Hot Stove Digest: The Nats and Dodgers could be chasing Chris Sale

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.

EVERYBODY LOVES CHRIS: White Sox ace Chris Sale will probably be the most-talked about trade chip this offseason. Expect lots of rumors about him. Here’s one that’s scary for the NL East: the Washington Nationals are after Sale. [@BNightengale]

WILD RUMOR OF THE DAY: Barstool Sports isn’t usually where you look for MLB trade gossip, but they’re floating a wild one that involves the Dodgers and White Sox angling for a mega deal including Sale and Todd Frazier. [Barstool Sports]

OPT OUT/OPT IN: Jose Abreu opted out of his White Sox contract with $34 million left over the final three years. But he’s not going anywhere. His contract allows him to opt in to the arbitration system in hopes of a better deal. Or he could sign a new contract with the Sox. [Chicago Tribune]

GIMME FOUR: Dexter Fowler, after turning down the Cubs’ qualifying offer, reportedly wants a four-year deal. [@MLBBruceLevine]

RUMORVILLE: The Red Sox are hot and heavy after ex-Royals closer Greg Holland. You know how important the bullpen is. [WEEI]

FROM THE ‘GRAM: Here’s Hanley Ramirez in the gym with Miguel Cabrera. [@HanleyRamirez13]

ICYMI: Eight of 10 players turned down qualifying offers this season. Two didn’t: Jeremy Hellickson and Neil Walker, each of whom will take one-year, $17.2 million deals next season. [The Stew]

ICYMI: Corey Seager and Michael Fulmer are your Rookies of the Year. [The Stew]

CALLING IT QUITS: Veteran lefty Joe Thatcher is retiring. [Kokomo Tribune]

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Mike Oz is the editor of Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at mikeozstew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @MikeOz