These surprising names could be available in SP trade market

LATEST FREE AGENT & TRADE RUMORS

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

Dec. 10: The latest on the trade market for starting pitchers

White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet remains the most likely starting pitcher to be traded this offseason. But with relatively few teams willing to pay the high cost attached to free-agent starters, there could be increased incentive for other clubs to make their controllable starters available for trade, as MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi noted Tuesday morning.

Two possibilities are the Astros’ Framber Valdez and the Padres’ Dylan Cease, both of whom have one year of club control remaining.

Sources told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand that Valdez and Cease could potentially be available, along with the Mariners’ Luis Castillo (three years remaining on five-year, $108 million contract), the Cardinals’ Sonny Gray (two years left on three-year, $75 million contract) and the Marlins’ Jesús Luzardo (controllable through 2026). Gray is the only one of those pitchers with a full no-trade clause.

Astros general manager Dana Brown said Monday that the team is open to listening on everyone, including Valdez and outfielder Kyle Tucker, another player going into his final year before free agency.

The market for Crochet appears to be the furthest along at this point, given the White Sox have been shopping him since the summer.

The Yankees and Mets "were the most aggressive suitors [for Crochet] as of Monday," according to a report from The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon (subscription required). The Phillies and Red Sox are also among the clubs interested in Crochet, per The Athletic's report.

Dec. 10: Fried decision reportedly coming soon; which teams are in the running?

It's expected that Max Fried will choose his next team before the Winter Meetings in Dallas end on Thursday. That's according to a report from The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal (subscription required), who lists the Yankees, the Red Sox and the Blue Jays as the top contenders.

Rosenthal adds that the Rangers are also in the mix for Fried, "but it is unclear whether they can invest heavily in a free agent while awaiting clarity on their future local media revenue." More >

Dec. 10: 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."

One of the teams that could pursue the Astros slugger? The Yankees, sources told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. The Bronx Bombers, of course, just lost Soto to the Mets. MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi also mentions the Cubs as a team that likes Tucker, which is interesting because Chicago reportedly has been shopping a pair of its own outfielders, Cody Bellinger and Seiya Suzuki. Bellinger is another possible option for the Yankees, reports Feinsand.

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, 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. On Tuesday, Morosi said "there is still a higher chance of Kyle Tucker being an Astro on Opening Day than being elsewhere" at the moment.

Meanwhile, 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 this offseason, 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. 10: These bats are on the Yankees' radar after missing on Soto

The Yankees are considering a wide variety of options to address their myriad lineup holes, none larger than the one created by Juan Soto's departure to join the Mets on a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million deal in free agency.

Here are some of the hitters to whom they've been recently linked:

  • Nolan Arenado: The Yankees have expressed interest in acquiring Arenado from the Cardinals, according to Katie Woo of The Athletic (subscription required). St. Louis certainly seems willing to part with Arenado, with president of baseball operations John Mozeliak saying Monday that "it’s my intention to try" trading the eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove third baseman this offseason. The 33-year-old, who is under contract for three more seasons and $74 million, posted a .719 OPS in 2024 -- his worst OPS since his rookie year in 2013. He could be a trade fit for the Yankees, who made an unsuccessful 16-year, $760 million bid for Soto but now have plenty of flexibility. Acquiring Arenado would likely mean moving Jazz Chisholm Jr. back to second base, though Arenado is open to playing first base if necessary.
  • Alex Bregman: Arenado isn't the only third baseman the Yankees are considering. A source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand that they also have interest in Bregman, a free agent.
  • Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger: Astros general manager Dana Brown said Monday at the Winter Meetings that Houston is receptive to trading anyone, including Tucker (a free agent after 2025), if it means improving the roster. Sources told Feinsand that the Yankees could be among the teams trying to acquire the right fielder. Sources also told Feinsand that the Yankees could look to trade for the Cubs' Bellinger, who is reportedly available. Bellinger exercised his 2025 player option for $27.5 million. He has another opt-out next offseason, when he can choose between a $25 million salary in 2026 or a $5 million buyout.
  • Teoscar Hernández and Anthony Santander: These are the best outfielders remaining on the free-agent market with Soto off the board, and the Yankees are reportedly considering both of them. According to MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo, the Yankees have "expressed serious interest" in Hernández. They are also among the teams with "strong interest" in Santander, per MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi.
  • Christian Walker: The Yankees are interested in the former D-backs first baseman to fill their hole at that position, according to Feinsand. MLB Network insider Joel Sherman reported Tuesday in the New York Post that the Yankees and Walker had contract discussions on Sunday night.
  • Pete Alonso: According to a report from Brendan Kuty of The Athletic (subscription required), the Yankees “checked in” on Alonso, the longtime Mets first baseman who is now a free agent. However, they don't appear to be seriously considering Alonso, reports Feinsand.

Dec. 10: Cardinals' 'intention' is to trade Arenado

Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak confirmed Monday that the team is looking to trade third baseman Nolan Arenado.

“It’s my intention to try,” Mozeliak said when asked if the franchise would seek to deal the 33-year-old third baseman.

“We both remain optimistic that both parties will remain happy somehow. [Arenado remaining with the Cardinals] is a possibility, but I’m not sure that puts us where we want to be. From a financial standpoint of trying to move our payroll -- there are certainly other ways to do that, but [trading Arenado] would be a big help. It’s financial, but it also creates a runway for someone else.”

The 33-year-old Arenado, who is under contract for three more seasons and $74 million ($10 million of which will be paid by the Rockies), posted a .719 OPS in 2024 -- his worst OPS since his rookie year in 2013. Teams who miss out on top free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman could look to acquire Arenado instead. Arenado is also open playing first base if necessary.

The Yankees have expressed interest in acquiring Arenado, according to Katie Woo of The Athletic (subscription required). Several "mid-market" teams have also shown interest in Arenado, who has a full no-trade clause and thus the ability to block any potential deal.

Arenado's agent, Joel Wolfe, told reporters on Tuesday that the third baseman is willing to waive his no-trade clause to go to a team ready to win now. He added that Arenado's list of acceptable destinations is "bigger than you would think" and not constrained by geography.

Dec. 10: Sasaki setting up plans to meet with suitors

After being posted by the Chiba Lotte Marines of Nippon Professional Baseball on Monday, Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki is now free to begin negotiating with MLB teams.

Sasaki's agent, Joel Wolfe, met with reporters at the Winter Meetings in Dallas on Tuesday, outlining the process for Sasaki’s forthcoming decision and offering up some details about what the pitcher might be looking for in a potential suitor.

Sasaki and Wolfe are set to map out a schedule to begin meeting with teams "hopefully next week," Wolfe said. More >

Dec. 9: Dodgers, Yankees among teams interested in Williams (report)

Both 2024 World Series participants are among the many teams interested in acquiring Brewers closer Devin Williams, according to a report Monday by Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic (subscription required).

At least 10 teams, including the Dodgers and Yankees, have inquired about the availability of Williams, who had a 1.25 ERA with 14 saves in 2024 after recovering from stress fractures in his back. Williams is eligible for arbitration in 2025, his final year of club control, after the Brewers declined his $10.5 million team option in November.

Teams like the Royals, Tigers and Angels could also be in play for the 2020 National League Rookie of the Year, although The Athletic reported that a Williams trade (if it happens) is likely to come later this winter.

The Dodgers are also showing interest in the top closer on the free-agent market, Tanner Scott, per a report from The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya.

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.

It's believed Boston likes Hernández better than Santander. Toronto is said to prefer the switch-hitting Santander, but Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins told reporters Monday that the club has interest in a reunion with Hernández, who played for the club from 2017-22 before being traded to the Mariners.

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

The San Diego Padres are expected to be in the mix to sign Japanese phenom Roki 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, who can begin negotiating with MLB teams on Tuesday.

“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: 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.