The arrival of Major League Baseball's offseason can mean only one thing: it's time for the rumor mill to begin functioning. Throughout the winter, CBS Sports will be collecting each day's collection of rumors, news, and moves in one handy landing spot. Below, you can find all the latest from Tuesday, Nov. 7.
Red Sox speak with Montgomery's agent
The Red Sox brain trust has met with the agent for left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi.
Montgomery, 30, split last season between the Cardinals and Rangers. Overall, he compiled a 3.20 ERA (138 ERA+) and a 3.46 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Montgomery also had a fantastic postseason, appearing six times and amassing a 2.90 ERA in 31 innings as part of Texas' World Series title run.
Montgomery is one of the top handful of free-agent starting pitchers available. It's likely a bonus, for the Red Sox and other interested parties, that he was ineligible for the qualifying offer. In other words, he will not require a signing team to forfeit a draft pick (nor will he net the Rangers draft-pick compensation).
Reds' India a popular trade target
Multiple teams have inquired about Reds infielder Jonathan India during the annual general manager meetings, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi.
India, 26, won the 2021 NL Rookie of the Year Award. He's a career .255/.350/.419 hitter (105 OPS+) with 48 home runs and 5.1 Wins Above Replacement. The Reds have an assortment of other young infielders, including Elly De La Cruz and Noelvi Marte, allowing them the opportunity to listen on India -- even if they aren't necessarily motivated to move him.
This year's free-agent crop is lacking with respect to good infielders. As such, expect India to remain a popular trade target well into the winter.
Fedde's return?
Right-hander Erick Fedde, 30, spent parts of six largely unsuccessful seasons with the Nationals. However, Fedde spent the 2023 season playing Korea's top circuit, and he found a great deal of success. In 180 1/3 innings for the NC Dinos, Fedde pitched to a 2.01 ERA with 209 strikeouts against 35 walks, and for his efforts he was given the KBO's equivalent of the Cy Young award.
As Jon Heyman reports, Fedde is now drawing interest from MLB teams, which may mean he'd headed back stateside. Fedde would hardly be the first pitcher to go overseas, find a higher level, and then come back to find better success in MLB.
Jays interested in Votto
The Reds recently cut ties with first baseman Joey Votto, one of the greatest players in franchise history. It remains to be seen whether the 40-year-old Votto will retire or opt to continue his career elsewhere. If he does decide to keep going, then a proper capstone to his great career might be turn with his hometown Toronto Blue Jays. Speaking of which, there's at least of modicum of interest on the team side:
When asked about Joey Votto, Ross Atkins was full of praise for his hitting ability & character. Blue Jays have done background work on Votto as a trade candidate over the yrs. They now have some interest in him as a free agent. Some industry observers view Votto as a fit for TOR
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) November 7, 2023
The Toronto native is hardly a middle-of-the-order force anymore, but his on-base chops and lefty pop make him a useful down-roster presence, provided he can stay healthy. As final tours go, this would be a fitting one for both player and club.
