The Detroit Tigers might be saying they're not looking to spend big on an outfielder, but don't rule them out.
As Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press notes, it was GM Al Avila that ruled out the Tigers pursuing a big-name bat, not owner Mike Ilitch. While Avila has the trust of the organization, Ilitch has a history of getting involved and entering the bidding late on attractive free agents.
Remember the Prince Fielder signing in January of 2012? Even though the Tigers had a first baseman in Miguel Cabrera, they inked Fielder and shifted Cabrera to third to accommodate him.
Earlier this winter, Detroit was linked to Yoenis Cespedes and Alex Gordon, two of the bigger bats remaining on the market. Both still look like long shots to sign with the team, however, it was reported before Cespedes was dealt to the New York Mets that he wanted to re-sign with the Tigers regardless of whether they traded him.
The Tigers also have an affinity for Cespedes despite his short stint with the team, Fenech writes. Until the 30-year-old outfielder signs, don't sleep on Detroit.
Here are a few other rumors making their way around the league today:
Brandon Phillips: The Washington Nationals are discussing a trade for Phillips with the Cincinnati Reds, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports. Phillips would need to waive his no-trade clause for a deal to go through, but that may not be a hold up seeing as his old manager, Dusty Baker, is the Nats' skipper. Washington is said to be looking to make an upgrade at second base, which the 34-year-old would conceivably be. In a separate report, Rosenthal says the Nationals prefer a left-handed-hitting middle infielder and lists Kelly Johnson as a possibility. Although Phillips is right-handed, his connection to Baker might make him the team's top target.
Cleveland Indians: Although all the top pitchers are now off the market, there are still teams looking for starters that may reach out to the Indians. Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer lays out possible trade partners for the Tribe, including the Reds, Chicago Cubs, Colorado Rockies, Houston Astros, Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals. The Cubs represent the most intriguing option, as Cleveland has an affinity for Jorge Soler, Kyle Schwarber and Javier Baez, Hoynes writes. While the Indians would likely be happy to keep their pitching surplus, the team's needs on offense can't be ignored.
Kevin Kiermaier: The Tampa Bay Rays found out at the winter meetings that "everyone" has interest in trading for Kiermaier, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. The 25-year-old isn't a free agent until 2021 and is coming off a season in which his elite defense in center earned him a Gold Glove. With the Rays sitting on a surplus of pitching, it's unlikely that they would trade Kiermaier, who has also shown some potential with the bat, as a way to meet their offensive needs.
Cesar Ramos: The Minnesota Twins listened to a pitch on Ramos from his agents in Nashville but might not be looking to sign him, Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN tweets. Ramos was non-tendered by the Los Angeles Angels earlier this offseason and is one of the better left-handed relievers available on the market. However, the Twins are believed to be focusing on trade options for southpaws rather than free agents, which could mean they're just doing their due diligence on the 31-year-old. Ramos posted a 2.75 ERA in 65 games with the Angels last season.
Will Middlebrooks: The Milwaukee Brewers signed Middlebrooks to a minor league deal, Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. The 27-year-old was non-tendered by the San Diego Padres after struggling in his first year with the team last season. A former top prospect with the Boston Red Sox, Middlebrooks will likely have a chance at competing for a starting job with the Brewers, who are weak at the corner infield positions. Garin Cecchini, another former Red Sox prospect, may also be in the mix after Milwaukee acquired him last week.
