MLB Rumors: Aroldis Chapman Back To Yankees, Dexter Fowler To Cardinals? Miguel Cabrera, Justin Verlander Trade Bait?


Now that the 2016 World Series is in the rear view mirror, several teams, including the World Champion Chicago Cubs, have made some major moves as the MLB rumors for the 2016 offseason begin to heat up.

The offseason in baseball always plays a big role in a team’s future as every GM tries to rebuild by adding or trading away players. This year is going to be a huge winter break for many teams as some of the top players in the league are up for grabs.

The first big fish that could be landed is Aroldis Chapman.

Is Aroldis Chapman headed back to New York? [Image by Elsa/Getty Images]

MLB Trade Rumors is reporting that several teams are interested in bringing the hardest throwing relief pitcher in the game for talks, in hopes of bolstering their bullpen. Chapman will cost whatever team he lands with a pretty penny, but he may be worth taking the risk. The numbers on Chapman are incredible.

Since 2012, the lefty has compiled a 1.84 ERA with an out-of-this-world strike-outs-per-nine-inning ratio of 15.7 K’s per nine innings. In other words, he is as close to perfection as you can get. The Chicago Cubs acquired Chapman in July from the Yankees, but for what Chapman wants in his upcoming contract, he won’t be back in Chicago in 2017.

Reports are indicating that Chapman is looking for a four- to five-year deal worth nearly $100 million. That would double the $50 million contract Jonathan Papelbon signed five years ago. The Cubs want to keep him, but look for the Yankees to try and bring him back to the Bronx. Other teams rumored to have serious interest in Chapman are the Los Angeles Dodgers, Washington Nationals, and Texas Rangers.

Now on to Dexter Fowler.

MLB.com is reporting that for the second straight year, the Cubs made Fowler a qualifying offer to stay with the team. Last season, he rejected the offer, but he did end up staying with Cubs in the end. This year may be a bit different.

Fowler turned down a $15.8 million qualifying offer last November, however, he ended up returning to the Cubs and signing a one-year, $13 million deal with an option for 2017. Now it appears that Fowler is all set to test the market again, as he has reportedly rejected the option for 2017 on Saturday.

Fowler, who is only 30, provided a great spark at the top of the lineup for the Cubs in 2016 and would be a great addition to many teams, one of which is rumored to be the Cardinals.

Now on to Motown.

Are the Detroit Tigers having a fire sale?

Detroit finished one game out of the playoffs in 2016, and injuries played a big part in that. Losing Jordan Zimmermann, Cameron Maybin, JD Martinez and Nick Castellanos for several weeks at a time during the 2016 season didn’t help the Tigers in their run towards the postseason.

However, after the somewhat shocking trade of Cameron Maybin to the Angels, are the Tigers having an offseason price-cutting trend?

Are Ian Kinsler and Justin Verlander on the trading block? [Image by Duane Burleson/Getty Images]

The Tigers are “open for business” this winter and have received trade interest in first baseman Miguel Cabrera and right-hander Justin Verlander, according to a SB Nation report. Detroit GM Al Avila has said he is willing to listen to all trade scenarios, including stars like Verlander, Cabrera, Ian Kinsler, and J.D. Martinez. Trading away any or all of those players will have Tigers fans up in arms in 2017.

Detroit has the players to compete for the AL Central crown right now, so most fans figured they would keep this core together. The Tigers biggest need is in the bullpen, but shipping away any of the mentioned names to get pitching help doesn’t seem to make sense. Stay tuned.

[Featured Image by Jamie Squire/Getty Images]

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