The Baltimore Orioles have made an intriguing addition to their roster by signing utility player Nick Gordon to a minor league contract. Gordon recently became a minor league free agent after electing to leave the Miami Marlins following an outright off their roster in August.

Gordon, who was the fifth overall pick in the 2014 draft, faced a challenging journey before making his MLB debut. Injuries and some struggles in the upper minors delayed his debut until 2021, during his age-25 season. Despite these setbacks, Gordon showcased his potential in the 2022 season with the Minnesota Twins. He posted a respectable .272/.316/.427 slash line, hitting nine homers over 443 plate appearances in 136 games.

During the 2022 season, Gordon found his niche as a versatile player, providing valuable service in various positions such as left field, center field, and both middle infield spots. While he may not have reached the heights initially expected of a top-five draft pick, his ability to contribute across multiple positions makes him a valuable asset for any team.

The Chicago Cubs have made a strategic addition to their bullpen by signing left-handed pitcher Caleb Thielbar to a one-year Major League contract. Thielbar, who turns 38 in January, brings a wealth of experience to the Cubs' roster.

Thielbar's journey in professional baseball has been nothing short of remarkable. Chicago will be the seventh MLB team Thielbar has been associated with since he was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 18th round of the 2009 draft. Despite this well-traveled career, all of Thielbar's 320 Major League innings over eight seasons have been with the Minnesota Twins. His time with the Twins came in two distinct stints: first from 2013-15, and then again from 2020-24.

The second stint with the Twins was particularly noteworthy, as it represented a revival of Thielbar's career. After the 2019 season, he had taken a coaching job at a college, seemingly stepping away from playing. However, the Twins offered him a minor league deal, and Thielbar seized the opportunity to make a comeback, reestablishing himself as a reliable arm in their bullpen.

The signing of Thielbar adds depth and experience to the Cubs' pitching staff. His track record of success, particularly in his recent years with the Twins, suggests that he can be a valuable asset in both middle relief and situational matchups against left-handed hitters.

Following a challenging season where the Boston Red Sox struggled to maintain a consistent five-man starting rotation, the team is now exploring the possibility of implementing a six-man rotation for the 2025 season. This strategic shift aims to bolster pitching depth and manage workload more effectively.

In his first public comments since acquiring starter Garrett Crochet and signing free agents Patrick Sandoval and Walker Buehler, Red Sox's chief baseball officer Craig Breslow shared insights into the team's thought process. "We have had some conversations," Breslow said on Monday. "We're very, very open to a number of solutions."

Breslow emphasized the importance of pitching depth, noting that the team anticipates relying on more than just five starters throughout the season. "I don't think it's possible to have too much starting pitching depth, and we know we're going to call on more than just five guys -- whether that's right out of the gates or at some point during the season," he explained.

The idea of using a six-man rotation is particularly appealing given the early season schedule, which may lend itself to this approach. A six-man rotation could provide several benefits, including extra rest for pitchers, better management of innings, and reduced risk of injuries.

The Texas Rangers have officially signed right-handed pitcher David Buchanan to a minor league contract. This deal not only bolsters their pitching depth but also guarantees Buchanan an invitation to the Rangers' major league Spring Training camp.
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Buchanan brings a wealth of experience, having previously pitched both in the MLB and internationally, including a successful stint in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO). His addition to the Rangers' roster could provide valuable innings and depth as the team prepares for the upcoming season.

It's been about two weeks since third baseman Nolan Arenado invoked his no-trade clause to block a deal that would have sent him from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Houston Astros](https://www.mlb.com/news/nolan-arenado-blocks-trade-cardinals-astros). Since that move, there has been minimal progress in the Cardinals' efforts to trade Arenado, as reported by The Athletic’s Will Sammon and Katie Woo.

The lack of activity isn't surprising, given the complexities involved in any potential trade. Arenado is currently owed a significant amount of money on his contract. The Colorado Rockies are covering $10 million of the remaining $74 million owed to Arenado over the last three years of his contract](https://www.mlb.com/news/nolan-arenado-blocks-trade-cardinals-astros). Additionally, some deferred money involved in his contract makes Arenado’s remaining salary worth $60 million in present-day terms](https://www.mlb.com/news/nolan-arenado-blocks-trade-cardinals-astros). This financial situation means the Cardinals are looking to shed a substantial portion of his salary, limiting the number of potential suitors.

Given the financial implications and the need for a team to have both payroll space and a need at third base, only a few teams have emerged as potential landing spots](https://www.mlb.com/news/nolan-arenado-blocks-trade-cardinals-astros). The Cardinals’ president of baseball operations, John Mozeliak, has indicated that while they are open to making a deal, finding a match that's acceptable to both parties has proven challenging](https://www.mlb.com/news/nolan-arenado-blocks-trade-cardinals-astros).

Lucas Giolito is gearing up for what he hopes will be a bounce-back year with the Boston Red Sox. After his first season with the team was derailed by a Spring Training elbow injury that required an internal brace procedure to repair his UCL, Giolito is ready to put the past behind him and return to the mound stronger than ever.

The internal brace procedure is generally less invasive than a full Tommy John surgery, allowing for a shorter recovery time. Giolito underwent his surgery in mid-March, and with Spring Training set to open one year later, he expects to participate fully in exhibition play.

"I’m going to be ready for a full Spring Training and a full season," Giolito told WEEI's Rob Bradford on the Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast. "I find it funny when I see stuff online saying that I’ll be coming back in June. I don’t know where that came from. I have no idea. … Everything’s going great. I look forward to a full year."

Giolito's optimism and determination to return to form is palpable. Despite the setback, he remains focused on contributing to the Red Sox's success in the upcoming season. His recovery has been progressing smoothly, and he is eager to showcase his skills on the mound once again.

The Houston Astros have reached an agreement with reliever Miguel Castro, as reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 clarified that it’s a minor league contract with a non-roster Spring Training invite. If Castro makes the MLB roster, he would secure a $1.5 million base salary.

Miguel Castro, who just turned 30, is aiming to make an MLB roster for the 11th consecutive year. Known for his well-traveled career, Castro has played for six different teams throughout his time in the majors. With nearly 500 MLB innings under his belt, Castro holds a career earned run average (ERA) of 4.20. His consistent performance has seen him maintain an ERA in the low-4.00s range, including a 4.31 ERA in a National League-high 75 appearances for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2023, which activated a $5 million vesting option for the 2024 season.

The Astros are bringing Castro into their Spring Training camp with the hope that he can add depth and experience to their bullpen. Given Castro's track record and ability to handle a significant workload, the team is optimistic about his potential contribution. If Castro impresses during Spring Training, he could secure a spot on Houston's roster, providing valuable innings and stability.

In a move to clear space on the 40-man roster for newly signed outfielder Joc Pederson, the Texas Rangers have designated reliever Grant Anderson for assignment. Pederson's addition comes after he signed a lucrative $37 million free agent deal with the team.

Grant Anderson, a low-slot right-handed reliever, has been a part of the Rangers' roster since May 2023. Throughout his tenure, he has made 49 appearances in the major leagues, primarily serving as an up-and-down reliever. Despite his efforts, Anderson's performance at the big league level has been underwhelming. Over 62 1/3 innings pitched, he has allowed an ERA of 6.35, with strikeout and walk rates of 21.5% and 8.8%, respectively, which are close to league averages. However, his major issue has been home runs, as he has given up 16 longballs (2.31 per nine innings) during his major league career.

Joc Pederson's signing brings a strong offensive presence to the Rangers' lineup. The two-time All-Star outfielder is known for his power and versatility, and his addition signals the team's commitment to strengthening their roster for the upcoming season. Pederson's $37 million deal reflects the high expectations the Rangers have for him to make a significant impact.

The Chicago Cubs have added right-handed pitcher Ben Heller to their roster on a minor league contract, according to Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Heller, 33, is represented by Onyx Sports Management and brings a wealth of experience and a high-velocity fastball to the Cubs’ organization.

Heller's professional journey began as a 22nd-round draft pick by Cleveland in 2013, with a signing bonus of just $2,500. Despite his modest draft status, Heller quickly made a name for himself with his impressive fastball. From 2013 to 2016, he climbed the ranks of Cleveland’s farm system, progressing from Low-A to Triple-A. During this period, he posted a stellar 2.77 ERA and 2.58 FIP over 172 1/3 innings, allowing only six home runs and striking out over 30% of the batters he faced.

Heller's performance remained consistently strong across all levels. Notably, he recorded a 0.81 ERA and 1.59 FIP in 22 1/3 innings at Double-A Akron, and a 2.49 ERA and 3.01 FIP in 25 1/3 innings at Triple-A Columbus. These impressive statistics underscore Heller's potential to make a significant impact at the major league level.

As Heller joins the Cubs on a minor league contract, he will look to bring his high-velocity fastball and pitching prowess to the organization. His journey from a late-round draft pick to an accomplished pitcher in the minors highlights his determination and skill. Cubs fans can look forward to seeing how Heller performs as he aims to secure a spot on the major league roster.

According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, free agent Josh Rojas is garnering significant interest from several teams. Among them, the Chicago Cubs are especially keen on the versatile veteran utility man, with Feinsand noting their attraction as "serious."

Rojas, who will turn 31 next June, was unexpectedly non-tendered by the Seattle Mariners earlier this offseason. While his bat was only average in 2024, he demonstrated valuable skills by stealing 10 bases and maintaining an above-average walk rate. More importantly, Rojas excelled defensively, earning high marks from metrics like Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and Outs Above Average (OAA). His overall contributions resulted in 1.9 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) according to FanGraphs and 2.1 WAR per Baseball Reference.

The Cubs' interest in Rojas is driven by his proven track record as a dependable infielder and base-stealer. If he can replicate his 2024 performance, he would be well worth his projected $4.3 million salary for 2025. This potential value has made Rojas an appealing target for teams looking to strengthen their infield defense and add a versatile player to their roster.

Despite his solid performance, the Mariners opted to part ways with Rojas, opening the door for other teams to pursue him. As the offseason progresses, it will be interesting to see where Rojas ultimately lands and how he can contribute to his new team. With multiple franchises showing interest, Rojas' future in Major League Baseball remains promising.

The Boston Red Sox have nearly completed shaping their 2025 starting rotation, with general manager Craig Breslow asserting that the "heavy lifting" is done (via Boston Globe). Now, the team's attention turns to finding a right-handed bat to bolster their offense.

While some have speculated that the Red Sox might pursue All-Star slugger Alex Bregman, Breslow clarified that Rafael Devers remains the team's third baseman. Bregman is unlikely to sign to immediately move to first base, effectively closing that door.

Breslow emphasized that the team will be "open-minded" about their options for adding a right-handed bat. This addition could be an infielder or an outfielder, offering flexibility in their search.
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With Bregman off the table, other notable right-handed bats in free agency include:

• Pete Alonso: Known for his power-hitting, Alonso could be a strong fit for the Red Sox's lineup.
• Anthony Santander: A switch hitter with consistent offensive production.
• Ha-Seong Kim: Though recovering from major surgery, Kim's versatility might appeal to the Red Sox.
• Jurickson Profar: Another switch hitter with valuable experience.
• Reunion Candidates: The Red Sox may also consider re-signing players like J.D. Martinez, Justin Turner, or Yoán Moncada (also a switch hitter), who have previously contributed to the team.

When Wade Miley underwent Tommy John surgery this past April, the veteran pitcher was uncertain if he'd ever return to the major leagues. In a conversation with Adam McCalvy of MLB.com, Miley expressed his thoughts on potential retirement, mentioning that he wanted to go out on his own terms rather than due to an injury. “I still feel like I’ve got more in the tank,” he said.

Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel recently provided an update on Miley's rehabilitation and future plans. Despite the challenges of his recovery, Miley is determined to get back on the field. He aims to pitch in 2025 and is ambitiously targeting a return by the end of spring training, hoping to be ready for major league action by late April or early May.

The typical recovery timeline for pitchers who undergo Tommy John surgery is 12 to 18 months. However, Miley, who turned 38 in August, isn't your average patient. His resilience and determination have driven him to work tirelessly towards his comeback, defying conventional expectations for someone of his age and situation.

Miley's optimism is infectious. His dedication to his rehabilitation regimen reflects his commitment to returning to the highest level of competition. While the odds may seem daunting, his unwavering belief in his abilities and the support of his medical team have kept his spirits high.

The Washington Nationals are bringing back veteran right-hander Trevor Williams on a two-year, $14 million contract, reports Stephen J. Nesbitt of The Athletic. The deal includes an invitation for Williams to join the Nationals' Spring Training camp, where he will compete for a spot in the starting rotation.

Williams, who turns 33 shortly after the start of the 2025 season, had an impressive 2024 season despite being limited to just 13 starts due to a right flexor strain. He finished the year with a 2.03 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 59 strikeouts over 66.2 innings3. His strong finish to the season, where he posted a 2.22 ERA over his first 11 starts, convinced the Nationals to bring him back for another two years.

Williams has had an up-and-down career, but his recent performance has shown his potential to be a valuable asset to the Nationals' pitching staff. The Nationals are betting on his ability to replicate or improve upon his 2024 performance over the next two seasons.
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With Williams rejoining the team, the Nationals aim to bolster their rotation, which is expected to feature a mix of veteran presence and young talent. Williams' experience and ability to perform under pressure will be crucial as he competes for a spot in the starting rotation.

As the offseason heats up, Anthony Santander is garnering significant attention from multiple MLB teams. The Los Angeles Angels and Detroit Tigers have recently emerged as key contenders, with Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press highlighting their interest.

The Angels and Toronto Blue Jays are considered frontrunners in the Santander sweepstakes. Los Angeles is particularly keen on adding the switch-hitting outfielder to their lineup, which could provide much-needed balance and power. Santander has consistently delivered impressive offensive numbers, including 44 home runs in 2024. His ability to hit from both sides of the plate would be a valuable asset for the Angels, especially in Angel Stadium, which has been challenging for hitters.

For the Tigers, Santander is viewed as a backup plan if they fail to sign third baseman Alex Bregman. Detroit has already signed Gleyber Torres to balance their lineup, but they remain in pursuit of a top-tier right-handed bat2. Santander's switch-hitting prowess and power make him an attractive option for the Tigers, who are looking to bolster their offense and remain competitive in the AL Central. The Tigers' pursuit of Bregman continues, but Santander remains a viable alternative.

Santander's free agency demand is high, with multiple teams in the mix. He was reportedly seeking a five-year contract, and his strong 2024 performance, which earned him his first All-Star and Silver Slugger nods, has only increased interest. In addition to the Angels and Blue Jays, the Yankees, Mets, and Red Sox have also shown interest4.

With Juan Soto and Teoscar Hernandez off the market, Santander stands out as one of the top free-agent outfielders remaining. His market value and the potential impact he can bring to a lineup make him a highly sought-after player this offseason

The Miami Marlins have bolstered their pitching depth by signing right-hander Freddy Tarnok to a minor league contract, as reported by Aram Leighton of Just Baseball Media. The deal includes an invitation for Tarnok to attend Miami’s big league Spring Training camp, giving him a chance to compete for a spot on the Major League roster.
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Tarnok, 25, has shown promise throughout his minor league career with solid performances across various levels. He spent the 2024 season with the Atlanta Braves’ and Oakland Athletics' minor league affiliates, posting a combined ERA of 3.45 with 135 strikeouts over 120 innings pitched. His performance and potential caught the Marlins' eye as they seek to add depth and talent to their pitching staff.

By joining the Marlins, Tarnok gets an opportunity to demonstrate his skills at the major league level. The Marlins, known for their focus on developing young talent, provide an ideal environment for Tarnok to continue his growth as a pitcher. With the invitation to Spring Training, Tarnok will have a chance to showcase his abilities and vie for a spot in Miami’s rotation or bullpen.

The Detroit Tigers are making a strategic move to enhance their lineup by pursuing free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman. Reports indicate that the Tigers have shown significant urgency in their pursuit of Bregman, who is known for his offensive prowess and solid defensive skills.

Alex Bregman, a two-time All-Star and World Series champion, is seen as a perfect fit for the Tigers1. In 2024, he posted a .260/.315/.453 slash line with 26 home runs and a Gold Glove. Despite the gap in perceived value between the Tigers and Bregman's camp, both parties are engaged in ongoing discussions. Sources suggest that Detroit is “all-in” on Bregman, hoping to secure his talent to bolster their infield and lineup balance.

In the event that the Tigers miss out on Bregman, their attention could shift to another impactful player, Anthony Santander. The power-hitting outfielder, who slugged 44 home runs in 2024 for the Baltimore Orioles, would bring much-needed power and versatility to Detroit’s lineup. Although the Tigers aren't considered frontrunners for Santander, their interest remains as they seek additional right-handed batting strength

The Washington Nationals are bringing back a familiar face to bolster their lineup. Josh Bell, the switch-hitting slugger, has agreed to a one-year, $6 million deal with the Nationals for the 2025 season. This move reunites Bell with the team he played for in 2021 and part of 2022 before being traded to the San Diego Padres in the Juan Soto blockbuster deal.

Since his initial stint with the Nationals, Bell has had a whirlwind journey across several teams, including the Cleveland Guardians, Miami Marlins, and Arizona Diamondbacks. Despite the frequent changes, Bell has consistently demonstrated his ability to adapt and produce offensively, making him a valuable asset for any team.
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In 2024, Bell slashed .249/.319/.405 with 23 doubles and 19 home runs. His career averages of 24 homers per 162 games highlight his power-hitting capabilities, which the Nationals hope to capitalize on as they aim to improve their offensive output.

With the recent acquisition of Nathaniel Lowe, a Gold Glove defender at first base, Bell is expected to primarily fill the designated hitter (DH) role. This setup allows the Nationals to leverage Bell's offensive prowess while minimizing his defensive liabilities. Bell's switch-hitting ability also adds a layer of versatility to the Nationals' lineup, providing balance against both left-handed and right-handed pitchers.

Bell's return to Washington is a strategic move aimed at boosting the team's offensive production. The Nationals struggled with power hitting last season, ranking 29th in home runs with only 135. Bell's addition is expected to address this shortfall and provide much-needed support to the lineup.

The New York Mets, fresh off their blockbuster acquisition of Juan Soto, are not done adding firepower to their lineup. According to The Athletic, the team has expressed interest in adding another significant offensive piece to their roster.

The Mets are reported to have pursued outfielder Teoscar Hernández before he ultimately re-signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Furthermore, they are said to "hold some interest" in bringing back veteran outfielder Jesse Winker, who spent the 2023 season with the team.

These pursuits underscore the Mets' ambition to build a championship-caliber roster. Despite the Soto acquisition, the team recognizes the importance of depth and versatility in their lineup.

​The addition of another impact bat would further solidify the Mets' offensive firepower, making them a formidable force in the National League. As the offseason progresses, it will be interesting to see if the Mets can successfully acquire another key piece to their puzzle.

The Washington Nationals have signed right-handed pitcher Patrick Weigel to a minor league contract, according to Talk Nats. The deal is expected to include an invitation to Spring Training, giving Weigel a chance to compete for a spot on the major league roster.

Weigel, 30, was originally drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the seventh round of the 2015 MLB Draft. He worked his way through the Braves' minor league system and made his major league debut in 2020. However, his lone appearance that season was a rough one, with two runs allowed on two hits and three walks.

​Weigel was subsequently traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in 2021. He appeared in three relief appearances for the Brewers that season, pitching four innings with a 4.50 ERA.

The Chicago Cubs have traded highly-touted first baseman Matt Mervis to the Miami Marlins in exchange for infielder Vidal Bruján, according to multiple reports.  

ESPN's Jeff Passan confirmed the trade, reporting that the Cubs will also be sending cash considerations to Miami. Bruján, a former top prospect himself, was recently designated for assignment by the Marlins.  

Mervis, a former undrafted free agent, burst onto the scene in 2023, showcasing impressive power and plate discipline. However, with the Cubs looking to bolster their roster in other areas, they have decided to move the promising young first baseman.  

Bruján, a versatile infielder, brings a different skillset to the Cubs. Known for his speed and athleticism, he could provide a spark off the bench and potentially contribute in multiple positions.

This trade marks a significant shift in the Cubs' roster construction as they continue to reshape their roster for the future.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to enter into contract extension talks with manager Dave Roberts this offseason, according to a report from Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times. Roberts' current contract is set to expire following the 2025 season. 

This news comes as no surprise, as the Dodgers have consistently expressed their desire to retain Roberts. Following their World Series victory, club officials acknowledged that extension discussions had not yet taken place but emphasized their hope to keep Roberts at the helm for the long term.

Teams typically prefer to avoid "lame duck" situations where managers enter the final year of their contracts. This can create uncertainty and potentially distract from the team's on-field performance. Given Roberts' success in leading the Dodgers to multiple championships, a contract extension seems like a logical next step for the organization.

Roberts has proven himself to be a highly successful manager, guiding the Dodgers to numerous playoff appearances and two World Series championships. His ability to adapt and motivate his players has been instrumental to the team's recent success.

The New York Yankees have signed outfielder Brennen Davis to a minor league deal, as reported by Aram Leighton of Just Baseball. It remains unclear whether the deal includes an invitation to big league Spring Training.

Brennen Davis, 25, has yet to make his MLB debut but has been a strong presence in the minor leagues for several years. A second-round pick by the Chicago Cubs in 2018, Davis broke through at the age of 19, posting an impressive .305/.381/.525 slash line in 50 games at the Single-A level in 2019.

After the cancellation of the 2020 minor league season, Davis started the 2021 season at High-A but was quickly promoted to Double-A after just eight games. During his time with the Cubs' Tennessee affiliate, he recorded a solid .252/.367/.474 slash line in 76 games. His performance earned him another promotion to Triple-A, where he impressed with a .268/.397/.536 slash line in 16 games late in the season.

The Tampa Bay Rays have previously shown interest in Mariners’ catching prospect Harry Ford, according to Adam Jude of The Seattle Times. While there is no current indication of ongoing trade talks between the two clubs, Tampa's interest in Ford highlights his rising stock as a valuable prospect.

Harry Ford, who will turn 22 in February, was Seattle's first-round pick in the 2021 draft and is now a consensus top-50 prospect in baseball. Ford has consistently demonstrated his hitting prowess at every level of the minors since beginning his pro career. He started with a remarkable .291/.400/.582 slash line in 19 rookie ball games shortly after being drafted.

In 2022, Ford made the leap to full-season ball and continued his success, hitting .274/.425/.438 at the Single-A level in 2023. He maintained his impressive performance with a .257/.410/.430 slash line at High-A the following year, showcasing his ability to adapt and excel at higher levels. Over both stops in A-ball, Ford exhibited an exceptional walk rate north of 17% while also displaying moderate power with 10-15 home runs.

Perhaps most intriguing is Ford's speed, a rare asset for a catcher. He demonstrated impressive base-stealing abilities with 25 steals, adding another dimension to his already well-rounded game.

Second baseman Gleyber Torres has wrapped up his free agency journey by signing a one-year, $15 million contract with the Detroit Tigers. According to Chris McCosky of The Detroit News, Torres turned down multiyear offers from other teams, opting instead for Detroit. 

McCosky reports that Torres received offers from the Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Angels before deciding to join the Tigers. Notably, his former team, the New York Yankees, did not make an offer.

"I’ve got great friends there, great communication with the entire organization," Torres said of his time with the Yankees. "I feel proud of myself for being with the Yankees for seven years, but now I’m with Detroit and just really happy they gave me the opportunity to play next year. I think they have other priorities and I’m not on the list. I’m good."