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.
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In a move that has taken the baseball world by surprise, the Arizona Diamondbacks have secured the services of ace pitcher Corbin Burnes, adding him to an already formidable rotation. This signing, announced just before the new year, brings an elite frontline pitcher to a team that was already boasting a surplus of starting talent. With Burnes alongside Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Eduardo Rodriguez, Jordan Montgomery, Brandon Pfaadt, and Ryne Nelson, the Diamondbacks now possess one of the deepest pitching rotations in Major League Baseball.
A Rotation Overflowing with Talent The addition of Burnes to the Diamondbacks' roster not only elevates their pitching staff but also poses an interesting strategic challenge regarding roster management. Prior to this signing, Arizona's pitching depth had already attracted trade interest from various teams across the league. However, according to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic, the acquisition of Burnes was not predicated on immediate trade maneuvers. No Rush for Trades Piecoro reports that there are currently "no other deals lined up or even close" involving the Diamondbacks' pitchers. This suggests that Arizona is adopting a patient, calculated approach to the trade market. The team is not pressed to make hasty decisions with their pitching surplus, as confirmed by a source who spoke to Piecoro. "The D’Backs will likely spend the coming days fielding calls from teams still in the hunt for starters, including those that were in on Burnes," the source revealed. This strategy allows the Diamondbacks to leverage their position, choosing the most advantageous trade offers at their leisure. With no immediate need to thin down the rotation, they can afford to wait, potentially driving up the value of their pitchers as the offseason progresses and teams become more desperate for quality starting pitching. The Implications The signing of Burnes not only strengthens the Diamondbacks for the upcoming season but also sets the stage for an intriguing offseason narrative. Teams like the Orioles, Blue Jays, or Giants, who were in the running for Burnes, might now turn their attention to Arizona's other pitchers. This could lead to a domino effect, where the market for starting pitchers heats up, possibly benefiting the Diamondbacks with better trade prospects. Moreover, this move signals the Diamondbacks' intent to compete at a high level in the National League West, a division known for its competitive pitching. With this deep rotation, Arizona is well-positioned to manage the rigors of a 162-game season, including potential injuries, by ensuring they have quality starting options throughout the year. 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." The Detroit Tigers recently added Gleyber Torres to their roster, creating what seems like a crowded infield. However, that isn't stopping them from seeking additional upgrades. According to Even Petzold, the Tigers and free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman are still in talks.
Petzold reports, "Mutual interest remains, but there is a gap in perceived value between the two sides as negotiations continue, according to sources not authorized to speak publicly on the situation. Notable progress has been made since the start of the offseason, particularly in the past month." Bregman, 30, is coming off a solid 2024 season with the Houston Astros, where he posted a .260/.315/.453 slash line (118 OPS+) with 26 home runs and 30 doubles over 145 games. He also earned his first Gold Glove for his defensive efforts. Bregman's career statistics include an impressive OPS+ of 132 and a WAR of 39.6 across parts of nine MLB seasons, all with the Astros. He's a two-time All-Star and has twice finished in the top 10 of the American League MVP voting. In recent weeks, multiple MLB clubs have been reported to have met with right-hander Roki Sasaki as he navigates his unique free agency. The Dodgers are the latest to join the list, having had an in-person meeting with the top international player, as reported by Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register.
Prior to the Dodgers, the New York Mets, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, and Texas Rangers all had meetings with Sasaki. The Dodgers are considered a favorite to sign Sasaki, who has been posted by his Nippon Professional Baseball team, the Chiba Lotte Marines. His posting window closes on January 23, and he can sign starting January 15 when the international signing period begins. Sasaki's free agency is drawing significant interest, with over 20 teams reaching out to his agent. Because he is under 25, Sasaki falls under the same international bonus pool system as other amateur players, with limits on how much teams can pay him. Despite this, Sasaki is expected to receive offers from many top MLB clubs, as he's widely regarded as one of the best pitchers in the world. Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani and his wife Mamiko Tanaka have announced they are expecting their first child. Ohtani shared the joyful news on Instagram on Saturday, posting an adorable photo of baby clothes and shoes beneath their dog, Decoy.
Earlier this year, Ohtani revealed that he had married Tanaka, a former professional basketball player. Since then, the couple has been making headlines with their exciting life updates. Ohtani had a monumental season in 2024, winning the National League MVP award. He became the first player in MLB history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in the same season and played a critical role in leading the Dodgers to a World Series title. Following their significant infield addition of Willy Adames and securing Matt Chapman with a six-year, $151 million extension, the San Francisco Giants are still contemplating major moves. According to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, Pete Alonso is now on their radar as a potential major upgrade to their first base/designated hitter mix. Currently, LaMonte Wade Jr. is set to receive the majority of at-bats at first base in a likely platoon situation, taking advantage of his left-handed hitting. However, reports suggest that the Giants are open to moving Wade. They had shown interest in signing Paul Goldschmidt before he ultimately joined the Yankees. Bryce Eldridge, one of the Giants' top prospects, is seen as the long-term solution for first base, with expectations for him to debut in Triple-A in 2024. Given this, a shorter-term signing like Goldschmidt initially made sense as a bridge at the position. Adding Pete Alonso to their lineup would significantly bolster the Giants' offense. Known for his power hitting, Alonso has consistently been one of the top home run hitters in the league since joining the New York Mets. His addition would not only strengthen their first base options but also provide a formidable presence in the designated hitter role. The San Diego Padres have reached an agreement with infielder Mike Brosseau, as announced by his agent Joe Rosen of Icon Sports Management. While specific details were not disclosed, it can be assumed that Brosseau has signed a minor league contract. Brosseau brings a wealth of experience, having played in the majors for the Rays and Brewers from 2019 to 2023. Over 647 career big league plate appearances, he has posted a .242/.313/.428 slash line. During his five MLB seasons, Brosseau has primarily played second and third base, but his versatility extends to first base, shortstop, and both corner outfield positions, making him a valuable part-time roster piece. Brosseau showed promising numbers at the plate during his first two seasons and again in 2022, his debut season with the Brewers. His ability to contribute offensively and defensively will be an asset to the Padres as they continue to bolster their roster depth. The Mariners and Red Sox have been a hot topic in the trade rumor mill for nearly a year, with talks intensifying this winter. One notable development was Seattle reportedly turning down a trade that would have sent Triston Casas to Boston in exchange for either Bryan Woo or Bryce Miller.
A particularly intriguing trade discussion involving Casas also surfaced, as MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reported that Boston explored a deal to swap Casas for Luis Castillo. However, the Red Sox were only open to this trade if Masataka Yoshida was included along with Casas. While nothing has come to fruition yet, the ongoing trade discussions underscore just how highly both teams value their young talents. Triston Casas, a promising first baseman, has shown tremendous potential with his power-hitting ability. On the other hand, Luis Castillo, an established pitcher, could provide a significant boost to the Red Sox's rotation. Here's a closer look at the key players involved: Triston Casas: A highly-touted prospect, Casas has been making waves in the minors with his impressive power and disciplined approach at the plate. As one of Boston's top prospects, he represents a significant piece of their future plans. Luis Castillo: Known for his electric stuff and ability to miss bats, Castillo is a frontline starter who could immediately elevate any rotation. His addition to the Red Sox would provide much-needed stability and depth to their pitching staff. Masataka Yoshida: While not directly involved in the rumored trades, Yoshida is a valuable asset to the Red Sox. His inclusion in any potential deal would signify Boston's intent to make a significant splash and build a contending team. As the trade rumors continue, both teams face critical decisions about their future prospects and immediate goals. The Mariners and Red Sox will weigh the potential benefits and risks of these trades, understanding that each move could shape their franchises for years to come. In a surprising move, the Arizona Diamondbacks have reached an agreement with free agent right-hander Corbin Burnes on a six-year contract worth $210 million, per Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The deal includes an opt-out clause following the 2026 season.
This development has caught many off-guard, as Burnes had attracted significant interest in free agency but had not been linked to Arizona. While teams like the Yankees and Red Sox opted for other rotation options by signing Max Fried and trading for Garrett Crochet, several interested clubs, including the Orioles, Giants, and Blue Jays, were still vying for Burnes's signature. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, both the Giants and Blue Jays offered Burnes a higher guarantee. One of the key factors in Burnes's decision to sign with the Diamondbacks is Arizona's favorable income tax rate compared to California and Ontario, Canada. Additionally, Burnes is a Scottsdale resident, making the opportunity to pitch close to home another enticing aspect of this deal. Outfielder Teoscar Hernández has re-signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, agreeing to a three-year, $66 million contract, Jeff Passan shared on Friday. This marks a reunion with the team he helped lead to a World Series victory.
"I'm back," Hernández announced on Instagram. Following the World Series triumph, Hernández quickly expressed his desire to rejoin the Dodgers after a highly successful one-year stint. The process to finalize a new, mutually agreeable contract took nearly two months. During this period, the Dodgers signed outfielder Michael Conforto and explored trade options for other outfielders, while Hernández considered various offers. Eventually, both sides reached an agreement that includes a club option of $15 million for the 2028 season with a $6.5 million buyout, $23.5 million in deferred money, and a $23 million signing bonus. Hernández, 32, initially signed a one-year, $23.5 million contract with the Dodgers—$8.5 million of which was deferred—after the free agent market undervalued him for a long-term deal. He made the most of his opportunity, hitting .272/.339/.501 with a career-high 33 home runs and 99 RBIs. His pivotal two-run double in the championship-winning Game 5 of the World Series and his Game 2 home run off Carlos Rodon were key moments in securing the Dodgers' victory. In a significant change for the Oakland Athletics, President Dave Kaval is stepping down from his role. Effective December 31, Kaval will be pursuing new business opportunities in California. Sandy Dean, a long-time business partner with the Fisher family, will serve as the interim president.
"We are grateful for Dave's contributions and leadership over the past eight years," said Athletics owner John Fisher in a statement. "He guided our organization through a period of significant transition, and we sincerely thank him for his unwavering commitment to the team. As we look ahead to the next chapter of our franchise, the team will continue to grow under new leadership, driving the organization toward success during our interim years in West Sacramento and at our new home in Las Vegas." According to Ballpark Digest, Kaval spearheaded the Athletics' new-ballpark efforts in Las Vegas and Oakland’s Howard Terminal. The Las Vegas project has made substantial progress, with the Tropicana Resort being demolished and a new ballpark expected to open for the 2028 season. However, there remains a degree of uncertainty regarding the final details. Kaval, 49, has been at the helm of the Athletics for the past eight years and previously served as president of the San Jose Earthquakes, where he developed PayPal Park, home to both the MLS Earthquakes and NWSL's Bay FC. Kaval expressed his appreciation for the opportunity: "I will be staying in California to explore new opportunities at the crossroads of business and government. I am grateful to A's ownership for the opportunities they have given me." ---
After seven memorable seasons with the New York Yankees, free agent second baseman Gleyber Torres has agreed to a one-year contract worth $15 million with the Detroit Tigers. Following the announcement, Torres shared his appreciation for the Yankees organization, fans, and his teammates on X. "Wow where to start or how to start," Torres wrote. "Thank you. The Yankees were my family since 2016. A simple boy from Venezuela with great aspirations to play in the most epic city in the world, the Yankees gave me all the love and support I needed to achieve my childhood dream. Wearing pinstripes was an honor for me and my family." In July 2016, New York acquired Torres in a prospect-laden trade for then-relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman. By 2017, Torres was regarded as one of the top five prospects in all of baseball. He burst onto the Major League scene as a 21-year-old rookie in 2018, posting an impressive .820 OPS with 3.6 WAR in 123 games for the playoff-bound Yankees. While the New York Mets are not in dire need of offensive reinforcement, given Juan Soto's recent addition to the lineup, they might still consider reuniting with fan-favorite Pete Alonso to fill the void at first base. Alonso has experienced a lukewarm reception in the free-agent market so far, primarily due to some signs of decline, which increases the chances of his return to Queens—predominantly on the team's terms. According to the New York Post, "there is said to be a sizable gap in talks at the moment."
Pete Alonso, 29, has been a prolific power hitter throughout his career. Over six seasons with the Mets, he launched 226 home runs, including an incredible 53-homer effort during his rookie year. Despite continued hard-hitting and quality contact, Alonso's performance has seen a dip over the past two seasons, with a rising strikeout rate. His below-average defense further adds to the uncertain longevity of his career, an element likely affecting his current market value. Ace pitcher Corbin Burnes remains one of the top talents left on the free-agent market. However, his market has developed slowly, particularly when compared to the brisk pace at which other starting pitchers have signed contracts.
According to MLB.com, Burnes is seeking a deal worth at least $245 million, which would match the seven-year, $245 million deal Stephen Strasburg signed in December 2019—making it the third-highest guaranteed contract in history for a starting pitcher. The Detroit Tigers have announced today that left-hander Bailey Horn has been designated for assignment. This move clears space on the 40-man roster for the newly acquired infielder, Gleyber Torres, whose one-year, $15 million deal has been finalized.
Horn, 26, joined the Tigers a month ago after being claimed off waivers from the Boston Red Sox organization. In his brief stint with the Red Sox last season, he made his Major League debut, pitching a total of 18 innings. During this time, he allowed 13 earned runs (resulting in a 6.50 ERA) on 22 hits and 10 walks, and struck out 13 batters. The Arizona Diamondbacks are on an active quest for a high-leverage reliever this offseason, displaying significant interest in right-hander Kirby Yates, as shared by Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic. Despite exploring numerous trade options, the D-backs found the asking price for Devin Williams too high before he was traded to the Yankees. Additionally, their interest in Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley might not lead anywhere if St. Louis opts to retain him.
General Manager Mike Hazen has emphasized the team's need for a reliable closer: “I still feel like a back-end bullpen guy to help out with [Justin Martinez] and with [A.J. Puk] and those guys, I still see that.” In a radio interview from early November, Hazen added, “I thought when [Paul Sewald] was closing, we had the best version of who we were. … But, we know [Martinez and Puk] can close, too, so we’ll see.” In an exciting move for the Detroit Tigers, veteran infielder Gleyber Torres has signed a one-year contract worth $15 million, as reported by ESPN's Jesse Rogers. This deal is set to bolster the Tigers’ lineup, with Torres expected to be the primary second baseman.
Torres, who spent seven seasons with the New York Yankees, brings a wealth of experience and skill to the Tigers. Despite encountering challenges in the previous season, he managed to post a .257/.330/.378 slash line with 15 home runs and 63 RBIs. A two-time All-Star, Torres’ addition aims to strengthen the Tigers' infield and contribute significantly to their offensive strategy. In an exciting development for baseball fans, the Detroit Tigers have signed Gleyber Torres, a two-time All-Star infielder, to a multi-year deal. Torres' addition to the Tigers comes after seven productive seasons with the New York Yankees. The move, reported by Jon Heyman, will bring a significant boost to the Tigers' lineup as they aim to strengthen their position in the AL Central.
The New York Yankees are actively pursuing left-handed bullpen arms, with Andrew Chafin and Tim Hill emerging as prime targets, according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post. This interest comes as the Yankees look to fill a crucial gap in their bullpen, which currently lacks a single left-handed reliever.
With only starters Max Fried and Carlos Rodón on their 40-man roster as left-handed pitchers, the team is in dire need of southpaw depth2. The Yankees have yet to sign an experienced left-handed reliever on a minor league contract. Andrew Chafin, 34, has a reputation as a durable middle-innings arm. In the 2024 season, Chafin posted an ERA of 3.51 over 56 1/3 innings between the Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers. Despite a drop in performance after his mid-season trade to Texas, his extended track record makes him a compelling addition to the Yankees' bullpen. A potential reunion with Tim Hill is also on the table. Hill, who was briefly with the Yankees in 2024, recorded a solid 2.05 ERA over 44 innings during his stint with New York. Known for his ground-ball pitching style, Hill's improved control while with the Yankees makes him a promising candidate for the bullpen. |
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