Rumor Roundup: Braves in on Dozier?

The Hot Stove season is underway, and we’re keeping you up to date with the latest free-agent news, trade buzz, rumors and more.

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Braves could be in mix for Dozier The Braves might end up being the team that grabs star Twins second baseman Brian Dozier, according to a report from the Pioneer Press’ Mike Berardino on Friday.

A source told Berardino that Atlanta could be a “stealth landing spot” for Dozier, with trade chips like 24-year-old right-handers Matt Wisler and Aaron Blair. The Twins could use young, high-upside starting pitchers to complement their core of young position players.

On Wednesday, MLB.com’s Jon Paul Morosi reported that trade discussions involving Dozier were expected to be sorted out in the next week, regardless of whether or not a deal gets done.

The Dodgers have been the favorite to land Dozier this offseason, and, per Morosi, they are still one of the clubs in talks with the Twins.

Dozier’s 40 homers as a second baseman set an American League record for the position, and he had 42 long balls overall. The 29-year-old owns a career .246/.320/.442 slash line in his five big league seasons, all with the Twins.

The Cardinals, Giants and Nationals have also reportedly shown interest in acquiring Dozier, who has $15 million remaining on his current contract over the next two years.

Tyson might join Joe in DC

While the Rangers and Cubs continue to be favorites to sign free-agent starter Tyson Ross, the Nationals are also in the mix, according to a report by MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal.

The Nationals are still considered a “long shot” for Ross, whose brother, Joe, figures to be a key piece in Washington’s rotation this season, Rosenthal reports.

Tyson Ross — the elder of the brothers — missed all but one start in 2016 due to a right shoulder injury, and he may not be ready for Opening Day after undergoing surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome in October. The uncertainly surrounding his health was a major reason he was non-tendered by the Padres earlier this offseason. Ross would have likely commanded a contract upwards of $10 million.

Now there are several suitors for the right-hander, who went 23-26 with a 3.03 ERA and a 3.11 FIP from 2014-15. He was an All-Star in ’14.

Ross visited the Rangers this week. Texas is making a significant push to sign the 29-year-old, according to MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan. Ross could help fortify the middle of Texas’ rotation, sliding in behind Cole Hamels and Yu Darvish.

The Nationals’ rotation appears set, at least on paper, with Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez, Tanner Roark and Joe Ross. Adding the elder Ross would add depth to that already potentially dominant group.

“I just keep joking, telling everyone he can come over here,” Joe Ross said recently at Nationals Winterfest. “As long as he doesn’t take my job.”

White Sox keep lines open on Quintana

The White Sox are still engaged in daily trade talks regarding pitcher Jose Quintana, Rosenthal reports. The Astros and Pirates remain in the mix, along with the Yankees, who are considered long shots to land Quintana.

Rosenthal noted that the White Sox are standing pat on their steep asking price for Quintana, and while pitching remains a priority for the Yankees, they’re seemingly less willing than others to part with top prospects like outfielder Clint Frazier or infielder Gleyber Torres.

“I think the most important currency to have nowadays is high-end prospects, and I think we — by everyone’s evaluation — have collected a number of those,” New York general manager Brian …

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