Padres 'inclined' to keep Cease; Suarez trade still a possibility (report)
LATEST FREE AGENT & TRADE RUMORS
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We're keeping track of all the latest free agent and trade rumors.
Feb. 13: Padres ‘inclined’ to keep Cease; Suárez may still be dealt (report)
Rumors have swirled all offseason that the Padres might trade Dylan Cease, with the 29-year-old right-hander entering the final year of his contract. However, it appears Cease is staying put for now.
Although the Padres reached a four-year, $55 million deal with veteran right-hander Nick Pivetta on Wednesday (per sources), The Athletic's Dennis Lin (subscription required) reports that they are “inclined” to keep Cease. The signing of left-hander Kyle Hart, who won the Choi Dong-won Award (the KBO equivalent of MLB’s Cy Young Award) while pitching in Korea last season, to a one-year contract on Thursday doesn’t figure to change San Diego’s plans for Cease, either.
"[Cease is] a very big part of our club," general manager A.J. Preller said after the Hart signing. "The additions the last couple days supplement what's a really good rotation. That's our focus here going forward -- having that strong rotation."
While Cease may be sticking around, Lin notes that trading closer Robert Suarez remains “a decent possibility” as the Padres continue to explore ways to trim their payroll. Suarez is owed $10 million in 2025 and can opt out of the final two years (worth $16 million combined) on his contract at the end of the season.
Feb. 12: Red Sox land Bregman on 3-year deal (source)
The Red Sox pulled off a big-time move Wednesday night, agreeing to a three-year, $120 million deal with free-agent infielder Alex Bregman, a source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. The deal, which has not been confirmed by the club, includes two opt-outs.
Feb. 12: Yankees re-emerge as Arenado suitor (source)
The Yankees have re-emerged as a suitor for Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado, a source confirmed to MLB.com’s John Denton on Tuesday.
The rival Red Sox appeared to be the leading contender to swing a trade for Arenado, but with Boston reaching a three-year deal with free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman (per a source) on Wednesday, the Cards are expected to "ramp up" trade talks with the Bronx Bombers. More >
Feb. 11: Dodgers reportedly reach deal with Kershaw
Clayton Kershaw is set to return for his 18th year with the Dodgers. The three-time Cy Young Award winner has agreed to a deal with Los Angeles, pending a physical, according to multiple reports. He was spotted at the Dodgers' Spring Training facility on Tuesday.
Feb. 11: Angels reach deal with veteran closer Jansen (source)
The Angels have agreed to a one-year, $10 million deal with free-agent closer Kenley Jansen, a source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand on Tuesday morning.
Jan. 30: Reds tried to acquire Robert from White Sox (report)
The Reds talked to the White Sox about a trade for center fielder Luis Robert Jr. but moved on after the two sides were unable to come to an agreement on players or dollars, according to a report from The Athletic (subscription required).
After trade talks for Robert hit a wall, Cincinnati pivoted to outfielder Austin Hays, reaching a one-year, $5 million deal (per a source) with the veteran on Tuesday. The Reds followed that up with two other moves on Wednesday, acquiring reliever Taylor Rogers in a trade with the Giants and bringing in starter Wade Miley on a reported Minor League deal.
Per The Athletic's report, the Giants also showed interest in Robert earlier this offseason, but those talks failed to result in a trade.
Robert now seems likely to head to spring camp with the White Sox, though Chicago may continue to explore trade possibilities for the outfielder prior to Opening Day, like the club did with pitcher Dylan Cease. Cease appeared in three Spring Training games for the White Sox last year before being traded to the Padres on March 13.