Latest MLB rumors: Free agent and trade news feature Clase, Martinez, Bellinger and more

Spring training is so close that the full schedule has already been announced. Yet still, there are a multitude of big-name MLB free agents without a team. As the free agent market continues to move slower than the continents, many teams are looking away from those players and turning toward potential trade targets.

Still, despite the high price that some of these free agents may command, they are players that could elevate teams from bubble playoff squads to World Series contenders. Athletes like Cody Bellinger, Blake Snell, and Josh Hader could all benefit clubs greatly looking to open their World Series window. After all, teams like the Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays are still looking to make a splash this offseason. However, it seems trade targets are all the rage in the hot stove currently.

Here are the latest rumors surrounding those star free agents and potential trades that could be coming soon.

Spring Training: Schedule, report dates for all 30 MLB teams

Yankees are looking to strengthen their bullpen

With the addition of Marcus Stroman, the Yankees have turned most of their attention to their bullpen. The Yankees have been heavily linked to the top closer on the market, Josh Hader. But they have also reportedly shown interest in right-hander Robert Stephenson. The newest name on the Yankees' agenda though is Hector Neris.

Neris may not have as much closer experience as the Yankees would prefer, but he put together a remarkable 2023 with the Houston Astros, posting a 1.71 ERA across 68.1 innings pitched. MLB Insider Hector Gomez reports that Neris is looking for a three-year, $50 million deal in free agency.

Trade rumors are buzzing around Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase

Alongside the Yankees, the Chicago Cubs are one of the teams most interested in adding to their bullpen. However, the Cubs appear to be looking at more than just the free agent pool. According to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score in Chicago, the Cubs are interested in trading for two-time All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase of the Cleveland Guardians.

Clase's ERA may have ballooned between 2022 and 2023 from 1.36 to 3.22, but he still led MLB in saves for the second consecutive season. Clase is still just 25 years old, and compared to the other available high-end closers, Clase's $14 million over the next three years is remarkably low for a reliever of his caliber. It would take a mighty haul for the Cubs to snag Clase from Cleveland, but the Cubs have one of the most underrated farm systems according to MLB execs, so there is almost certainly some sort of deal that can be worked out.

Red Sox eyeing familiar faces for 2024

The Boston Red Sox need to improve their starting rotation above all else. Thar market for such an improvement is rather dry though. Even Red Sox president of baseball operations Craig Breslow referred to the pitching market as "a challenge."

Apart from the pitching staff though, the Red Sox's biggest concern is adding right-handed power. Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe reports that a few 2023 Red Sox players are in consideration, including Justin Turner and Adam Duvall.

J.D. Martinez could be a name to watch out for as well

A name surprisingly left off Abraham's report was former Red Sox designated hitter J.D. Martinez. Among free agent right-handed hitters, Martinez remains one of the best options. Martinez is familiar with Boston, having played there between 2018 and 2022.

Bob Nightengale reports that at least six teams are interested in the six-time All-Star. Considering the Red Sox desire for a strong right-handed bat, it's likely Boston is in the mix. Teams are waiting for Martinez's price tag to drop though before anybody makes a move.

Marlins may be selling their young arms

The trade price for some of the top pitchers like Shane Bieber and Corbin Burnes does not appear to be dropping. As spring training draws nearer, teams that were looking to trade for a game-changing talent are getting a little anxious, not wanting to spend the exorbitant amount for the top-tier guys but also needing to spend a little in order to bolster their rotations.

The Miami Marlins might be their savior. MLB.com's Mark Feinsand claims that "the Marlins have been open to discussing deals involving Jesus Luzardo and Edward Cabrera."

Luzardo, 25, is the bigger name of the pair, having compiled a 3.52 ERA and 10.6 K/9 over two full seasons with Miami. He'd obviously be a tremendous addition for any ball club, but Cabrera, also 25, is no small fish either. Cabrera did experience a down year in 2023, and most of that can be attributed to control issues. Cabrera saw his BB/9 elevate from 4.1 in 2022 to 6.0 in 2023. Cabrera remains a solid strikeout pitcher, and his changeup is one of the best off-speed pitches in MLB. He does have some stamina issues, having only pitched into the seventh inning twice in his three-year career, but if Cabrera can limit his walks in 2024, he'd be a major add for any team looking to strengthen the mid-to-back end of their rotation.

Latest on Cody Bellinger, Blake Snell

Arguably the top two free agents remaining, talk surrounding these star players has been awfully quiet as of late. Rumor is that the Chicago Cubs have emerged as the favorites to land Bellinger. Bob Nightengale reports that the Cubs are still the most likely, but should a deal between those parties fall through, the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners would be the next teams up.

Nightengale also claims that prior to the Yankees signing Marcus Stroman, the team made an offer to Snell that was "nearly $100 million less" than Snell's $240 million asking price. Most teams are still waiting for Snell to drop his price, but Nightengale believes the Blue Jays are the most interested in the 2023 NL Cy Young winner.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MLB Rumors: Clase, Manoah, Martinez could be on the move next