Teams ready to make offers in Soto sweepstakes (report)

LATEST FREE AGENT & TRADE RUMORS

November 24th, 2024

We're keeping track of all the latest free agent and trade rumors.

Nov. 24: Soto to start receiving offers this week (report)

It's already known that Juan Soto has had in-person meetings with the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox and Blue Jays, plus he was expected to sit down with both the Phillies and Dodgers.

Now, it's time for those teams to make their offers. According to ESPN's Buster Olney, clubs interested in signing Soto could begin extending specific offers in the coming week.

That is obviously a significant step in the process, especially since MLB.com's Mark Feinsand has said that "the feeling around the industry" is that Soto's decision could be made before the annual Winter Meetings get underway on Dec. 9 in Dallas.

Nov. 22: Could Bregman reunite with former manager Hinch in Detroit?

The Tigers are interested in free-agent third baseman , according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman in an article for the New York Post. Heyman adds that the only club Bregman has played for in the Major Leagues, the Astros, have submitted a contract offer in an effort to re-sign the two-time All-Star, and that the Red Sox have "inquired and could be a fit for Bregman if they move to first."

If Bregman was to sign with Detroit, it would reunite him with his former manager in Houston, A.J. Hinch. Hinch was the manager when Bregman and the Astros won the franchise's first World Series title in 2017.

Nov. 22: Which teams are most interested in Crochet?

With Garrett Crochet headlining the list of potential trade candidates this offseason, MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reports in the New York Post that four clubs -- the Orioles, Red Sox, Dodgers and Phillies -- are showing the most interest in acquiring the White Sox left-hander. More >

Nov. 22: 'Mutual interest' between Yankees, RHP Buehler (report)

Dodgers right-hander Walker Buehler threw the final pitch of this season at Yankee Stadium, closing out Game 5 of the World Series in the Bronx.

Might Yankee Stadium also be where Buehler throws his first pitch in 2025? MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi has been told that there is "some mutual interest" between Buehler and the Yankees, who are looking to augment their starting rotation this offseason. More >

Nov. 22: Royals send RHP Singer to Reds for 2B India, OF Wiemer

The Royals and Reds completed a trade Friday headlined by former college teammates, right-handed pitcher Brady Singer and second baseman Jonathan India, heading in opposite directions.

The Reds bolster their rotation with Singer, who pitched to a 3.71 ERA over a career-high 179 2/3 innings this season. India, the 2021 National League Rookie of the Year, addresses one of Kansas City's top priorities for this offseason: adding more offense. The Royals also received 25-year-old outfielder Joey Wiemer, who hasn't hit much in his limited time in the big leagues but did record eight outs above average while playing for the Brewers in 2023.

Nov. 22: Will Red Sox go after Teoscar if they miss out on Soto?

The Red Sox are definitely one of the teams vying for Juan Soto. However, will this year's No. 1 free agent actually end up with Boston? MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi said Friday that he will be "surprised" if that happens.

If Soto does sign elsewhere, the Red Sox will have to pivot to some of the other big bats on the market, and Morosi considers Boston to be one of the top candidates to sign Teoscar Hernández. More >

Nov. 22: Sugano drawing interest from multiple West Coast teams (reports)

Roki Sasaki isn't the only marquee Japanese pitcher who is expected to make the jump to the Majors this offseason. The 35-year-old Tomoyuki Sugano doesn't possess Sasaki's top-notch velocity, but as a two-time winner of the Sawamura Award -- the Japanese equivalent to the Cy Young Award -- Sugano should have his fair share of suitors.

MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi has identified two of them this week: the Angels and the Giants. More >

Nov. 22: Are these 4 teams the top contenders to sign Flaherty?

During Friday's edition of Hot Stove, MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi mentioned four possible landing spots for Jack Flaherty this offseason: The Dodgers, Yankees, Padres and Angels. More >

Nov. 21: At least 7 teams reportedly interested in the top FA starting pitchers

The demand is high, but the supply is low. That's the story for teams looking to sign a frontline starting pitcher in free agency this offseason. The best arms available are Corbin Burnes, Blake Snell and . You could add Japanese right-hander Roki Sasaki to that group, but he hasn't yet been posted for MLB teams, so he's not officially a free agent at the moment.

As for those other three pitchers, at least seven teams have been connected to them in recent reports.

Dodgers: The reigning World Series champions are one of the teams that have met with Snell already but are also talking to Burnes and Fried, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal (subscription required). They "like Snell a lot," per MLB Network insider Jon Heyman. The Dodgers are considered among the favorites for Sasaki, but Heyman reported last week in the New York Post that L.A. will try to sign one of the Big Three even if they land the Japanese phenom. MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi sees the Dodgers as one of the two leading candidates for Burnes.

Red Sox: Like the Dodgers, the Red Sox have met with Snell already but are keeping their options open with Burnes and Fried, Rosenthal reports.

Orioles: With Burnes a free agent after spending 2024 with Baltimore, Orioles general manager Mike Elias said Friday that the team’s new ownership group has given him the flexibility to engage with the top starting pitchers on the free-agent market. Rosenthal hears the team is currently more focused on Snell and Fried, both of whom could have lower price tags than Burnes.

Blue Jays: Rosenthal reports that Toronto is pursuing Burnes, Snell and Fried.

Yankees: Heyman directly mentioned the Yankees' interest in Snell, but he added that New York's willingness to go after one of the top starters may be contingent on whether it can re-sign Juan Soto. Heyman said that if Soto doesn't come back to the Bronx, the Yankees "will be more focused" on these aces. But if Soto is back in pinstripes, Heyman thinks the Yankees won't spend the money necessary to get one of the top pitchers.

Giants: Heyman said he "wouldn't be surprised" if Snell returns to San Francisco after the left-hander enjoyed his time there during the 2024 season.

Mets: Another club that's focused on Soto, the Mets will also be looking to upgrade a rotation that could lose Sean Manaea, José Quintana and Luis Severino in free agency.

Nov. 21: Cubs want to trade Bellinger (report)

Although outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger exercised his player option for 2025, it’s not a guarantee that he’ll be with the Cubs on Opening Day.

According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal (subscription required), rival executives say that the Cubs want to trade the 29-year-old. More >

Nov. 20: The latest on the Juan Soto sweepstakes

Juan Soto's decision on where to sign this offseason is the most anticipated in baseball, and according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, "the feeling around the industry" is that the decision could be made before the annual Winter Meetings get underway in Dallas on Dec. 9.

Soto reportedly has already met with the Blue Jays, Red Sox, Mets and incumbent Yankees. Yanks owner Hal Steinbrenner confirmed Wednesday that the club had a "good meeting" with Soto.

Soto has a couple more meetings reportedly on tap. He is scheduled to meet with the Dodgers next. And according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, the Phillies plan to meet with Soto at some point, though nothing has been scheduled yet.

Per Heyman, it's believed that no offers have been made to Soto yet.

You can follow the latest rumblings on Soto here.

Nov. 20: Sasaki not expected to sign with MLB team until Jan. 15

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said Wednesday that Sasaki is expected to be part of the 2025 international amateur signing class, which means the Japanese right-hander likely won't sign with a club before Jan. 15.

"It looks like ... the signing will happen in the new pool period," Manfred said via The Athletic's Evan Drelich. More >

Nov. 19: 12 decline qualifying offer; N. Martinez accepts

Thirteen players were tendered a qualifying offer (a one-year, $21.05 million deal for 2025) this offseason, but Reds right-hander was the only one who accepted prior to Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline.

The following 12 players rejected the qualifying offer and will remain free agents:

  • Willy Adames, Brewers
  • Pete Alonso, Mets
  • Alex Bregman, Astros
  • Corbin Burnes, Orioles
  • Max Fried, Braves
  • Teoscar Hernández, Dodgers
  • Sean Manaea, Mets
  • Nick Pivetta, Red Sox
  • Anthony Santander, Orioles
  • Luis Severino, Mets
  • Juan Soto, Yankees
  • Christian Walker, D-backs

Since the system was implemented in 2012, only 14 players to receive a QO have accepted it.

You can read more about year's QO decisions here.

Nov. 18: Orioles focused on FA market in search for high-end starters

The Orioles could be one of the big players on the free-agent market for starting pitchers in their first offseason under their new ownership group.

General manager Mike Elias said Friday that the Orioles have "engaged" in conversations with high-end starting pitchers in free agency.

"We are looking at the whole menu, the whole spectrum and I credit the ownership change toward putting us in a position to do that," Elias said.

The highest of the high-end starters on the open market is Corbin Burnes, and the Orioles would welcome his return to Baltimore, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan (subscription required). The Orioles also have been linked to left-handed ace Max Fried.

Additionally, Baltimore is among a host of clubs interested in acquiring White Sox southpaw Garrett Crochet via trade.

However, given all of the young talent they have traded in the past year, The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal (subscription required) hears that the O's are more focused on the free-agent market right now.

Nov. 18: Cohen to best any Soto offer by $50 million (report)

Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay said on his radio program on Monday that according to a source, Mets owner Steve Cohen is willing to beat any other club's offer to Juan Soto by $50 million. More >

Nov. 18: Yanks meet with Soto (report)

MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reports in an article for the New York Post that the Yankees met with superstar slugger Juan Soto in Southern California on Monday as they look to retain him after he helped lead them to the World Series. More >

Nov. 16: Red Sox reportedly talking with Snell, Fried

The Red Sox have reportedly made their pitch -- or at least an initial one -- to Juan Soto. They are also trying to convince the top starting pitchers on the market to come to Fenway, too.

ESPN's Jeff Passan said during Friday's edition of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast podcast that the Red Sox are talking to Blake Snell and Max Fried. More >

Nov. 15: Adames reportedly has robust market

Willy Adames is drawing “broad” interest across the Majors, according to MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi.

While Adames’ market includes teams that have an opening at shortstop, there are also a number of clubs eyeing him as a third baseman. More >

Nov. 15: Braves showing interest in Buehler (report)

With Max Fried and Charlie Morton both free agents, adding rotation help is a priority for the Braves this offseason. Nathan Eovaldi ranks near the top of Atlanta’s wish list (per a source), but he isn’t the only free-agent starter the team is said to be considering, as MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi hears the Braves also have interest in Walker Buehler.

Returning from his second Tommy John surgery, Buehler struggled to the tune of a 5.38 ERA over 16 starts this past season. However, he finished the year on a high note, tossing 10 straight scoreless innings in the postseason and closing out the Dodgers’ title-clinching win over the Yankees in Game 5 of the World Series.

Buehler, 30, was one of baseball’s top starters from 2018-21, recording a 2.82 ERA (146 ERA+) with 620 strikeouts and 137 walks in 564 innings.

Atlanta could be an attractive landing spot for Buehler in more ways than one. The right-hander has ties to two nearby states, as he was born in Kentucky and attended Vanderbilt in Tennessee.

Buehler also just watched the Braves have success with another reclamation project, Chris Sale. Atlanta acquired Sale from the Red Sox last offseason after several injury-plagued seasons. The lefty stayed healthy in 2024 and is the overwhelming favorite to win the National League Cy Young Award.

In addition to their interest in Eovaldi and Buehler, the Braves have been linked to White Sox lefty Garrett Crochet on the trade market, though it's unclear if they have enough prospect capital to swing a trade.

Fried is still a possibility, too, but paying top dollar for free agents is not part of president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos’ typical M.O.

MLB Trade Rumors predicts Fried will sign a six-year, $156 million contract, compared to one year, $15 million for Buehler and two years, $44 million for Eovaldi.

Nov. 14: Why Sasaki might steer clear of Dodgers

The Dodgers are viewed as one of the top contenders to sign Japanese right-hander Roki Sasaki once he is posted by his Nippon Professional Baseball team, the Chiba Lotte Marines. However, The Athletic's Jim Bowden (subscription required) doesn't see it that way.

Based on his conversations with league sources, Bowden thinks it's "unlikely" Sasaki will sign with the Dodgers. And Bowden mentioned a few reasons why. More >

Nov. 14: Yankees reportedly 'in on everyone' in free agency

Although the Yankees are going to make a strong effort to bring back Juan Soto, there’s a real chance the superstar outfielder signs elsewhere, which means New York needs to have a backup plan in place.

That backup plan appears to have no limits. MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reported Thursday in the New York Post that the Yankees are "in on everyone."

One day earlier, during his live chat for Bleacher Report, Heyman was a little more specific on which non-Soto players the Yanks might target. More >

Nov. 13: Will Bregman end up with the Phillies?

The Phillies sign Alex Bregman. That is the prediction of one rival evaluator to ESPN's Buster Olney. The Phillies don't have an opening at third base right now, but they could create one by dealing Alec Bohm, who is on the trade block, per ESPN's Jeff Passan (subscription required).

Bohm and Bregman had similar offensive production this year (the former had a 117 OPS+ while the latter had a 118) and both were plus defenders according to outs above average. However, Bregman, a 2024 Gold Glover, has a much longer track record of stellar defense at the hot corner. His has 28 OAA for his career at the position while Bohm has minus-8. Bregman would also bring a large dose of World Series experience to a club that has been thwarted in the postseason in recent years and hasn't won it all since 2008.

The Astros have made it clear that re-signing Bregman is their biggest priority of the offseason, but he isn't expected to make his decision any time soon. MLB.com's Mark Feinsand said during a Reddit AMA on Tuesday that he thinks Bregman's chances of remaining with Houston are 50/50.

Nov. 12: How market is shaping up for top FAs, trade targets

ESPN's Jeff Passan breaks down the markets for the key free agents and trade targets in his 2024-25 offseason preview (subscription required).

Here's what he's reporting on potential landing spots for some of the top hitters and pitchers available:

FA hitters

  • Juan Soto -- The Mets, Yankees, Blue Jays and Red Sox all have meetings scheduled with Soto over the coming weeks, with other teams like the Dodgers and Rays also interested. The two New York teams are considered the favorites.
  • Willy Adames -- The Giants make a lot of sense for the slugging shortstop, but the Mets and Yankees are also tied to Adames thanks to his willingness to move to third base, as are the Dodgers.
  • Alex Bregman -- The Astros re-signing their star third baseman is a strong possibility, but the Tigers are also a strong fit for Bregman, where he could play under former manager A.J. Hinch. The Blue Jays would be, too, if they don't get Soto.
  • Teoscar Hernández -- The Dodgers are the favorites to bring back Hernández after he helped slug them to a World Series title. The Yankees would pursue Hernández if Soto doesn't return, and the Red Sox and Orioles are also in on him.
  • Christian Walker -- The Yankees are an "ideal fit" for Walker, with his home run power and elite defense at first base.
  • Tyler O'Neill -- The Red Sox want to bring back the slugging right-handed hitter, and the Giants and Tigers are also fits.

FA pitchers

  • Roki Sasaki -- With Sasaki's NPB team, the Chiba Lotte Marines, set to post the electric 23-year-old right-hander, the Dodgers, Padres, Blue Jays, Cubs, Mets, Yankees, Rangers and Rays are all expected to make a strong pitch.
  • Corbin Burnes -- The Orioles would welcome a reunion with their ace, and the Giants and Blue Jays are also strong fits for the former Cy Young Award winner.
  • Max Fried -- Expect the Red Sox to target the left-hander for the top of their rotation, as well as the Blue Jays, Giants, Orioles and maybe even the Dodgers, who are looking to add at least one high-end starting pitcher.
  • Jack Flaherty -- The Nationals and Yankees (who almost traded for Flaherty in 2024) could both be in the mix for the right-hander.
  • Sean Manaea -- The Mets are hoping they'll be able to re-sign the workhorse lefty who emerged as their ace down the stretch in 2024.
  • Yusei Kikuchi -- The Astros, who traded for Kikuchi last season, want to re-sign him. But teams like the Cubs, Dodgers and Angels could also be in the mix for the lefty, as could the Blue Jays and Orioles if they don't get a top-of-the-market starter.
  • Nick Pivetta -- A team like the Cubs, Orioles or Braves could offer Pivetta a multi-year deal.

Trade market

The players Passan cites as potentially being available on the trade market this winter include:

Pitchers -- White Sox ace Garrett Crochet, Brewers closer Devin Williams, Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley, Cardinals right-hander Sonny Gray, Mariners right-hander Luis Castillo, D-backs left-hander Jordan Montgomery, Rockies reliever Justin Lawrence

Position players -- Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner and outfielder Cody Bellinger, Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm, Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado, Guardians first baseman Josh Naylor, Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe and first baseman Yandy Díaz, Giants first baseman LaMonte Wade Jr., Rockies second baseman Brendan Rodgers

Nov. 11: Multiple teams planning to make aggressive pursuit of Walker (report)

According to a report from USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Christian Walker is a popular name on the free-agent market, with at least six teams planning to “aggressively pursue” the first baseman. Walker received a qualifying offer from the D-backs, but he will likely decline it.

Nightengale names the Yankees, Mets and Nationals as teams that are expected to join Arizona in pursuit of Walker, who should come with a lower price tag than that of fellow free-agent first baseman Pete Alonso, given the age disparity between the two players. (Walker is four years older.)

The Yankees and Mets are also two of the top contenders for Juan Soto, the No. 1 free agent on the market, but both clubs need to address first base as well. With his expected price tag, signing Walker likely wouldn't impact either team's pursuit of Soto, who is headed for one of the largest contracts in MLB history.

Walker doesn’t have quite the same power as Alonso, but he’s no slouch with the bat, having recorded 95 homers and an .813 OPS over the past three seasons. In that same time, Alonso has produced 120 homers and an .826 OPS.

Walker, meanwhile, is a far better defender, winning three straight Gold Gloves and leading his position with +38 Outs Above Average since the beginning of 2022. Alonso has produced -17 OAA in that span.

In addition to the teams Nightengale mentioned, the Astros, Twins, Mariners, Cardinals and Padres could also be involved in the first-base market to some extent.