Rumors: Arenado, Bryant, Betts, Lindor, Senzel

MLB.com is keeping track of all the latest free-agent and trade rumors right here.

Could Bryant or Arenado wind up in NL East?

Jan. 31: A trade for Kris Bryant or Nolan Arenado comes with its fair share of complications -- most of all their significant remaining salaries. But MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal ponders if that financial obligation might be worth it for National League East contenders looking to break free of the pack.

In his Friday column for The Athletic (subscription required), Rosenthal cites an AL club's internal projection that has the Braves, Mets, Nationals and Phillies separated by fewer than five wins in 2020. None of those four teams have a superstar stationed at third base, meaning Bryant or Arenado could significantly change the odds.

Examining each team's payroll in relation to the competitive balance tax (CBT), Rosenthal notes that Bryant's $18.6 million salary this season would put three of those four clubs -- but not the Braves -- over the first threshold, which would therefore incur a 20% tax penalty on the overages. Arenado's $35 million salary would put each team except the Braves over the second threshold, which would incur additional penalties. But Atlanta has both the fewest financial commitments moving forward and the best farm system of the quartet moving forward. So, Rosenthal wonders if the Braves should be motivated to take advantage of their leg-up on the competition by acquiring a true difference-maker at the hot corner.

Report: Rockies, Cubs have discussed 1-for-1 Arenado-Bryant trade

Jan. 30: Many eyes remain on Chicago to see what the Cubs will do with third baseman Kris Bryant, and one report says the North Siders are at least entertaining blockbuster trade ideas.

ESPN's Jesse Rogers reported during an appearance on NBC Sports Chicago's "Kap and Co." radio show that the Rockies and Cubs have discussed a one-for-one trade that would send Bryant to Colorado in exchange for Nolan Arenado. Rogers added that Colorado would pay at least some of Arenado's salary ($234 million remaining over the next seven years) in the proposed scenario.

“This is something I heard very recently -- that, yes, Arenado would love to play for the Cubs," Rogers said. "I’ll go one step further. That they’ve even discussed a one-for-one deal, Kris Bryant for Nolan Arenado, where the Rockies pick up a good portion of Arenado’s salary over the length of the contract. I’m talking $7 or $8 million per year.

"That’s how much they need to get rid of Arenado," Rogers added, "and he wants out."

Arenado has been uncharacteristically vocal this month about his relationship with the Rockies, telling MLB.com's Thomas Harding that he has felt "disrespected" by the team. He and Bryant -- two of baseball's best third basemen -- have sparked as many trade rumors as any player this offseason, with the Cubs also potentially looking to move Bryant before he reaches free agency after the 2021 season.

Arenado's massive contract would be tricky for the Cubs, who have publicly stated their desire to stay below the competitive balance tax (CBT) threshold.

Padres, Dodgers remain engaged in trade talks involving Betts

Jan. 30: Six days after reports emerged that the Padres were discussing a trade for Mookie Betts, San Diego remains actively engaged in trade talks involving the 2018 American League MVP Award winner, sources tell MLB.com's AJ Cassavell. But one of their NL West rivals, the Dodgers, are also still holding discussions with the Red Sox about Betts, per The Athletic's Andy McCullough (subscription required), who adds that "dialogue with Boston has approached a resolution on Betts."

The principles of a Padres-Red Sox deal are in place, but Wil Myers appears to be the sticking point. The issue, more specifically, is just how much of the $61 million remaining on Myers' contract the Red Sox are willing to take on. More >

Meanwhile, McCullough speculates that the Dodgers would likely balk at the prospect of taking on the entirety of David Price's contract ($96 million over the next three years) despite their considerable financial resources. Los Angeles' lineup as currently constructed already ranks among the National League's best. But adding Betts at the top could be a difference-maker in finally getting the Dodgers over the October hump.

MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi reports that the Dodgers will not deal shortstop Gavin Lux (MLB's No. 2 overall prospect according to MLB Pipeline) in a Betts trade package, but they are willing to include outfielder Alex Verdugo -- a former top 100 prospect himself. That kind of depth in the Dodgers' system is a big reason why Los Angeles could ultimately get a Betts deal done, says MLB Network insider Jon Heyman.