MLB rumors: Cody Allen, Justin Wilson drawing more interest as relief market heats up; Mets deal Plawecki - CBS Sports

We're at a bit of a crossroads here. The first Sunday in January is usually the clichéd "slow news day" but so many free agents remain unsigned with spring training less than six weeks away. Something has to give at some point, right? 

Until it does, we're left grasping to any rumor out there, even of the small variety. We'll gather all the nuggets we can and throw them right here throughout the day along with any actual transactions, such as a trade. 

Allen's market heating up

Over the past week, David Robertson has landed with the Phillies and Zach Britton stayed with the Yankees, thereby thinning out the relief market. Predictably, former Indians closer Cody Allen is now beginning to draw more interest, per Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com. Allen's suitors are unknown, with the Twins being the only team publicly connected to him at this point, but he would make sense for the Angels, who finished second for Britton, among others.

Allen is coming off a poor season. Previously one of the top closers in the American League, he posted a 4.70 ERA and blew five saves. Both his home-run and walk rates went in the wrong direction, each finishing as full-season career-worsts. Nonetheless, Allen is viewed as an intriguing rebound candidate due to his track record and expected cost. 

Wilson gaining eyes

Justin Wilson is another reliever who could come off the board sooner than later. Bob Nightengale of USA Today tweeted Sunday morning that six or seven teams have checked in with the southpaw.

Wilson has the velocity and rising fastball that teams desire in this day and age. He also has his fair share of late-inning experience, most recently with the Cubs. Alas, Wilson walked more than five per nine last season and isn't far removed from a nightmare 23-game stretch to close out 2017, when he issued 19 walks in 17 innings.

The Mets were known to be in on Wilson earlier in the winter. His other suitors remain unknown. 

Dozier market improving

Free-agent second baseman Brian Dozier's market is gaining steam, per Jon Heyman of FanCred Sports. Dozier, who has been linked to the Nationals and Brewers, had a miserable 2018. He posted an 88 OPS+ after finishing above 120 in each of the previous two seasons. Obviously there are teams out there who believe his 2019 will include a return to glory.

Dozier is one of many second basemen still looking for work. DJ LeMahieu, Jed Lowrie and Josh Harrison (among others) remain available.

Mets add Davis in five-player trade

The Mets made their second trade of the weekend Sunday, following up their deal for outfielder Keon Broxton by adding infielder J.D. Davis from the Astros in a five-player swap:

Davis, 25, hasn't inspired much confidence by hitting .194/.260/.321 in 165 big-league at-bats. His minor-league track record is stronger, however, and scouts grade his power potential as well above-average. He's a substandard defender at the hot corner, but he has a near-elite arm (he pitched relief in college) and should see action at each corner against lefties. The key with Davis is whether the swing-and-miss in his game will prove to be fatal.

It's worth noting that Luis Santana is the only one of the others involved who ranked in their organization's top 30 per MLB.com. He's a teenager whose upside is that of an offensive-minded second baseman.

Cleveland lands Plawecki

About an hour after dealing for Davis, the Mets completed their third deal of the weekend, sending catcher Kevin Plawecki to the Indians for two minor leaguers:

Plawecki figures to slot in as Cleveland's primary backstop. He has posted a 97 OPS+ over the past two seasons thanks to a patient approach at the dish. The drawbacks with Plawecki are that he's prone to injury and his defense has slid in recent years. He's under team control through the 2022 season, so he could be a long-term fit for Cleveland if he stays healthy and productive.

Walker Lockett was acquired in a small trade with the Padres back in November. He has a largely average arsenal but has already reached the majors and should serve as rotation depth. Sam Haggerty, meanwhile, is a switch-hitting infielder with good speed who figures to top out as a reserve.

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