MLB rumors: Twins could be outbid on Dansby Swanson; Mets looking at trades for James McCann, Carlos Carrasco

Most of the big-name free agents are off the board, but there’s still plenty of calendar left in the 2022-23 MLB offseason. As such, there are also still plenty of rumors left in the 2022-23 MLB offseason. Speaking of which, you can find Friday’s crop of rumors just below. 

Mets talking Carrasco, McCann trades

The Mets are discussing right-handed starter Carlos Carrasco and catcher James McCann in trade talks with other teams, according to SNY’s Andy Martino.

Carrasco figures to be the more attractive of the two players. He’s coming off a solid season that saw him post a 97 ERA+ across 29 starts. He’s owed $14 million this season, a reasonable wage for a league-average starter (or thereabout) in today’s marketplace. 

McCann is likely to prove to be a harder sell. Not only is he scheduled to make more than $12 million in each of the next two seasons, but his performance has cratered since joining the Mets prior to the 2021 campaign. Indeed, he’s hit for a 70 OPS+.

The Mets have been active on both the starting pitcher and catcher fronts this winter. They’ve added Justin Verlander, Kodai Senga, and José Quintana to their rotation (albeit while losing Jacob deGrom, Taijuan Walker, and Chris Bassitt) and on Thursday they signed veteran backstop Omar Narváez. The Mets have two other catchers in house, in Tomas Nido and Francisco Alvarez, suggesting that a culling is in order.

It’s not clear which teams the Mets are engaged with on either Carrasco or McCann.

The White Sox made a splash on Friday afternoon, signing outfielder Andrew Benintendi to a five-year pact worth $75 million that becomes the richest free-agent contract in franchise history. Benintendi, ranked as the 18th best free agent by CBS Sports earlier this winter, is likely to become their everyday left fielder. Here’s more on that signing.

Twins sign Gallo; target Swanson, Turner

The Twins recently failed to re-up with shortstop Carlos Correa, who inked a $350 million pact with the Giants. Now Minnesota is pondering what their post-Correa lineup should look like. They began to assemble it on Friday afternoon, inking former All-Star outfielder Joey Gallo to a one-year deal worth $11 million. Where else might the Twins turn?

The Athletic has the specifics. According to Dan Hayes, shortstop Dansby Swanson remains a strong consideration, but he’s likely coveted by a couple of teams — the Cubs and incumbent Braves, to wit — that are positioned to outbid the Twins should it come to that. Other, perhaps more realistic targets for Minnesota include third baseman Justin Turner and outfielder A.J. Pollock. (It’s unclear if the Twins will continue to pursue Pollock after inking Gallo.)

Gallo’s power remains unassailable, but his contact struggles severely limit how valuable he can be.  As for Turner, he’s had a strong career, both offensively and defensively. However, he’s 38, and he’s shown significant signs of decline over the last two seasons. He should remain a useful player in 2023, but he’s not the kind of true needle-mover the Twins need.

O’s interested in Hill

Earlier this week, it was reported that the Orioles were pursuing free-agent righty Michael Wacha. He’s not the only former Red Sox pitcher the O’s covet. Mike Elias is also talking to left-hander Rich Hill, according to Rob Bradford.

Hill, 42, posted a 98 ERA+ in 26 starts last season with the Red Sox. He’s plenty familiar with the American League East, having made appearances in the past with the Rays, Yankees, and indeed, even, the Orioles way back in 2009. Of course, that was well before Hill salvaged his career in 2015. He appeared in 14 games for Baltimore, amassing a 7.80 ERA and issuing nearly one walk for every strikeout.

Were the Orioles to reunite with Hill, they’d certainly be hoping for better results.

A’s ink May

The A’s on Friday announced that they’ve signed veteran reliever Trevor May to a one-year contract. ESPN reports that the deal is worth $7 million with the opportunity to make another $500,000 in incentives. May, 33, is coming off a disappointing season for the Mets in 2023, but since the start of the 2018 season he boasts a 120 ERA+ with a 3.75 K/BB ratio. 

As things stand now, May — a 33-year-old middle reliever, by way of reminder — would  be Oakland’s highest-paid player in 2023.