Close Article Return to stream X
MLB •

10 Biggest Rumors Surrounding MLB Spring Training

+Read full article
Getty Images

Pitchers and catchers report in a week for some teams and there are still a number of unsigned impact players available. It would be shocking to see some of these guys head into spring training without a job, but some of them aren’t even getting a sniff from teams. There are also some trades still being discussed. Normally by now, teams are all set with their rosters, but there still could be some shake-ups ahead.

10. White Sox Trying To Work On Deal For Andre Ethier

White Sox Trying To Work On Deal For Andre Ethier Getty Images
With Carl Crawford returning from injury, Ethier will likely play the fourth outfielder role for the Dodgers, which is something he'd prefer not to do. The White Sox have been rumored to be interested in Ethier, who would fit nicely in the middle of the order alongside Todd Frazier and Jose Abreu.

With Carl Crawford returning from injury, Ethier will likely play the fourth outfielder role for the Dodgers, which is something he'd prefer not to do. The White Sox have been rumored to be interested in Ethier, who would fit nicely in the middle of the order alongside Todd Frazier and Jose Abreu.

9. Tim Lincecum Has Interest From Multiple Teams

Tim Lincecum Has Interest From Multiple Teams Getty Images
The former Cy Young winner has been connected to the Orioles, Yankees and Marlins in recent weeks, but no team has stepped up with an offer to his liking. As of now, it may make more sense for Lincecum to wait to see if any pitchers suffer an injury in spring training before he signs on the dotted line.

The former Cy Young winner has been connected to the Orioles, Yankees and Marlins in recent weeks, but no team has stepped up with an offer to his liking. As of now, it may make more sense for Lincecum to wait to see if any pitchers suffer an injury in spring training before he signs on the dotted line.

8. Cliff Lee's Asking Price Too High

Cliff Lee's Asking Price Too High Getty Images
Since the beginning of 2014, Lee has only pitched 81.1 innings, but he's asking for $6-8 million per season in addition to incentives. While he could certainly still help a team, that's a steep price to pay for a guy who has so much risk attached.

Since the beginning of 2014, Lee has only pitched 81.1 innings, but he's asking for $6-8 million per season in addition to incentives. While he could certainly still help a team, that's a steep price to pay for a guy who has so much risk attached.

7. Pedro Alvarez Has Interest From Yankees, Others

Pedro Alvarez Has Interest From Yankees, Others Getty Images
The Yankees are reportedly interested in bringing Alvarez aboard, but I'm not sure how that would work as Brian McCann will likely play more at designated hitter as he gets older and Mark Teixeira is entrenched at first base.

The Yankees are reportedly interested in bringing Alvarez aboard, but I'm not sure how that would work as Brian McCann will likely play more at designated hitter as he gets older and Mark Teixeira is entrenched at first base.

6. Teams Interested In Rays' Alex Cobb

Teams Interested In Rays' Alex Cobb Getty Images
Despite Cobb recovering from Tommy John surgery and not returning until August, there have been a number of teams calling about his availability. The Rays are loaded with young starting pitchers so it wouldn't be a surprise to see them let one go for the right price.

Despite Cobb recovering from Tommy John surgery and not returning until August, there have been a number of teams calling about his availability. The Rays are loaded with young starting pitchers so it wouldn't be a surprise to see them let one go for the right price.

5. Brewers Shopping Jonathan Lucroy

Brewers Shopping Jonathan Lucroy Getty Images
Lucroy hasn't been shy about his desire to move to a contender as he doesn't want to be part of a rebuild in the prime of his career. The Nationals have been rumored as a potential suitor, but a deal has yet to come to fruition.

Lucroy hasn't been shy about his desire to move to a contender as he doesn't want to be part of a rebuild in the prime of his career. The Nationals have been rumored as a potential suitor, but a deal has yet to come to fruition.

4. Rays Interested In Ian Desmond

Rays Interested In Ian Desmond Getty Images
It's amazing that the 30-year-old Desmond was offered a seven-year, $107 million deal a couple years ago by the Nationals and now he can't find a team to sign him. He still possesses good pop and great range, but his errors and strikeouts are keeping teams away from paying the draft pick that would come with signing him. The Rays have interest, but they're hesitant to give up the pick.

It's amazing that the 30-year-old Desmond was offered a seven-year, $107 million deal a couple years ago by the Nationals and now he can't find a team to sign him. He still possesses good pop and great range, but his errors and strikeouts are keeping teams away from paying the draft pick that would come with signing him. The Rays have interest, but they're hesitant to give up the pick.

3. Yankees, Ike Davis Talking Minor League Deal

Yankees, Ike Davis Talking Minor League Deal Getty Images
Davis could be a solid bench option for the Yankees in 2016 if he in fact signs with the team. Although he's abandoned his power approach at the plate in recent years in an attempt to make more contact, he still possesses tremendous pop, which would be beneficial with the short porch at Yankee Stadium.

Davis could be a solid bench option for the Yankees in 2016 if he in fact signs with the team. Although he's abandoned his power approach at the plate in recent years in an attempt to make more contact, he still possesses tremendous pop, which would be beneficial with the short porch at Yankee Stadium.

2. Baltimore Orioles Talking With Yovani Gallardo

Baltimore Orioles Talking With Yovani Gallardo Getty Images
In this case, the Orioles need Gallardo a lot more than Gallardo needs the Orioles. The fact that these two sides have talked for so long and a deal hasn't gotten done is baffling. The Orioles' top starter as of now is Chris Tillman, and that's a major problem.

In this case, the Orioles need Gallardo a lot more than Gallardo needs the Orioles. The fact that these two sides have talked for so long and a deal hasn't gotten done is baffling. The Orioles' top starter as of now is Chris Tillman, and that's a major problem.

1. Dexter Fowler May Not Get Howie Kendrick Money

Dexter Fowler May Not Get Howie Kendrick Money Getty Images
Kendrick just recently re-signed with the Dodgers for two-years and $20 million and ESPN's Buster Olney recently said it would be tough for Fowler to get that type of contract because of the draft pick attached to him. It's criminal to me that a guy who posted a .346 OBP, 20 stolen bases and can play a mean center field can't find a job.

Kendrick just recently re-signed with the Dodgers for two-years and $20 million and ESPN's Buster Olney recently said it would be tough for Fowler to get that type of contract because of the draft pick attached to him. It's criminal to me that a guy who posted a .346 OBP, 20 stolen bases and can play a mean center field can't find a job.

Jason Fletcher is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
Your Favorites