MLB

FOX Sports Exclusive

LaRoche likely to nix qualifying offer

Share This Story

Jon Paul Morosi

Jon Paul Morosi is a national MLB writer for FOXSports.com. He previously covered baseball for the Detroit Free Press and Seattle Post-Intelligencer. He began his journalism career at the Bay City Times in his native Michigan. Follow him on Twitter.

MORE>>
 
Updated Nov 7, 2012 10:18 PM ET
     
 

INDIAN WELLS, Calif.

Free-agent first baseman Adam LaRoche is garnering enough interest that he’s expected to reject the Washington Nationals’ $13.3 million qualifying offer by Friday’s deadline.

SPRING FEVER

Miss baseball already? There's plenty going on. Mark your calendar with these important offseason dates.

LaRoche, 33, is being pursued by the Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers, in addition to the Nationals, major-league sources said Wednesday. Under the new collective bargaining agreement, LaRoche is allowed to re-sign with the Nationals even if he rejects the qualifying offer.

The Gold Glove winner and team leader in home runs and RBI appears headed for a multiyear contract — in Washington or elsewhere.

The Rangers’ interest in LaRoche is yet another sign that they are preparing for life without superstar free agent Josh Hamilton. LaRoche, who batted cleanup for Washington most of the season, could replace Hamilton’s left-handed presence in the middle of the lineup. LaRoche’s .853 OPS this season was second only to Hamilton (.930) among current free agents.

The Red Sox, meanwhile, are familiar with LaRoche from his brief tenure with the club in 2009, when he played six games for Boston in between trades with the Pirates and Braves. Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington said Wednesday that LaRoche made a good impression on the organization during his short time there.

“He’s always been a productive hitter,” Cherington said.

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo is sorting through a number of alternatives for his lineup. Some involve LaRoche. Others don’t. If LaRoche leaves, Mike Morse can move to first base and clear a spot in the outfield for a new center fielder to play between Bryce Harper and Jayson Werth. If LaRoche stays, Rizzo could trade Morse.

Tagged: Red Sox, Rangers, Nationals, Adam LaRoche, Josh Hamilton
Play Baseball Hot Streak and Win Prizes!

More Stories From Jon Paul Morosi

Member Comments

Please note by clicking on "Post comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Use and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Be Polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator.

powered by
Baseball Hot Streak


Trending Now

Stories | Photos | Lists | Videos

MLB Videos

Scherzer a perfect 10-0 Posted: Jun 18, 2013
Max Scherzer on his tenth win of the season. Scherzer is now 10-0.

Cards top Cubs after delay Posted: Jun 18, 2013
Yadier Molina comments on the Cardinals' 5-2 win over the Cubs.

Rangers snap losing streak Posted: Jun 18, 2013
A.J. Pierzynski reacts after the Rangers finally snap their 6-game losing streak...

MORE FOXSPORTS VIDEO »
SimLeague Baseball - Simulation Baseball Game

Fox Sports Store

    itemName itemURL imageSrc price itemDescription
    Nike New York Yankees Practice T-Shirt - Ash http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_New_York_Yankees/browse/featuredproduct/606363/source/foxsports_prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_606000/ff_606363_xl.jpg&w=100 27.95 Nike New York Yankees Practice T-Shirt - Ash
    Majestic Detroit Tigers 2012 MLB American League Champions Clubhouse Locker Room T-Shirt - Navy Blue http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Detroit_Tigers/browse/featuredproduct/1064043/source/foxsports_prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_1064000/ff_1064043_xl.jpg&w=100 24.95 Majestic Detroit Tigers 2012 MLB American League Champions Clubhouse Locker Room..
    Majestic San Francisco Giants 2012 MLB World Series Champions Clubhouse Locker Room T-Shirt - Gray http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_San_Francisco_Giants/browse/featuredproduct/1067359/source/foxsports_prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_1067000/ff_1067359_xl.jpg&w=100 24.95 Majestic San Francisco Giants 2012 MLB World Series Champions Clubhouse Locker R..
    Majestic San Francisco Giants 2012 MLB World Series Champions Clubhouse Locker Room Pullover Hoodie - Steel http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_San_Francisco_Giants/browse/featuredproduct/1067382/source/foxsports_prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_1067000/ff_1067382_xl.jpg&w=100 54.95 Majestic San Francisco Giants 2012 MLB World Series Champions Clubhouse Locker R..
    New Era San Francisco Giants 2012 MLB World Series Champions Clubhouse Locker Room 39THIRTY Flex Hat - Charcoal/Black http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_San_Francisco_Giants/browse/featuredproduct/1067785/source/foxsports_prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_1067000/ff_1067785_xl.jpg&w=100 31.95 New Era San Francisco Giants 2012 MLB World Series Champions Clubhouse Locker Ro..
    Majestic San Francisco Giants 2012 MLB World Series Champions Glory T-Shirt - Black http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_San_Francisco_Giants/browse/featuredproduct/1068294/source/foxsports_prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_1068000/ff_1068294_xl.jpg&w=100 21.95 Majestic San Francisco Giants 2012 MLB World Series Champions Glory T-Shirt - Bl..
    Majestic San Francisco Giants MLB World Series Champions Batting Practice Performance Jersey - Black/Orange http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_San_Francisco_Giants/browse/featuredproduct/1068787/source/foxsports_prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_1068000/ff_1068787_xl.jpg&w=100 94.95 Majestic San Francisco Giants MLB World Series Champions Batting Practice Perfor..
Microsoft© 2013 Microsoft