MLB Rumors: Angels Pursuing 'Significant' Starting Pitcher

MLB rumors are heating up at the Winter Meetings after Gerrit Cole's record-setting contract with the Yankees. Keep up with the latest.

Things got even spicier Wednesday night at the Winter Meetings, as the Los Angeles Angels reportedly signed Anthony Rendon. 

The biggest domino of free agency fell on Tuesday night with the New York Yankees signing Gerrit Cole to a nine-year, $324 million deal. The deal came just a day after the Washington Nationals locked up ace Stephen Strasburg to a seven-year deal worth $245 million.

The Boston Red Sox do not appear to be employing a strategy that involves a major contract to a top-end starter. ESPN's Jeff Passan reports the team is looking to shed salary and multiple teams have inquired about starter David Price, who is owed $96 million over the next three years. 

Check out the latest news and rumors around baseball: 

- 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) 

- Right-hand pitcher Tanner Roark has agreed on a deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. (Jeff Passan, ESPN)

- The Chicago Cubs will not discuss a long-term contract extension with first baseman Anthony Rizzo. (Jesse Rogers, ESPN Chicago)

- Now that the Yankees have locked up Cole, the team is looking to retain outfielder Brett Gardner. Gardner is coming off the best season of his career with 28 home runs, 74 RBIs and 123 hits. He is the longest-tenured Yankee on the roster and the last remaining member of the 2009 World Series team. (Andy Martino, SNY)

- The Los Angeles Dodgers made a strong push for Cole and could now refocus their attention on adding Madison Bumgardner from the rival San Francisco Giants. (Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic)

- Oakland Athletics utility man Chad Pinder is drawing interest from teams like the Cleveland Indians. (Susan Slusser, San Francisco Chronicle)

- The Dodgers are a bit pessimistic about their chances of landing third baseman Anthony Rendon. He is drawing strong interest from the Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. (Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic)

- There is a potential deal in the works that would send Brandon Nimmo to the Pittsburgh Pirates but the Mets want more than just Starling Marte in return. (Mike Puma, NY Post)