Yankees outfielder Everson Pereira, infielder Jorbit Vivas, and Mets right-hander Max Kranick are eligible for a fourth option year, according to a report by Joel Sherman of the New York Post. They join Red Sox right-hander Cooper Criswell, with more players expected to be named throughout the offseason.

When a player is added to the 40-man roster, they generally have three seasons in which they can be optioned to the minors. If a player spends at least 20 days in the minors during a season, it counts as one of those three option years. However, under specific circumstances, a player can qualify for a fourth option year.

A fourth option is granted if a player uses up their three option years before completing five professional seasons. MLB defines a professional season as one where a player spends at least 90 days on an MLB or minor league active roster. This rule often affects players who spend several years in the minors before being added to the 40-man roster.

Pereira and Vivas joined their respective 40-man rosters in the 2021-22 offseason and have been optioned each year since. Before 2021, neither completed a full professional season, as they spent 2017-19 in complexes or short-season affiliates without reaching the 90-day threshold. Additionally, the canceled 2020 minor league season did not count as a professional year. Consequently, Vivas has logged four professional seasons (2021-24), while Pereira completed a full minor league campaign only in 2022.

Kranick joined the Mets' 40-man roster after the 2020 season, having already accrued two professional seasons. His third season was in 2021, but he spent the majority of the 2022-23 seasons on the injured list due to forearm issues and Tommy John surgery. He returned to health in 2024, marking his fourth professional season.

​The eligibility for a fourth option means these players can be reassigned to the minors without needing to clear waivers, providing their teams with roster flexibility. While Vivas and Kranick may be on the 40-man roster bubble, the extra option is particularly beneficial for Pereira. The former top prospect, who underwent elbow surgery last June, can now be sent back to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre for further evaluation without the risk of being exposed to waivers.

The Hanshin Tigers of Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) announced that they have made right-hander Koyo Aoyagi available to Major League Baseball (MLB) teams through the posting system. According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the MLB has approved the posting, opening a 45-day window for Aoyagi to negotiate and sign with a big league team.

Aoyagi, who is turning 31 next week, is projected to serve as a depth arm in MLB. Despite having experience as a starting pitcher for the Tigers, Aoyagi's sidearm delivery is more commonly found in bullpen roles. He is coming off a mixed season, which he split between the Tigers and their minor league affiliate. Over 12 starts at Japan’s top level and 11 minor league appearances, Aoyagi posted a 3.69 ERA across 61 innings. His strikeout rate of 13% is notably below the MLB average, and he demonstrated reasonable control with a 7.8% walk rate.

Aoyagi's career statistics are slightly more impressive, with a 3.08 ERA and a 17.1% strikeout rate across nine NPB seasons. However, he has experienced two consecutive average seasons, including a 4.57 ERA over 100 1/3 innings in 2023.

The 5'11" pitcher represented Japan at the 2020 Olympics, where the team won the gold medal despite Aoyagi allowing five runs in 1 2/3 innings over two appearances. He did not make Japan's World Baseball Classic roster two years later.

The posting window, which officially opened today, gives Aoyagi until January 17 to sign with an MLB team. Should he not find an acceptable offer, he will remain with the Hanshin Tigers. Aoyagi's performance suggests he might be limited to a minor league deal. If he signs with an MLB team, that team will owe a release fee to the Hanshin Tigers, calculated as 20% of the contract value for deals up to $25 million.

​Aoyagi's availability presents an opportunity for MLB teams looking for experienced depth in their pitching staff as the offseason progresses.

Hyeseong Kim, one of the premier hitters in the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO), has been posted by the Kiwoom Heroes, initiating a 30-day window for MLB teams to negotiate with the 25-year-old second baseman. The deadline to reach an agreement is set for 5 p.m. ET on January 3. During this period, any team willing to pay the Heroes the corresponding release fee and any applicable supplemental fees can enter talks with Kim.

Kim revealed to Jeeho Yoo of South Korea's Yonhap News Agency that he plans to travel to the United States once the posting process is complete.

Throughout his eight-season tenure with the Kiwoom Heroes, Kim has maintained a .304 batting average and a .364 on-base percentage. Known for his speed, he has stolen at least 20 bases in each of the past seven seasons, peaking at 46 steals in 2021. This year, the left-handed hitter posted a .326/.383/.458 slash line with 11 home runs and 30 steals.

Kim is also renowned for his defensive prowess, having won the KBO Golden Glove at second base in both 2022 and 2023, and previously at shortstop in 2021.

​As Kim looks to transition to MLB, his combination of offensive consistency, speed on the bases, and strong defense makes him a highly sought-after prospect for teams looking to bolster their infield.

Christian Walker, a marquee first baseman, is set to be a hot commodity in free agency this offseason. Though his contract likely won't match that of Pete Alonso due to age differences—Walker is 33, four years older than Alonso—his recent performance makes him highly desirable. Walker hit 26 home runs in 130 games last season, maintaining an OPS above .800 for the third consecutive year, and won his third straight Gold Glove.

The New York Yankees are among the teams interested in Walker. However, MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi has identified another potential suitor: the Seattle Mariners. During Wednesday's edition of Hot Stove, Morosi remarked, "I think for [Walker] on a three- or maybe even a four-year deal, with the defensive value that he brings and the power, I think Walker and the Mariners, that is one of the pairings that I'm watching very carefully potentially in the days ahead."

The Mariners had solid production from their first basemen this season, with their 115 wRC+ ranking eighth-best at the position. Yet, their top producers—Justin Turner, who is now a free agent, and Luke Raley, primarily an outfielder—leave room for an upgrade. While Alonso has outpaced Walker in home runs over the past three seasons (120 to 95), Walker's defensive prowess sets him apart. Walker's defensive metrics, as measured by outs above average, are vastly superior to Alonso's (36 to minus-16).

​As the offseason progresses, both the Yankees and Mariners will be closely watching Walker, whose blend of power and defense makes him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their first base position.

​The St. Louis Cardinals have initiated a major revamp of their player development department, announcing key new appointments. Larry Day has been brought on as the new farm director from the Cleveland Guardians, Carl Kochan as the director of performance from the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Matt Pierpont as the director of pitching from the Seattle Mariners. This strategic reshuffle, driven by Assistant General Manager Rob Cerfolio, aims to enhance the Cardinals' minor league operations following a lackluster season. These hires are part of a broader initiative to infuse fresh expertise and innovative methodologies into the player development program, underscoring the Cardinals' commitment to future success.

The Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds are now in the mix to trade for White Sox ace Garrett Crochet this winter, according to MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi. Previously, the Orioles, Red Sox, Dodgers, and Phillies were the primary contenders for the young star, but the Cubs and Reds have recently emerged as new potential destinations.

The Cubs have been actively bolstering their rotation, recently signing free-agent left-hander Matthew Boyd. Adding Crochet would further strengthen their starting rotation, positioning him alongside Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga as a formidable trio.

Meanwhile, the Reds have also been enhancing their pitching staff, notably acquiring Brady Singer via trade. With promising young starters like Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, and Nick Lodolo already in their ranks, the addition of Crochet would significantly deepen Cincinnati's rotation.

​As the offseason progresses, both the Cubs and Reds are keenly pursuing Crochet, highlighting their commitment to improving their pitching depth ahead of the 2025 season.

As Lance Lynn's career advances, he's making significant changes to his training regimen to address knee issues that limited him to 117 1/3 innings last season—his lowest total for a full campaign, excluding the 2016 season he missed due to Tommy John surgery. In a recent phone interview, the 6-foot-5 right-hander revealed that he has lost 20 pounds, dropping from 280 to 260, in an effort to stay healthy and extend his career.

Lynn, 37, became a free agent after the St. Louis Cardinals declined his $12 million club option. Since his MLB debut in 2011, he ranks sixth in the majors with 2,006 1/3 innings pitched, trailing only Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, Zack Greinke, Clayton Kershaw, and Madison Bumgarner. Like many players, Lynn is determined to prolong his time on the mound.

"The older you get, you learn new things," Lynn said. "When you look at your knees and lower body, with my age and the way my body’s built, I was going to have to lose a little bit of weight. That was the No. 1 priority, right out of the gate."

Last season, Lynn twice went on the injured list due to right knee inflammation, making only two starts after July 30. The injury, he explained, was unexpected. During his recovery, Lynn sought advice from former teammates who pitched into their late 30s and early 40s, including John Lackey, Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright, and CC Sabathia.

​"I kind of came to the conclusion that I wasn’t done," Lynn said. "And if I’m not done, I’ve got to change some stuff up, just to make sure I can do the things I need to do and give myself the best chance to stay healthy for as long as I want to do it.
"I think I’ve revamped every five or six years. Here’s another revamp to maybe get ready for my last act here going into my late 30s."

The New York Yankees are anticipated to be major players in this year's MLB free agency. While the baseball community awaits Juan Soto's decision, the Yankees have already started exploring other top free agents.

According to Michael Kay on The Michael Kay Show, the Yankees had a productive 90-minute Zoom call with left-handed pitcher Max Fried. Kay reported that sources close to Fried indicated he "really, really" liked the team and that another meeting is already in the works. Fried, who is 30 years old, has spent the last eight years with the Atlanta Braves. Over 168 career appearances, including 151 starts, he has compiled a 3.07 ERA, an 8.8 K/9 rate, and 73 wins. He is a two-time All-Star and was the runner-up for the NL Cy Young Award in 2022.

In the previous season, Fried made 29 starts and posted a 3.25 ERA with 166 strikeouts and 57 walks over 174 1/3 innings, marking his fifth consecutive season with an ERA below 3.50.

From the Yankees' perspective, Fried is an appealing candidate. He is widely regarded as one of the top pitchers available in free agency and would significantly enhance their starting rotation, which currently includes Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Gil.

​As the Yankees continue their pursuit of top talent, the potential addition of Fried could be a key move to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season.

The New York Yankees are expressing interest in reuniting with right-hander Tommy Kahnle, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Kahnle has also garnered interest from at least seven other clubs, but he remains hopeful for a return to the Bronx, where he has previously stated his desire to continue his career. Alongside Kahnle, Clay Holmes and Tim Hill are also free agents from the Yankees' bullpen this offseason, with Holmes expected to sign elsewhere.

Kahnle, 35, and the Yankees have a long-standing history together. New York originally drafted him in the fifth round of the 2010 Draft, only to lose him to the Rockies in the 2013 Rule 5 Draft. He was reacquired from the White Sox at the 2017 trade deadline and later signed as a free agent for the 2022-23 offseason. Over parts of six seasons with the Yankees, Kahnle has posted a solid 3.31 ERA out of the bullpen.

In his most recent stint with the Yankees, Kahnle recorded a 2.38 ERA across 83 1/3 innings between 2023-24, striking out 27.3% of batters while walking 11%. Despite shoulder issues limiting his availability, he managed to effectively control home runs (1.08 HR/9) at Yankee Stadium, thanks to his heavy reliance on a changeup that neutralized left-handed hitters. Lefties hit just .172/.267/.338 against him in that span, with Kahnle's changeup accounting for nearly three-quarters of his pitches. This approach also helped him maintain a strong ground ball rate of 54.1%, with an impressive 58.9% in 2024.

​Given the Yankees' preference for grounder-heavy pitchers in their bullpen, a return for Kahnle could align well with their strategy. His combination of experience and effectiveness, despite recent injuries, makes him an appealing option as they look to strengthen their pitching staff for the upcoming season. As the offseason progresses, the mutual interest between Kahnle and the Yankees may lead to another reunion on the field.

Michael Soroka lost his spot in the White Sox rotation in mid-May after posting a 6.39 ERA in nine starts. However, after being moved to the bullpen, Soroka excelled, raising his profile as a free agent reliever this winter. According to Will Sammon, Katie Woo, and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, while some clubs have shown interest in Soroka as a bullpen option, he has drawn more interest as a starting pitcher early in the offseason.

The New York Mets are among the teams expressing interest in Soroka. The report suggests that the only teams viewing him primarily as a reliever are those with mostly full rotations, potentially including the Mariners, Rays, Phillies, and Astros.

For those familiar with Soroka's career, the possibility of him returning to a starting role is neither surprising nor uninteresting. Soroka has predominantly worked as a starter throughout his professional career. Before his series of injuries in Atlanta, the former top prospect was on track to become a high-end rotation piece for the Braves. Between 2018 and 2019, Soroka pitched 200 1/3 innings with a stellar 2.79 ERA, a 20% strikeout rate, and a 5.9% walk rate.

​As the offseason progresses, Soroka's dual potential as both a starter and reliever makes him an intriguing target for teams looking to bolster their pitching staff. His performance and health will be key factors in determining his role and impact in the upcoming season.

As the Seattle Mariners look to strengthen their infield for the upcoming 2025 season, they have been actively exploring the trade market. According to Adam Jude of the Seattle Times, the Mariners have engaged in trade discussions with the Philadelphia Phillies regarding Alec Bohm and with the Chicago Cubs about Nico Hoerner.

The Mariners' infield is set to undergo significant changes from its 2024 lineup. Ty France was traded to the Reds last year, and Justin Turner became a free agent at the end of the season. Additionally, the Mariners declined a club option on Jorge Polanco and non-tendered Josh Rojas. This leaves J.P. Crawford as the only certainty at shortstop, with question marks around the other infield positions.

Recent reports suggest that the Mariners might rely on Dylan Moore and Ryan Bliss to cover second base until prospect Cole Young is ready to step in. However, even with this plan, the corners of the infield still need attention. Luke Raley is a potential option for first base, but he may also play in the corner outfield and would likely require a platoon setup since he performs significantly better against right-handed pitchers.
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As the Mariners continue their pursuit of infield upgrades, acquiring talent like Bohm or Hoerner could provide much-needed stability and versatility to their roster. The team's efforts to reshape the infield are part of a broader strategy to build a competitive lineup for the 2025 season.

A few weeks ago, the Toronto Blue Jays decided not to tender a contract to right-hander Jordan Romano, allowing him to enter free agency instead of keeping him for his final season of club control. Despite this move, general manager Ross Atkins has stated that the Jays are "interested in him and will be heavily pursuing his return, and hope that that’s a potential reality," as reported by Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic.

Romano, who turns 32 in April, had a strong three-year stint as the closer for the Blue Jays from 2021 to 2023. During this period, he accumulated 95 saves, pitching 186 innings with an impressive 2.37 ERA, a 30.3% strikeout rate, a 9.2% walk rate, and a 42.3% ground ball rate.


However, the 2024 season was a challenging one for Romano, who struggled with right elbow inflammation. He made only 15 appearances and posted a 6.59 ERA, striking out just 21% of the batters he faced. Romano underwent arthroscopic surgery on his elbow in July and was unable to return for the remainder of the season.

Romano earned $7.75 million in 2024, and MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz projected the same salary for 2025. Given his rough 2024 campaign, the Blue Jays were hesitant to bet on a rebound at that salary. They also explored trade options but found no teams willing to take on Romano at that price and offer something significant in return.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Romano's health, Atkins has expressed confidence in his recovery and potential contribution in 2025. The Blue Jays' bullpen struggled significantly in 2024, posting a collective 4.82 ERA, which was only better than the Rockies. Strengthening the bullpen will be crucial for the team as they aim to rebound next season.

​Assuming Romano is healthy, he could provide much-needed stability to the Blue Jays' relief corps and help the team improve its performance in 2025.

Infielder Michael Stefanic and right-handed pitcher Kevin Gowdy have agreed to Minor League contracts with invitations to Spring Training.

Stefanic, 28, was outrighted by the Angels to Triple-A Salt Lake on October 24 and chose to become a free agent. Over 90 games with the Angels from 2022 to 2024, he posted a .591 OPS.

​Gowdy, 27, elected free agency on November 4 after spending the past two seasons in the Dodgers' Minor League system. The former second-round pick by the Phillies in the 2016 Draft has yet to make his Major League debut.

With the return of Nick Martinez and the acquisition of Brady Singer, the Cincinnati Reds have solidified their rotation. Now, the team is turning its attention to bolstering the offense. President of baseball operations Nick Krall mentioned to MLB.com's Mark Sheldon that the Reds are "looking to add hitters," with a particular focus on outfielders, though they haven't ruled out infield additions entirely.

The Reds' willingness to increase payroll remains uncertain. COO Doug Healy previously stated that the payroll would be at or above 2024 levels. With last year's payroll at $100 million and projected to be $101 million in 2025, the Reds may need to push that number higher, offload an existing contract (such as those of Jeimer Candelario or Emilio Pagan), or trade for a pre-arbitration player to further strengthen the lineup.

Krall is exploring both free agent and trade options to enhance the outfield, which currently includes Jake Fraley, TJ Friedl, Spencer Steer, Will Benson, Stuart Fairchild, Blake Dunn, and Rece Hinds. Steer, who has played multiple infield positions, might see more time in the infield if needed.

The Reds' infield, while crowded, is inexperienced. Elly De La Cruz is set at shortstop, and Matt McLain is likely to take over second base following India's trade. The corners remain uncertain after Candelario's struggles in the first year of his contract. Former top prospect Noelvi Marte will see time at third base, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand will be at first, though both players have faced challenges this season.

• Given the uncertainties around the infield corners, Steer, originally an infielder with the Twins, might see more infield action, despite experimenting in the outfield in 2023 due to a surplus of infielders.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are in discussions with their former general manager and ex-San Francisco Giants president of baseball operations, Farhan Zaidi, about his potential return to the organization, league sources revealed to The Athletic on Tuesday.

While no deal has been finalized, and the exact role Zaidi would play in the Dodgers' front office remains unclear, the move would be a logical fit for the former executive. Zaidi, who also had stints with the Athletics and Dodgers before joining the Giants, lost his position with San Francisco in September. During his tenure with the Giants, Zaidi led the only team to disrupt the Dodgers' dominance in the National League West, guiding San Francisco to a division title in 2021. However, the Giants struggled to maintain that success, failing to make the postseason or finish above .500 in any other year under Zaidi's leadership. He was eventually replaced by longtime Giants catcher Buster Posey as the president of baseball operations.

Despite the Giants' efforts to secure star players to build around Zaidi's vision, they often fell short, missing out on big names like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, both of whom signed with the Dodgers during their $1.4 billion offseason last winter. While the Giants did manage to acquire star third baseman Matt Chapman and two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell, they still finished the season with an 80-82 record. Snell has since signed a five-year, $182 million deal with the Dodgers.

​As the Dodgers continue to strengthen their roster and front office, Zaidi's potential return could bring valuable experience and insight to the organization. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this development unfolds and what impact it may have on the team's future success.

The projected cost for the Oakland Athletics' new Las Vegas ballpark has increased by $250 million, bringing the total to $1.75 billion. Despite the rise in expenses, team owner John Fisher is expected to cover his portion of the funding.

According to a letter from U.S. Bank senior vice president Stephen Vogel to the Las Vegas stadium authority, Fisher and his family have ample financial resources to manage the equity portion of the capital structure for the new stadium. Fisher, whose net worth is estimated at $3.2 billion, remains committed to the project.

"We conclude that the Fisher family and their related entities have financial assets [excluding their interest in the Athletics Major League Baseball franchise] more than sufficient to fund the equity portion of the proposed capital structure for the Athletics' Las Vegas stadium," Vogel wrote.

The funding plan includes loans from U.S. Bank and Goldman Sachs amounting to $300 million, with an additional $380 million coming from the public sector, as reported by Front Office Sports.

While Fisher is actively seeking minority equity investors, he has not yet disclosed how the remaining project costs will be financed. However, he has assured that he and his family will contribute up to $1.1 billion.

Initially estimated at $1.5 billion, the ballpark's costs have increased due to enhancements in fan and player amenities, including upgraded suite spaces.

Construction of the new stadium is scheduled to begin next spring, with the Athletics aiming for an Opening Day 2028 debut. In the interim, the team will play its home games at Sutter Health Park, a minor league stadium in Sacramento, California, with a seating capacity of approximately 14,000 fans.

​The Athletics had called Oakland home since 1968, but the decision to relocate to Las Vegas came after failed negotiations with the city on terms for building a new stadium in the Bay Area. This move marks a significant shift for the franchise as it embarks on a new chapter in Las Vegas.

Blake Snell made a notable entrance on Tuesday, donning a white Los Angeles Dodgers jersey for the first time. As the latest high-priced free agent acquisition for a team fresh off a championship, Snell is set to bolster the Dodgers' roster significantly.

Snell's five-year, $182 million contract includes $52 million up front and an additional $66 million deferred through 2046. This deal marks the fourth nine-figure signing by the Dodgers in the past 12 months, following the additions of Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow.

All four pitchers will be part of the Dodgers' rotation in 2025, though each brings varying levels of injury concerns. Snell, specifically, has faced questions about his durability throughout his career, particularly regarding his ability to pitch deep into games. However, his presence adds another frontline starter to a staff that, when at full strength, could be one of the best in the sport. As he approaches his 32nd birthday on Wednesday, the Dodgers are optimistic about his potential for further improvement.

"I've known him since he was 18 years old," said Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, a former Tampa Bay Rays executive who played a role in drafting Snell 52nd overall out of high school in 2011. "To watch his journey, watch the incredible success that he's had, has been very special. And with a guy that's enjoyed that much success, usually in major league free agency you're buying the back side of a guy's career, the accomplishments that they've had. And with Blake, one thing that's really exciting for us is that, for as much success as he's had, we feel like there's more in there, and a lot of upside beyond what he's done to this point, and the impact he can have on us in our quest to win a World Series this year and as many years as we can see out."

​Snell's signing highlights the Dodgers' ongoing commitment to building a championship-caliber team. With a roster now featuring some of the most talented pitchers in the league, the Dodgers are poised for continued success in the years to come. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see how Snell and his fellow high-profile teammates perform in the upcoming season.

While the Guardians play in "The Land," their High-A affiliate, the Lake County Captains, proudly represent the water. On Tuesday, the team unveiled a refreshed nautical-themed look for 2025 and beyond, embracing their close proximity to Lake Erie and rich maritime heritage.

Based in the Cleveland suburb of Eastlake, the Captains have long celebrated their nautical identity. The team's previous primary logo featured the Captains' wordmark over a ship's steering wheel. Now, the captain himself takes center stage. This seasoned mariner has been a cornerstone of Lake County's branding since its inception in 2003. The new logo honors this history while introducing new design elements.

"We started this process two years ago, doing a deep dive into the Lake County and Cleveland communities. We talked to fans to understand what they've always liked and how we can integrate it more," said Alan Miller, Captains owner and president. "We're bringing out the best of the past into a phenomenal new brand moving forward."

The redesigned Captain now features a more expressive face, a bushier mustache, a baseball sleeve cuff, and a team-branded cap perched atop his weathered brow. The cap prominently displays the team's new "C" logo, which cleverly incorporates an anchor. "It speaks to who we want the captain to be, the attitude and the person," Miller explained. For now, the Captain remains nameless, with the team preferring to let his identity evolve organically.

​The updated look reflects the Captains' commitment to honoring their maritime roots while engaging with their community and fans. As they sail into the 2025 season, the Lake County Captains are set to make waves with their bold new branding.

The Washington Nationals have been recognized for their outstanding dedication to underserved neighborhoods in Washington D.C. with the 2024 Allan H. Selig Award for Philanthropic Excellence. This accolade highlights the impact of the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy, which has positively influenced over 6,000 young individuals through development and community investment over the past decade.

The award, part of MLB's social responsibility program, MLB Together, celebrates the charitable and philanthropic efforts of Major League clubs. This marks the first time the Nationals have received this prestigious honor.

"The Nationals Youth Baseball Academy is a terrific example of how our Clubs are making a difference in the lives of young people with opportunities on and off the field," said Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. "I congratulate the Lerner family, the Washington Nationals organization, Nationals Philanthropies, and the entire staff at the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy for this well-earned recognition. We are proud to celebrate their efforts and we look forward to their continued impact throughout the Greater D.C. region."

Since its inception in March 2014, the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy has grown from hosting after-school enrichment programs for 40 third and fourth graders to a comprehensive initiative that fosters positive character development, academic achievement, improved health, and access to baseball and softball for participants aged 5 to 18 years old.

Alumni of the Academy often return as volunteers or staff, helping to maintain a strong, community-centered environment. The core after-school and summer program serves students from grades three through eight and has successfully prepared many participants for competitive high schools and colleges across the D.C. region and the country.

Additionally, the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy addresses food insecurity through its weekly produce market, healthy food store, and meal distribution programs. These efforts result in the provision of 100,000 meals annually, supported by Nationals Philanthropies.

​The recognition of the Nationals with the Allan H. Selig Award underscores the organization's commitment to making a meaningful difference in the community, both on and off the field.

The baseball world is abuzz as fans and analysts alike eagerly await Juan Soto's decision on his next team. His agent, Scott Boras, provided an update on the situation during a press conference for another of his clients, Blake Snell, who was being introduced by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Boras revealed that while no immediate decision is expected from the 26-year-old star, Soto has begun the process of narrowing down his options. This crucial step involves eliminating certain teams from consideration as he inches closer to making his final choice.

Several teams are reportedly in the running for Soto, including the Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and New York Yankees. However, Boras did not provide a specific timeline for Soto's decision. He did note, though, that the list of potential suitors is shrinking.

Soto has reportedly held meetings with all of the interested teams and is now in the phase of making his shortlist before ultimately signing with his chosen franchise. While Boras did not disclose which teams have been ruled out, the process is clearly moving forward.

​As the anticipation builds, the baseball community remains on edge, awaiting news of where one of the game's brightest talents will land. Juan Soto's decision will undoubtedly have significant implications for the MLB landscape in the coming years

The Tampa Bay Rays have been one of the most active teams in this year's trade market, dealing away key players such as Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, Isaac Paredes, Aaron Civale, Phil Maton, Jason Adam, Amed Rosario, and Shawn Armstrong. This flurry of moves highlights the Rays' strategic approach to the Trade Deadline, aiming to reshape their roster for future success.

In November, the Rays continued their trading spree by sending center fielder Jose Siri to the New York Mets. According to MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi, additional trades might be on the horizon as starting pitcher Jeffrey Springs and reliever Pete Fairbanks have garnered significant interest from other teams in recent days.

Both Springs and Fairbanks are under favorable contracts, making them attractive targets for clubs looking to strengthen their pitching staff without incurring the high costs associated with free-agent signings. Springs is currently on a four-year, $31 million deal with two years remaining and a $15 million club option for 2027. His annual salary of $10.5 million is considerably lower than the deals secured by mid-tier free agents this offseason, such as Yusei Kikuchi ($21 million AAV), Frankie Montas ($16 million AAV), and Matthew Boyd ($14.5 million AAV).

Despite undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023, Springs, 32, has shown the potential to be an elite starter. He recorded a 2.26 ERA with a 4.8 K/BB ratio over 151 1/3 innings across 2022-23. In 2024, he posted a 3.27 ERA over seven starts before being sidelined in September due to arm fatigue.

Fairbanks, on the other hand, has experienced his share of injury setbacks. His strikeout rate dropped to 23.8% in 2024, but he remains a valuable asset with a 2.66 ERA, 38 saves, and a 34.8% strikeout rate from 2020-23. Fairbanks is under contract for a reasonable $3.667 million salary next year, with a $7 million club option for 2026.
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As the Rays navigate their future, these potential trades could further reshape their roster, positioning the team for continued competitive play while managing financial constraints. The market interest in Springs and Fairbanks underscores their value and the strategic opportunities ahead for Tampa Bay.

The Kansas City Royals have announced their intention to transition Kris Bubic back to a starting pitcher role in 2025. The report, authored by Will Sammon, Katie Woo, and Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic, highlights this strategic move after Bubic's remarkable comeback from a 14-month hiatus due to Tommy John surgery.

Having spent the past season pitching out of the bullpen, Bubic delivered an impressive performance. In his 27 relief outings, he maintained a stellar 2.67 ERA over 30 1/3 innings, striking out 32.2% of his opponents while walking just 4.1%. His dominant presence in short stints, including an outstanding whiff rate of nearly 15% compared to the league average of 11.6% for relievers, showcased his potential.

Kansas City's decision to initially place Bubic in the bullpen was likely a precautionary measure, designed to ease him back into action without overburdening his arm. Despite his success as a reliever, the Royals have always viewed Bubic as a starter, a role he is now set to reclaim.

The bullpen, however, remains an area of concern for the Royals. Chris Stratton faced challenges in the first year of his two-year free-agent contract, while Hunter Harvey’s contribution was limited due to back issues. Despite solid performances from John Schreiber and Sam Long, the bullpen lacks a definitive setup man. Former top prospect Daniel Lynch IV, who had a commendable stint as a reliever, could be a candidate for a permanent bullpen role.

​In contrast, the Royals’ rotation appears more stable. With Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo, and Michael Wacha forming a strong trio at the forefront, the team has solidified its starting lineup. Following the trade of Brady Singer for Jonathan India, Kansas City is left with a pool of candidates including Bubic, Alec Marsh, and Kyle Wright, who is making a comeback after missing the 2024 season due to shoulder surgery. All three pitchers still have minor league options and are expected to compete for the remaining spots in the rotation, with potential assignments to Triple-A Omaha if health issues arise.

Center fielder Mickey Moniak has decided to change his jersey number to 8, from 16.

​This change signifies a new chapter for Moniak as he continues to develop his career in Major League Baseball. Fans will see him donning his new number in the upcoming season, adding a fresh touch to his on-field presence. Keep an eye on Moniak as he aims to make a significant impact with his new number.

Cincinnati Reds' right-handed pitcher Graham Ashcraft has announced a change to his jersey number, switching from his previous number 51, to 23. This change comes as Ashcraft prepares for the upcoming season, aiming to make a fresh start and continue improving his performance on the mound.

​Ashcraft, who has shown flashes of potential since his MLB debut in 2022, is looking to build on his experiences and solidify his role in the Reds' pitching rotation. Fans will be able to see him sport the new number when the season kicks off.

The Kansas City Royals have announced a new broadcast agreement with Diamond Sports Group, owner of the FanDuel Sports Network, formerly known as Bally's. This deal ensures that Diamond Sports Group will continue to broadcast the Royals' games throughout the 2025 season.

Prior to this announcement, the Royals were among the few MLB teams with uncertain broadcast arrangements. Diamond Sports Group, once a broadcaster for almost half the league, has seen its profile diminish following a shift away from the regional sports network (RSN) model and subsequent bankruptcy filing in March 2023.

During the bankruptcy process, Diamond Sports Group terminated its deals with the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks, prompting Major League Baseball (MLB) to take over those broadcasts for the 2024 season. This left Diamond with 12 MLB clubs under contract for 2024. However, two months ago, Diamond disclosed in court that it intended to retain only the Atlanta Braves for the 2025 season.

Of the remaining 11 teams, four have followed the Padres and Diamondbacks in transitioning their broadcasts to MLB: the Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, Cleveland Guardians, and Cincinnati Reds. Six teams, including the Miami Marlins, St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Angels, Tampa Bay Rays, Detroit Tigers, and now the Kansas City Royals, have renegotiated deals with Diamond, likely at reduced rates. The Texas Rangers are the final team without a confirmed broadcast partner for 2025, as they reportedly explore creating their own RSN.

Diamond Sports Group emerged from bankruptcy last month, but the long-term future of its relationship with MLB remains uncertain. Reports indicate that none of the new contracts extend beyond 2028, as MLB explores various broadcast strategies for the future. According to Anne Rogers of MLB.com, the Royals' agreement with Diamond includes provisions to re-evaluate the deal after the 2025 season, suggesting it may be a one-year contract or include opt-out clauses.

​As the Royals and Diamond Sports Group move forward with this new arrangement, fans can expect continuity in their game broadcasts for the upcoming season. Stay tuned for further updates on MLB's evolving broadcast landscape.