The 2023 GM Meetings, initially slated to run until Thursday, wrapped up a day early due to a stomach virus spreading among team executives, according to Sports Illustrated. While the league prioritizes health, it has chosen to continue its operations virtually to prevent further illness.
Let’s delve into the latest hot stove rumors circulating the MLB landscape:
Yankees Mulling Over Burleson and Donovan
The New York Yankees are contemplating a move for St. Louis Cardinals’ outfielder Alec Burleson and versatile utility player Brendan Donovan, as per the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Previous trade discussions between the Yankees and Cardinals during the deadline primarily involved Dylan Carlson and Triple-A pitchers from the Yankees. With the Yankees seeking lefty outfield bats and the Cardinals in need of pitching, talks about Burleson and Donovan have emerged.
Donovan, 26, stands out as the more enticing option. The 2022 NL utility Gold Glove winner boasts a career .283/.381/.398 batting line, demonstrating versatility by playing every position except pitcher, catcher, and center field. Recovering from elbow surgery, Donovan is expected to be ready for spring training. On the other hand, Burleson, at 24, has faced challenges in a part-time role over the past two years, registering a .237/.295/.375 slash line. Despite his struggles, the left-handed hitter brings some much-needed power, a commodity lacking in the Yankees’ lineup.
Phillies Open to Castellanos Trade
The Philadelphia Phillies are receptive to trading outfielder Nick Castellanos, per MLB.com. While openness to a trade doesn’t necessarily imply active shopping, there are no concrete signs that the Phillies are aggressively pursuing offers for Castellanos. Owed $20 million annually from 2024 to 2026, the 31-year-old outfielder compiled a .272/.311/.476 batting line with 29 home runs in the past season. Castellanos showcased a mixed postseason performance, hitting .391 with four home runs in the Wild Card and Division Series but struggled in the Championship Series, going 1 for 24 with a lone home run. Bryce Harper might transition to first base full-time, opening up room for a potential trade and a reunion with Rhys Hoskins.
Brewers Ready to Deal
Following the departure of manager Craig Counsell, the Milwaukee Brewers are reportedly willing to entertain offers for nearly any player on their roster, according to The Athletic. Recent trades, such as sending Mark Canha to the Tigers, suggest the Brewers are open for business. Key names like Willy Adames and Corbin Burnes, both a year away from free agency, could be on the move, along with closer Devin Williams, who has two years before hitting free agency.
Among the Brewers’ trade assets, young pre-arbitration players like catcher William Contreras and outfielders Sal Frelick and Garrett Mitchell seem likely to stay and become building blocks for the team. Notably, Christian Yelich, with a full no-trade clause and a $136.5 million contract through 2028, presents a considerable challenge to move. Keep an eye on Adames, Burnes, and Williams as they emerge as major names to watch in this offseason’s trade discussions.