MLB rumors: Latest news from the off-season on free agency and more
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By Justin Lee, Chat Sports
The World Series ended just five days ago, but there’s already a litany of rumblings and rumors around Major League Baseball about contract situations and upcoming forays into free agency.
Check out the latest MLB news and rumors below.
• The Kansas City Royals have extended a one-year, $15.8 million qualifying offer to leftfielder Alex Gordon, the team announced Thursday. Gordon rejected his $13.75 million contract option for 2016, giving Kansas City until midnight ET on Friday to extend an offer before Gordon was given the green light to speak with other teams.
• Kansas City also announced that they will non-tender relief pitcher Greg Holland, while picking up the options of closer Wade Davis and infielder Alcides Escobar.
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• Minnesota Twins centerfielder Torii Hunter has announced his retirement, but said on Thursday that he plans to stay involved in baseball. Hunter played for three MLB teams over the span of his 17-year career.
• Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper reached out to teammate Jonathan Papelbon following their altercation in the dugout back in September, reports Thomas Boswell of The Washington Post.
• The Tampa Bay Rays and Seattle Mariners agreed to terms on a six-player trade on Thursday, reports CBS Sports. First baseman Logan Morrison, utility player Brad Miller and pitcher Danny Farquhar are on their way to Tampa. In return, the Mariners pick up starting pitcher Nathan Karns, relief pitcher C.J. Riefenhauser and outfield prospect Boog Powell.
• San Francisco Giants first baseman Brandon Belt is still having concussion symptoms after taking a knee to the head on a slide into second base on Sept. 15, Belt told Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle.
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• New York Mets outfielder Curtis Grandersonunderwent surgery this week to fix a torn ligament in his left thumb.
• Detroit Tigers infield prospect JaCoby Jones has been hit with a 50-game suspension after testing positive for a drug of abuse, reports NBC Hardball Talk’s Aaron Gleeman.