The Pittsburgh Pirates have announced the acquisition of first baseman and second baseman Spencer Horwitz from the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for right-hander Luis Ortiz and left-handed pitching prospects Josh Hartle and Michael Kennedy. This move comes shortly after the Guardians acquired Horwitz from the Toronto Blue Jays earlier in the day as part of the Andrés Giménez deal.


Horwitz, 27, is expected to compete for Pittsburgh's starting first base position. With Cleveland already having Josh Naylor and Kyle Manzardo, there was limited opportunity for Horwitz to play regularly. However, Pittsburgh offers a clearer path to playing time, especially after the release of Rowdy Tellez, who struggled as the team's primary first baseman in the 2024 season.


The left-handed hitting Horwitz has demonstrated considerable offensive potential both in Triple-A and the major leagues. This year, he posted an impressive .265/.357/.433 batting line over 381 plate appearances, hitting 12 home runs and 19 doubles. Horwitz also showcased excellent plate discipline, walking at an 11% rate while striking out 18.4% of the time.

The Texas Rangers and Miami Marlins have reportedly finalized a trade sending corner infielder Jake Burger to Texas in exchange for a trio of prospects. According to sources, Miami will receive infielders Max Acosta and Echedry Vargas, along with pitching prospect Brayan Mendoza.


Burger, a valuable addition to the Rangers' lineup, aims to boost Texas' offense after the team struggled to produce runs this year. The Rangers posted a team batting line of .238/.305/.380, ranking them in the bottom third of the league and finishing 18th in scoring. This was a significant drop from their 2023 championship-winning lineup.


At 28 years old, Burger brings a powerful bat to the middle of the order. Last season, he hit 29 home runs with a .250/.306/.460 slash line over 579 plate appearances. The former first-round pick demonstrated his home run potential, hitting a combined 34 longballs in 2023 with the Chicago White Sox and Marlins. Over the past two seasons, his 63 home runs tie him with notable players like José Ramírez and Corey Seager for 15th place in MLB.


Burger, known for his slugging abilities, has a career batting average of .250/.305/.488 over the last two years. While he strikes out more frequently and draws fewer walks than some of his peers, his power is evident against both left-handed and right-handed pitchers. He holds a career .244/.298/.496 line against lefties and a .253/.308/.478 line against righties.

In a significant development, the agent for Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado revealed that there are ongoing discussions with the St. Louis front office regarding a potential trade for the eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner. Arenado, 33, is reportedly open to switching positions to facilitate a deal, as the Cardinals enter a transition phase and are unlikely to compete for a playoff spot in 2025.


"Nolan wants to win, and there's more details, but that's really between them and I don't want to have any effect on what [Cardinals president of baseball operations John] Mozeliak is trying to do," said Arenado's agent, Joel Wolfe, at the winter meetings. "Nolan's willing to strongly consider it, if it's the right place to go, but he's not going to go just anywhere."


With a full no-trade clause, Arenado has the right to approve or decline any trade. "He has a full no-trade clause, so he has that right, and he's a veteran player and we hope something good happens, but he's not going to approve and move his family and go play (just anywhere)," Wolfe added. To help the trade process, Arenado has even offered to play first base, showing his willingness to adapt for the right opportunity.


One of the teams interested in Arenado is the New York Yankees, who could play him at third base by moving Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second, assuming free agent Gleyber Torres doesn't re-sign. Despite hitting just 16 home runs in 2024, his lowest total since his rookie year in 2013, Arenado remains a valuable asset. He is owed $74 million over the final three years of his contract.


"Nolan was like, 'I'll play shortstop, I'll do whatever, but I'm not insulted to go play first, and I can win a Gold Glove over there,'" Wolfe mentioned, emphasizing Arenado's flexibility and team-first attitude.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed reliever Elvis Alvarado to a major league split contract, according to Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. This contract grants Alvarado a coveted 40-man roster spot, marking a significant milestone in his career as a minor league free agent.


Alvarado, a 6’4″ right-handed pitcher, has had a journey through various minor league systems, including those of the Nationals, Mariners, Tigers, and Marlins. During the 2024 season, he spent most of his time in Triple-A with Miami, where he put up impressive numbers. Alvarado posted a 2.79 ERA over 48 1/3 innings, striking out an impressive one-third of the batters he faced. However, his control remains an area for improvement, as evidenced by his 18% walk rate.


Despite his command issues, Alvarado's ability to miss bats and limit runs makes him an intriguing addition to the Pirates' bullpen. Securing a 40-man roster spot for the first time in his career, Alvarado now has the opportunity to prove himself at the major league level. Pirates fans will be eager to see if his strikeout prowess can translate to success in the big leagues and provide a valuable boost to the team's relief corps.

Major League Baseball held its third annual draft lottery today at the Winter Meetings, and the Washington Nationals emerged as the big winners, securing the first overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. The Nationals had just over a 10% chance of landing the top spot, the fourth-highest odds, making their win particularly notable. Following the Nationals, the Los Angeles Angels will pick second, and the Seattle Mariners will pick third.


Here’s the complete first-round order:


1. **Washington Nationals**
2. **Los Angeles Angels**
3. **Seattle Mariners**
4. **Colorado Rockies**
5. **St. Louis Cardinals**
6. **Pittsburgh Pirates**
7. **Miami Marlins**
8. **Toronto Blue Jays**
9. **Cincinnati Reds**
10. **Chicago White Sox**
11. **Oakland Athletics**
12. **Texas Rangers**
13. **San Francisco Giants**
14. **Tampa Bay Rays**
15. **Boston Red Sox**
16. **Minnesota Twins**
17. **Chicago Cubs**
18. **Arizona Diamondbacks**
19. **Houston Astros**
20. **Atlanta Braves**
21. **Baltimore Orioles**
22. **Milwaukee Brewers**
23. **Kansas City Royals**
24. **Detroit Tigers**
25. **San Diego Padres**
26. **Philadelphia Phillies**
27. **New York Mets**
28. **Cleveland Guardians**
29. **New York Yankees**
30. **Los Angeles Dodgers**


This lottery is part of the Players Association’s efforts to discourage teams from losing games to gain better draft positions. Under the latest collective bargaining agreement, the lottery determines the top six overall selections, with odds favoring teams with the worst records. This year, the Rockies and Marlins each had a 22.5% chance of securing the top pick, the highest in the lottery.


All non-playoff teams have a chance to win the lottery. However, certain restrictions are in place: a team that is not a revenue sharing recipient cannot land within the top six in consecutive seasons, and no team can receive a lottery pick more than two years in a row. This year, these rules excluded the Chicago White Sox and Oakland Athletics from the top six. The White Sox, not being a revenue-sharing recipient, picked fifth last year, while the A's were in the top six in both 2023 and 2024.


The Nationals' triumph in the lottery sets them up for a significant addition to their roster, as they look to build for the future. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly anticipating who the Nationals select with the first overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft.

The New York Yankees have made a significant splash in the free-agent market by agreeing to an eight-year, $218 million contract with left-hander Max Fried, as reported by Jeff Passan of ESPN. The deal, which is pending a physical, includes no deferred money or opt-out clauses and features a full no-trade clause, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale and Joel Sherman of The New York Post. The Red Sox and Rangers were the other finalists in the bidding for Fried's services.


After missing out on Juan Soto, the Yankees had financial resources available to secure Fried, one of the top pitchers on the market. MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported that the Yankees were initially willing to offer a seven-year deal, but ultimately extended to eight years to land Fried. This contract sets a new record for the largest deal ever given to a left-handed pitcher in MLB history, outbidding both Boston and Dallas.


Fried has been a standout performer since his first full season in 2019, posting a 3.07 ERA over 824 2/3 innings. His only peer in ERA and innings pitched during that period is Gerrit Cole, who Fried will now join at the top of the Yankees' rotation. This partnership promises to be a formidable duo, bolstering the Yankees' pitching depth significantly.


The Yankees' rotation has had its share of challenges, with Carlos Rodón showing inconsistency in two seasons, Marcus Stroman approaching his mid-30s, and younger arms like Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt being relatively unproven and injury-prone. Fried’s arrival provides a much-needed stabilizing presence. His career 2.81 ERA ranks third among qualified starters since his breakout, trailing only Brandon Woodruff and Clayton Kershaw. Despite a moderate 23.6% strikeout rate, Fried excels with a low 6.3% walk rate and a high ground-ball rate of 54.2%, a combination that complements Cole's power pitching perfectly.

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Fried's grounder-heavy approach and consistency should be a great fit for the Yankees, providing them with a dependable ace as they aim to build a championship-caliber team for the future. Fans will be eagerly watching how this high-profile acquisition shapes the Yankees' fortunes in the coming seasons. Stay tuned for more updates as the Yankees finalize this landmark signing.

In a surprising move at the Winter Meetings, the Toronto Blue Jays and Cleveland Guardians have reached an agreement on a four-player trade that will send second baseman Andrés Giménez to Toronto. Alongside Giménez, the Blue Jays will also acquire reliever Nick Sandlin. In return, the Guardians will receive infielder Spencer Horwitz and outfield prospect Nick Mitchell. No cash is changing hands in this deal, meaning the Blue Jays will absorb the remaining five years of Giménez's contract. The teams have yet to officially announce the deal.


This unexpected trade marks the first significant shakeup of the Winter Meetings. While Cleveland's willingness to trade high-priced players is not entirely unprecedented, there had been little indication that they were open to moving their Gold Glove second baseman. Giménez had appeared to be a cornerstone for the Guardians, having signed a seven-year, $106.5 million extension just two seasons ago.


Giménez, known for his defensive prowess, is on the move for the second time in his career. He began his career with the New York Mets, where his versatile skill set made him one of the organization's top prospects. The Guardians acquired him, along with Amed Rosario, as part of the trade package for Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco during the 2020-21 offseason.


For the Blue Jays, adding a player of Giménez's caliber bolsters their infield defense and provides a reliable bat. Sandlin, meanwhile, brings additional depth to Toronto's bullpen. On the other side, the Guardians will benefit from the promising talents of Horwitz and Mitchell as they continue to build for the future.

The Texas Rangers have reached an agreement with right-hander Nathan Eovaldi on a new contract, according to Robert Murray of FanSided. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports that the deal is worth $75 million over three years.

Eovaldi, who will turn 35 in February, returns to the Rangers after a successful two-year stint with the team. In 2024, he posted a 12-8 record with a 3.80 ERA (104 ERA+), 1.11 WHIP, and 166 strikeouts in 170 ⅔ innings. His performance helped the Rangers win their first World Series title, and he has been a key part of their rotation.

Despite his extensive injury history, including two Tommy John surgeries, Eovaldi has proven his value in the postseason with a career 3.05 ERA over 79 ⅔ innings. 

The Chicago Cubs are currently dealing with a roster crunch, particularly in their outfield, which includes a number of promising prospects at the Triple-A level. After finishing with 83 wins in each of the past two seasons, the Cubs are aiming to improve their roster for a better performance. To achieve this, the team is considering trading from their surplus of outfielders to strengthen other areas.


One of the most discussed names in trade rumors is Cody Bellinger. His potential departure has been a hot topic as the Cubs explore options to balance their roster and enhance overall team performance.


Another name circulating in the rumor mill is Seiya Suzuki. According to his agent, Suzuki would consider waiving his no-trade clause if the right opportunity arises. Joel Wolfe, Suzuki's agent, stated via the Chicago Tribune, "I don't think he wants to trade Seiya but there may be a scenario where he feels he has a deal he can't say no to."


Suzuki, 30, had a strong season in 2024, hitting .283/.366/.482 (138 OPS+) with 27 doubles, six triples, 21 homers, 73 RBIs, 74 runs, 16 steals, and 3.5 WAR in 132 games. He has two years and $38 million remaining on his contract. His performance and versatility make him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their lineup.


As the Cubs navigate their roster crunch, the potential trades of Bellinger and Suzuki could bring significant returns in the form of younger, more affordable talent. This strategy aims to enhance the team's depth and flexibility, setting the stage for a competitive 2025 season.

The San Diego Padres are seeking to "lower financial commitments while adding talent," as reported by the San Diego Union-Tribune. Last year's payroll was around $169 million, and while the team is open to increasing this figure, they aim to keep it below the current projection of $210 million.


To achieve this balance, the Padres may need to trade a valuable player to receive a mix of cheaper talent in return, similar to their strategy last year when they traded Juan Soto. This time, the spotlight is on Dylan Cease.


Cease, a 28-year-old right-hander, is set to become a free agent after next season. In his first year with the Padres in 2024, he posted a solid 14-11 record with a 3.47 ERA (118 ERA+), a 1.07 WHIP, and 224 strikeouts over 189 1/3 innings. His performance makes him a valuable asset, and trading him could help the Padres acquire promising, cost-effective players while managing their payroll more effectively.

The Boston Red Sox are reportedly "looking at" catcher James McCann as they intensify their efforts to secure a reliable backup catcher, according to MassLive.com. McCann, 34, recently completed a four-year contract that saw him split his time between the New York Mets and the Baltimore Orioles. In the 2024 season, McCann played 65 games, posting a .234/.279/.388 slash line (94 OPS+) and contributing 0.8 WAR.


Currently, Connor Wong is the Red Sox's primary catcher, but the team is keen on finding a dependable backup. While Wong holds the fort, the Red Sox are also eyeing the potential of 2023 first-round draft pick Kyle Teel, who made it to Triple-A for 28 games last season. Teel's presence in the pipeline promises a bright future for the Red Sox's catching position.


Adding a veteran like McCann could provide the Red Sox with much-needed depth and experience behind the plate. McCann's seasoned presence would not only offer stability but also serve as a valuable mentor to the younger catchers in the system. His experience in handling pitching staffs and his defensive skills would be an asset to the team as they strive to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season.

Free-agent second baseman Gleyber Torres is attracting interest from several teams, including the Angels and Blue Jays, according to MLB Network.

Torres, 27, had a solid season with the Yankees, posting a .257/.330/.378 slash line (101 OPS+) with 26 doubles, 15 homers, 63 RBIs, 80 runs, and 1.8 WAR. Throughout his career, Torres has demonstrated significant power, hitting at least 24 homers in a season four times, including an impressive 38-homer campaign in 2019. While his power numbers dipped last year, he showed marked improvement as the season progressed.


In August, Torres hit .276/.363/.357, followed by an impressive .333/.387/.472 in September. His strong finish earned him the role of leadoff hitter for the Yankees during the playoffs, where he got on base multiple times in nine of the Yankees' 14 playoff games.


The Angels and Blue Jays, among other teams, are now eyeing Torres as a potential addition to bolster their rosters. Torres' blend of power, batting skill, and playoff experience makes him a valuable asset for any team looking to enhance their infield and offensive lineup.

The Colorado Rockies have made a key addition to their infield, agreeing to a one-year, $3.25 million contract with infielder Thairo Estrada, as reported by Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. The deal includes a mutual option for 2026 with a $750K buyout. Should either party decline the mutual option, the Rockies can still retain Estrada through arbitration for one more year, thanks to his Super Two status.


Estrada, who will turn 29 in February, started his MLB career with the New York Yankees before finding his stride with the San Francisco Giants following a trade in 2021. He quickly became a valuable player for the Giants, showcasing a league-average bat, impressive speed, and versatile defensive skills. Over 312 games from 2021 to 2023, Estrada posted a solid .266/.320/.416 slash line with a 105 wRC+, 45 stolen bases, and accumulated 7.4 wins above replacement (WAR) according to FanGraphs.


However, the 2024 season proved challenging for Estrada. He endured two stints on the injured list due to a sprained wrist, and although he only missed a few weeks, he was reportedly playing through pain for much of the season. This impacted his performance at the plate, where he struggled with a .217/.247/.343 slash line and a 64 wRC+ over 96 games. Despite his defensive prowess, evidenced by 9 Outs Above Average at second base, the Giants decided to outright him to Triple-A at the end of August, leading Estrada to elect free agency after the season.


The Rockies are banking on Estrada's ability to bounce back and provide depth and versatility to their infield. With a fresh start in Colorado, he has the opportunity to regain his form and contribute both offensively and defensively. His experience and skill set make him a valuable addition to the Rockies' roster as they look to improve their performance in the upcoming season.

The Toronto Blue Jays have reached an agreement with right-hander Yimi García on a two-year, $15 million deal, reports Ari Alexander of KPRC 2. García, who is represented by the Nova Sports Agency, will be returning to the Blue Jays without the need for a corresponding move, as the team has openings on their 40-man roster.

García, 34, was a reliable arm in the Blue Jays' bullpen during the first half of the 2024 season before being traded to the Seattle Mariners. Over his career, García has posted a 3.44 ERA with nine saves and 179 strikeouts in 163 appearances with Toronto. His return is seen as a positive step towards rebuilding the bullpen, especially after longtime closer Jordan Romano signed with the Philadelphia Phillies 


The Blue Jays are expected to make additional moves to strengthen their bullpen, but García's re-signing provides a solid foundation to build upon. Fans can look forward to seeing García back in a high-leverage role, contributing to the team's success in the upcoming seasons.

Left-hander Max Fried is one of the top remaining free agents this offseason, and it seems his decision could be coming soon. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Fried is expected to choose his next team by Thursday. The Yankees, Red Sox, and Blue Jays are currently seen as the frontrunners in the race to sign the talented southpaw. Additionally, right-hander Corbin Burnes is attracting interest from the same three clubs, with the Giants also in the mix for Burnes, though not for Fried. The Rangers are mentioned as a potential destination for Fried, but this is considered a long shot, while the Angels, like the Giants, are not finalists for Fried.


It's perhaps not surprising that the Yankees, Red Sox, and Blue Jays, who were all finalists in the pursuit of Juan Soto, are now the leading contenders for Fried. The general expectation across the baseball world has been that teams with significant financial resources would focus on Soto until his situation was resolved. Now that Soto has signed a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets, attention has shifted to other top free agents like Fried.


Each of these three teams is looking to make a big splash this offseason, though their motivations differ. The Yankees recently made it to the World Series but suffered a deflating five-game loss to the Dodgers, highlighting the need for improvements. They also lost last year's major acquisition, Soto, to their crosstown rivals, the Mets. The Red Sox have been reducing payroll in recent years, leading to lackluster results, but they now seem motivated to reassert themselves as major players in the market. The Blue Jays, meanwhile, have consistently performed well in the regular season from 2020 to 2023 but have faced disappointing ends to their campaigns, including narrow playoff misses and early exits. They followed up with a dismal 2024 season, finishing at the bottom of the AL East.

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As Fried's decision looms, it will be intriguing to see which team ultimately secures his services and how this move impacts the competitive landscape in the league. With the Yankees, Red Sox, and Blue Jays all vying for Fried, fans can expect an exciting conclusion to this free agency saga. Stay tuned for updates as we await Fried's final decision and the subsequent ripple effects across MLB.

The New York Yankees are officially moving on from the Juan Soto era in the Bronx after the superstar outfielder opted to join their crosstown rivals, the New York Mets. Soto's departure marks a significant shift for the Yankees, who had high hopes for retaining the 26-year-old talent.


Manager Aaron Boone addressed Soto's departure on Tuesday, expressing the team's disappointment while also acknowledging Soto's right to make the best decision for his career. "Obviously, we wanted the player back. Ownership and the front office did everything we could to make it happen, but it just didn't. That's sports, and ultimately Juan earned the right to be in the position that he's in and he made the decision that he felt was best," Boone stated.


Reflecting on the trade that brought Soto to the Yankees last offseason from the San Diego Padres, Boone had no regrets, despite the acquisition ending up as a one-year rental. "We went into this eyes wide open... I remember making the deal at the winter meetings. We knew there was no guarantee of anything moving forward. I think, as much as it hurt to make the deal with some of the players that we lost, looking back, I feel like it was the right thing to do and served us well. He had an amazing season with us," Boone added.


Despite the setback, Boone is confident that the Yankees can build a competitive roster capable of contending for a championship in 2025. This will require significant moves in free agency and possibly some strategic trades to fill the gap left by Soto's departure. The team's front office is expected to be active in the offseason, seeking to bolster both the lineup and the pitching staff.


As the Yankees navigate this transitional period, the focus remains on assembling a team that can compete at the highest level. The coming weeks and months will be crucial as the Yankees work to strengthen their roster and make the necessary adjustments for the 2025 season. Fans can expect to see some bold moves as the team aims to return to championship contention.

As the Texas Rangers look to fill the void left by the numerous pitchers departing via free agency this winter, several new targets have emerged. Among them are left-handed starter Max Fried, left-handed reliever A.J. Minter, and right-handed reliever Jonathan Loáisiga. These players could potentially strengthen the Rangers' pitching staff and provide much-needed depth.


The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon recently reported that the Rangers have shown interest in Max Fried. While re-signing Nathan Eovaldi remains the team's primary goal, they are also considering Fried as a possible alternative. However, their interest in Fried appears to be somewhat casual at this stage. After Corbin Burnes, Fried is arguably the top starting pitcher available in free agency, which means he will likely command a significantly higher salary than Eovaldi.


Entering the offseason, MLB Trade Rumors predicted that Fried would sign a six-year, $156 million deal, while Eovaldi’s projected contract was a two-year, $44 million pact. Given the Rangers' aim to stay under the luxury tax threshold and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding TV revenue, financial constraints could hinder their ability to sign high-priced free agents. As a result, it appears the Rangers are keeping an eye on Fried but may not be able to secure a deal.


In addition to Fried, the Rangers are also considering bolstering their bullpen with A.J. Minter and Jonathan Loáisiga. Both relievers have proven to be reliable assets, with Minter bringing strong left-handed pitching to the table and Loáisiga offering versatility and experience from the right side. These additions could provide the Rangers with the stability and performance needed to compete effectively in the upcoming season.


While the Rangers' primary focus remains on retaining Eovaldi, their exploration of other pitching options demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing the team's needs. The coming weeks will be crucial as the Rangers navigate the complexities of free agency and work to build a competitive roster for the next season.

The New York Yankees are actively exploring various options to address the significant gap left by Juan Soto's departure to the Mets on a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million deal. The Yankees' search for a suitable replacement is extensive, but it seems they are not currently considering Pete Alonso, another client of Scott Boras, despite his familiarity with New York.

According to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic, the Yankees have "checked in" on Alonso, but MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reports that Alonso is not a primary target for the team at this time. Instead, the Yankees are reportedly looking at free agent Christian Walker as a potential first baseman.

​Meanwhile, the Mets have not ruled out the possibility of reuniting with Alonso, despite the addition of Soto. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns expressed the team's interest in bringing Alonso back, acknowledging his significant contributions to the franchise

Despite a challenging regular season, right-handed pitcher Walker Buehler remains a hot commodity in the free agent market. According to the Boston Globe, the Red Sox are among the teams showing interest in Buehler as they look to bolster their pitching staff this offseason.


Buehler, who spent several years with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has had a mixed performance recently due to injuries and recovery from Tommy John surgery. However, his impressive postseason performance, including ten shutout innings in the World Series, has kept him in the spotlight.


The Red Sox, determined to upgrade their rotation, have been linked to several marquee free agents this winter, including Corbin Burnes and Max Fried. Adding Buehler to their roster could be a strategic move, especially considering his potential to bounce back and contribute significantly to the team's success.


While Buehler's recent struggles are a concern, his past performance and strong finish in the playoffs make him an intriguing option for the Red Sox. If Boston decides to take a chance on him, it could be a low-risk, high-reward scenario that pays off handsomely.

Exciting news from Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB): Left-hander Shinnosuke Ogasawara has been officially posted by the Chunichi Dragons. This move, confirmed by reporter Francys Romero, opens up a 45-day window for Ogasawara’s representatives at William Morris Endeavor to negotiate with Major League Baseball (MLB) clubs. If no agreement is reached within this period, Ogasawara will return to the Dragons for the 2025 season.


This decision, reported in October, has now been officially sanctioned, allowing all 30 MLB teams to engage in contract talks with Ogasawara’s representatives. The posting system enables international players to join MLB teams while still under contract with their NPB teams, and Ogasawara’s availability is set to generate significant interest across the league.


While Ogasawara may not be as high-profile as fellow NPB star Roki Sasaki, who has also been posted this offseason, he possesses unique advantages. Due to MLB’s international signing rules, Ogasawara, at 27 years old with parts of 9 NPB seasons under his belt, qualifies as a "professional." This status allows him to freely negotiate contract terms, unlike younger players like the 23-year-old Sasaki, who are classified as "amateurs" and subject to the international bonus pool system with stricter financial limitations.


Ogasawara’s professional status means he can fully assess his market value and negotiate for a potentially lucrative contract without the constraints faced by younger international players. This opens up a wider range of opportunities for Ogasawara as he looks to make his mark in MLB.


The next 45 days will be crucial as Ogasawara’s representatives engage with interested MLB clubs. Teams will be looking to bolster their pitching rotations, and a seasoned left-hander like Ogasawara could be a valuable addition. Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring these negotiations, eager to see where Ogasawara will land.

Recent reports have suggested that the Blue Jays have had only limited interest in reuniting with Teoscar Hernandez, focusing instead on Juan Soto and Anthony Santander for their outfield upgrades. However, GM Ross Atkins has made a more definitive statement about the Jays' stance on Hernandez, suggesting that the door is not completely closed.


"There are so many positives about him that we are definitely interested in figuring out a way for that to be a possibility," Atkins told Gregor Chisholm of the Toronto Star and other reporters.


Hernandez's career path took a significant turn at the July 2017 trade deadline when he was traded from the Houston Astros to the Toronto Blue Jays along with Nori Aoki for veteran reliever Francisco Liriano. This trade proved beneficial for both sides, as Liriano contributed to the Astros' World Series victory, while Hernandez blossomed into a power hitter over six seasons with Toronto. During his tenure with the Blue Jays, Hernandez hit .263/.320/.503 with 129 home runs in 2,419 plate appearances, earning two AL Silver Slugger honors.

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As the Blue Jays continue to explore their options for outfield upgrades, the possibility of a reunion with Hernandez remains on the table. His performance history and familiarity with the team could make him a valuable addition to the roster once again. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how the Blue Jays' outfield strategy unfolds in the coming weeks.

The Minnesota Twins have signed right-hander Huascar Ynoa to a minor league contract, as reported by Stephanie Apstein of Sports Illustrated. The deal includes an invitation to the Twins' big league Spring Training camp.


Ynoa, who played in parts of four MLB seasons with the Atlanta Braves from 2019 to 2022, had his best year during the 2021 season. That year, he pitched 91 innings, recording a 4.05 ERA, a 26.9% strikeout rate, and a 6.7% walk rate. Ynoa stepped into the Braves' rotation as an injury replacement and played a key role in their unexpected run to a World Series title. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury forced his removal from the NLCS roster, and earlier in the season, he missed three months after breaking his hand in frustration.


The following season was equally challenging for Ynoa. He pitched only 6 2/3 MLB innings in 2022 and spent most of the year at Triple-A. His career hit another setback when he underwent Tommy John surgery, which sidelined him for the entire 2023 season. He managed to pitch 29 2/3 minor league innings in 2024 before being sidelined again by a stress reaction in his right elbow. The Braves decided to non-tender Ynoa, preferring to open up a roster spot despite his modest $825K projected arbitration salary.

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With the Twins, Ynoa has a chance to prove himself and potentially make a comeback. His invitation to Spring Training will provide him an opportunity to compete for a spot on the roster and demonstrate his ability to contribute at the major league level once again. Fans and analysts will be keeping an eye on his progress as he aims to overcome his recent injury struggles and return to form.

Reigning American League MVP Aaron Judge is set to move back to his longtime position in right field for the 2025 season, according to MLB.com's Bryan Hoch. Although Judge played almost exclusively in center field during the 2024 season to accommodate Juan Soto, Soto's departure to the New York Mets on a record-breaking deal has paved the way for Judge to return to his familiar spot.


"We're not afraid to run [Judge] out in center like we've done, but I think it makes sense to have him over in right," Yankees GM Brian Cashman said Monday, as relayed by Hoch. Cashman suggested that moving Judge back to right field opens up a "clear lane" for top outfield prospect Jasson Dominguez to compete for the starting center field job in Spring Training. However, Cashman also noted that he isn't ready to officially name the 21-year-old as the club's starter for the next season.


If the Yankees decide to send Dominguez back to Triple-A, where he has performed well but has only 53 total games under his belt, they still have several options to keep Judge in right field. One internal solution is Trent Grisham, who the club avoided arbitration with last month by agreeing to a $5 million contract. Although Grisham was primarily used as a bench player after being acquired from the Padres alongside Soto last winter, he has the experience to fill in at center field when needed.


The 28-year-old Grisham appeared in 76 games last year, often as a late-inning defensive replacement or to give Judge a break when he was designated hitter. Despite receiving just 209 plate appearances last season, Grisham was an everyday player for the Padres in the previous four seasons, showcasing his capability to step up if required.

The Angels' seven-year, $245 million contract with third baseman Anthony Rendon has not panned out as the club hoped. While Rendon had a phenomenal debut season in Anaheim during the shortened 2020 campaign, the following four seasons have been plagued by injuries and inconsistent performance. Rendon has managed just 205 games and 863 plate appearances over that period, with a slash line of .231/.329/.336 (89 wRC+) when he has been healthy enough to play. With two years and $77 million remaining on his contract, it might seem inevitable that the Angels will continue to try to make Rendon work as a key part of their lineup. However, comments from general manager Perry Minasian suggest the club is open to exploring other options.


"We have to be open to at least looking at that spot and seeing if there are other alternatives that make us better," Minasian said of the third base position. "Obviously, a healthy Anthony Rendon makes us a lot better. But with the last four years being the last four years, we need to take a look and kind of see what else is out there."


Rendon will enter Spring Training 2025 "competing for a roster spot," according to MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger. Minasian mentioned that Rendon could potentially move into a part-time utility role, seeing time at first and second base in addition to third base. This scenario could come to fruition if the Angels acquire a full-time third baseman via trade or free agency, a possibility Minasian did not rule out. The Angels' internal infield options include players like Luis Rengifo, Scott Kingery, and Kevin Newman, who are all capable of handling the hot corner.

The Minnesota Twins are grappling with tight payroll restrictions this offseason as they look to rebound after narrowly missing the playoffs due to a late-season collapse in September. With the club's budget for 2025 reportedly set at $130 million and a current payroll projection of $142 million according to RosterResource, it's clear the Twins are considering trades to shed payroll this winter.


Bobby Nightengale of the Minnesota Star Tribune reports that this financial situation has led some teams to inquire about the availability of star shortstop Carlos Correa. Although these inquiries are reportedly still in the preliminary stages, the prospect of a Correa trade was addressed by president of baseball operations Derek Falvey during Day 1 of the Winter Meetings on Monday.


"Obviously, you expect teams to call on players like that, especially with where we are and some of the conversations we're having with other clubs," Falvey said regarding Correa. "But we want to win, so a high bar is set."


This marks a shift in tone from last month when Falvey emphasized that a Correa trade wasn't something the club was "focused on" and called Correa a "key" part of the team's plans alongside Byron Buxton and Pablo Lopez. Despite this, The Athletic's Dan Hayes reported Monday that multiple sources within the Twins indicated it's "hard to envision" the club parting with Correa.

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Given the apparent reluctance to trade their star shortstop and the preliminary nature of the inquiries, it seems more likely than not that Correa will remain in a Twins uniform for Opening Day 2025. However, with tight payroll constraints, the team will need to make strategic decisions to balance their budget and improve their roster for the upcoming season.