Free agency is finally starting to get exciting, and there are even more MLB rumors surrounding the top names on the market now that other players have signed on with new teams.
The New York Yankees made the first big splash in free agency this past weekend, inking catcher Brian McCann to a five-year deal with an option for a sixth year. A sixth year would bring the deal to $100 million.
A few pitchers have been signed as well. Tim Hudson inked a two-year pact with the San Francisco Giants, and the San Diego Padres were able to agree to a team-friendly one-year deal with Josh Johnson.
There are still a bevy of quality free agents available, and the rumors continue to swirl as we head into the holiday season.
Robinson Cano
The top free agent on the market, Robinson Cano still hasn't made much progress on securing a hefty contract this winter.
Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News tweeted that Cano met with New York Yankees representatives on Tuesday but that the gap between the two sides is "still very substantial."
Wallace Matthews of ESPN.com reminds us that the Yankees have a seven-year, $160 million deal out there for him, but that he is seeking $310 million. For those non-math people, that's a difference of $150 million.
Matthews did tweet that there was some movement between the two sides in a recent meeting, though no information regarding the alleged movement was disclosed.
With such a large gap between the two sides, it doesn't appear as if a deal will be happening any time soon. That being said, Feinsand tweeted that the two sides are still in contact and plan to meet again after the holiday weekend.
There don't appear to be many teams outside of the Yankees with the funds to lock up Cano, though Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post opines that the Washington Nationals should make a run at the second baseman.
Cano would be a clear upgrade to Danny Espinosa, though Espinosa is still under contract and probably isn't that valuable to other teams.
For now, Cano's best bet is getting a grip on reality and lowering his demands.
Justin Morneau
Justin Morneau finished last season with the Pittsburgh Pirates and helped them make the playoffs for the first time in what seemed like forever.
The first baseman is one of the better value players available on the market. He can still provide 20-plus home run power with a decent on-base percentage, and it won't take an average annual value (AAV) of more than $15 million to sign him.
Troy Renck of the Denver Post reports that the Colorado Rockies are "aggressively pursuing" Morneau, and he'd be a perfect replacement for the recently retired Todd Helton. Assuming he stays healthy in the field, Morneau would thrive in Colorado.
After hitting 17 homers last season with the Minnesota Twins and Pirates, Morneau would likely see a boost playing in the thin air of Colorado.
No figures have been floated around just yet, but he could probably be had for a three-year, $36 million contract. Signing him for anything longer or more expensive would be a huge risk.
Carlos Beltran
The Yankees have made Carlos Beltran their top priority after signing McCann, reports CBS New York, but there are multiple teams in the mix to acquire the corner outfielder.
Primera Hora's Noel Pineiro broke the news that the Cincinnati Reds are now in the mix of teams that want to acquire Beltran (English link from C. Trent Rosecrans of cincinnati.com), and Rosecrans reminds us that the Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners, Kansas City Royals and Yankees are the other teams currently interested.
The Reds represent an interesting fit for Beltran. Sure, they'll have an opening with Shin-Soo Choo more than likely signing elsewhere, but Beltran seems best suited for an American League team at this point in his career.
No longer should he be a full-time outfielder—even in a corner spot. A team with the flexibility to offer him part-time DH duties represents the best fit for his career.
The Yankees and Rangers could presumably offer that.
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