Does Josh Donaldson’s Signing Move Us Closer to a Blockbuster Trade?

The Twins reportedly signed third baseman Josh Donaldson on Tuesday night, adding a premier offensive player and former MVP to an already-potent lineup. Sure, it’s questionable to give four years and around $100 million to a 34-year-old with injury concerns, but there’s little doubt the impact Donaldson can make for a contending team.

That’s why so many teams in need of a third baseman or a middle-of-the-order bat—such as the Braves, Nationals, Rangers and, to a lesser extent, the Dodgers—were supposedly in the running to sign him. Now, each of those teams have to look elsewhere, which very likely means the trade market. Might we be on the brink of a blockbuster? Let’s canvas the marquee names thought to be available.

A discussion of three players’ trade potential- unfortunately, not for each other…..

Indians more confident star Lindor begins season with them

CLEVELAND (AP) — Francisco Lindor’s status with the Indians has been slightly upgraded.

Team president Chris Antonetti said Wednesday he’s more confident the All-Star shortstop will be in Cleveland’s lineup to start the season after the Indians didn’t receive a trade proposal to their liking over the past few weeks.

Antonetti did not disclose any specifics about what has been offered for Lindor, a four-time All-Star and one of baseball’s best all-around players. Cleveland has him under contract through the 2021 season, but the Indians have been unsuccessful in their attempts to sign him to a long-term deal. There appears to be little chance he will re-sign.

Antonetti believes Lindor will be around for at least a little while.

So, with Lindor sticking around, who do we have left on the hot stove?

Dodgers Trade Rumors: LA Pursuing Mookie Betts More as Lindor Talks Stall

The Los Angeles Dodgers may be shifting their focus toward Mookie Betts as their negotiations with the Cleveland Indians over a Francisco Lindor trade remain at an impasse.

MLB.com’s Jon Paul Morosi reported Thursday the Indians are looking to receive Gavin Lux as part of a Lindor trade—a price the Dodgers aren’t willing to meet.

“As a result, sources say the Dodgers’ negotiations with the Red Sox about acquiring [Betts] have become at least as frequent—and perhaps even more involved—than their talks with the Indians about Lindor,” Morosi wrote.

According to Morosi, Boston “appears less insistent on Lux” and could find a new home for David Price as part of a Betts trade. The Red Sox have already said they’re looking to get under the luxury-tax threshold for 2020, so offloading some or all of the $96 million remaining on the left-handed starter’s contract would fit with that plan.

At times, the hot stove can verge on soap opera.

MLB Rumors, Trades, and Signings | MLB.com

Will he really get traded?

MLB Rumors: Angels Pursuing ‘Significant’ Starting Pitcher

Some examples of rumored goings-on with the Winter Meetings:

- The Angels are still reportedly planning to add a “significant” starting pitcher prior to the 2020 season and are pursing Madison Bumgarner, Hyun-jin Ryu, Dallas Keuchel or a trade for Jon Gray. (Jon Morosi, MLB Network)

- The Angels, after missing out on signing Gerrit Cole, have “expressed interest” in trading for Indians righthander Corey Kluber. A two-time Cy Young winner, Kluber is coming off an injury-filled 2019 season. Anthony Rendon remains the Angels’ priority, but they’re open to other options. (Fabian Ardaya, The Athletic)

- The Los Angeles Dodgers and Cleveland Indians continue to engage in “serious” trade discussions for All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor. Cleveland is seeking a package from the Dodgers including top prospects Gavin Lux and Dustin May. (Bob Nightengale, USA Today)

- The Yankees are interested in free agent catcher Martin Maldonado. In 2019, Gerrit Cole posted a 1.57 ERA and .471 opponent OPS in 10 starts with Maldonado, his best with any Houston catcher last season. (Mark Feinsand, MLB Network)

This enough excitement for you, Sports Illustrated?

Meanwhile, on the cold, cold Hot Stove . . .

It’s Hot Stove Season baby! You know what that means! Yep: time to watch some teams sign a few relievers to minor league deals and then wait everyone out until February while talking about the need to maintain financial flexibility! FEEL THE BURN.

In more specific news:

John Morosi of MLB Network reports that, based on his conversations with front office folks, either Mookie Betts, Francisco Lindor or Kris Bryant are expected to be traded this winter.

We’ve talked a lot about Betts this winter already, and that seems like madness. Bryant’s career with the Cubs began with business-side acrimony, it’s still simmering, and there is no sense that either side is amenable to a long-term deal before he hits free agency. The Indians have been signaling for some time that they have no interest in keeping Lindor long term.

Open thread, for any thoughts concerning transactions.