MLB Christmas Hot Stove Rumors: Marlins weigh Sandy Alcantara trade, Rangers target Chris Martin and Yankees eye Tim Hill reunion

The MLB Hot Stove rages on even with the Christmas holidays keeping fans, players and executives busy.

This edition of Hot Stove Rumors takes a closer look at the buzz surrounding the pitching needs of various contending teams as trades and free-agent signings heat up despite winter settling in.

MLB Christmas Hot Stove Rumors

#3. Marlins weigh Sandy Alcantara trade

Miami Marlins President of Baseball Operations Peter Bendix is reportedly open to trading former Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara. The right-hander missed last season as he recovered from Tommy John surgery.

Despite the surgery, there is plenty of speculation that Alcantara, and his affordable contract, could be moved. He has three years left on his current deal, worth $17 million in 2025 and 2026 with an option for 2027 valued at $21 million.

“We never rule out anything. We listen to everything," Bendix said via The Miami Herald.

With that attitude, it seems Alcantara could be on the move if the right deal comes along. If that’s the case, a trade could be the biggest of the Hot Stove season.

#2. Rangers target Chris Martin

The Dallas Morning News reported that the Texas Rangers are looking to add depth to their bullpen by adding veteran Chris Martin.

The free-agent right-hander posted a 3.45 ERA and 1.13 WHIP last season in 44.1 innings. Most importantly, he walked just three batters to go with 50 strikeouts for the Boston Red Sox.

The Rangers are looking to add depth to complement current bullpen arms David Robertson, Jose Leclerc and Kirby Yates. With the club looking to get past a disappointing season last year, adding Martin could provide significant depth as the Rangers eye another long postseason run.

#1. Yankees eye Tim Hill reunion

Another reliever whose name has surfaced this Hot Stove season is lefty Tim Hill. The NY Post reported that the New York Yankees are looking to bring Hill back to round out their bullpen.

Hill pitched with the Chicago White Sox at the beginning of last season, being released in June, and then joining the Yankees.

It’s worth pointing out that the Bronx Bombers could use Hill as they lack a left-handed pitcher on their current 40-man roster. The Yankees already addressed their bullpen this Hot Stove season by acquiring Devin Williams and Fernando Cruz.

Bringing Hill back would fill the open spot for a lefthander. Of course, Hill may not be the only southpaw the Yankees look to add this offseason.

Hill posted a 3.36 ERA and 1.43 WHIP in 67 innings last season. He walked 19 batters and struck out 31.