MLB Trade Rumors: Matt Holliday To Yankees; Phillies, Giants Pursuing J.D. Martinez, Brian Dozier To Dodgers?
The 2016 MLB winter meetings are officially underway and already the trade rumors have increased 100 percent. One rumor seems to be more of a fact – the New York Yankees have agreed to sign veteran left fielder Matt Holliday, with the deal becoming official if and when Holliday passes a team physical.
According to MLB Trade Rumors, WFAN’s Sweeny Murti was the first to report that the Yankees were not only interested in signing the left field slugger, but the two sides were already close to getting the contract done.
#Yankees are close to a deal with Matt Holliday according to sources.
— Sweeny Murti (@SweenyMurti) December 4, 2016
Holliday is represented by sports agent guru Scott Boras. While contract details are not official, it seems the deal will be a one-year contract worth $13 million. Holliday spent the last eight seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Does this move mean the Yankees may be interested in dealing Brett Gardner? Stay tuned.
Other hot names at the MLB winter meeting include Tigers slugger JD Martinez and Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier.
Dozier, along with Detroit’s Ian Kinsler, is one of the best second basemen in the American League, so it does have to make Minnesota fans question why the Twins would even consider trading him. The 29-year-old is coming off an unreal season, blasting 42 home runs and driving in 99 RBI. Add to that, Dozier is a fan favorite and a great guy in the clubhouse, and it has to make you wonder why the Twinkies would even consider putting Dozier on the block.
SB Nation reports three teams have interest in Dozier— the Phillies, Angels, and the LA Dodgers, who are reported to be the “most aggressive” team of the three. In terms of contract issues, Dozier would be a steal for any team that could get him. He is currently under contract through the 2018 season and will earn $18 million in that span, making him that much more attractive for teams to attempt to get in on the bidding.
Finally, are the Tigers interested in dealing JD Martinez?
The Detroit Tigers shocked a few people by dealing away a very productive Cameron Maybin to the Angels just after the World Series was completed. Now the question is was that just the beginning of a total fire sale in Motown? Detroit General Manager Al Avila has made it public that they are willing to listen to offers for “any player” on the roster, including rising star right-fielder J.D. Martinez.
Sources: #Tigers, #Phillies have spoken about J.D. Martinez trade but talks are not progressing. Philly looking for short-term outfield bat.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 2, 2016
Martinez has been a spark plug for Detroit the last two seasons as he has established himself as one of the top slugging outfielders in all of baseball. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported that the Philadelphia Phillies are showing strong interest in Martinez.
Martinez has had back-to-back great seasons and is in his prime, which could make him fetch a lot in return. However, the way the Tigers have been so close to winning pennants and World Series, this is another trade rumor that makes fans in Detroit shake their heads a bit.
In 2015, Martinez smashed 38 homers and drove in 102 RBI. Last season, the numbers fell off a bit (22 home runs, 68 RBI) but that was due to an injury that sidelined Martinez for over 40 games. JD is under contract with Detroit for the upcoming 2017 season and will make $11.75 million.
With all of the big names being rumored to move this off season, it will be interesting to see what blockbuster deals will go down.
The MLB winter meetings are currently taking place at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. They will conclude on December 8.
[Featured Image by Dave Reginek/Getty Images]
