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As spring training draws near, New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole is in a great position heading into the 2025 season. After facing challenges in 2024, Cole has worked hard during the offseason to ensure a strong start to the upcoming year. He began his preparation earlier than usual, focusing on his health and fine-tuning his pitching mechanics. Both Manager Aaron Boone and General Manager Brian Cashman have expressed confidence in Cole’s readiness and dedication to returning to his top form.
Cole’s commitment to his craft is clear, especially after the setbacks of last season. His early preparation and determination to stay with the Yankees highlight his drive to contribute to the team’s success. With the start of spring training approaching, Cole’s leadership and performance will be critical in helping the Yankees contend for a strong 2025 season.
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With Alex Bregman now off the market, the New York Yankees are reportedly eyeing a potential trade for St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado. A seven-time All-Star and ten-time Gold Glove winner, Arenado still has three years left on his contract with the Cardinals. While his offensive numbers dipped slightly last season, with a .272 batting average, 16 home runs, and 71 RBIs, he remains one of the best defensive players in the game. The Cardinals have reportedly been open to trade talks, and Arenado’s preferred-team list includes the Yankees, making this a deal to watch.
Although the Yankees have shown interest in Arenado, recent reports suggest they are not actively pursuing a trade at the moment. Arenado’s full no-trade clause adds complexity to the situation, as he would need to waive it for any potential deal. While the Yankees were also linked to Alex Bregman, their pursuit of Arenado remains uncertain. At this stage, it’s unclear whether the Yankees will make a play for the veteran third baseman, as they continue to evaluate options to strengthen their infield. The San Diego Padres have signed pitcher Nick Pivetta to a four-year, $55 million contract, adding a strong arm to their rotation. The deal includes a $3 million signing bonus and is backloaded, with Pivetta earning $1 million in 2025, followed by $19 million in 2026, $14 million in 2027, and $18 million in 2028. Additionally, the contract includes opt-out clauses after the 2026 and 2027 seasons, offering Pivetta flexibility during his time with the team.
Pivetta, 32, joins the Padres after spending the past four and a half seasons with the Boston Red Sox. In 2024, he posted a 6-12 record with a 4.14 ERA, recording 172 strikeouts over 145 2/3 innings. Throughout his career, Pivetta has compiled a 56-71 record with a 4.76 ERA across 223 games. He will join a Padres pitching rotation that includes Dylan Cease, Yu Darvish, and Michael King, filling a crucial spot while Joe Musgrove is out for the 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery. The Boston Red Sox have made a major move by signing free-agent infielder Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120 million contract. The deal includes opt-out options after the first two seasons, giving Bregman flexibility throughout his tenure in Boston. With an average annual salary of $40 million, this contract places him among the highest-paid players in Major League Baseball. His addition brings veteran leadership and a proven track record of success to a Red Sox team looking to strengthen its infield and lineup.
A two-time All-Star and key part of the Houston Astros’ World Series wins in 2017 and 2022, Bregman is expected to shift to second base to accommodate Rafael Devers at third. While he has limited experience at the position, his versatility and offensive firepower make him a valuable asset for the Red Sox. His impressive career numbers at Fenway Park, where he boasts a .375 batting average and a 1.240 OPS, likely played a role in his decision to join the team. With this signing, Boston aims to make a strong push for contention in the coming seasons. The Kansas City Royals have reportedly agreed to a deal with right-handed pitcher Carlos Estévez. With a career 2.45 ERA and 26 saves in 2024, he's sure to bolster the Royals' bullpen
The Detroit Tigers have designated right-hander Alex Faedo for assignment, as reported by Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. Faedo, 29, was the 18th overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft and has pitched for the Tigers over the past three seasons. Last season, he primarily worked in relief, logging 57 1/3 innings with a 3.61 ERA, an average strikeout rate of 22.4%, and a high walk rate of 11.4%.
To make room on the 40-man roster, the Tigers have officially signed reliever Tommy Kahnle to a one-year deal. The Cincinnati Reds have designated right-hander Owen White for assignment to make room for newly acquired left-hander Taylor Rogers from the Giants.
White, 25, has never played for the Reds. Drafted by the Rangers, he spent his entire career there until being designated for assignment last month. The Reds picked him up in early January for cash considerations but have now quickly removed him from the roster. He will be in DFA limbo for a week, during which the Reds will explore trade options or pass him through waivers. Rogers, 34, posted a 2.40 ERA in 64 appearances last season with the Giants. The Reds hope he will bolster their bullpen for the upcoming season The San Francisco Giants have acquired minor league right-handed pitcher Braxton Roxby from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for left-handed pitcher Taylor Rogers and cash considerations.
Roxby, 25, has shown potential in the minors and could be a valuable addition to the Giants' bullpen. Meanwhile, the Reds add experienced lefty Taylor Rogers to bolster their relief corps Griffin Conine and Ryan Weathers will be wearing numbers 18 and 35 respectively to honor their dads--Jeff Conine and David Weathers, both former Marlins.
Jeff Conine, also known as "Mr. Marlin," was a key player for the Marlins, contributing significantly to their World Series titles in 1997 and 2003. David Weathers was a reliable pitcher for the Marlins, known for his durability and effectiveness on the mound during his time with the team. Former center fielder Adam Jones has been hired as a special advisor to general manager Mike Elias and community ambassador. Jones, who played 14 MLB seasons, will bring his high energy and positive attitude to the role every day.
Jones will mentor young players, learn about the baseball operations department, and potentially give input on the business side. His experience in Japan, where he played two seasons with the Orix Buffaloes, will be valuable in the Orioles' future pursuit of Japanese players. "I think Adam’s experience in Japan is going to be an asset for us," Elias said. "We see the growth of Japanese baseball and how it's impacting the Major Leagues, and we want to be a part of that." The Kansas City Royals have finalized contracts with key players for the 2025 season:
According to reports, the Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly the most serious about signing veteran right-hander Max Scherzer.
Scherzer, 40, was limited to just nine starts last season due to physical issues, posting a 3.95 ERA (101 ERA+) and a 4.00 strikeout-to-walk ratio in those appearances Former Padres infielder Ha-Seong Kim has signed a two-year, $29 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays.
The deal includes an opt-out after the 2025 season. Kim, who played in 121 games last season, posted a .233 batting average, 11 home runs, and 22 stolen bases. He is expected to return from shoulder surgery in May. The Toronto Blue Jays have signed right-handed pitcher Adam Kloffenstein to a minor league deal, with an invitation to spring training.
Kloffenstein made his MLB debut last season with the Cardinals while throwing throwing 1 inning. In the minors last year, he had a 4.74 ERA and 1.33 WHIP over 89.1 innings with the Memphis Redbirds. The Chicago Cubs have unveiled 'The Yard,' a new outdoor seating area at Wrigley Field, situated above the batter's eye in center field.
This innovative space caters to groups of 4-50 fans, offering a semi-private rental experience. While it includes a ballpark meal, the specifics regarding unlimited drinks are yet to be confirmed. 'The Yard' promises to elevate the fan experience with its unique setting and amenities. Tommy Kahnle is close to finalizing a deal with the Detroit Tigers.
Kahnle, who posted a 2.11 ERA and 1.15 WHIP over 42 2/3 innings with the Yankees last season, is expected to bolster the Tigers' bullpen. His consistent performance and veteran presence will be a valuable addition to the team. The New York Mets have agreed to terms with right-handed reliever Ryne Stanek on a one-year deal for the 2025 season.
Stanek, who posted a 4.88 ERA and 1.319 WHIP over 55.1 innings with the Mets last season, will be a key part of the bullpen once again. Over his career, Stanek has a 3.65 ERA and 1.280 WHIP in 401 games The Reds have agreed to terms with free-agent LHP Wade Miley on a minor-league contract.
Miley, who posted a 3.14 ERA and 1.14 WHIP over 120.1 innings with the Brewers in 2023, will have an invitation to spring training. Despite undergoing a hybrid UCL repair on his left elbow last May, Miley is aiming to be ready for the major-league level by late April or early May |
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