The price tag for Juan Soto continues to rise (report)
LATEST FREE AGENT & TRADE RUMORS
We're keeping track of all the latest free agent and trade rumors.
Dec. 7: Price tag for Soto continues to rise (report)
The bidding for Juan Soto appears to be approaching 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.
That’s the mark two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani hit when he signed a 10-year deal with the Dodgers last offseason, setting an all-time record, though deferrals reduced the present-day value of the contract significantly.
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. 6: Yankees reportedly like Adames at 3B
MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reported on Wednesday that Willy Adames is one of the top free-agent options that the Yankees are considering in case they are unable to bring back Juan Soto. Adames has spent basically his entire MLB career at shortstop, but he is reportedly open to moving to a new position for the right situation.
To that end, MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi reported Friday that the Yankees like Adames at third base, which would keep Anthony Volpe at shortstop and move Jazz Chisholm Jr. over to second base. More >
Dec. 6: Cubs reportedly '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. More >
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:
- 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: Chapman willing to move to shortstop if Giants sign Kim (report)
Ha-Seong Kim is a potential option for the Giants at shortstop, a position that hasn't been locked down by anyone for San Francisco since Brandon Crawford last played there on an everyday basis in 2022. The problem, though, is that Kim is not expected to be ready to play again until late in the first half of the 2025 season, or perhaps after the All-Star break as he recovers from shoulder surgery.
But according to Ken Rosenthal in an article for The Athletic (subscription required), five-time Gold Glove Award winner Matt Chapman is willing to move from third base to shortstop in the interim if San Francisco inks Kim to a free agent deal.
"Part of Kim’s appeal is that he did not receive a qualifying offer from the San Diego Padres and would not cost the Giants a draft pick," Rosenthal writes. "The Giants lost their second and third picks last offseason for signing Chapman and left-hander Blake Snell."
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 >
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: 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 >
Dec. 3: Latest on Arenado trade rumors
Nolan Arenado sent baseball fans on social media into a bit of a frenzy on Sunday when he made an Instagram post that featured the Kendrick Lamar song "Dodger Blue." The eight-time All-Star and Southern California native is reportedly on the trade block, so does this mean that Arenado will indeed be wearing Dodger Blue next season?
MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi said Tuesday that the post was "interesting," but he considers the Dodgers to be "somewhere on the periphery" of potential landing spots for Arenado. Morosi mentioned three teams that seem to be more likely suitors: the Red Sox, Padres and Tigers.
The Red Sox can open up a spot for Arenado if they shift Rafael Devers across the diamond to first base. Morosi said the Padres could be involved for the 10-time Gold Glover if they trade infielder Luis Arraez. The Tigers are looking for right-handed bats and have been linked to free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman.