported that the Colorado Rockies maintain strong interest in the slugger, which could lead to a dream pairing of power and Coors Field. [@jonmorosi]
TAKING SHAPE: The market for free agent Edwin Encarnacion appears to be taking shape. The Astros signing of Carlos Beltran reportedly removes them from the mix. It’s also noted the Red Sox aren’t likely to take the plunge on Encarnacion, perhaps leaving the Yankees and Blue Jays in the best positions. [@JonHeyman]
GETTING INTENSE: According to Fox Sports Jon Morosi, talks between the Texas Rangers and free agent Ian Desmond have intensified in recent days. However, before we were allowed to jump to conclusions, we learned the Rangers remained “far from optimistic” a deal would get done. ‘Tis the season for conflicting reports. [@Sullivan_Rangers]
FREE AGENT: Cuban outfielder Jose Adolis Garcia has been granted free agency after defecting from his home nation in August. The 24-year-old is the younger brother of Braves third baseman Adonis Garcia, who has accounted for 24 home runs over two MLB seasons. [@JesseSanchezMLB]
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
