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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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

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

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


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


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

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

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


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


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


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

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


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


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

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


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


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


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

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

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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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

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


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


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

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


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


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

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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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

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


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


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

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


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


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


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

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