The Philadelphia Phillies have made a notable addition to their bullpen by signing right-handed pitcher Jordan Romano to a one-year contract worth $8.5 million, according to a source from The Athletic. Romano's deal also includes a $500,000 bonus if he pitches 60 innings during the season.


Romano, who was non-tendered by the Toronto Blue Jays last month, was initially projected to earn around $7.75 million in arbitration. Despite a challenging 2024 season due to injuries, Romano has established himself as one of the top closers in baseball, earning two All-Star selections and recording a 2.37 ERA with 95 saves from 2021 to 2023.


The Phillies are banking on Romano to bolster their bullpen and provide stability in late-game situations. This signing could prove to be a key move for the team as they aim to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season.

As the MLB offseason heats up, the Chicago Cubs are looking to make some impactful moves to bolster their roster for the upcoming season. Here are three free agents that are most likely to join the Cubs:

1. Jack Flaherty
​The Cubs have shown interest in Jack Flaherty, a talented right-handed pitcher. Flaherty posted a 3.17 ERA over 28 regular-season starts last year and has a strong strikeout rate1. His upside and potential to be a mid-to-front-of-the-rotation starter make him an attractive option for the Cubs.

2. Sean Manaea
Another pitcher on the Cubs' radar is Sean Manaea. Manaea, a left-handed starter, rejected the Mets' qualifying offer, making him available on the market1. His consistent performance and experience could provide stability to the Cubs' rotation.

3. Tanner Scott
To strengthen their bullpen, the Cubs are considering Tanner Scott, a left-handed reliever. Scott has shown the ability to be a reliable late-inning option, and his addition could help solidify the Cubs' relief corps.

These signings could significantly impact the Cubs' performance in the upcoming season.

The Philadelphia Phillies have reached an agreement with right-handed pitcher Jordan Romano on a one-year contract, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN - MLB.com](https://www.mlb.com/news/jordan-romano-phillies-contract-free-agent). The deal is worth exactly $7.75 million, matching his projected arbitration number, as reported by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer also confirmed the amount. Jim Salisbury of The Philadelphia Inquirer previously indicated the Phillies' interest in Romano - MLB.com](https://www.mlb.com/news/jordan-romano-phillies-contract-free-agent).


Romano, who was non-tendered by the Toronto Blue Jays last month, is expected to provide a boost to the Phillies' bullpen. Despite dealing with injuries in 2024, Romano has been one of the top closers in baseball from 2021-2023, earning two All-Star selections and posting a 2.37 ERA with 95 saves during that span - MLB.com](https://www.mlb.com/news/jordan-romano-phillies-contract-free-agent).

The baseball world held its breath as Juan Soto made his decision, signing a 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets. This monumental contract has shifted the focus to other top outfielders on the market, particularly Anthony Santander and Teoscar Hernández.


With Soto off the board, the Yankees, Red Sox, and Blue Jays have all turned their attention to Santander, according to MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi. These teams are keen to bolster their lineups after missing out on Soto, and Santander's power and consistency make him a highly sought-after asset.


In addition to Santander, the Red Sox and Yankees are also pursuing Hernández. MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reports that the Red Sox had planned to target Hernández if they failed to sign Soto, and MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo notes that the Yankees have shown "serious interest" in the right-handed slugger. The Blue Jays, however, prefer the switch-hitting Santander, while Boston seems to favor Hernández.


Despite already signing Michael Conforto, the Dodgers remain interested in retaining Hernández. Last month, Hernández expressed his desire to return to the defending World Series champions, stating he would "do everything in my power" to re-sign with the team. However, as Dodgers reporter David Vassegh mentioned, negotiations between Hernández and the team have been challenging, with ESPN's Alden Gonzalez adding that they have struggled to "bridge the gap" over the past few weeks.

The free-agent market is buzzing with interest in outfielder Anthony Santander, particularly from the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Boston Red Sox. Jon Morosi of MLB.com reports that these three teams, having recently missed out on Juan Soto, are now turning their attention to Santander.


The connection makes sense, as all three clubs are looking to strengthen their outfield after falling short in the Soto sweepstakes. Soto was the crown jewel of this winter's free-agent outfield market, towering above the rest of the available players. With Soto now off the board, teams are pivoting to other high-impact options like Santander, Teoscar Hernández, Jurickson Profar, Tyler O’Neill, and Michael Conforto. Notably, O’Neill and Conforto have already signed, leaving Santander as a prime target.


Santander, 30, may not match Soto's youth or plate discipline, but his power is undeniable. Over the past three seasons, he has consistently hit at least 28 home runs per year, including a remarkable 44 homers in the most recent campaign. This brings his total to 105 home runs from 2022-24. His .244/.317/.478 batting line over that period translates to a 124 wRC+, indicating he was 24% better than the league average. Additionally, his 8.5% walk rate is league average, while his 20.5% strikeout rate is slightly better than average.


It's no surprise that Santander is attracting significant interest given his production. His ability to switch-hit without strong platoon splits adds to his appeal. As a righty against lefties, he hit .239/.309/.513 in 2024 for a 132 wRC+. Against righties, he posted a .225/.306/.488 line for a 123 wRC+. Over his career, he has a 111 wRC+ against lefties and 116 against righties, showcasing his versatility.

The Detroit Tigers are actively seeking to bolster their rotation this offseason, with three potential targets emerging on their radar. According to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, the Tigers are showing interest in right-handers Walker Buehler and Kyle Gibson, as well as left-hander Andrew Heaney.


Of the three, Walker Buehler stands out as the most prominent name. Despite a challenging, injury-plagued season, Buehler was an ace-caliber pitcher when last healthy in 2021. From 2018-21, Buehler posted a 2.82 ERA and a 3.56 SIERA over 564 innings, with his 14.4 FanGraphs WAR ranking 14th among all pitchers during that period. Now 30 years old and further removed from Tommy John surgery, Buehler is considered a top bounce-back candidate on the free-agent market. His strong postseason performance, which included 10 scoreless innings between the NLCS and the World Series, further bolsters his case.


Given Buehler's high upside, he may seek a longer-term commitment. Initially, MLBTR staff predicted a one-year, $15 million contract for Buehler, but a two-year deal with an opt-out is also a possibility. Petzold suggests that Buehler's desired terms might exceed what the Tigers are willing to offer, as they ideally prefer a one-year deal.


If Buehler proves too costly, Detroit could pivot to Kyle Gibson or Andrew Heaney. Gibson appears more likely to sign a one-year contract. Both Gibson and Heaney were listed on MLBTR's Top 50 Free Agents: Heaney at No. 25 and Gibson at No. 41. The staff predicted a two-year, $24 million deal for Heaney and a one-year, $13 million deal for Gibson. Gibson's slightly higher AAV prediction reflects his longer track record of success, though at 37 years old, he's unlikely to secure a multi-year deal. Heaney, who turns 34 next June, could feasibly land a two-year commitment, especially given the favorable market for mid-tier starting pitchers.


With the likes of Luis Severino, Yusei Kikuchi, Frankie Montas, and Matthew Boyd all signing for more guaranteed money than predicted, the Tigers will need to navigate the market carefully to land the right pitching upgrades for the upcoming season.

The Los Angeles Angels have reached an agreement with right-handed pitcher Dakota Hudson on a minor league deal, according to Aram Leighton of Just Baseball. Hudson is expected to receive an invite to big league spring training as part of the deal.


Hudson, 30, is coming off a challenging season with the Colorado Rockies. He signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract but struggled to deliver on the field. Over 18 starts and 89 innings, Hudson posted a 6.17 ERA, with a strikeout rate of just 12.1% and a walk rate of 12.4%. Despite his typically strong ground ball rate of 52.3%, it wasn't enough to secure his spot in the Rockies' injury-riddled rotation.


In July, Hudson was designated for assignment and passed through waivers unclaimed. He was later reinstated to the roster in August but soon landed on the injured list due to elbow inflammation, ending his season. He was outrighted off the roster in October and opted for free agency.


Hudson once showed promise as a rotation option for the St. Louis Cardinals. During the 2019 and 2020 seasons, he recorded a 3.24 ERA over 213 2/3 innings, with an 18.4% strikeout rate, an 11.1% walk rate, and a 56.9% ground ball rate. However, Tommy John surgery in 2021 derailed his progress, and he has struggled to regain his form since. In the 2022-23 seasons, Hudson's ERA rose to 4.64 over 221 innings, with his strikeout rate dropping to 12.9% and his ground ball rate slipping to 52.5%.


The Angels are hoping that Hudson can bounce back and provide valuable depth to their pitching staff. As he works to regain his pre-surgery form, Hudson's experience and potential make him an intriguing addition to the Angels' roster.

The Seattle Mariners are reportedly open to offers for veteran right-hander Luis Castillo, according to the Boston Globe. Castillo, who is set to turn 32 soon, is owed just under $70 million from 2025-27 with a vesting option for 2028. In 2024, he threw 175 1/3 innings with 175 strikeouts and a 3.64 ERA. With a loaded rotation, Seattle could deal a starter to bolster their offense. Trading Castillo, the team's highest-paid pitcher, would clear up some money and potentially add a bat or two.


The Boston Red Sox emerge as a potential landing spot for Castillo. After missing out on Juan Soto, Boston has a clear desire to add a high-end starter this offseason. They've been connected to Corbin Burnes and Max Fried recently, and they have depth in lefty bats like Wilyer Abreu, Triston Casas, Jarren Duran, Rafael Devers, and Masataka Yoshida. Could a trade involving Casas for Castillo, plus additional pieces to balance the deal, work for both teams?

The New York Yankees had made it clear that retaining superstar outfielder Juan Soto was their top priority this offseason. Managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner even went on a cross-country journey for a two-hour chat with Soto and his agent, Scott Boras, in hopes of securing Soto's future in the Bronx. The Yankees were prepared to dive deep into their financial resources to keep Soto, who played a pivotal role in their first World Series appearance in 15 years.

As the offseason progressed, and with several other clubs showing significant interest in Soto, the Yankees realized they couldn't afford to be unprepared. Quietly, the front office began formulating a "Plan B." This backup plan was set into motion late on Sunday when Soto agreed to a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets.

While the Yankees waited for Soto's decision, they explored alternative options, including virtual calls with free-agent pitchers Corbin Burnes and Max Fried. Both hurlers now could become top targets for the Yankees, along with other free-agent players such as first basemen Pete Alonso or Christian Walker, outfielders Teoscar Hernández or Anthony Santander, closer Tanner Scott, or potentially a trade for the Cubs' Cody Bellinger.

At a minimum, the Yankees' offseason shopping list includes:

- A first baseman
- Another infielder (potentially a second baseman, unless Jazz Chisholm Jr. shifts there)
- Two outfielders
- Rotation help
- Relief arms

The Yankees faced stiff competition for Soto from the Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Dodgers, but their most significant threat came from Steve Cohen and the Mets. Now that Soto has crossed borough lines, the Yankees must pivot to their contingency plans and make the necessary moves to bolster their roster for the upcoming season.

Recent reports indicate a growing interest in Chicago White Sox southpaw Garrett Crochet, with an increasing likelihood that a deal could be finalized during the Winter Meetings this week. The Yankees, Red Sox, Padres, Cubs, and Reds have all been mentioned as potential suitors, and now, MLB Network's Jon Morosi has added the Milwaukee Brewers to the list of teams in pursuit.


The Brewers present an intriguing case for acquiring Crochet. Traditionally, Milwaukee focuses on internal development and strategic free-agent acquisitions within the mid to lower tiers of the market to maintain their competitive edge. However, the club has shown a willingness to make significant trades, as seen with Willy Adames and Christian Yelich. Adames recently signed with the Giants after declining a qualifying offer from Milwaukee, but Yelich remains a franchise cornerstone under contract through 2028.

Crochet, at 25, would bring just two years of team control, compared to the longer control periods of Adames and Yelich when they were acquired. Despite this, the Brewers are in the midst of their competitive window and have ample motivation to be aggressive in securing Crochet’s services. His performance and potential make him a valuable asset for any team looking to bolster their pitching staff.


As the Winter Meetings continue, the race for Crochet's signature is heating up, and it will be interesting to see which team ultimately lands the talented lefty.

The Los Angeles Dodgers and outfielder Teoscar Hernández have mutual interest in continuing their successful partnership, yet a new deal has yet to be finalized. According to ESPN’s Alden González, the two sides have been negotiating for weeks but have been "unable to bridge the gap."


Hernández, now 32, entered free agency last year after a down season with the Seattle Mariners. During his 2020-22 tenure with the Toronto Blue Jays, he posted an impressive .283/.333/.519 slash line, earning a 132 wRC+. However, his performance dipped in 2023 after being traded to the Mariners, where he hit .258/.305/.435 with a 106 wRC+. Consequently, Seattle did not extend a qualifying offer, leaving Hernández unsigned into January. Despite a two-year, $28 million offer from the Red Sox, Hernández chose to bet on himself, signing a one-year, $23.5 million deal with the Dodgers, albeit with deferrals.


This gamble paid off handsomely for both Hernández and the Dodgers. He bounced back with a .272/.339/.501 slash line and a 134 wRC+, proving his Seattle stint was an anomaly. His contributions continued into the postseason, where he performed admirably in 16 games, helping the Dodgers clinch the World Series. During the celebrations, Hernández expressed his desire to remain with the Dodgers.


Despite initial optimism, a deal has not materialized. Last month, ESPN’s Jeff Passan suggested that Hernández might be one of the first big names to sign this winter, but his experience in free agency last year has likely made him more cautious. Given his strong 2024 performance, Hernández understandably seeks a fair market value contract and isn’t willing to settle for less.

The highly anticipated posting of Japanese right-hander Roki Sasaki has finally been confirmed. The Chiba Lotte Marines officially announced Sasaki's availability to Major League Baseball teams, opening a 45-day window for negotiations. This window will run from December 10th until 5:00 p.m. (ET) on January 23rd.


Sasaki, who turned 23 on November 3rd, is considered one of the most talented young pitchers in the world. He has already made a name for himself with his incredible fastball, which touches 102.5 mph, and a devastating splitter. Sasaki's impressive career includes a perfect game with 19 strikeouts in April 2022, making him a highly sought-after prospect.


Despite his potential, Sasaki is subject to the international bonus pool restrictions due to his age. This means he will sign a minor-league contract and his signing bonus will be limited by MLB's international signing rules. Teams can trade for additional pool money, but they are capped at 75% of their original pool.


Several MLB teams are expected to be in the running for Sasaki's services, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers, New York Mets, and San Francisco Giants. The competition will be fierce as teams vie to secure the Japanese phenom.


As the negotiation window progresses, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see which team will ultimately land Sasaki and how he will perform in Major League Baseball.

With Juan Soto's record-shattering deal with the New York Mets now official, the focus of the free agent market is shifting. Among the top beneficiaries of the increased aggressiveness from teams that missed out on Soto could be third baseman Alex Bregman. According to Rob Bradford of WEEI, the Red Sox are "immediately prioritizing" a pursuit of Bregman, while USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports that the Yankees are also expected to make a run at free agency's top infielder.


The Red Sox, who were previously reported as potential suitors for Bregman, appear to have intensified their interest following Soto's signing. Adding the 30-year-old veteran to their roster makes sense for Boston, as Bregman would provide a right-handed bat to balance their heavily left-handed lineup. Bregman boasts a career .277/.367/.494 slash line against left-handed pitchers, which would be a valuable asset for the team.


Moreover, the Red Sox have a crowded outfield, making the infield an obvious place to strengthen their lineup. While they have focused on pitching help so far this offseason, missing out on Soto may lead them to invest in Bregman instead.


The Yankees, too, are eyeing Bregman as they look to bolster their roster. With Soto off the table, Bregman represents a top-tier option to enhance their infield and overall lineup strength.


As the offseason progresses, the competition for Bregman will be fierce. Both the Red Sox and Yankees are known for their willingness to spend big to secure top talent, setting the stage for an exciting bidding war.

The New York Mets have made a splash this offseason by signing superstar outfielder Juan Soto to a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract. This move instantly elevates the Mets' lineup and makes them a formidable force in the league. Here’s a look at the potential lineup for the 2025 season:

1. Francisco Lindor, SS
   
   
   
2. Juan Soto, RF
   
   
   
3. Mark Vientos, 1B
   
   
   
4. Brandon Nimmo, LF
   
   
   
5. Starling Marte, DH
   
   
   
6. Jeff McNeil, 2B
   
   
   
7. Francisco Alvarez, C
   
   
   
8. Brett Baty, 3B
   
   
   
9. Tyrone Taylor, CF
   
   
   

This lineup boasts a mix of power, speed, and on-base ability, with Soto and Lindor forming a dynamic duo at the top. Vientos, coming off a breakout season, will provide much-needed thump at first base, while Nimmo and Marte offer consistent hitting and speed. McNeil and Alvarez round out the lineup with their reliable performances, and Baty and Taylor provide depth and potential upside.

​The addition of Soto not only strengthens the Mets' offense but also puts pressure on the rest of the lineup to perform at a high level. With this star-studded roster, the Mets are poised to make a deep playoff run and compete for a World Series title.

Despite the San Francisco Giants not actively shopping hard-throwing righty Camilo Doval this winter, there's significant interest in his services from teams around the league, as reported by Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle.


Doval, 27, remains an intriguing trade candidate even after a challenging 2024 season. The right-hander was an All-Star in 2023, leading the National League in saves and delivering another excellent season as the Giants' closer. However, 2024 was a different story, with Doval struggling with inconsistency throughout the year. His uneven performance led to a brief stint in the minors in August, and upon his return, right-hander Ryan Walker took over the closer role. Overall, Doval posted a 4.88 ERA and a 3.71 FIP last season, with a strong 28.8% strikeout rate overshadowed by a hefty 14.4% walk rate.


Despite the difficulties of 2024, Doval's talent is undeniable. Entering the year, his career numbers were elite. Over 162 1/3 innings across three seasons with the Giants prior to 2024, Doval recorded a 2.77 ERA and a 2.97 FIP, striking out 30.2% of batters and walking 9.6%, while tallying 69 saves. Additionally, Doval excels at inducing ground contact, boasting a career 55.2% grounder rate, which ranks fourth among all relievers with at least 200 innings over the past four seasons. Even in his down season, he generated grounders at a 60% clip, good for seventh among qualified relievers.


Given these impressive career stats and his ability to generate grounders, it's no surprise that Doval is attracting strong interest from other teams. While the Giants may not be actively looking to trade him, the level of interest could prompt them to consider offers as the offseason progresses.

The Atlanta Braves have had a relatively quiet offseason so far, with their only significant move being the trade of Jorge Soler to the Los Angeles Angels. This has led to speculation that the club is being cautious about its payroll, particularly as they risk surpassing the luxury tax threshold for a third consecutive year. Such a move would result in hefty tax penalties and the loss of ten spots in the first round of the 2026 draft.


Despite this slow start, Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos has assured reporters, including David O’Brien of The Athletic, that the team is willing to exceed the luxury tax again this year to address their needs.


The Braves' initial offseason plans were disrupted by troubling medical updates on key players Ronald Acuna Jr. and Spencer Strider, as well as reliever Joe Jimenez. Both Acuna and Strider are not expected to be ready for Opening Day and could be sidelined until well into May. Jimenez, who underwent knee surgery, will likely miss most, if not all, of the 2025 season.


These injuries have forced the Braves to reconsider their financial strategies. According to O’Brien, the club would not have restructured the contracts of Reynaldo Lopez and Aaron Bummer, nor declined the club option of veteran catcher Travis d’Arnaud, if not for the added pressure to strengthen their outfield, rotation, and bullpen.


As the offseason progresses, the Braves will need to navigate these challenges carefully to maintain their competitive edge. With the willingness to surpass the luxury tax, they may still make significant moves to fill the gaps left by these injuries and continue to contend in the upcoming season.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have reached an agreement with right-handed reliever Blake Treinen on a two-year contract worth $22 million, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. This deal ensures that Treinen, who played a crucial role in the Dodgers' World Series-winning bullpen last season, will continue to be a key part of their pitching staff.


Treinen, 36, had an impressive 2024 season, posting a 1.93 ERA in the regular season and a 2.19 ERA in the playoffs. His performance was instrumental in the Dodgers' victory over the New York Yankees in the World Series. Despite his age, Treinen has shown he still has plenty left in the tank and remains a valuable asset to the team.


The Dodgers' decision to re-sign Treinen highlights their commitment to maintaining a strong bullpen. With his experience and proven track record, Treinen is expected to continue his role as a setup man, providing reliable relief in high-leverage situations.

The New York Yankees have been dealt a tough blow after losing out on superstar outfielder Juan Soto to the New York Mets. Soto's historic 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets has left Yankees fans reeling, but the team is already looking to pivot and make the most of their offseason.


With the significant financial commitment to Soto now off the table, the Yankees are expected to aggressively pursue other top-tier free agents. According to reports, the Yankees are in talks with several impact players, including starting pitcher Jack Flaherty and left-hander Max Fried. Flaherty, who went 13-7 with a 3.17 ERA last season, could bolster the Yankees' rotation depth. Fried, coming off an 11-10 season with a 3.25 ERA, would be a strong addition as well.

In addition to bolstering their pitching staff, the Yankees are also looking to add another bat to their lineup. Names like Teoscar Hernandez and Christian Walker have been mentioned as potential targets. The Yankees' goal is to create a more well-rounded roster that can compete at the highest level.

While losing Soto is undoubtedly a disappointment, the Yankees' aggressive approach to free agency could help them build a formidable team for the upcoming season. Yankees fans can expect the front office to remain active and creative as they look to fill the gaps left by Soto's departure.

In a stunning move that has shaken the baseball world, superstar outfielder Juan Soto has agreed to a monumental 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets. This deal, first reported by Jeff Passan, breaks the record for the largest contract in MLB history, surpassing the previous record set by Shohei Ohtani.


Soto, who will turn 27 in October, has been one of the most sought-after free agents in recent memory. His impressive career includes a .281 batting average, 201 home runs, and 592 RBIs over seven seasons with the Washington Nationals and San Diego Padres. He also played a crucial role in the New York Yankees' run to the World Series in 2024, batting .327 with four home runs in 14 postseason games.


The Mets' aggressive pursuit of Soto paid off, as they outbid several high-profile teams, including the Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and Los Angeles Dodgers. This signing is a significant coup for Mets owner Steve Cohen, who has been known for his willingness to spend big on top talent.


With Soto now in the fold, the Mets hope to end their World Series drought, which has lasted since 1986. Soto's addition to the lineup alongside Francisco Lindor and Starling Marte creates a formidable offensive trio that should excite Mets fans.

The trade market for Chicago White Sox ace Garrett Crochet is heating up as the Winter Meetings approach. MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi reported on Sunday that a Crochet trade is getting closer and that it is "increasingly possible that he will be moved at the Winter Meetings." After an impressive breakout 2024 season with a 3.58 ERA and 209 strikeouts in 146 innings, it's no surprise that Crochet has garnered significant interest from multiple teams.


At just 25 years old and not slated to hit free agency until after the 2026 season, Crochet has become a highly sought-after asset. Teams like the Yankees, Dodgers, Mets, Orioles, Phillies, Padres, and Red Sox have all been linked to Crochet. Recently, the Cubs and Reds have emerged as potential suitors.


Chris Cotillo of MassLive reported that the Reds are a "real threat" to acquire Crochet, while the Yankees and Red Sox remain in the mix. With such a strong market, it seems likely that Crochet could be wearing a new uniform by Opening Day 2025.

In a significant offseason move, the Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to a one-year, $17 million deal with outfielder Michael Conforto, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez confirms the agreement, adding that the Dodgers remain interested in pursuing fellow free agent outfielder Teoscar Hernandez.


Conforto, who will turn 32 in March, was selected by the New York Mets as the tenth overall pick in the 2014 draft. He quickly established himself as a formidable offensive force, boasting a .259/.358/.484 slash line and a wRC+ of 128 over his first six MLB seasons. Conforto's impressive early career included an All-Star appearance, 118 home runs in 632 games, and recognition as one of the National League's top young hitters.


However, shoulder issues plagued Conforto early in his career, culminating in a challenging 2021 season with a 104 wRC+. Despite declining a Qualifying Offer and entering free agency with high expectations, Conforto required surgery during the 2021-22 lockout and ultimately did not sign a contract for the 2022 season as he recovered.


The Dodgers' signing of Conforto marks a significant addition to their roster, providing a powerful bat and veteran presence. While Conforto looks to rebound and contribute to the Dodgers' success, the team's continued interest in Teoscar Hernandez indicates their commitment to strengthening their outfield options.

Despite an injury-shortened 2024 season, Devin Williams has proven he remains an elite closer. Returning mid-season from a back injury, Williams showed the same dominance as in his All-Star 2022 and 2023 campaigns. Over 21 1/3 innings, he posted a remarkable 1.25 ERA and a 2.31 SIERA, striking out 38 of the 88 batters he faced. Entering his age-30 season, his career stats—1.83 ERA, 39.4% strikeout rate, and 68 saves in 78 chances—underscore his value as a potential trade chip for the Milwaukee Brewers.

In October, Brewers GM Matt Arnold expressed the need to be “open-minded” about trading Williams. In November, he reiterated this stance, acknowledging the closer’s importance to the team but not ruling out the possibility of a trade (as reported by Mark Feinsand of MLB.com). This ambivalence hints that while Williams is not actively being shopped, the Brewers are not entirely closed to the idea.

Milwaukee has a history of trading star pitchers before they reach free agency. Under former president of baseball operations David Stearns, the Brewers dealt Josh Hader to the Padres at the 2022 trade deadline. More recently, Arnold executed a trade sending Corbin Burnes to the Orioles. The Brewers’ strong pitching development pipeline has enabled them to remain competitive despite these high-profile trades.

​Given this context, it would not be surprising to see Williams in a different uniform by Opening Day 2025. His elite performance and the Brewers’ openness to creative roster management suggest that he could be a significant asset on the trade market.

In an exciting announcement from the Winter Meetings in Dallas, sluggers Dick Allen and Dave Parker have earned their places in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The election results came from the Classic Baseball Era Committee, with Allen receiving 13 votes and Parker 14, surpassing the required 75% threshold from the 16-member committee.


Allen and Parker were part of an eight-player ballot focusing on contributions prior to 1980, including players from the Negro Leagues and pre-Negro Leagues. Other notable candidates included Ken Boyer, John Donaldson, Steve Garvey, Vic Harris, Tommy John, and Luis Tiant.


Allen and Parker will join the Class of 2025, along with any inductees from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America Hall of Fame ballot, to be announced on January 21 live on MLB Network. The induction ceremony is scheduled for July 27 in Cooperstown, New York.


Dick Allen's Legacy:

Playing 15 years in Major League Baseball, primarily with the Phillies and White Sox, Allen made seven All-Star appearances and won the American League MVP Award in 1972. His career OPS+ of 156 with the Phillies is the highest in the team's history, even surpassing Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt. Between 1964-1974, Allen led MLB in offensive WAR with 68.3, ahead of legendary players like Hank Aaron and Frank Robinson. Despite the lack of advanced metrics during his career, Allen was known for his powerful 42-ounce bat and towering home runs, including 18 that cleared Connie Mack Stadium's 65-foot-high left-field grandstand.


Dave Parker's Career:

Nicknamed "The Cobra," Parker was a formidable presence in MLB during the 1970s and '80s, playing for six teams, including the Pirates, Reds, and Athletics. Parker earned two batting titles, an NL MVP Award, three Gold Glove Awards, and three Silver Slugger Awards over his 19-year career. He hit .290 with 339 home runs and 1,493 RBIs, and was named Designated Hitter of the Year in 1989 and 1990. Parker's powerful arm was on full display during the 1979 All-Star Game, where he earned MVP honors by throwing out both Jim Rice and Brian Downing, helping the NL secure a 7-6 victory.


With these inductions, the Hall of Fame celebrates the extraordinary careers and contributions of Dick Allen and Dave Parker, ensuring their legacies will continue to inspire future generations.

The Oakland Athletics have taken the baseball world by surprise by signing right-hander Luis Severino to a three-year, $67 million contract. This move marks the largest signing in franchise history, made even more unexpected as the team gears up for a temporary three-year stay in West Sacramento before relocating to their new ballpark in Las Vegas.


Building on this momentum, the A's are now setting their sights on securing an extension for star player Brent Rooker. Manager Mark Kotsay expressed the team's optimism about finalizing a deal, noting that such a move would signify a new direction for the organization in terms of player commitment.


While signing younger or less-established players to extensions is a common strategy across all teams, it's especially significant for lower-spending organizations like the Athletics. Securing cost certainty during a player's arbitration years or extending control into free-agent years can be a major financial advantage, allowing these teams to retain talent without the hefty price tags associated with free agency.


Historically, the Athletics have been conservative with player extensions. The two-year, $33.5 million deal signed by Khris Davis in April 2019 stands out as the only extension in the past decade. In fact, since October 2007, the A's have signed just nine extensions, with only four players—Sean Doolittle, Trevor Cahill, Brett Anderson, and Kurt Suzuki—receiving deals longer than two years.


With the signing of Severino and the potential extension for Rooker, the Athletics appear to be signaling a shift in their approach to building and maintaining a competitive roster. These moves could lay the groundwork for a more stable and committed team as they transition to their new home in Las Vegas.

According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Houston Astros are actively exploring trade options for right-hander Ryan Pressly. This isn't the first time Pressly’s name has surfaced in trade rumors, as reports from last month indicated the Astros had internally discussed moving the veteran reliever. However, Nightengale’s update suggests the club is now actively shopping him to other teams.

This decision comes amid budget constraints acknowledged by Astros General Manager Dana Brown. Despite the team's desire to remain competitive in the upcoming season, Brown has indicated the need for creative solutions to address the roster's needs. The departure of longtime third baseman Alex Bregman to free agency has left the Astros with gaps at both corner infield positions, along with opportunities for improvement in the outfield and starting rotation.

​The Astros’ financial situation further complicates their offseason plans. With a projected $215 million payroll for 2025, the team is only $20 million below their Opening Day payroll for 2024 and $29 million below their end-of-season payroll from last year. These constraints have necessitated a closer look at their options, including the potential trade of Pressly.