The Houston Astros are actively discussing a potential trade for Christian Walker, the power-hitting first baseman from the Arizona Diamondbacks. This news, initially reported by Brian McTaggart of MLB.com, indicates that the Astros are seeking to bolster their lineup and address their first base needs.

With Alex Bregman still undecided about his future in Houston, the Astros are exploring various options to strengthen their infield. Walker, known for his elite defense and consistent power, would be a significant addition to their roster. Over the past two seasons, Walker has posted impressive stats, including a .257/.328/.483 slash line with 52 home runs and 154 RBIs.

Trade talks are still in the early stages, and it's unclear what the Diamondbacks would seek in return for Walker. However, the Astros' proactive approach demonstrates their commitment to remaining competitive in the upcoming season. Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring these developments as the offseason progresses.

The Toronto Blue Jays have been fielding trade inquiries about their star shortstop, Bo Bichette. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, while the Blue Jays are not actively shopping Bichette, they are willing to consider offers if another team meets their high asking price.

Bichette, 26, had a challenging 2024 season, hitting just .225 with four home runs and dealing with injuries that limited him to 82 games. This downturn followed an exceptional start to his career, during which he led the American League in hits for two consecutive seasons (2021 and 2022).

Despite his recent struggles, Bichette remains a valuable asset due to his potential to bounce back and his impressive career track record. He's heading into the final year of his contract, which could make this offseason a pivotal time for both him and the Blue Jays. 

The Blue Jays recently acquired Andrés Giménez from the Cleveland Guardians, a move that could impact Bichette's future with the team. Giménez, known for his elite defense, could be a potential replacement at shortstop if the Blue Jays decide to move Bichette.

The Baltimore Orioles have signed outfielder Jordyn Adams to a minor league contract, as reported by Robert Murray of FanSided. Adams, who turned 25 in October, is a former top prospect from the Los Angeles Angels organization.

Adams has been known for his incredible athleticism and 80-grade speed, making him one of the fastest players in baseball. However, his offensive production has yet to catch up with his defensive prowess. Over the course of his minor league career, Adams has posted a .252/.333/.377 slash line. He has struggled at the major league level, managing only a .176/.205/.216 line in 78 plate appearances.

Despite these challenges, Adams will join the Orioles' major league camp as a non-roster invitee this spring. The Orioles, who have a history of successfully developing young talent, hope to tap into Adams' potential and make the most of his speed and defensive skills.

The Boston Red Sox have signed left-handed pitcher Patrick Sandoval to a two-year contract valued at $18.25 million. ESPN's Jeff Passan initially reported the signing, with Sandoval joining the Red Sox after being non-tendered by the Los Angeles Angels last month.

Sandoval, 28, underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2024, which means he'll be recovering for at least the first half of the 2025 season. However, the Red Sox are optimistic about his potential contributions, especially as they build towards the 2026 season when Sandoval is expected to be fully fit and ready to join the starting rotation. 

Known for his effective changeup and solid pitching throughout his career, Sandoval brings value to Boston's pitching staff despite the temporary setback. He posted a 3.17 ERA across 44 outings over two seasons (2021-2022) with the Angels but struggled in the following years due to injuries. 

With a minor-league contract and spot on the 40-man roster secured, the addition of Sandoval aligns with the Red Sox's strategy of fortifying their rotation with seasoned talent. The Red Sox hope Sandoval's recovery goes smoothly and he can make a strong comeback to strengthen their roster.

As the offseason progresses, one name that may soon dominate trade talks is Twins right-hander Pablo López. According to a report by ESPN's Jeff Passan, Minnesota has been listening to offers for the 2023 All-Star, and with the market for free-agent pitchers being as high as it is, the Twins might go beyond just listening.

López, 28, signed a four-year contract extension with the Twins in 2023, amounting to approximately $65 million through 2027. His contract carries an average annual value (AAV) of $21.75 million, notably lower than Max Fried's recent eight-year deal with the Yankees at $27.25 million AAV. It is also likely to be significantly less than what Corbin Burnes will command in free agency.

Since joining the Twins from the Marlins before the 2023 season, López has posted a 3.87 ERA (110 ERA+) with a remarkable 432 strikeouts and 89 walks over 379 1/3 innings. His 21.8% strikeout-to-walk rate (K-BB) over the past two years is second only to the Phillies' Zack Wheeler (21.9%).

The Oakland Athletics have reached a deal with infielder Gio Urshela, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The terms of the agreement have not been disclosed. Urshela, represented by MVP Sports Group, will be joining the Athletics pending a physical.

Hailing from Colombia, Gio Urshela has carved out a respectable career in Major League Baseball. He began his professional journey with the Cleveland Guardians and has since played for the New York Yankees, Minnesota Twins, and Detroit Tigers.

At 33, Urshela brings a wealth of experience and defensive prowess to any team he joins. Known for his slick glove work and ability to play multiple infield positions, Urshela adds depth and stability to the Athletics' infield. His versatility and veteran presence will be valuable assets as the Athletics build their roster for the upcoming season.

Gio Urshela's addition to the Athletics comes after a season where he showcased his skills despite being sidelined for part of the year due to injury. His ability to make contact and manage the strike zone makes him a tough out and a notable addition to the Athletics' lineup.

The New York Mets made headlines on Thursday with a significant meeting with Japanese right-hander Roki Sasaki, as reported by SNY. Sasaki, ranked No. 7 on the list of free agents, will not be able to sign with any team until the international signing period begins on January 15, 2025. Because Sasaki is under the age of 25, he is subject to international bonus pool regulations and can only sign a minor-league contract.

Sasaki, just 23 years old, is widely regarded as the most talented pitcher in the world who is not yet under contract with an MLB team. His arsenal includes an upper-90s fastball, a devastating slider, and a splitter that leaves batters flailing. Despite his talents, international bonus pools—which range from $4 million to $8 million annually based on market size—limit the size of the contract he can receive. Unlike fellow Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Sasaki is not eligible for a lucrative blockbuster deal, which levels the financial playing field during his free agency.

As the MLB offseason advances, Jurickson Profar has made his intentions clear: he is looking for a three-year contract. After a rollercoaster of performances and teams over the years, Profar's recent achievements have caught the eye of multiple clubs.

Consistency in an Inconsistent Career
Profar's career has seen its fair share of ups and downs. Originally signed as an amateur free agent by the Texas Rangers in 2009, he was a standout prospect who climbed the ranks rapidly. Profar’s versatility and athletic abilities made him an asset, known for playing multiple positions across the infield and outfield. However, injuries and inconsistent performances have often marred his career.

A Career Best in 2024
The 2024 season was notable for Profar. He posted career highs with 24 home runs and 158 hits, along with a .280/.380/.459 batting line. His performance marked a significant improvement, especially given his tumultuous 2023 season where he had to settle for a minor league contract.

Profar’s enhanced plate discipline and quality contact were key factors in his success. He achieved a 91.1 mph average exit velocity and a hard-hit rate of 44.4%, both career bests. These stats underscore his potential as an impactful player if he maintains this level of performance.

Market Interest and Potential Suitors
Profar’s market has been relatively quiet, but there is a mutual interest between him and the San Diego Padres, where he had played previously. The Padres, having benefitted from his solid performance, might consider re-signing him. 

The Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly signing Max Kepler to a one-year, $10 million contract, pending a physical, according to sources. The deal, yet to be officially announced by the team, leaves the Phillies with an open 40-man roster slot, meaning no corresponding move will be required. Kepler is represented by VC Sports Group.

Kepler, who hails from Germany, will be donning a new uniform for the first time in his career. He spent a decade and a half with the Minnesota Twins, joining them as a teenager and breaking into the major leagues late in the 2015 season. Over the course of his tenure with the Twins, Kepler signed a $35 million extension in February 2019, extending his stay well beyond the typical six-year control window.

Throughout his stint with Minnesota, Kepler established himself as a reliable right fielder with respectable offensive production. His standout year came in 2019, when he hit 36 home runs in what many consider an outlier season due to the juiced ball. Generally, Kepler has been a consistent 15-20 home run hitter with solid on-base skills.

Rangers Sign Lefty Reliever Hoby Milner to One-Year Contract

The Texas Rangers have signed left-handed reliever Hoby Milner to a one-year contract, as reported by Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Milner, represented by MVP Sports Group, brings his talents back to his home state. 

Milner, a Dallas native and former Longhorn, began his professional journey with the Philadelphia Phillies, who drafted him in the seventh round in 2012. Over the years, he has had stints with the Phillies, Tampa Bay Rays, and Los Angeles Angels. Most recently, Milner signed with the Milwaukee Brewers on a minor league contract after the 2020 season and spent time contributing to their bullpen.

With the Rangers' 40-man roster currently full, Texas will need to make a trade or designate someone for assignment to finalize Milner's signing. 

In an exciting turn of events, Superman is set to make a grand return to Cleveland in 2025. This comes as James Gunn directs the latest reboot of the iconic superhero franchise. Much of "Superman" was shot in and around Cleveland, paying homage to the city where the beloved comic character was originally created.

When the first trailer for the movie was released on Thursday, eagle-eyed viewers quickly noticed familiar Cleveland landmarks, including Progressive Field. At the 1:58 mark, the stadium—home of the Cleveland Guardians—appears uniquely dressed up as the "Metropolis Meteors" ballpark. In the scene, Superman engages in a brief brawl with an unidentified foe, set to a slowed-down rendition of John Williams's iconic "Superman March."

Fans and observers couldn't resist making jokes about the cameo appearance of Progressive Field in the trailer. Social media buzzed with excitement and humor, adding to the anticipation for the movie's release.

"Superman" is currently slated to hit theaters on July 11 Fans eagerly await this new addition to the Superman legacy, bringing the beloved superhero back to his roots in Cleveland.

The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed outfielder Cristian Pache to a minor league contract, as reported by Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. Pache, represented by MVP Sports Group, has been invited to spring training as a non-roster invitee, where he will compete for a bench position.

The 26-year-old Pache had a whirlwind 2024 season, splitting his time between the Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles, and Miami Marlins. Known for his exceptional defensive skills, Pache struggled offensively, posting a .200/.273/.279 batting line and an alarming 35% strikeout rate over 183 plate appearances.

The Washington Nationals have officially signed right-handed pitcher Michael Soroka to a one-year contract worth $9 million, as reported by Robert Murray of FanSided. The deal, previously hinted at by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, brings Soroka, a client of ISE Baseball, into the Nationals' rotation for the upcoming season. With vacancies on their 40-man roster, the Nationals did not need to make any corresponding moves.

Soroka, 27, enters this offseason as one of the more intriguing free agents. He enjoyed early success as a starting pitcher, notably in 2019 when he made 29 starts and posted a 2.68 ERA over 174 2/3 innings. His standout performance included a 20.3% strikeout rate, a 5.8% walk rate, and an impressive 51.2% ground ball rate. 

However, Soroka's career trajectory was impacted by injuries, causing him to miss most of the 2020 to 2023 seasons. In 2024, Soroka initially struggled in a starting role but found his stride after transitioning to the bullpen, finishing the season on a high note. Despite this success as a reliever, the Nationals plan to give Soroka another opportunity to prove himself as a starter.

The Milwaukee Brewers have signed left-hander Bruce Zimmermann to a minor league contract, per a report from Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. Zimmermann, who is represented by Ballengee Group, will join the Brewers' big league camp as a non-roster invitee this spring.

Zimmermann, 29, has spent parts of four MLB seasons with the Baltimore Orioles, his hometown team. From 2020 to 2023, he logged 158 1/3 innings primarily as a starting pitcher, posting a 5.57 ERA. Known for his excellent command, Zimmermann maintained a career walk rate of just 5.2%. However, his fastball, which sits in the 89-91 mph range, has been an issue, leading to a high home run rate (2.27 HR/9).

The Cincinnati Reds have claimed right-hander Roansy Contreras off waivers from the Texas Rangers, the clubs announced on Thursday. Texas designated Contreras for assignment last week, leading to his availability. The Reds, with two open spots on their 40-man roster, were able to pick up Contreras without needing a corresponding move.
Contreras, who is just 25 years old, will now join his second organization of this offseason and his third team in the past year. Once a top pitching prospect with the Yankees and Pirates, Contreras' journey has seen him bounce around multiple teams. The Yankees initially traded him to the Pirates as part of the Jameson Taillon deal. Pittsburgh later sent him to the Anaheim Angels for cash in May. More recently, the Rangers claimed him off waivers from the Angels on Halloween

Houston Astros’ ace Framber Valdez is not expected to be traded, reports ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Despite trade rumors during the Winter Meetings, the Astros have informed opposing teams that they do not intend to part with the left-hander. This confirmation comes after recent discussions about Valdez and outfielder Kyle Tucker's availability.

General Manager Dana Brown initially indicated a willingness to “listen on all the players,” putting both Valdez and Tucker in the spotlight. A major trade involving Tucker took place shortly after, which alleviated some financial pressure on the Astros. Following the Tucker deal, Brown expressed that he doesn't anticipate trading Valdez but remains open to offers.

As the Seattle Mariners look to bolster their lineup this winter, they've engaged in preliminary discussions with the Cleveland Guardians regarding a potential trade for Josh Naylor, as per a report by Jon Morosi of MLB Network. While these talks are still in the early stages, the fit seems promising for both teams involved.

Mariners' Need for Offensive Power

The Mariners have been on the lookout for ways to enhance their offense, particularly at first base. Naylor, with his potent bat and defensive versatility, could be an ideal addition to the team. Known for his power and consistent hitting, Naylor posted a .270/.332/.477 slash line with 17 home runs and 74 RBIs last season. Bringing him into the fold could provide the much-needed pop to the Mariners' lineup.

Guardians' Willingness to Listen to Offers

The Guardians, on the other hand, have been open to entertaining offers for both Naylor and outfielder Lane Thomas as they enter the final seasons of their club control. This aligns with their strategy of maximizing returns for players with limited team control left. Trading Naylor could help the Guardians address other needs or acquire prospects to build for the future.

Potential Benefits for Both Teams

While it's still early, and no advanced negotiations have been reported, the Mariners-Guardians trade discussions could potentially benefit both sides. The Mariners would gain a reliable first baseman and offensive contributor, while the Guardians could obtain valuable assets in return.

Sammy Sosa, the beloved former Chicago Cubs slugger, has released a heartfelt statement addressing the allegations of performance-enhancing drug (PED) use during his career. In his message to Cubs fans, Sosa reflected on his time with the team and the decisions he made to stay competitive and healthy.

"I left it all on the field for the Cubs and Cubs fans because I wanted to win and make the fans happy," Sosa expressed. "There were times I did whatever I could to recover from injuries in an effort to keep my strength up to perform over 162 games. I never broke any laws but in hindsight, I made mistakes and I apologize."

Sosa's statement acknowledges the challenges and pressures he faced during his playing days, as he strived to maintain peak performance. His apology reflects a sense of regret and a desire to set the record straight with his loyal fan base.

As one of baseball's most prominent figures during the late 1990s and early 2000s, Sosa's legacy has been both celebrated and scrutinized. Despite the controversy, his impact on the game and his contributions to the Cubs' success remain significant.

The Seattle Mariners have secured catcher Nick Raposo off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays. Raposo, 26, was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays following their signing of reliever Yimi Garcia. 

Nick Raposo has had an eventful year, shuffling between teams and finally landing with the Mariners. Last season, he played 78 games across the minors, hitting eight home runs and slashing .206/.280/.340. Although he hasn't made his MLB debut yet, Raposo brings potential depth to Seattle's catcher lineup.

Originally claimed by the Blue Jays from the St. Louis Cardinals, Raposo's journey highlights the unpredictable and dynamic nature of MLB rosters. With the Mariners holding vacancies on their 40-man roster, there was no need for a corresponding move.

The Seattle Mariners are set to re-sign left-hander Josh Fleming to a minor league contract, reports Robert Murray of FanSided. As part of the deal, Fleming will receive an invitation to major league Spring Training.

Fleming, who will turn 29 in May, rejoined the Mariners in August on a minor league deal. He made 19 appearances for their Triple-A affiliate, posting a 4.50 ERA over nine innings. Despite not being added to the roster and becoming a free agent at the end of the season, Fleming has circled back to the Mariners on a fresh deal.

A versatile pitcher, Fleming has played a swingman role in the past five major league seasons, primarily with the Tampa Bay Rays but also with the Pittsburgh Pirates. In his career, he has appeared in 80 major league games, including 25 starts, and pitched a total of 254 2/3 innings with a 4.77 ERA. His strikeout rate of 14.6% is below average, but his strong 7.5% walk rate and impressive 58.4% ground ball rate make him a valuable depth piece.

Although the Mariners have a strong rotation, their depth has some concerns. Fleming provides additional depth for both the rotation and bullpen without taking up a roster spot. If he gets added to the roster at any point, he is out of options but could be retained into future seasons through arbitration.

Free-agent pitcher Michael Lorenzen is aiming high as he seeks a unique role in Major League Baseball. According to The Athletic, Lorenzen's agent, Ryan Hamill, is pitching teams on the idea of Lorenzen contributing as both a hitter and pitcher—a nod to the remarkable versatility of Shohei Ohtani.

Lorenzen’s dual aspirations are not just about playing both roles, but also about leveraging MLB roster regulations to his advantage. MLB rules state that a player fulfilling duties as both a pitcher and a position player must pitch at least 20 innings and appear in at least 20 games as a position player or designated hitter, logging a minimum of three plate appearances in each game. Meeting these criteria exempts the player from counting as one of the team's permitted 13 pitchers.

The strategy Hamill is discussing with teams involves signing Lorenzen, getting him the necessary plate appearances and innings to qualify for two-way status, and then flipping him to a contender at the trade deadline. This would essentially allow a contending team to carry an additional arm without sacrificing a pitching roster spot. 

Lorenzen, who turns 33 in January, has showcased his versatility by starting and relieving as a pitcher. However, he hasn't batted since 2021. Over his career, Lorenzen has amassed a .233/.282/.429 slash line with seven home runs in 147 plate appearances, demonstrating his potential as a hitter.

The prospect of Lorenzen filling a dual role is intriguing, especially for non-contending teams that could use his talents to gain a valuable trade asset midseason. While he may not reach the same level as Ohtani, Lorenzen's ability to contribute in multiple capacities makes him an interesting option for teams looking to maximize roster flexibility.

The St. Louis Cardinals and Houston Astros had outlined a trade that would have sent veteran third baseman Nolan Arenado and significant cash to Houston. However, Arenado utilized his full no-trade clause to block the deal, as is his contractual right. This does not necessarily mean that an Arenado-to-Astros trade is entirely off the table.

According to The Athletic, Arenado "remains open to exploring the idea," and both Houston and St. Louis will maintain contact regarding a potential deal. It's unclear how aggressively the Astros will continue their pursuit, but multiple team sources indicate Arenado preferred to wait until the third-base market is more established before making any decisions.

One reason for this wait could be the availability of Alex Bregman, currently a free agent and a long-time Astro. Bregman is likely a top choice for teams needing a third baseman and willing to meet market rates. By waiting, Arenado might gain more clarity on his market value and leverage. This could lead to renewed talks between the Astros and Cardinals. Other potential fits for Arenado include the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, and Phillies (if they decide to trade Alec Bohm).

The Cardinals are looking to move Arenado as part of a broader youth movement and to clear salary commitments for 2025 and beyond. An eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner, Arenado has shown signs of offensive decline over the last two seasons, raising concerns as he approaches his age-34 season. Nevertheless, he remains a stellar defender at third base.

Arenado is owed $74 million over the next three seasons, but $10 million of that total will be covered by his former team, the Rockies. The Cardinals have also expressed willingness to include $15 million in cash in their talks with Houston, which would reduce the remaining commitment to below $50 million for any acquiring team. This assumes St. Louis ownership remains willing to pay down his contract to such an extent.

Cody Bellinger was thrilled to share the news of his trade to the New York Yankees with his father, Clay Bellinger, who previously played for the same team. During a Zoom call with reporters on Thursday, Cody expressed his excitement about joining the Yankees and following in his father's footsteps.

"It's truly wild," Cody said. "When I got the news, I called him, and he was very excited. He plays it all cool, but I know deep down he's really excited."

Bellinger reminisced about his childhood memories of his father's time with the Yankees, recalling home videos captured on a camcorder. "My parents did a good job of bringing the camcorder around, and back when I was younger in high school or even before that, we would watch home videos. So that's how I remember it a lot through the camcorder, but I still have some very solid memories of it," he added.

Clay Bellinger appeared in 181 games during his three seasons with the Yankees and was part of their World Series-winning teams in 1999 and 2000. With Cody joining the Yankees, they now become the fourth father-son duo to play for the team, following in the footsteps of Yogi and Dale Berra, Ron and Ike Davis, and Mark Leiter and Mark Leiter Jr.

Acquired by the Yankees in a trade that sent pitcher Cody Poteet and cash to the Chicago Cubs, Cody Bellinger is expected to fill a key role in the lineup and potentially play multiple positions. In a conversation with manager Aaron Boone, Cody emphasized his versatility, saying, "Whether it's left, center, if [Aaron] Judge gets a DH day, I'll play right. Or if you need me at first base, I'll play first. And I enjoy doing that stuff. ... Wherever they need me, I'm available and I like doing it and it excites me."

Last season with the Cubs, Bellinger appeared in 49 games in right field, 48 in center, and 22 at first base, while batting .266 with 18 home runs. Reflecting on his time at Wrigley Field, Cody acknowledged that playing conditions could be challenging due to the elements. However, he is enthusiastic about the prospect of playing at Yankee Stadium.

"Everything about it excites me," he said. "The organization, the fans, the stadium, the atmosphere, and I actually have only played there once, and that was in 2023, and it was a really cool moment. You don't want the elements of the field to dictate how you feel, whether it's a cold day or hot day, wind's blowing in, wind's blowing out. You kind of want to stay within yourself, stick with your plan, and that's for me just how I stay even keel."

The Chicago Cubs have been highly active in the trade market over the past week, but their latest negotiations have encountered a significant obstacle. According to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score, talks between the Cubs and the Miami Marlins for left-hander Jesús Luzardo have stalled after showing considerable momentum earlier in the week.

The exact reasons for the breakdown in talks remain unclear. Levine suggests that medical reviews might have caused the negotiations to falter. While it might seem logical to assume that Luzardo’s medical records were the issue, there is no concrete evidence to confirm this. It's equally plausible that the Marlins reviewed the medical records of one of the Cubs' prospects involved in the proposed trade and were not satisfied with what they found.

It remains to be seen whether the Cubs and Marlins will attempt to rekindle their negotiations or move on to other trade opportunities. For now, the deal for Luzardo appears to be on hold, leaving both teams to reconsider their next steps in the trade market.