Will Fried sweepstakes come down to Yankees vs. Red Sox?

Will Fried sweepstakes come down to Yankees vs. Red Sox?

LATEST FREE AGENT & TRADE RUMORS

December 8th, 2024

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

Dec. 8: Fried sweepstakes could come down to Yankees and Red Sox

USA Today's Bob Nightengale reports that Max Fried, one of the top free-agent starting pitchers this offseason, is expected to sign with either the Yankees or the Red Sox.

Both clubs have been linked to many of the best starters available as well as the best player available this winter, Juan Soto. If the superstar outfielder signs with a team other than one of these longtime rivals, "Fried could find himself in a nice bidding war" between the two clubs, per Nightengale.

Fried has established himself as a frontline starter after a stellar eight-year career with the Braves. That period included two seasons where he finished inside the top five in the National League Cy Young Award voting, two All-Star selections and a World Series title in 2021. Since 2019, Fried has pitched to a 3.06 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP across 824 2/3 regular-season innings. However, Fried has "priced himself out of Atlanta," according to Nightengale, who thinks the left-hander and fellow free-agent ace Corbin Burnes could each get a contract that exceeds $200 million.

Dec. 8: Teams eyeing Santander, Teoscar as Soto backup plans (source)

Everyone is waiting for Juan Soto's decision. That likely includes Anthony Santander and Teoscar Hernández, who will be the top power hitters in the outfield market once Soto is off the board. And there are reportedly a few Soto suitors who are showing interest in either Santander or Hernández.

Two of those teams are the Red Sox and the Blue Jays, a source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. Boston intends to pursue Hernández if it doesn't sign Soto, while Toronto prefers the switch-hitting Santander. Two other clubs reportedly vying for Soto, the Yankees and the Dodgers, have also "expressed serious interest" in Hernández, per MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo.

"The markets for both Hernández and Santander are sure to be very active as soon as Soto makes his decision," Feinsand wrote.

Dec. 7: What's next for Giants in the wake of Adames' record contract?

Buster Posey's first major move after being named the Giants' president of baseball operations was a franchise-record seven-year, $182 million contract with free agent shortstop Willy Adames, a source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. The deal surpasses Posey's own player extension of $167 million in 2013.

Shortstop was a clear need for San Francisco heading into the 2025 season, but it's not the only one. The club could also use a frontline starting pitcher to replace left-hander Blake Snell, who signed with the Dodgers, as well as more power in the lineup even after landing Adames.

The Giants have been connected to the top end of the starting pitching market, linked to former Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes and left-hander Max Fried. San Francisco is reportedly among the "main players" for Burnes, along with the Yankees, Blue Jays, Red Sox and incumbent Orioles.

While they're not reportedly in the mix to sign this offseason's greatest free agent prize, Juan Soto, the Giants could upgrade the lineup further, particularly at first base. There is some big power in that department on the free agent market, with sluggers Pete Alonso and Christian Walker out there. San Francisco could certainly make a play for one of them, or even other power hitters available.

Dec. 7: Price tag for Soto continues to rise (report)

The bidding for Soto appears to have reached record territory. According to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman in an article for the New York Post, at least four teams -- the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox and Blue Jays -- are in the neighborhood of $700 million, and two of them -- the Yankees and Mets -- are above that mark, in the range of $710 million-$730 million. USA Today's Bob Nightengale reports that Soto's deal could even reach up to $750 million.

Per Heyman, the Dodgers are “believed behind in the bidding” but haven’t been eliminated from the group of finalists yet.

You can follow the latest rumblings on the Soto sweepstakes here as the superstar outfielder nears his decision.

Dec. 7: Sasaki to be posted during Winter Meetings (report)

Roki Sasaki is expected to be posted by the Chiba Lotte Marines of Nippon Professional Baseball in the coming week, a source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand.

Once Sasaki is posted, it will open a 45-day window for the Japanese phenom to sign with an MLB team. However, he's not expected to sign until the 2025 international amateur signing period begins on Jan. 15. More >

Dec. 7: Orioles add power bat -- what might be next for Baltimore?

The Orioles have several areas that need to be addressed this offseason, but the need for a right-handed power bat was satisfied with what a source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand is a three-year, $49.5 million deal with free-agent outfielder Tyler O'Neill. O'Neill smashed 31 home runs in 113 games for the Red Sox last season. Now the question is: What might be next for Baltimore?

A major priority is acquiring an ace for the starting rotation, since Corbin Burnes is a free agent and could end up elsewhere in 2025. The O's have been linked to Burnes as well as other pitchers at the top end of the starter market, including left-hander Max Fried. After reaching the postseason for the second consecutive year following a six-year drought, the Orioles will need to replace Burnes' 2.92 ERA over 194 1/3 innings if he does end up in another uniform next season.

Other areas that Baltimore may look to address are the bullpen and the backup catcher role. More >

Dec. 7: Mets showing interest in more free agent starters after signing Holmes (report)

The Mets appear to be looking to further bolster their starting rotation after adding veteran reliever Clay Holmes, whom they reportedly intend to turn into a starter, and Frankie Montas. According to a report in The Athletic (subscription required), the club is showing interest in right-handers Nathan Eovaldi, Jack Flaherty, Nick Pivetta and Walker Buehler. More >

Dec. 7: Cubs reportedly eyeing Buehler, 'determined' to trade Suzuki or Bellinger

The offseason has contained plenty of buzz about the Cubs possibly trading outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger. Conversely, there has been almost zero buzz about the Cubs possibly trading outfielder Seiya Suzuki this winter. Until now.

MLB Network insider Joel Sherman reports in the New York Post (subscription required) that the Cubs are "determined" to move either Bellinger or Suzuki, as the team would like to use the money owed to those big bats next season elsewhere on the roster.

The rotation remains an area of focus for the Cubs, even after signing Matthew Boyd to a two-year, $29 million deal. According to a report from Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic (subscription required), the Cubs "have kept Walker Buehler on their radar." More >

Dec. 7: Will Tigers look to reunite with Flaherty?

The Tigers made a surprise late-season push into the postseason in 2024, and on the heels of that playoff appearance, Detroit may be poised to spend this offseason to bolster the roster for another run in '25. According to a report in The Athletic (subscription required), the club has "shown at least some interest in a reunion" with Jack Flaherty. The 29-year-old right-hander posted a 2.95 ERA over 18 starts for the Tigers before being traded to the Dodgers in July.

Dec. 6: These teams reportedly 'main players' for Burnes

The Yankees, Blue Jays, Red Sox, Orioles and Giants are “among [the] main players” for free-agent ace Corbin Burnes, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman.

Burnes’ market appears to be closely linked to that of superstar outfielder Juan Soto, a fellow Scott Boras client. Soto is also being pursued by the Yanks, Blue Jays and Red Sox (as well as the Mets and Dodgers). More >

Dec. 6: Holmes, Bieber the latest FA arms to come off the board

While Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, Jack Flaherty, Sean Manaea and many other notable hurlers remain available, the market for starting pitching has been quite active this offseason.

On Friday, the Mets agreed to terms on a three-year, $38 million contract with right-hander Clay Holmes, the former Yankees closer. But the Mets do not intend to use Holmes as a reliever. Instead, they will convert him to the rotation. Meanwhile, Shane Bieber agreed to a one-year, $10 million deal with the Guardians for 2025 that includes a $16 million player option for 2026 ($4 million buyout).

Here's a look at the largest deals struck by starting pitchers this offseason:

Dec. 6: Mets listening to trade offers for Baty (report)

The Mets aren't actively shopping third baseman Brett Baty, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post (subscription required). But teams have inquired about the 25-year-old, and the Mets are listening.

The Mets may have no room for Baty at third base following Mark Vientos' breakout season in 2024. But if the Mets don't re-sign first baseman Pete Alonso, they could move Vientos across the diamond, leaving a space open for Baty. So, the Mets are fielding offers for the lefty hitter and "would be inclined to trade him if the right deal (think starting pitching) materialized," Puma wrote. More >

Dec. 6: Rays land Jansen, further thinning free-agent catching market

The Rays have ranked among the bottom 10 in catcher OPS in each of the past three seasons. Needing an upgrade behind the plate, Tampa Bay agreed to a one-year deal with Danny Jansen, a source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand on Friday. The deal, which was initially reported by Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times and FanSided's Robert Murray, will pay Jansen $8.5 million next season and has a mutual option for 2026 with a $500,000 buyout.

With Jansen now off the board, the top three free-agent catchers, in terms of 2023-24 FanGraphs WAR, are no longer available. Kyle Higashioka inked a two-year deal with the Rangers earlier this month, and Travis d'Arnaud joined the Angels on a two-year deal in November.

Dec. 5: Astros have made offer to Bregman (source)

The Astros have offered Alex Bregman a six-year deal worth around $156 million, a source told MLB.com this week. That would be a club-record contract for the team in terms of dollars, but Bregman is believed to be seeking a deal closer to $200 million, which likely would price out the Astros and force them to move on from their cornerstone third baseman. The club is already considering backup options if Bregman signs elsewhere. More >

Dec. 5: Red Sox hoping for another meeting with Soto (report)

The Red Sox are one of the clubs who have held an in-person meeting with free agent superstar Juan Soto, and according to a report in The Boston Globe (subscription required), they're hoping to have another opportunity to meet with him. More >

Dec. 5: Phillies' Bohm, Suárez, Castellanos available in trade talks (report)

According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic (subscription required), the Phillies have made third baseman Alec Bohm, starting pitcher Ranger Suárez and outfielder Nick Castellanos available for possible trades.

The Phillies are looking to acquire big league players in any deal featuring those players. Bohm and Suárez, who were All-Stars in 2024, are under club control for two more seasons and one more season, respectively. Castellanos is under contract for $40 million through 2026, and any trade involving him would require the Phillies to take on much of his remaining salary, per Gelb.

An outfielder and a right-handed reliever are reportedly Philadelphia's top targets this offseason, although it's unclear if they have discussed any of those aforementioned players for such a return. They reportedly discussed a deal for White Sox starting pitcher Garrett Crochet earlier this offseason in a swap that included Bohm, per USA Today's Bob Nightengale, but sources told Gelb that Chicago may find a better prospect package from another club this offseason.

Bohm was also brought up in trade discussions with Seattle, according to the Seattle Times' Adam Jude, and the Phillies asked for a starting pitcher -- either Logan Gilbert or George Kirby -- in return from the Mariners.

"The Phillies are under no obligation to trade from their big league roster," Gelb wrote, "but they have indicated to teams they are more willing than before to do so."

Dec. 5: Yankees, Mariners, Astros have considered Bellinger trade with Cubs (report)

Bruce Levine of 670 The Score in Chicago reports that three teams -- the Yankees, Mariners and Astros -- recently "checked in" with the Cubs about a possible trade for OF/1B Cody Bellinger.

However, there could be more clubs interested in the 29-year-old once Juan Soto decides which team he wants to join. That decision could come pretty soon. Levine believes Bellinger's market will gain traction once Soto is off the board.

Bellinger is coming off a relatively underwhelming season with the Cubs as he slashed .266/.325/.426 with 18 home runs and nine stolen bases over 130 games. He played the same number of games in 2023 for Chicago, but he earned National League Comeback Player of the Year honors that year. He slashed .307/.356/.525 with 26 homers and 20 steals in '23.

Bellinger has spent the majority of his time in the outfield, but he has played 81 games at first base over the previous two seasons and could be a fit for either of those three clubs, all of which could be looking to upgrade at first.

Dec. 5: Could Brewers pull off another Burnes-style deal this offseason?

Prior to the 2024 season, the Brewers traded ace starting pitcher Corbin Burnes, who was entering his final season of club control, to the Orioles in return for a couple of talented young players -- infielder Joey Ortiz and left-handed pitcher DL Hall -- as well as a 2024 Competitive Balance Draft pick that Milwaukee used on infielder Blake Burke, its No. 16 prospect.

It was a move that changed the immediate fortunes of both clubs as Burnes went on to have a stellar year for the Orioles, who made the playoffs, and the Brewers acquired multiple players who look like they can make an impact for years to come.

Might Milwaukee make a similar trade this offseason with another one of its star pitchers?

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (subscription required), the Brewers are receiving inquiries on closer Devin Williams, who is entering his final year of arbitration prior to free agency. The Cardinals' Ryan Helsley is another closer who is a year away from free agency, but "teams talking to the Cardinals are under the impression the team will hold Helsley," Rosenthal wrote. "... [W]ith Helsley less available than initially expected, perhaps the Brewers can make the kind of deal for Williams they made for Corbin Burnes last winter."

Rosenthal adds that any deal for Williams would ideally include a young starting pitcher going back to the Brewers. Williams, 30, is a two-time winner of the Trevor Hoffman Award, which goes to the best reliever in the National League. He missed the first four months of this season due to a back injury, but he was phenomenal when on the mound during the regular season, allowing only three earned runs and striking out 38 batters over 21 2/3 innings.

Dec. 5: Dodgers close to bringing back Teoscar (report)

Teoscar Hernández has made his desire to return to the Dodgers clear. He said last month that he is "going to do everything in my power" to come back to the reigning World Series champions. It sounds like such a reunion is close to happening.

Dodgers reporter David Vassegh said Wednesday on AM 570 radio in Los Angeles that the Dodgers and the slugging outfielder "are trying to nail the final details of a contract. So, things are looking good for Teoscar Hernández and the Dodgers to be back together." More >

The D-backs have a surplus of starting pitching. They have six veteran options under contract for next season -- Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Eduardo Rodriguez, Brandon Pfaadt, Ryne Nelson and Jordan Montgomery. And with so many clubs looking to obtain rotation help this offseason, it's no surprise that the D-backs are fielding many calls from opposing teams.

General manager Mike Hazen told Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic (subscription required) that the calls regarding Arizona's pitchers "have started to pick up."

Montgomery is "probably" the most likely pitcher to be moved, according to Piecoro. The left-hander produced a 6.23 ERA over 25 games (21 starts) after signing with Arizona just after the start of the 2024 regular season. He was placed in the bullpen before the end of the year. Montgomery recently exercised the player option in his contract for next season, meaning he is set to make $22.5 million with the D-backs next season Trading him could allow Arizona to use that money to bulk up at other positions.

But according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal (subscription required), "club officials are somewhat mixed on the idea" of trading Montgomery, knowing that it's possible that the 31-year-old southpaw could rebound. He owned a 3.68 career ERA over 755 regular-season innings prior to '24. He was also a postseason standout for the Rangers when they won the 2023 World Series.

Per Piecoro: "Hazen also said he would consider moving any of his other starters if he received an aggressive offer, a decision that ultimately would amount to a large bet on Montgomery bouncing back."

Dec. 4: Mariners had trade talks involving Bohm, Hoerner (report); Walker could be on their radar

The Mariners ranked 21st or worse in OPS at second base, third base and shortstop this season. Their first basemen recorded good numbers overall, but of their two top producers at the position, one is a free agent (Justin Turner) and the other is an outfielder by trade (Luke Raley).

It's clear that Seattle needs to upgrade its infield this offseason, and they have been linked to a few big names in the trade market and free agency.

Adam Jude of the Seattle Times reports that Seattle "has been active in exploratory talks with other clubs" for a new third baseman. He adds that the Mariners talked to the Phillies about third baseman Alec Bohm and that Philly asked for either Logan Gilbert or George Kirby in return. Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto has indicated the Mariners won't be open to trading one of their young starting pitchers this winter.

Jude writes that the Mariners also had preliminary talks with the Cubs regarding Gold Glove infielder Nico Hoerner and that Chicago is seeking "proven Major League talent" as part of a deal.

Christian Walker is another name to watch for the Mariners, according to MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi. Walker's free-agent contract probably won't be as long or as rich as one that gets signed by Pete Alonso -- the other top first baseman on the market -- simply because the 33-year-old Walker is four years older. But after a season in which Walker slugged 26 homers in 130 games, recorded an .800-plus OPS for the third consecutive season and won his third consecutive Gold Glove, he is a player coveted by many teams looking for help at first base.

"I think for [Walker] on a three- or maybe even a four-year deal, with the defensive value that he brings and the power, I think Walker and the Mariners, that is one of the pairings that I'm watching very carefully potentially in the days ahead," Morosi said during Wednesday's edition of Hot Stove.

Alonso has more home runs than Walker over the past three seasons (120 to 95), but Walker has been vastly superior on defense over that same span, according to outs above average (36 to minus-16).

Dec. 4: Cubs, Reds join Crochet sweepstakes

The Cubs and Reds are both among the candidates to trade for left-handed starter Garrett Crochet this winter, according to a report Wednesday from MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi.

Previously, teams such as the Orioles, Red Sox, Dodgers and Phillies had been mentioned as the top contenders to land the White Sox ace, but Chicago and Cincinnati are new additions to the list. More >

Dec. 4: Are Padres leading the Sasaki sweepstakes?

Padres or Dodgers? Dodgers or Padres? Those are reportedly the top suitors for Japanese right-handed pitcher Roki Sasaki. However, it seems like there is buzz building toward San Diego ending up with hard-throwing ace.

During his Wednesday chat on Bleacher Report, MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reiterated what he has reported in recent days: The Padres "have a real shot" at signing Sasaki. Furthermore, baseball reporter Francys Romero wrote on social media that several industry sources believe the Padres "are in a strong position" to land the 23-year-old. More >

Dec. 4: KBO star Kim posted for MLB teams

Hyeseong Kim, one of the top hitters in the KBO, was officially posted by his team, the Kiwoom Heroes on Wednesday, making him a free agent. Beginning Thursday, Kim can start negotiating with MLB teams. He has until 5 p.m. ET on Jan. 3, 2025, to sign with a club.

A 25-year-old second baseman, Kim slashed .326/.383/.458 with 11 home runs and 30 steals for Kiwoom this year. He has batted .326 over the past three seasons and has a career .304 average over eight seasons in Korea.

The Mariners are reportedly among the teams interested in the left-handed hitter. More >