Could 2 star outfielders be on the trade block?

LATEST FREE AGENT & TRADE RUMORS

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

Dec. 9: Could Tucker, Robert be on the trade block?

The clubs that missed out on signing superstar Juan Soto could still make an outfield splash this offseason with two standout players potentially available for trade.

Astros general manager Dana Brown said Monday at the 2024 Winter Meetings that Houston is receptive to trading anyone, including right fielder Kyle Tucker, if it means improving the roster. "I think everybody -- you would listen on all the players," Brown said. "I don't think that you would turn a deaf ear to any of these guys." Tucker, a free agent after the 2025 season, posted a .289/.408/.585 slash line in 2024, hitting 23 home runs in just 78 games. His potential availability "has created some buzz" at the Winter Meetings, MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi reported Monday. Houston still hopes to re-sign third baseman Alex Bregman, but that doesn't necessarily mean Tucker will be on the move.

White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr., who was viewed as a top candidate to be dealt at the 2024 Trade Deadline, has received considerable trade interest, general manager Chris Getz said Monday. While Getz said the team isn't necessarily "heavily motivated" to trade Robert, according to Chuck Garfien of the Chicago Sports Network, the native of Cuba is apparently being coveted by multiple clubs. After finishing second in American League Rookie of the Year Award voting in 2020 and winning a Gold Glove Award that year, Robert earned AL All-Star honors and won a Silver Slugger Award in 2023. But he was limited to 100 games in 2024 by a right hip flexor strain suffered early in the season, hitting .224 with 14 home runs, a .657 OPS and a high 33.2% strikeout rate.

Dec. 9: Are Mariners shopping Castillo with an eye on a big bat?

The Mariners have “expressed willingness to listen to offers” for veteran right-hander Luis Castillo, according to Alex Speier of the Boston Globe (subscription required).

Seattle could potentially be looking to deal Castillo to shed his salary with an eye on investing in a big bat. MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi views the Mariners as a potential fit for free-agent first baseman Pete Alonso, but only if they can clear money elsewhere. Seattle also has been linked to the Cubs' Cody Bellinger, who is reportedly available.

Castillo is owed roughly $72 million over the next three years, a reasonable rate for a pitcher of his caliber, given the rising cost of arms on the free-agent market. He also has a $25 million vesting option for 2028.

With four controllable young starters -- Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Bryce Miller and Bryan Woo -- in Seattle’s rotation, Castillo might be expendable if it helps the team improve its offense. The Mariners tied for first in the Majors in runs allowed last season but ranked 21st in runs scored.

Dec. 9: The markets for Teoscar and Santander are heating up

Everyone was waiting for Juan Soto's decision. That likely includes Anthony Santander and Teoscar Hernández, who are now the top options in the outfield market after Soto reached a 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets (per sources) on Sunday night.

After missing out on Soto, the Yankees, Red Sox and Blue Jays are all showing "strong interest" in Santander, according to MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi.

The Red Sox and Yankees are also in the mix for Hernández. A source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand that Boston was intending to pursue Hernández if it didn't sign Soto, while MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo hears the Bronx Bombers have "expressed serious interest" in the right-handed slugger as well. Toronto is said to prefer the switch-hitting Santander to Hernández, while Boston likes Hernández better.

Per Feinsand, the incumbent Dodgers are still in on Hernández, too, even after landing Michael Conforto. Hernández said last month that he would "do everything in my power" to come back to the defending World Series champions. However, his return is not a foregone conclusion.

While Dodgers reporter David Vassegh said Wednesday that the team and the slugging outfielder were "trying to nail the final details of a contract," ESPN's Alden Gonzalez hears that the two sides "have been unable to bridge the gap" in their negotiations over the past several weeks.

Dec. 9: Shildt likes Padres' chances of landing Sasaki

After being posted by the Chiba Lotte Marines of Nippon Professional Baseball on Monday, Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki can begin negotiating with MLB teams on Tuesday. The San Diego Padres are expected to be in the mix to sign Sasaki, and manager Mike Shildt didn’t mince words on Monday when asked about the team’s chances of landing the 23-year-old pitcher.

“We should be very legitimate contenders [for Sasaki],” Shildt said in an interview on MLB Network Radio on Sirius XM. “We fully expect to be right in the mix and actually, at the end of the day, have Sasaki a Padre." More >

Dec. 9: Red Sox reportedly pursuing Bregman, FA outfielders

With Juan Soto apparently en route to the Mets, those teams that didn't end up with the 26-year-old superstar will be scurrying to find other ways to add thump to their lineup.

The Red Sox, reportedly one of the five teams who were vying for Soto's services, have some backup options in mind, both in the outfield and elsewhere.

Boston's reported hitting targets include third baseman Alex Bregman and outfielders Teoscar Hernández and Anthony Santander. More >

Dec. 9: With Soto off the board, might Twins be willing to move Correa?

Now that the big Juan Soto decision has been made, the teams that lost out in the Soto sweepstakes must look elsewhere for a big bat or two. That includes the three teams who were reportedly in the mix for Soto but didn't land him -- the Yankees, Red Sox and Dodgers.

According to a report in The Athletic (subscription required), Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey is "open to listening" to offers on star shortstop Carlos Correa, even though Falvey said the likelihood of Minnesota dealing Correa is slim.

"He’s a leader," Falvey said of Correa, who had a .905 OPS with 14 homers in a season limited to 86 games because of injury. "He’s a key member of the clubhouse. Obviously, you expect teams to call on players like that, especially with where we are and some of the conversations we’re having with other clubs. But we want to win, so a high bar is set."

The report noted that the more likely Twins trade candidates are right-hander Chris Paddack, catcher Christian Vázquez and utility man Willi Castro as the club looks to shed some salary.

Dec. 9: Dodgers not done bolstering bullpen after re-signing Treinen (report)

The Dodgers and veteran reliever Blake Treinen reportedly reached an agreement on a two-year, $22 million deal to keep the right-hander with the defending World Series champions on Saturday, but that doesn't mean they're done adding to their bullpen. According to a report in The Athletic (subscription required), the club is "looking at the top of [the reliever] market," including free-agent left-hander Tanner Scott and Brewers right-hander Devin Williams, who has been rumored to be on the trade block. More >

Dec. 9: Tigers land Cobb for rotation (source), reportedly seeking right-handed bat

The Tigers made a surprise late-season push into the postseason in 2024, and on the heels of that playoff appearance, they are looking to bolster their roster for another run in 2025. To that end, they reached an agreement on a one-year deal with free-agent starter Alex Cobb on Monday, a source told MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi.

Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reported earlier Monday that the Tigers were in the market for a starting pitcher, with a preference to add one on a one-year deal. Petzold named Walker Buehler, Andrew Heaney and Kyle Gibson as starters in whom the club has shown interest.

The Tigers have also been looking for a right-handed bat, which could move to the top of their checklist now that they've landed a starter.

Petzold reports that the Tigers have interest in free-agent infielder Ha-Seong Kim. Trade options include the Cardinals’ Nolan Arenado, the Phillies’ Alec Bohm, the Marlins’ Jake Burger, the Rays’ Yandy Díaz and the Orioles’ Ryan Mountcastle.

MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi reports that the Tigers are showing interest in free-agent first baseman and 2022 NL MVP Paul Goldschmidt. They have "kicked the tires" on free-agent first baseman Christian Walker, too, but he appears to be a long shot, in part because he is tied to Draft compensation after rejecting a qualifying offer from the D-backs.

Another free agent who doesn’t appear to be a realistic option for the Tigers? Alex Bregman.

Bregman has been mentioned as a possible fit for Detroit because of the connection between the third baseman and Tigers skipper A.J. Hinch, who managed Bregman with the Astros. However, Petzold notes that the Tigers aren't interested in meeting Bregman’s asking price, which is believed to be around $200 million.

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. Now that Soto has reached a deal with the Mets (per sources), Nightengale speculated that a bidding war between the Yankees and Sox could begin over Fried.

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: How will Soto's decision impact market after agreeing to deal with Mets?

The Juan Soto sweepstakes has reached a conclusion. The superstar outfielder is headed to the Mets on a 15-year, $765 million deal, multiple sources told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.

Soto reportedly received offers from four other teams -- the Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays and Dodgers -- but ultimately decided to make the move across town to the Mets after playing for the Bronx Bombers in 2024.

Soto’s decision could have a domino effect on the rest of the free-agent market, especially as the runners-up look to make a splash elsewhere.

The markets for a number of top free agents have been closely intertwined with Soto’s, including the two elite starters available, Corbin Burnes and Max Fried. The Yankees, Red Sox and Blue Jays have been connected to both pitchers, and it stands to reason they could ramp up those pursuits now that Soto is no longer an option.

We could also start to see more activity when it comes to the other top free agents in the corner-outfield market -- Teoscar Hernández, Anthony Santander and Jurickson Profar -- as well as trade candidate Cody Bellinger.

Additionally, Soto’s deal with the Mets could impact first baseman Pete Alonso, who now appears far less likely to return to Queens. However, with owner Steve Cohen’s deep pockets, we can never say never. After all, the team still has an opening at first base. Another team that needs a first baseman? The Yankees. Could the Yanks counter the Mets’ move for Soto by signing their crosstown rival’s longtime slugger? It’s not out of the question.

Read more from Feinsand on the potential ripple effects of the Soto deal here.

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 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.

The Giants could also look to upgrade their 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: 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. 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.