By Chris Cwik for Yahoo Sports.
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.
NOT GONNA HAPPEN: The San Francisco Giants are not considering bringing back Boston Red Sox third baseman Pablo Sandoval in a trade. An earlier report said the club had internally considered a reunion with Sandoval, but Giants general manager Bobby Evans refuted that rumor, according to MLB.com.
“I am not aware of any consideration of a reunion,” Evans said, “but we’ll never forget all that he meant to the Giants organization.”
In seven seasons with the Giants, Sandoval hit .294/.346/.465. He was an MVP candidate, two time All-Star and won three World Series championships with the club. Since taking a five-year, $95 million deal with Boston, Sandoval has struggled with injuries and conditioning. He’s hit just .242/.290/.361 over the past two seasons. [MLB.com]
YOU HAVE OPTIONS: St. Louis Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak has admitted center field is “an opening” this winter. The club is expected to be in on some of the major options at the position, such as Dexter Fowler or Ian Desmond. There’s also a possibility they turn to the trade market, or consider less expensive free-agent options. [ESPN]
HE GONE: While the New York Mets have had talks with reliever Jerry Blevins, it’s believed he’ll take a multi-year deal elsewhere. The 33-year-old Blevins posted a 2.79 ERA over 42 innings last year. Blevins struck out 52 batters. Our own Jeff Passan ranked Blevins as the 51st best free-agent available this offseason. [New York Daily News]
DRAWING INTEREST: Some teams have contacted the Detroit Tigers regarding the availability of designated hitter Victor Martinez. The Tigers are said to be looking to sell this offseason, and Martinez still remains a strong hitter with a strong clubhouse reputation. Last season, the 37-year-old Martinez hit .289/.351/.476 over 610 plate appearances. He’s owed $18 million in both 2017 and 2018. [Boston Globe]
NOT SO FAST: The Los Angeles Dodgers have been ordered to reduce their debt by Major League Baseball. The Dodgers had a five-year waiver from debt service requirements initially, but are entering their fifth year under new owners Guggenheim Baseball Management.
In order to reduce some of the club’s debt, the Dodgers’ payroll is expected to decrease over the next two years. That could keep the club from bringing in expensive free agents, or retaining talented players like Justin Turner of Kenley Jansen. The Dodgers have had the highest payroll in baseball since Guggenheim took over [Los Angeles Times]
MORE PITCHING: With Jean Segura shoring up the Seattle Mariners’ offense, the team will look to add starting pitching in free agency. General manager Jerry DiPoto confirmed the club would explore the market for pitching, especially after sending Taijuan Walker away to acquire Segura. The Mariners haven’t been linked to many names just yet, but Rich Hill is considered the strongest pitcher on the market this offseason. [MLB Network Radio]
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