Rumor Roundup: NL East battle for Wieters?

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Battle in NL East for Wieters?

The Nationals and the Braves are in what could be an NL East race to sign free-agent catcher Matt Wieters, sources told MLB Network insider Jon Heyman on Thursday.

Per Heyman, Washington is trying to figure out whether or not Wieters fits into their budget. The Nationals lost Wilson Ramos to the Rays in free agency, and while they acquired Derek Norris from the Padres this winter, Heyman reports they are still looking at other backstop options.

A report earlier this offseason from MASN Sports suggested that the Nationals could sign Wieters and trade Norris to another club. Wieters’ agent is Scott Boras, and Washington has multiple Boras clients on their roster and has never shied away from negotiating with him.

The Nationals also have Jose Lobaton and Pedro Severino on their roster, but Wieters, who has spent his whole career up I-95 in Baltimore, would present an immediate upgrade. The Orioles are not likely to bring back Wieters after signing Welington Castillo to a one-year deal this offseason.

According to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman, the Braves are in the mix for Wieters only if he is willing to take a one-year deal for less than $10 million.

Heyman mentions the Mets, Rockies and D-backs as other logical landing spots for Wieters, a four-time All-Star.

Wieters is a career .256 hitter. He hit at least 15 homers and drove in at least 65 runs in four of his eight seasons with the O’s. He is not tied to draft-pick compensation, because the Orioles did not extend him a qualifying offer.

Growing list of suitors for Napoli

The market for free-agent first baseman Mike Napoli has “intensified” since the Indians reached a deal with Edwin Encarnacion, according to MLB Network Insider Jon Paul Morosi.

Per Morosi, the Rangers are one of multiple teams involved in talks with Napoli, though no deal is imminent.

MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan reported late last week that Napoli, who played for Texas from 2011-12 and again in ’15, is open to a reunion with the club. The Rangers and Napoli have been in touch since the beginning of free agency, and Major League sources told Sullivan the Rangers “have a strong mutual desire” to reunite with the slugger.

Napoli is coming off a season with the Indians in which he set career highs with 34 home runs and 101 RBIs while helping Cleveland reach the World Series. The Indians are not believed to be one of the teams in the running to sign Napoli after bringing in Encarnacion in on a three-year deal.

The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo reported the Orioles are also interested in Napoli, who would serve as a replacement for Mark Trumbo, whose negotiations to re-sign in Baltimore stalled.

Napoli, 35, did not receive a qualifying offer from the Indians and therefore is not tied to Draft pick compensation.

Smyly deal discussed over Winter Meetings

The Mariners had discussions with the Rays during the Winter Meetings about acquiring left-handed starter Drew Smyly, according to the Seattle Times.

Smyly, 27, went 7-12 with a 4.88 ERA in 30 starts for Tampa Bay last season, striking out 167 and walking 49 in 175 1/3 innings. He’ll be entering his third year of arbitration after next season (he’s projected to make $6.9 million in 2017) and is due for free agency after the 2018 season.

But according to the Seattle Times report, the talks didn’t materialize because Seattle’s prospect depth is too thin.

While Rays starters Chris Archer and Jake Odorizzi appear to be out of the Mariners’ price range, Smyly would be easier to acquire because of remaining years of team control and projected salary. But beyond Kyle Lewis and Tyler O’Neill, Seattle’s No. 1 and No. 2 prospects, respectively, per MLBPipeline.com, the organization lacks the type of middle-tier prospects needed to make such a deal easier to reach.

Blanton drawing interest

Free-agent reliever Joe Blanton is reportedly gaining traction on the open market, according to ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick.

Blanton, 36, is among the top relievers still available now that the elite options are off the board. He’s said to be drawing interest from multiple clubs, including the Dodgers, whom he played for in 2016. He’s also previously been linked to the Marlins.

Crasnick noted that Blanton, who lives and owns a winery in Napa Valley, would prefer to sign with a team located on the West Coast.

The right-hander has enjoyed a late career resurgence over the last two seasons, and posted a 2.48 ERA through 75 appearances with Los Angeles this year. He struggled in the playoffs, when he was tagged for seven runs in three innings against the Cubs in the National League Championship Series.

Blanton is entering his 13th year in the Majors. He spent parts of the last 12 seasons with the A’s, Phillies, Dodgers, Angels, Royals and Pirates.

Twins in talks with multiple clubs regarding Dozier trade

As the Dodgers continue talks with the Twins in an attempt to acquire second baseman Brian Dozier, the Cardinals, Nationals and Giants have entered the discussions, according to Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness News in Minnesota. Per Wolfson, the Cardinals are “very much” in the running to acquire Dozier, while the Nationals and Giants “remain in dialogue” with the Twins.

The Dodgers have been the favorite to land the Minnesota second baseman for a few weeks and are still trying to work out a deal.

Dozier, 29, led all …

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