MLB Trade Rumors: 'Momentum' Building Toward a Bryce Harper Return to Washington

Get the latest scoops, news and rumors as the MLB offseason heats up.

The MLB offseason's Hot Stove has completely frozen over the past couple of weeks, but Manny Machado and Bryce Harper continue to stir the pot and the rumor mill will keep churning.

Both superstar free agents are expected to command near record salaries.

Last month's Winter Meetings produced a few signing, including Patrick Corbin's six-year, $140 million deal with the Washington Nationals.

Here are all the latest transactions and rumors around baseball:

• There is "momentum" building toward a Bryce Harper return to Washington. (Mark Feinsand, MLB.com)

• The Yankees reportedly aren't out of the running for Bryce Harper, but they haven't recently engaged in negotiations or submitted an official offer. New York are not going to meet a believed $325 million-plus target or even $300 million. (Jon Heyman, Fancred)

• The Phillies, who are set to meet with Bryce Harper in Las Vegas this week, are also amping up their pursuit of Manny Machado. (Mark Feinsand, MLB.com)

• Machado's camp still seeking a deal worth $300 million or more. Neither the White Sox nor the Phillies' offers are believed to be close to that ask as of now, and the Yankees have yet to make official offer. (Jon Heyman, Fancred)

• Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski downplayed the chance of Boston retaining pitcher Craig Kimbrel, saying the team has "not anticipated having a large expenditure for a closer." (Bob Nightengale, USA Today)

• The Mets are among teams having discussions regarding free-agent second baseman Brian Dozier. (Jon Heyman, Fancred)

• The Mets did make an offer to Yasmani Grandal but the official bid is believed to be less than the $60 million first reported. (Jon Heyman, Fancred)

• The Mariners have reportedly agreed to sign Dustin Ackely on a minor-league contract. (Jon Becker, RosterResource.com)