With Soto off the board, interest is growing in these FA outfielders
LATEST FREE AGENT & TRADE RUMORS
We're keeping track of all the latest free agent and trade rumors.
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: Tigers eyeing SP, 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. According to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, the Tigers are exploring a variety of options on the free-agent and trade markets with the goal of landing a starting pitcher and a right-handed hitter (likely an infielder).
Petzold names Walker Buehler, Andrew Heaney and Kyle Gibson as starting pitchers in whom the club has interest.
The Tigers were also recently linked to Jack Flaherty by The Athletic (subscription required), with Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon reporting that Detroit has "shown at least some interest in a reunion" with the right-hander. Flaherty signed a one-year, $14 million deal with the Tigers last offseason and went on to post a 2.95 ERA over 18 starts for the team before being traded to the Dodgers in July. He’s expected to command a much larger deal in his second run at free agency, however, potentially putting him out of reach for the Tigers. Per Petzold, the team would prefer to sign a pitcher to a one-year deal.
Petzold reports that the Tigers are also interested 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.
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. 9: Sasaki posted by Chiba Lotte Marines (source)
Roki Sasaki has officially been posted by the Chiba Lotte Marines of Nippon Professional Baseball, a source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. Teams can begin negotiating with the Japanese phenom on Tuesday, but he's not expected to sign until the 2025 international amateur signing period begins on Jan. 15. He needs to have a deal in place by Jan. 23. Otherwise, he will return to the Marines for the 2025 season. More >
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. 8: Crochet trade getting closer and could happen at Winter Meetings (report)
Garrett Crochet is viewed as one of the top players who could be traded this offseason. Could that move be coming soon?
MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi reported on Sunday that a Crochet trade is getting closer and that it is "increasingly possible that he will be moved at the Winter Meetings." More >
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. 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. 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:
- Blake Snell: Five years, $182 million with Dodgers
- Luis Severino: Three years, $67 million with A's
- Yusei Kikuchi: Three years, $63 million with Angels
- Michael Wacha: Three years, $51 million with Royals
- Clay Holmes: Three years, $38 million with Mets (source)
- Frankie Montas: Two years, $34 million with Mets
- Matthew Boyd: Two years, $29 million with Cubs
- Nick Martinez: One-year, $21.05 million with Reds (accepted qualifying offer)
- Shane Bieber: One-year, $10 million (and a $16 million player option for 2026) with Guardians (source)
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: 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: 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: D-backs starting pitchers becoming popular in trade talks
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: 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 >