Hot Stove Digest: Busy Cubs now pursuing top name closer
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 recap of all the day’s action and other fun stuff from around the Internet.
WISH LIST: The Chicago Cubs are just getting started this winter. A top name closer appears to be next on their wish list. No names have been mentioned, but exploratory talks are already underway. [Jerry Crasnick]
SHARK SIGNING: The Giants landed a starter on Saturday, reaching a five-year, $90 million agreement with Jeff Samardzija. We examined the fit and the deal itself. [The Stew]
GOOD READ: Comparing the earning power of Jeff Samardzija and Calvin Johnson, who both went pro in 2007. [Baseball America]
NOT DONE: The Giants believe that still have the resources for a multi-year deal with a free-agent starter or outfielder. The team will meet with Ben Zobrist on Monday. [Ken Rosenthal]
WANTED: The Marlins non-tendered former All-Star Henderson Alvarez, but up to 10 teams have shown interest in the right-hander [Jon Heyman]
SEARCHING: The Dodgers have touched base with most of the remaining free agent starters. Hisashi Iwakuma is near the top of their list. [Rosenthal]
GOOD READ: Perhaps the Dodgers made a big mistake in not trading for Cole Hamels. [Rosenthal]
RUMOR MILL: The Angels might be dreaming of an outfield that includes Mike Trout and Yoenis Cespedes. [Mark Feinsand]
NO CHANGE: Reds speedster Billy Hamilton will continue switch-hitting in 2016. [John Fay]
PRELLER UPDATE: San Diego may look to trade Andrew Cashner once the starting pitching market plays outs, but seem content holding Tyson Ross. [Heyman]
SETTLING IN: The Padres wants to get Wil Myers locked in at first base this winter. [Corey Brock]
OVERCOMING: Rockies left-hander Tyler Matzek struggled with performance anxiety during the 2015 season, but is battling it head-on. [Patrick Saunders]
PREVIEW: A look at the starting pitching market headed into the winter meetings. [Jayson Stark]
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813
