On-Deck Circle Rumor Mill

[Bryan (ex WAS)]

On-Deck Circle Pre-Winter Meetings

Blockbuster

Indians Rebuild or Re-structure?

Free Agency

Cap Trouble, Hakuna Matata

Rockies and Angels on HOT SEAT

The Boston Red Sox acquire starting pitcher Chris Archer via trade and two draft picks, in exchange for Gleyber Torres, Eric Lauer, Tyler Beede, cash considerations and two draft picks.

The deal came as a surprise to the fans around the league, as it was well-known that the Red Sox were in a rebuild. While the Minnesota Twins were gunning for the American League Central title, with the White Sox and Royals structuring there rosters.

After the deal was complete, Minnesota Twins general manager Pat commented, "Even with dealing Archer I feel that my starting pitching is deep enough to preserve the 'win now' mentality, but also keeping an eye on the future, and replenishing my farm a bit from the recent deals I've made where I dealt good prospects."

With a rotation of Maeda-Chen-Wacha-Skaggs-Cain/Bettis, we find it hard to believe that rotation is deep enough or good enough to have 'win now,' mentality.

After placing last place in the division, for the past 3-seasons the Cleveland Indians might be in a rebuild. As Evan Longoria reports swirl the rumor mill, with the Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays leading the pack.

The Toronto Blue Jays are quite a surprise team even being in the mix for Cleveland Indians third baseman Evan Longoria. They are said to be offering 1 top 10 prospect on team, along with a top 20 and Luis Severino. As of right now, no deal is close. If the Jays land Evan Longoria, look for a deal to be in the works to move him for more.

For Tampa they are not only after Evan Longoria but Max Scherzer is a well-known target for the team. According to a source, David Price and Craig Kimbrel were offered for Evan Longoria. The deal is still in the works but you would have to think that the Rays are getting more back than Longoria in the trade. Scherzer, is a target for at least 10 teams in the league, according to multiple reports. The Rays have been known to offer young star studded outfielder George Springer for Max Scherzer.

While no deal is imminent, Cleveland Indians general manager Zack was asked if the team was in a rebuild, his response,

"I've been trying to do a bit of both..It is hard to go all or nothing, full gut is tough.

It has been a long time waiting but Free Agency is less than a month away. Aroldis Chapman, Edwin Encarnacion and Cole Hamels all lead the bullpen, hitters, and starters. They are the most sought out players, in this years free agency with: Mark Trumbo, Jose Bautista, and Eric Hosmer following.

Cole Hamels has several teams linked to him such as: Washington Nationals, Tampa Bay Rays, Minnesota Twins, Arizona Diamondbacks and St. Louis Cardinals.

Washington Nationals general manager Bryan said,

"No one will outbid me on Cole Hamels, as the addition of him completes my rotation.

The signing of Cole Hamels would give the Nationals a great 1-2 punch with Cueto and Hamels. "I will be sure to rise up the price on ____ general manager just to make sure he does not get a bargain," Rays general manager Matt Forbz said.

Minnesota Twins new general manager Pat, seems to be quite prepared for this years On-Deck Circle Free Agency, with $40+ million. According to a source within the baseball industry, Pat, will bid up to a 5-year, $35 million deal. For star infielder Edwin Encarnacion, being one of the largest contracts in On-Deck Circle history.

Several teams are over the cap limit this year with the two most notable teams being the Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates. Both teams went all-in last season, before the trade deadline ended. Now this off-season, it looks as if it was a bad decision, with neither team having much success in 2016. And the Philadelphia Phillies missing the playoffs all together.

"They seem to think when trading that we are the ones over the cap limit, not them," one owner stated.

According to an insider, the Pittsburgh Pirates general manager JT, is not looking to rebuild his team or fold on the 2017 season. Several general managers like the Kansas City Royals, San Francisco Giants and Washington Nationals look to capitalize on the two teams over the cap in a big way.

Philadelphia Phillies general Oren Jungries, reportedly, made an offer to a un-known team regarding Chris Sale. The deal included the Phillies acquiring $45 million in cash considerations + a top prospect. As of right now the deal is not close but keep your eye out for a possible blockbuster in the near future.

New additions, already on the hot seat? It seems as though the league might want to change there policies for new owners. "We need to take time with bringing in new owners, instead of handing them over within 45 minutes," New York Yankees general manager Justin stated.

The Colorado Rockies hired general manager Mario Kart, to a 1-year deal. However, it seems as if that 1-year deal will be cut short to a 1-month deal. The same goes for the newly acquired general manager of the Los Angeles Angels.

There already seems to be a candidate for both teams, current New York Mets general manager Jack Byrnes stated, "Am I Angels, yet?" Several baseball executives shot down the chance for Jack Byrnes to leave the mess he has created within the Mets organization.

"hahhahahaha cool. If I get in the league then I will become a dick," Matt stated. Currently not a owner in the league but the Colorado Rockies and Los Angeles Angels will likely be bidding on one another to acquire the rookie general manager. With the comments alone, it seems as if Matt will be a nice addition to the On-Deck Circle community. "We need to trust the system," Toronto Blue Jays general manager Jackson Sanders stated.