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Hot Stove Digest: Who will be the Rangers first baseman in 2017?
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.
WHO’S ON FIRST? Once again, the Texas Rangers will be taking a loaded roster to spring training in February. The team has few needs to speak of, which has become the norm over the past several seasons. However, there is a glaring need at first base after the sudden retirement of Prince Fielder and the loss of Mitch Moreland in free agency. Until that’s filled, their puzzle is incomplete.
The team has options from within, including Joey Gallo, Ryan Rua and even Jurickson Profar. Comfort and logistics though might dictate they add from the outside, which is probably why general manager Jon Daniels says he hasn’t completely closed the door on free agent Edwin Encarnacion. The price would probably have to come down, though if the Rangers urgency increases the sides might be able to meet somewhere in the middle. Stay tuned [@CaseyStern]
LONG SHOT?: Maybe we could throw Josh Hamilton into that mix too. He’s expected to work out for the Rangers soon. [Forth Worth Star-Telegram]
DONE DEAL: The rebuilding White Sox can’t rely strictly on prospects in 2017. That’s why they’ve signed veteran left-hander Derek Holland to a one-year deal worth $6M. Due to injuries, Holland has only pitched 203 innings since the start of the 2014 season. He’s a decent bounce back candidate who could also provide trade value with a decent start. [@Evan_P_Grant]
BEEFING UP: Veteran catcher Welington Castillo has a one-year, $6M deal with the Baltimore Orioles. The contract includes a player option for 2017 worth $7M. [@JonHeyman]
BUSY WEEK: The Dodgers already pleased fans this week by re-signing Kenley Jansen and Justin Turner. Prior to that, they re-signed Rich Hill. But that only gets them back to where they were in 2016. They need another big piece, and as we already mentioned that could (and probably should) involve trading for Twins power-hitting second baseman Brian Dozier.
The two teams have reportedly been in talks throughout the offseason, and those are said to be active still. The asking price will be high after Dozier cracked 41 homers last season. The money will send the Dodgers payroll soaring even higher. That said, the need is there. The money is there. Most importantly, the determination is there too. [@jonmorosi]
ON THE MEND: Mets right-hander Matt Harvey reports he’s no longer feeling any tingling in his fingers after undergoing surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome in July. The hope is he’ll be ready for spring training. [ESPN New York]
VETERAN HELP: The Brewers inked 29-year-old left-hander Tommy Milone to a one-year, major-league contract. Financial details were not available. [@Haudricourt]
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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!
