The Chicago Cubs, looking to bolster their bullpen this offseason, have shown interest in two prominent names: left-hander A.J. Minter and right-hander Kyle Finnegan. This follows their recent acquisition of right-hander Eli Morgan from the Guardians.


According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Cubs are among the teams eyeing A.J. Minter, while ESPN's Jesse Rogers notes that the club has also had discussions with Kyle Finnegan.


Minter, 31, is one of the more intriguing free agent relievers available this winter. Since breaking out with the Braves during the 2020 season, he has established himself as one of the best lefty relief arms in baseball. Over the past five years, Minter has posted a 2.85 ERA and a nearly identical 2.84 FIP in 243 innings, striking out 30.1% of his opponents while walking just 7.8%. His 3.05 SIERA ranks third among lefty relievers with at least 200 innings since the start of 2020, trailing only Josh Hader and Taylor Rogers.


Despite these impressive stats, Minter's free agency is clouded by a challenging 2024 season. While he maintained a solid 2.62 ERA, his strikeout rate dipped to 26.1%, and his FIP rose to 4.45, primarily due to an increase in home runs allowed. More concerning, Minter underwent season-ending hip surgery in August. Recent reports indicate it's uncertain whether he will be ready to pitch at the start of the 2025 season, which could impact his free agency value if teams anticipate a significant early-season absence.

White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr., who was considered a top trade candidate at the 2024 Trade Deadline, continues to attract significant trade interest from multiple teams. General manager Chris Getz confirmed this interest on Monday, although he noted that the team isn't "heavily motivated" to trade Robert, as reported by Chuck Garfien of the Chicago Sports Network.


Robert, a native of Cuba, has been highly regarded since his impressive debut in the MLB. After finishing second in American League Rookie of the Year Award voting in 2020 and winning a Gold Glove Award that same year, he continued to excel, earning AL All-Star honors and a Silver Slugger Award in 2023.


However, the 2024 season proved challenging for Robert. A right hip flexor strain limited him to just 100 games, during which he posted a .224 batting average with 14 home runs, a .657 OPS, and a high 33.2% strikeout rate.


Despite these setbacks, Robert's talent and potential continue to make him a highly sought-after player. The White Sox will need to weigh their options carefully as they consider the future of their star center fielder.

During the 2024 Winter Meetings, Astros general manager Dana Brown indicated that Houston is open to trading any player, including right fielder Kyle Tucker, if it benefits the team's roster. Brown's statement reflects a flexible approach to building a competitive team.


"I think everybody -- you would listen on all the players," Brown said. "I don't think that you would turn a deaf ear to any of these guys."


Tucker, who will become a free agent after the 2025 season, had an impressive 2024 season, posting a .289/.408/.585 slash line with 23 home runs in just 78 games. His potential availability has generated significant interest at the Winter Meetings, as reported by MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi.


While the Astros are keen to re-sign third baseman Alex Bregman, this doesn't necessarily mean Tucker will be traded. However, the possibility remains open as the team looks to make strategic moves.

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Houston's willingness to consider offers for Tucker highlights their commitment to improving their roster and maintaining a competitive edge in the league. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these potential moves unfold.

Rebuilding a team to positively alter the direction of a franchise and offer hope for better tomorrows often requires making tough decisions and enduring some growing pains along the way.

Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak highlighted this reality from his Dallas hotel suite on Monday night. Mozeliak announced his intention to trade 10-time Gold Glove winner Nolan Arenado and emphasized that not doing so this winter could limit the Cardinals' chances of coming out improved on the other side of what he termed a "reset" for 2025.

"It’s my intention to try," Mozeliak stated when asked about trading the 33-year-old third baseman, whom the Cardinals acquired from the Rockies before the 2021 season. He expressed optimism that both parties will remain happy somehow, but he also acknowledged that keeping Arenado might not align with the team's financial and competitive goals.

"From a financial standpoint, trying to move our payroll—there are certainly other ways to do that, but [trading Arenado] would be a big help. It’s financial, but it also creates a runway for someone else," Mozeliak explained. He noted that the decision to trade Arenado is not taken lightly and that Arenado is not demanding a trade. Instead, Mozeliak believes it is in the best interests of both sides to explore potential trade opportunities.

​"In this industry, change happens often. I understand change for some people can feel like anxiety, scary and disruptive, but sometimes it can be for the better. It’s how you embrace it and adjust," Mozeliak added.

On Sunday morning, between 9:30 and 10 a.m., New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman submitted the team's final contract offer for superstar outfielder Juan Soto. This offer would have made history as the richest deal in North American professional sports.


However, Cashman soon discovered it wasn't enough. That night, Scott Boras, Soto's agent, informed him that Soto had decided to sign with the New York Mets instead.


Cashman then had the difficult task of informing Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner and president Randy Levine that Soto had turned down the Yankees' 16-year, $760 million offer for a slightly better deal with the Mets.


"Hal Steinbrenner really stepped up to find a way to retain Juan Soto, and I'm certainly proud of his efforts," Cashman said Monday at the Hilton Anatole, the site of this year's winter meetings. "Certainly went well beyond what I would have expected."


A few minutes later, on the other side of the hotel, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns declined to comment on Soto, as the agreement was not yet official.


Cashman acknowledged the efforts made to keep Soto in pinstripes, stating, "I would just say Hal went above and beyond to try to find a way to keep Juan Soto in pinstripes and continue to keep him a part of our mix as we move forward and take our shot. But there's a lot of different ways to figure this thing out, and so we're just going to have to figure it out a different way."


When asked if Soto going to the Mets made the loss sting more, Cashman responded, "I'd rather him not be in the American League East. I guess, you know, pick your poison. Ultimately, listen, the Mets got a great player. So, congratulations to them."

The Texas Rangers are actively working to bring back free agent starter Nathan Eovaldi, as confirmed by GM Chris Young at the Winter Meetings. According to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, Texas has scheduled a meeting with Eovaldi's representatives for Monday evening. Eovaldi, one of the top unsigned pitchers, is expected to command a relatively short-term deal due to his age—he turns 35 in February.


Eovaldi declined his player option for 2025, which was worth $20 million, betting on himself to secure a more lucrative contract. He has garnered interest from several teams, including the Orioles, Mets, Braves, and Red Sox. Despite his age, Eovaldi still boasts above-average velocity and impressive strikeout numbers. He posted a 3.80 ERA with good strikeout and walk rates in the 2024 season and has a strong postseason reputation, including a 2.95 ERA over six starts during the Rangers' 2023 World Series run.


The Rangers are keen to re-sign Eovaldi, who was a key part of their championship team. However, they must balance their desire to retain him with their financial constraints, as they aim to keep their luxury tax number below the $241 million threshold. Eovaldi's market value is estimated at around $22 million per year for two years, which could be a significant investment for the Rangers.

Just a day after the New York Mets and Yankees finished competing for the top free agent, they're now vying for the winter's most sought-after trade candidate: White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet. Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic report that the New York teams are currently the most aggressive suitors.


While the Red Sox and Phillies have also shown interest in Crochet, they seem to be trailing the New York teams for the moment. Jon Morosi of MLB Network mentioned the Brewers' interest in Crochet, but The Athletic's report does not include Milwaukee. As of now, no team appears close to finalizing a deal.


Crochet, 25, managed to stay healthy in his first full season as a starter. The White Sox limited his workload after failing to secure a trade at the deadline. Although they didn't shut him down or skip his turns in the rotation, they shortened his starts towards the end of the year. He finished the season with 146 innings across 32 appearances, boasting impressive stats—he struck out 35.1% of batters faced while maintaining an excellent 5.5% walk rate. However, his 3.58 ERA didn't fully reflect his dominant performance, partly due to pitching in front of one of the league's weakest defensive teams, which resulted in an elevated .318 average on balls in play against him.

The Chicago White Sox have reached an agreement with free agent outfielder Mike Tauchman, reports Scott Merkin MLB.com. While the terms of the deal have not yet been disclosed, it is confirmed to be a major league contract, as noted by James Fegan of Sox Machine.


Tauchman, who was non-tendered by the Chicago Cubs last month, brings a wealth of experience to the White Sox. Over his career, he has played for the Colorado Rockies, New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants, and most recently, the Cubs. In the 2024 season, Tauchman appeared in 109 games, hitting .248/.357/.366 with seven home runs and a 13.4% walk rate.


The White Sox have been looking to bolster their outfield, and Tauchman's signing is a step in that direction. Fans will be eager to see how he fits into the team's plans for the upcoming season.

The Detroit Tigers have announced that third baseman Jace Jung underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his right wrist in October. The talented infielder has already begun a hitting program and is anticipated to be fully ready for Spring Training.


Jung is considered the in-house favorite for Detroit’s third base position. The Tigers have frequently been linked to Alex Bregman, largely due to his history with manager A.J. Hinch, but there is no indication the team is willing to commit to a long-term deal of that magnitude. Jung’s minor surgery isn’t expected to impact any potential pursuit of Bregman. Assuming Jung’s recovery goes as planned, he will be competing with Matt Vierling and Andy Ibáñez for playing time at third base.


Selected 12th overall in the MLB draft, Jung made his MLB debut late in the season. He appeared in 34 games, posting a .241/.362/.304 batting line without hitting a home run in 94 plate appearances. In Triple-A, Jung had an impressive season, hitting .257/.377/.454 with 14 home runs and an excellent 16.1% walk rate over 91 games.


With his recovery underway, Jung is on track to be a key contender for the Tigers’ third base job, and his performance in Spring Training will be crucial for his role in the upcoming season.

With Juan Soto choosing the Mets, the New York Yankees are heading back to the drawing board this offseason. Despite missing their top target and clear Plan A, the franchise remains determined to strengthen their roster. General manager Brian Cashman reassured reporters on Monday that the team plans to stay aggressive in free agency, though they won't be making any rash decisions.


"We're not going to be drunken sailors," Cashman said, as quoted by Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.


The Yankees reportedly offered Soto a 16-year, $760 million contract, which he turned down in favor of the Mets' deal. It’s well known that the Yankees were major contenders in the Soto sweepstakes until the very end. With the star outfielder now off the table, fans are eagerly anticipating some significant acquisitions to fill the void.


To that end, the Yankees have already begun exploring other options. They have reportedly held meetings with top free-agent pitchers like Corbin Burnes and Max Fried. Additionally, they will need to bolster their lineup with top position players still on the market, such as Pete Alonso, Anthony Santander, and Teoscar Hernandez. Cashman emphasized that the team will continue to take an aggressive stance as free agency progresses and the winter meetings continue.


While missing out on Soto is a major setback for the Yankees, landing some other key signings could help soften the blow. The organization and its fans are hopeful that strategic moves this offseason will position the team for success in the coming season.

Manager Carlos Mendoza of the New York Mets is undoubtedly thrilled about Juan Soto's decision to join the team, but he’s keeping his excitement in check with a dose of humor.


During the MLB Winter Meetings, after the news of Soto's deal broke, Mendoza was asked in jest which offseason acquisition was his favorite so far. Without hesitation, he responded, "Frankie Montas! Jose Siri! Frankie Montas and Siri. Exciting to have both of them." The humorous reply drew laughter from the gathered reporters. 


Mendoza’s playful remark wasn’t a dig at Montas or Siri, who are both expected to be valuable additions to the Mets this season. Instead, it was a lighthearted way to acknowledge the elephant in the room—Soto’s massive, near-billion dollar contract. Since the deal wasn’t officially finalized at the time, Mendoza refrained from commenting further on Soto. However, there’s no urgency now; Mendoza and the Mets have 15 years to celebrate and discuss Soto’s impact on the team.


With Soto’s addition, the Mets’ future looks bright, and Mendoza’s infectious energy and humor are sure to keep the atmosphere positive and focused.

Shohei Ohtani, who served exclusively as a designated hitter during his first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, is anticipated to return to the mound in his second year with the team. However, the exact timing of his pitching debut for the reigning World Series champions remains uncertain.


Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed Ohtani's return to the starting rotation during the winter meetings, stating that it is "very unlikely" the 30-year-old will be ready to pitch by Opening Day. The Dodgers' Opening Day series for the 2025 season is set to be played in Japan and kicks off on March 18 with a two-game series against the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo. Despite the pitching delay, Roberts is confident that Ohtani will still be able to play as a designated hitter in those games.


“I expect Shohei to be ready to hit in Japan,” Roberts said. “I don’t think he’d have it any other way. That’s our expectation.”


Roberts also noted the complexity of Ohtani’s return to pitching, emphasizing the need to balance his role as a hitter while he ramps up his pitching preparations. “I think the question is when he starts pitching in major league games, and how we build him up prior to that,” Roberts said. “I don’t see it as a minor league rehab situation. We’ve got to kind of be nimble with that one.”


Ohtani last pitched in an MLB game on August 23, 2023, before undergoing elbow surgery that September, which sidelined him from pitching for the entire 2024 season. Over his career, Ohtani has made 86 pitching appearances, recording a 3.01 ERA with 608 strikeouts in 481 2/3 innings.


As Ohtani prepares for his return to the mound, the Dodgers will carefully manage his dual roles to ensure he remains a formidable force both as a pitcher and a hitter.

The Tampa Bay Rays' season opener against the Colorado Rockies has been postponed by a day to March 28, providing the team additional time to adapt to their temporary home at the New York Yankees' Steinbrenner Field.


This change comes as the Rays are set to play their home games at the Yankees' spring training facility in Tampa, Florida, due to damage caused to Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg by Hurricane Milton on October 9.


The Yankees will conclude their spring training schedule against the Rays on March 23. In an unusual arrangement, the Yankees have granted the Rays limited permission to sell regular-season advertising throughout the seating bowl, including stadium concourse walls, the scoreboard, and the outfield walls. Rays staff will manage the scoreboard and incorporate Tampa Bay elements. Notably, the statue of the late Yankees owner George Steinbrenner will remain outside the stadium. Decisions regarding the large Y-A-N-K-E-E-S signs and the Yankees mural on the back of the scoreboard are still pending.


The Rays' adjusted schedule has them playing 19 of their first 22 games at home and 37 of 54 through May 28. Afterward, they will play 64 of their final 108 games on the road to avoid the summer rain at the open-air ballpark.


This unusual arrangement aims to ensure the Rays have a stable home environment while Tropicana Field undergoes repairs. The team is preparing to adapt quickly and effectively to their new, temporary surroundings.

The New York Mets have significantly improved their odds of winning the World Series at sportsbooks following the acquisition of superstar outfielder Juan Soto. This move has catapulted the Mets ahead of the New York Yankees in the betting markets.


After the announcement, the Mets' odds shifted from +1200 to +750 on ESPN BET. They now trail only the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are at +375. The Atlanta Braves share the same odds as the Mets at +750. Meanwhile, the Yankees, who saw Soto join their crosstown rivals, saw their odds drop from +750 to +850.


Soto, 26, signed a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets, the largest in North American professional sports history. Since debuting in MLB in 2018, Soto has led the league in on-base percentage (.421) and walks (769). He also set career highs last season with 41 home runs, 166 hits, and 128 runs scored.

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At +750, the Mets now have their shortest preseason World Series odds since 2008, according to SportsOddsHistory.com. Their odds to win the National League pennant stand at +400, just behind the Dodgers at +200.

Miami Marlins lefty starter Jesús Luzardo had a standout 2023 season, but his 2024 campaign was marred by injuries and less success. Despite this, Luzardo, now 27, remains a potential trade target as the Marlins continue their ongoing rebuild.

One complication is that Luzardo did not pitch after June 16 this year due to a lumbar stress reaction. With two years remaining before free agency, similar to Garrett Crochet, Luzardo's trade value is still high.

According to Jon Morosi, the Marlins are receiving trade interest for Luzardo at the winter meetings. While nothing is guaranteed, the Marlins are exploring their options as they navigate their rebuild.

White Sox lefty Garrett Crochet has been a hot topic in trade rumors since last May or June. Although the team held onto him through the trade deadline, he's one of their two major trading chips, alongside center fielder Luis Robert, amid a massive rebuild. But is Crochet guaranteed to be moved this time around? Apparently not.


"There are some teams that are more sincere (aggressive) than others," White Sox general manager Chris Getz said on Monday, as reported by ESPN. "We're still kind of learning. Those conversations will be ongoing. While we're here, we're going to do the best we can for the White Sox, and if that means we make a move, we make a move. But it's OK if we don't."


Crochet, 25, had a 6-12 record with a 3.58 ERA (115 ERA+) and a 1.07 WHIP, racking up 209 strikeouts over 146 innings last season. It was his first full season as a starter in the majors, posting a 3.02 ERA in the first half before his workload was adjusted in the second half. He's under team control through 2026.


As the White Sox navigate their rebuilding efforts, Crochet's potential trade remains uncertain, with the team's primary goal being to make the best decisions for their long-term success.

The Houston Astros are in contending mode, as they have been for several years, but they continue to balance their competitive aspirations with ownership's desire to trim or stabilize payroll. This delicate balancing act is why General Manager Dana Brown didn't outright dismiss the possibility of trading core team members, outfielder Kyle Tucker and ace Framber Valdez, when asked about it. Brown stated via MLB.com:


"You would listen on all the players. I don't think you would turn a deaf ear to any of these guys. I think the big thing is if you have an opportunity to make the club better, you would at least listen to other clubs and see if something makes sense for the club in the present and also long-term."


The Athletic reports that the Astros are indeed receiving inquiries about Tucker's availability. While it remains unlikely that the Astros will trade either star player, the fact that it's being considered highlights the complex dynamics of team management and financial constraints.


As the offseason progresses, the Astros must navigate these challenges to maintain their competitive edge while addressing financial considerations.

Orioles General Manager Mike Elias recently emphasized the club's aggressive stance on bolstering their pitching staff. Elias stated that the Orioles are "in on everybody" and won't let a player having a qualifying offer attached prevent pursuit. This determination comes as the Orioles face the potential departure of Corbin Burnes, who was acquired last spring but is now a free agent.


The current rotation includes Zach Eflin, Grayson Rodríguez, Dean Kremer, Albert Suáez, and Trevor Rogers. However, with the top free agents like Burnes, Max Fried, Roki Sasaki, Jack Flaherty, Sean Manaea, and Nathan Eovaldi still available, the Orioles are exploring all options.


Elias' commitment to improving the rotation also extends to trade candidates such as Garrett Crochet, Jesus Luzardo, and potentially Sonny Gray if made available. The Orioles are determined to make significant moves to strengthen their pitching staff and remain competitive.

As the Winter Meetings progress, the Chicago Cubs have continued their search for catching reinforcements and appear to have found a solution. According to multiple sources, the Cubs are nearing an agreement with free-agent catcher Carson Kelly. Although the details of the contract have not been disclosed, and the deal has not been officially confirmed by the Cubs, it appears likely to happen soon.


Kelly would join Miguel Amaya as the Cubs' primary catching options, providing manager Craig Counsell with the flexibility to distribute playing time more evenly rather than following a traditional starter-backup setup. This balanced approach to the catching position was a key objective for the Cubs this offseason. With other free-agent catching targets such as Travis d’Arnaud (Angels), Kyle Higashioka (Rangers), and Danny Jansen (Rays) already off the market, Kelly emerged as the logical choice for the Cubs. 


In November, the Cubs also acquired Matt Thaiss from the Angels to further bolster their catching depth. Thaiss, who is out of Minor League options, adds another layer of complexity for the Cubs to manage before the next season begins.


The Cubs also have a promising young catching prospect in Moises Ballesteros, who is currently ranked No. 4 among Cubs prospects and No. 44 on MLB Pipeline's Top 100 list. At just 21 years old, Ballesteros is primarily a bat-first player and is expected to profile more as a designated hitter and part-time catcher. While he could push for an MLB debut in 2025, he is not part of the Cubs' immediate plans for the upcoming season.

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With the potential addition of Kelly and the strategic use of Amaya and Thaiss, the Cubs are aiming to strengthen their catching corps and improve overall team flexibility as they prepare for the 2025 season.

Infielder Luis Arráez is one year away from hitting free agency. While Arráez has expressed a willingness to sign an extension, nothing concrete has materialized. According to Dennis Lin of The Athletic, the San Diego Padres have "not yet engaged in serious extension talks" with Arráez.


However, the absence of extension talks doesn't necessarily rule out future negotiations. Typically, teams prioritize player acquisitions during this part of the offseason, leaving contract extensions closer to spring training. Despite this, Lin reports that there is some debate within the San Diego front office regarding Arráez's value, which may impact the likelihood of extension discussions gaining momentum.


Budgetary concerns also play a significant role in the Padres' decision-making process. The team was one of the most aggressive spenders in baseball under owner Peter Seidler, who passed away in September 2023. However, this spending spree was unsustainable, as reports emerged about the Padres' non-compliance with MLB's debt service ratio regulations.


The Padres had committed substantial funds to players like Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts, Fernando Tatis Jr., Joe Musgrove, and Yu Darvish, among others. As they invested heavily in reshaping their image from a small-market team to a contender, their revenue took a hit due to the collapse of their TV deal with Diamond Sports Group.


Given these financial constraints and internal debates about Arráez's value, the path to a contract extension remains uncertain. While Arráez's performance on the field makes him a valuable asset, the Padres must carefully navigate their budget and long-term plans to determine the best course of action.

The Detroit Tigers have bolstered their pitching rotation by agreeing to a one-year deal with right-hander Alex Cobb, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The financial terms of the contract have not been disclosed, and the deal is pending a physical. Given that the Tigers' 40-man roster is currently full, a corresponding move will need to be made once the signing becomes official.


This move aligns with the Tigers' recent strategy of opting for short-term deals with starting pitchers. Since Scott Harris took over as president of baseball operations in September 2022, the team has favored short-term contracts. Previous offseasons saw one-year deals for Matthew Boyd and Michael Lorenzen, followed by a one-year deal for Jack Flaherty and a two-year pact for Kenta Maeda.


Heading into 2025, there was speculation that the Tigers might adopt a more aggressive approach, especially after a strong second half of the 2024 season that saw them make the playoffs for the first time in a decade. With a promising core of young players and minimal long-term financial commitments, the Tigers seemed poised to target higher-tier or mid-tier rotation options. However, recent reports indicate that the team prefers to continue pursuing high-upside players on shorter contracts.


Alex Cobb, 37, represents a buy-low option for the Tigers due to his recent struggles. He started the year with the Giants, recovering from offseason hip surgery. While it was initially expected that he would return early in the season, shoulder discomfort delayed his debut. Cobb was traded to the Guardians ahead of the trade deadline but ended up missing significant time.


Despite these setbacks, Cobb has shown potential in the past, and the Tigers are betting on his ability to bounce back. If he can regain his form, Cobb could provide valuable depth and experience to Detroit's rotation.

With the arrival of Jonathan India to the Kansas City Royals, manager Matt Quatraro faces the challenge of fitting both India and Michael Massey into the lineup. Both players have predominantly played second base throughout their careers—India with the Reds and Massey with the Royals. However, with both now on the Royals' roster, creative solutions are being considered to ensure their bats remain in the lineup.


One possibility is platooning, with Massey batting left-handed and India batting right-handed. Another option involves rotating them in the designated hitter (DH) spot. Yet, an interesting third possibility suggested by Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic is playing both in the outfield, specifically left field. 


India's Transition and Versatility:

India, who has exclusively played second base, prepared for a multi-positional role with the Reds in 2024 due to a potential infield logjam. Although he ended up playing mostly at second base, this preparation suggests he might adapt well to a new defensive role. 

Massey's Defensive Flexibility:

Massey has a bit more variety on his defensive resume, having played one game at third base and one inning in center field. Despite these experiences being limited, it indicates a willingness to try different positions.

Offensive Strength:

Despite their defensive uncertainties, both players were above-average hitters in 2024. India showcased excellent plate discipline with a 12.6% walk rate and a 108 wRC+, while Massey demonstrated strong contact skills and above-average power with a .190 ISO and a 102 wRC+. This offensive prowess is why the Royals are keen to keep both players in the lineup.

Lineup Strategy:

Rotating India and Massey in the DH spot could be one solution, but it's not ideal as the Royals likely want to keep the DH position available for Salvador Perez when Freddy Fermin is catching. Additionally, GM J.J. Picollo aims to maintain lineup flexibility while seeking further upgrades. Incorporating DH reps could facilitate acquiring a more impactful bat.

Future Acquisitions:

Anne Rogers of MLB.com reported that the Royals are searching for another hitter who can play both the infield and outfield. If India or Massey can adapt to this versatile role, Picollo might prioritize landing the best possible hitter rather than focusing solely on defensive flexibility. Given the Royals' offensive struggles, ranking 13th in runs scored, 14th in OPS, and 20th in wRC+ in 2024, any boost in their lineup is much needed.


As the Royals continue to strategize for the upcoming season, finding a balance in the lineup will be crucial for leveraging India's and Massey's strengths. Their ability to adapt and contribute, even outside their natural positions, will be key in the Royals' pursuit of success.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, known for their aggressive offseason strategies, are in search of high-leverage relief help. According to The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya, the Dodgers are considering both Devin Williams and Tanner Scott as potential additions, exploring options in both free agency and the trade market.


Devin Williams, currently with the Milwaukee Brewers, is a standout closer eligible for free agency next winter. Given Milwaukee's history of trading notable players before they hit the open market, there is speculation that the Brewers might look to move Williams to gain more than just draft compensation. Williams is projected to earn a $7.7 million arbitration salary. Despite being sidelined by a back injury until late July last season, Williams returned strong, posting a 1.25 ERA over 21 2/3 innings and securing 14 saves. While his back injury could be a concern for potential trade partners, Williams' impressive track record as both a set-up man and closer speaks volumes. Since his debut in 2019, Williams has maintained a 1.83 ERA and an extraordinary 39.4% strikeout rate over 235 2/3 innings. Although his career walk rate of 11.8% is higher than average and a blown save in the NL Wild Card Series might still haunt Brewers fans, his overall performance makes him a valuable asset for any bullpen.


Tanner Scott is another reliever on the Dodgers' radar. With ample young talent to offer in a potential trade with Milwaukee, Los Angeles could use their MLB-ready young pitchers as leverage to acquire Williams. Alternatively, the Dodgers could make a substantial move by signing Scott to a long-term contract, further strengthening their bullpen.


The Dodgers have already been active in the free-agent market, securing Blake Snell, Michael Conforto, and Blake Treinen this offseason. Adding either Williams or Scott would be another significant move in their quest to dominate the league.


As the Dodgers weigh their options, it will be interesting to see how these potential acquisitions unfold and what impact they will have on the team’s bullpen for the upcoming season.

The San Francisco Giants remain committed to utilizing Jordan Hicks as a starting pitcher, according to baseball operations president Buster Posey. Despite finishing the past season in the bullpen, the 28-year-old right-hander is poised to re-enter the rotation in the upcoming season.


Hicks joined the Giants last winter on a four-year, $44 million free agent contract, transitioning to a starter role after previously serving primarily as a reliever. His initial performance showed promise, with a 2.70 ERA over 12 starts through the end of May. This early success positioned Hicks as a potential reliever-to-starter success story, similar to pitchers like Seth Lugo and Michael King.


However, Hicks faced challenges as the season progressed. His velocity decreased steadily, dropping from an average of 95.6 MPH on his sinker in April to 93.4 MPH by July. This decline in velocity was accompanied by a dip in performance, resulting in a 5.24 ERA in June and nearly a run per inning allowed in July.


By the end of July, the Giants decided to move Hicks back to the bullpen, where he performed more effectively in shorter stints. Unfortunately, his season was further impacted by shoulder inflammation, leading to his placement on the injured list. Hicks concluded the year with a 4.10 ERA over a career-high 109 2/3 innings, reflecting an up-and-down season overall.


Despite these hurdles, the Giants' commitment to Hicks as a starter indicates their belief in his potential to contribute significantly to the rotation. With a renewed focus and the offseason to address any lingering issues, Hicks could bounce back and solidify his role as a key starting pitcher for San Francisco.

With the signing of Alex Cobb marking their first significant move of the offseason, the Detroit Tigers are now shifting their focus towards bolstering their offense. According to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, the Tigers have expressed interest in seven-time All-Star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, who is entering free agency for the first time in his 14-year career.


Although acquiring Goldschmidt may not be the blockbuster move it once was, given his recent performance, his potential contribution should not be underestimated. In 2024, Goldschmidt posted a 100 wRC+ over 154 games and 654 plate appearances with the Cardinals, hitting .245/.302/.414 with 22 home runs. These numbers, while average, marked career lows for Goldschmidt in several key areas, including strikeout, walk, and chase rates.


At 37 years old, it is possible that Goldschmidt is experiencing the inevitable decline that comes with age. However, there are promising signs that he still has valuable contributions to make. Most of Goldschmidt’s struggles were limited to the first half of the season. In the second half, he managed a more respectable .271/.319/.480 slash line over 250 plate appearances. His ability to make solid contact remains strong, with impressive barrel rates and a hard-hit ball rate ranking in the 92nd percentile among all batters.


The Tigers are likely hoping that a change of scenery and a fresh start will help Goldschmidt tap into the form that made him one of the most feared hitters in the league. If Goldschmidt can replicate his second-half performance over a full season, he could provide the offensive boost that Detroit needs.


As the offseason continues, it will be interesting to see if the Tigers can secure Goldschmidt and how this potential addition could shape their lineup for the upcoming season.