The MLB winter conferences started Monday in Dallas and it figures to be an action-packed week of rumors, signings and trades.
We’ve bought all of it lined proper right here, from our predictions heading into the conferences to the newest updates, evaluation and day by day takeaways because the strikes go down.
Now that Juan Soto has made his decision, what large free company strikes will comply with? Who would be the large names talked about in commerce talks? And what rumors will dominate the week? Check out our predictions now and refresh typically for the newest because the week unfolds.
Winter conferences information and rumors
Dec. 10 buzz
How Cubs’ outfield crowd is driving commerce hypothesis
The buzz round Cubs outfielders Seiya Suzuki and Cody Bellinger would possibly merely revolve across the concept of getting two gamers for one place. With rookie Pete Crow-Armstrong establishing himself as the most effective defensive middle fielder on the staff, it has moved Bellinger into Suzuki’s spot in proper. The Cubs — like lots of groups — wish to rotate gamers at designated hitter, which means both Suzuki or Bellinger may be on the transfer.
“That’s a pure factor for groups to ask as they take a look at the place a staff’s depth is,” GM Carter Hawkins mentioned Tuesday. “Its not a shock groups would go down that path.” — Jesse Rogers
How Fried’s report deal helps one other free agent ace
With the signing of Max Fried, the trail has been cleared for Corbin Burnes to ink the best offseason contract for a pitcher this winter. The Giants stay the favorites for his companies which is able to seemingly come at a value nearer to $300 million than $200 million. Fried’s deal for $218 million for eight years units the bar for Burnes who ought to blow by that quantity. — Jesse Rogers
Guardians and Blue Jays full commerce
BREAKING: The Toronto Blue Jays are finalizing a commerce to accumulate three-time Gold Glove-winning second baseman Andrés Giménez from the Cleveland Guardians, sources inform ESPN. — Jeff Passan
Yankees land Fried on $218 million contract
BREAKING: Left-hander Max Fried and the New York Yankees are in settlement on a eight-year, $218 million contract, pending bodily, sources inform ESPN. It is the most important assure in baseball historical past for a left-handed pitcher. — Jeff Passan
Rangers, Yankees amongst groups displaying curiosity in reliever Martin
Veteran right-hander Chris Martin, who’s on the winter conferences, has thus far met with the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers, a supply tells ESPN. Martin, 38, recorded a 3.45 ERA in 45 video games for the Boston Red Sox final season after posting a 1.05 ERA in 55 appearances for the membership in 2023. — Jorge Castillo
Yankees may look so as to add new nearer
Luke Weaver thrived because the New York Yankees‘ nearer after changing Clay Holmes in September, however supervisor Aaron Boone mentioned that does not imply Weaver would be the staff’s nearer subsequent season. Boone mentioned Weaver’s function will rely upon the place the Yankees “go this offseason.” One chance is that they signal free agent left-hander Tanner Scott to be their nearer. The Yankees had curiosity in buying him from the Miami Marlins on the commerce deadline earlier than he was traded to the San Diego Padres. When requested about Scott, Boone complimented his stuff and his command enchancment. Scott, 30, has a 2.04 ERA in 146 appearances over the previous two seasons. — Jorge Castillo
What does Guerrero’s future in Toronto seem like?
The Toronto Blue Jays made an aggressive run at Juan Soto and misplaced out, only one offseason after shedding out on Shohei Ohtani. Now, many within the business imagine the course of their franchise may very well be directed by one participant: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the star first baseman who is just a season away from free company. The Blue Jays have been in talks with Guerrero about an extension however usually are not thought of to be shut to 1 — a sort of uncertainty that might influence their potential to draw free brokers, a lot of whom will surprise in regards to the path of the franchise if Guerrero leaves in a yr.
If the 2 sides cannot comply with a deal, many within the business imagine the Blue Jays can have little selection however to commerce Guerrero and start a rebuilding course of. It would not appear as if that’s on the forefront of their minds, nevertheless; Toronto can simply play out the 2025 season and hope to convey Guerrero again as a free agent. But he’ll hit the open market at simply 26 years previous, the identical age that catapulted Juan Soto to a $765 million assure. And the Blue Jays would clearly threat Guerrero’s worth elevating additional if he has one other MVP-caliber season. — Alden Gonzalez
Latest on Arenado’s commerce standing with Cardinals
With Nolan Arenado being talked about in commerce talks, his agent, Joel Wolfe, spoke in regards to the Cardinals infielder’s standing on Tuesday. Wolfe mentioned Arenado could be keen to waive his no-trade clause to go to a successful staff and could be open to shifting to first base if it is smart.
Sasaki’s agent speaks at winter conferences
Now that star Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki has formally been posted as an MLB free agent, his agent, Joel Wolfe, spoke to the media on the winter conferences on Tuesday.
Here are a couple of of Wolfe’s quotes from the media session.
On what Sasaki values: “He has paid consideration to how groups have accomplished so far as general success, each this yr and previously. He does watch lots of MLB. He has paid consideration to what his [World Baseball Classic] teammates have accomplished. He asks about climate, comfortability, pitching improvement. He has been watching what different Japanese gamers within the main leagues are doing and the way they’re doing.”
On market dimension: “I feel that there is an argument to be made {that a} smaller, mid-market staff may be extra useful for him as a smooth touchdown. Might be, I’m not saying it is going to be — however I actually do not understand how he appears at it but.”
On geography: “He’s by no means introduced that up as a problem. When we provide info to our gamers, our Japanese gamers, lengthy earlier than they arrive over right here, one of many issues that we offer for them is direct flights from Japan, and the period of time it takes for your loved ones to come back and go to you. And I take into consideration 5 or 10 years in the past, that was one thing that possibly they weighed just a little bit extra, however now you possibly can fly direct from Japan to many of the main cities within the U.S. It’s not likely that a lot of a problem anymore.”
Who may land Arenado, Tucker?
With Nolan Arenado and Kyle Tucker being talked about in winter conferences commerce hypothesis, David Schoenfield identifies potential touchdown spots for each sluggers — together with the New York Yankees. Arenado, Tucker trade fits (ESPN+) »
Why Astros’ Tucker is developing in commerce hypothesis
Houston Astros proprietor Jim Crane has not gone past six years in his provides to gamers, and it is fairly clear that if Kyle Tucker stays wholesome, he’s going to be supplied large cash/large years as a free agent subsequent fall. So Houston has a selection just like Boston’s within the offseason after 2019 with Mookie Betts: commerce him for worth this winter or subsequent July, or, watch him stroll away.
The Astros have indicated to different groups that, as a rule, they’re going to take heed to provides for anybody on their roster. But rival execs observe that whereas buying and selling Tucker now would possibly assist them recoup extra worth, the Astros — who’ve been in win-now mode since 2015 — have a protracted historical past of permitting their impending free brokers stroll out the door, reasonably than flipping them in pre-emptive trades. Gerrit Cole, George Springer and Carlos Correa are three of essentially the most distinguished examples of this philosophy. “And they’re making an attempt to win (in 2025),” mentioned one rival evaluator. “I’ve a tough time seeing them commerce Tucker or Framber (Valdez).”— Buster Olney
Dec. 9 buzz
White Sox in commerce talks on Crochet, Robert
The Chicago White Sox proceed to area requires pitcher Garrett Crochet and OF Luis Robert Jr., although a deal for both would not sound imminent, in keeping with common supervisor Chris Getz. At least 10 groups have inquired about Crochet as Chicago begins to whittle down potential commerce candidates.
“There are some groups which can be extra honest than others,” Getz mentioned. “We’re nonetheless sort of studying. Those conversations might be ongoing. While we’re right here, we’ll the most effective we will do for the White Sox, and if meaning we make a transfer, we make a transfer. But it is OK if we do not.”
As for Robert, the entrance workplace is hoping potential commerce companions look again to 2023, when he posted a .957 OPS, reasonably than a 2024 season by which he was damage and his OPS fell 200 factors. When requested if his desired return for Robert is simply too excessive based mostly on that current marketing campaign, Getz mentioned: “It’s an applicable price ticket based mostly on the expertise that he brings to the desk.” — Jesse Rogers
Padres assured in possibilities of touchdown Sasaki
If there’s one staff outdoors of the Los Angeles Dodgers that’s extensively thought of favorites to land Roki Sasaki, it is the Dodgers’ largest rivals in the mean time, the San Diego Padres. Speaking on the winter conferences on Monday, Padres supervisor Mike Shildt expressed confidence in his staff’s potential to land the 23-year-old Japanese phenom who might be posted Tuesday afternoon and can decide his new staff shortly after subsequent yr’s worldwide signing interval opens on Jan. 15. Shildt introduced up the enchantment of San Diego, the ambiance at Petco Park, the chance to win the town’s first World Series and A.J. Preller’s prowess within the Japanese market as elements enjoying within the Padres’ favor.
“I really feel just like the group is in a extremely good place with Sasaki,” Shildt mentioned. “If there’s an open-market competitors available, I really feel like we’re in a great place for a large number of causes.”
Another, maybe even greater issue is the presence of fellow Japanese starter Yu Darvish, an in depth good friend and mentor to Sasaki. Asked how a lot Darvish is keen to assist in the recruitment, Shildt mentioned, “Yu might be concerned. To what diploma, that might be as much as Darvish, and naturally A.J. will assist shepherd that. But I do really feel snug and assured that Darvish will take his rightful spot in doing what he can.”
Could Soto’s megadeal assist Astros’ Tucker?
In the aftermath of Juan Soto’s large contract, I’m listening to some evaluators speaking in regards to the large payday forward for Kyle Tucker, who might be a free agent subsequent offseason. Since the beginning of 2019: an adjusted OPS+ of 142, .882 OPS, 125 homers, 93 steals in 105 makes an attempt, a Gold Glove Award. He’ll be 29 on the outset of the 2026 season. — Buster Olney
Dodgers planning to play Betts at shortstop
Los Angeles Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes confirmed on the winter conferences what has mainly been identified for a couple of weeks now: Mookie Betts is making ready to play shortstop subsequent season, and that is what they’re planning for. — Alden Gonzalez
Giants a staff to look at for Fried
As we transfer ahead in free company, one doable match value watching: Max Fried and the San Francisco Giants. He’s being evaluated by contenders within the Northeast, too, however some execs surprise what his desire might be if it comes all the way down to San Francisco vs. the 2 New York groups and the Red Sox. — Olney
Cardinals supervisor Marmol on Arenado commerce rumors
St. Louis supervisor Oliver Marmol was requested about dealing with offseason commerce buzz round his star third baseman Nolan Arenado and different veteran Cardinals gamers.
“You simply proceed to function truthfully as if they are going to be there till they are not. Those guys are doing a very nice job of that. Speaking to Nolan, he is in a great place, man. He’s doing what he does greatest as a result of he is working exhausting to verify he has a superb season.”
Red Sox supervisor Cora on Bregman
Red Sox supervisor Alex Cora was requested about free agent Alex Bregman, whom he coached throughout his time in Houston, at his winter conferences supervisor availability:
“Alex is an efficient participant, man. He’s an entire participant. He’s a participant that is been on successful groups, proper, his complete profession. Good defender. Offensively, he is actually good. He’s a man that lots of people are speaking about, and I do imagine he can influence an enormous league staff, a championship-caliber staff. He’s that kind of participant.”
Angels wanting so as to add infield assist
Los Angeles Angels common supervisor Perry Minasian — among the many busiest executives this offseason, having already added Jorge Soler, Yusei Kikuchi and Travis d’Arnaud, amongst others — mentioned Monday that he stays open-minded on a large number of choices to make his staff considerably higher within the wake of a 99-loss season. If there’s one clear goal outdoors of the bullpen, although, it is most likely within the infield, particularly a second or third baseman.
The Angels really feel set at shortstop (Zach Neto) and first base (Nolan Schanuel). They even have Luis Rengifo, an choice at both second or third base. And then, after all, there’s Anthony Rendon, who’s nonetheless owed $76 million over the following two years however missed near 70% of the Angels’ video games from 2021 to 2024. The Angels cannot really matter on Rendon at this level. They’ll discover free company and the commerce marketplace for assist there — seemingly on a short-term choice, with Christian Moore, the eighth general decide within the 2024 draft, not far faraway from the massive leagues.
“We should be open to a minimum of that spot and seeing if there are different alternate options that may make us higher,” Minasian mentioned of including a 3rd baseman. “Obviously a wholesome Anthony Rendon makes us higher, however with the final 4 years being the final 4 years, we’d like to try what else is on the market.” — Gonzalez
Cubs available in the market for a more in-depth
After an terrible yr making an attempt to complete off video games, the Chicago Cubs have expressed curiosity in free agent nearer Kyle Finnegan. Finnegan was a shock non-tender after making the All-Star staff with the Washington Nationals in 2024. He saved a career-high 38 video games with a 3.68 ERA earlier than getting into the free agent market. The Cubs have already bolstered their pitching and catching depth, buying catchers Matt Thaiss and Carson Kelly whereas including pitchers Eli Morgan and Matthew Boyd. — Jesse Rogers
Will Teoscar Hernandez return to the Dodgers?
The Dodgers’ acquisition of Michael Conforto, who agreed to phrases on a one-year, $17 million deal on Sunday evening, would not take them out of the operating for Teoscar Hernandez, sources mentioned. But it may complicate issues. The Dodgers have been in conversations with Hernandez’s reps for weeks however have been unable to bridge the hole on a brand new deal, a minimum of a part of the explanation they pivoted to extra of a positive factor in Conforto. In some methods, that signing could be seen in a vacuum; the Dodgers wanted a left-handed-hitting outfielder and will nonetheless use an on a regular basis, right-handed bat like Hernandez, a clubhouse favourite amid their World Series run. But the Red Sox and Yankees are each anticipated to be aggressive after Hernandez now that they’ve missed out on Juan Soto. A Hernandez/Dodgers reunion that not way back appeared inevitable is now not as a lot of a positive factor. — Gonzalez
Who will land Jonathan Loáisiga?
Right-hander Jonathan Loáisiga is drawing heavy curiosity from a number of groups, together with the New York Mets, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, Texas Rangers and Blue Jays, a supply informed ESPN. The 30-year-old reliever is anticipated to land an enormous league contract after present process surgical procedure to restore the ulnar collateral ligament in his proper elbow in April. Injuries have held Loáisiga to twenty appearances over the previous two seasons, together with three in 2024 earlier than present process the elbow process, however his electrical stuff, headlined by a 98 mph sinker, makes him a pretty bullpen weapon for golf equipment anticipating to contend. — Jorge Castillo
Buehler drawing curiosity
Walker Buehler is drawing various quantities of curiosity from about 10 groups. The finish to his postseason opened some eyes after he threw 10 scoreless innings cut up between the NLCS and World Series — together with the ultimate inning of the 2024 Fall Classic to shut out the New York Yankees in Game 5. A deal for Buehler may seem like a shorter-term guess on himself after he returned from his second Tommy John surgical procedure in 2024 although some groups nonetheless see him because the man who completed fourth in Cy Young voting as not too long ago as 2021. That may imply a long-term deal of 3-4 years remains to be within the playing cards as he places his accidents within the rearview mirror. — Rogers
Estevez a reputation to look at
Closer Carlos Estevez‘s market is heating up because the veteran reliever may come off the board by the top of the conferences. Now that the Yankees have cleared up some cash, Estevez is a slot in New York, particularly after the staff misplaced Clay Holmes through free company to the Mets. Toronto and Philadelphia — the latter is the place he ended the season — stay doable locations as effectively. — Rogers
Winter conferences predictions
Now that Soto is off the board, who would be the largest identify to signal (or get traded) in Dallas?
Castillo: Corbin Burnes will signal with one of many groups that missed out on Soto — however whereas he is arguably the most effective participant left in free company, is he a much bigger identify than Alex Bregman, who additionally may sign up a flurry of strikes this week? I say no. So, Bregman is my reply.
Gonzalez: Max Fried. The Yankees and Red Sox have been heavy on him for weeks now, and their pursuits aren’t essentially tied to signing Soto. Now that the Dodgers, recent off guaranteeing $182 million to Blake Snell, aren’t essentially an element, the trail is cleared for a kind of two groups to shut issues up with Fried.
Rogers: Soto signing with the Mets will set off Cody Bellinger getting dealt. Teams that misplaced out on the most effective lefty hitter accessible this offseason will flip their consideration to the Cubs, who’ve signaled they’re open to buying and selling the previous National League MVP. The Cubs are holding shut monitor of their spending today and can wish to transfer some wage with a view to fulfill their wants for the remainder of the winter.
What is one transfer followers may not expect that you simply predict will go down this week?
Castillo: Garrett Crochet will get traded to the Yankees or Red Sox.
Gonzalez: My prediction — and that is all it’s at this level — is that Alec Bohm goes to the Mariners. Jerry Dipoto and Dave Dombrowski are two of the business’s most aggressive executives, and this pairing makes an excessive amount of sense.
Rogers: Christian Walker will signal with the Yankees after New York missed out on Soto.
What is the one rumor that may dominate the week?
Castillo: It’s not only one rumor, however the musical chairs performed between the accessible front-line starters and the golf equipment looking for front-line pitching will dominate the week.
Gonzalez: The winter conferences are the proper setting to stoke intrigue, and one identify I count on to be bandied about in Dallas, whether or not he is actually accessible or not, is Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who’s nonetheless with out an extension that may hold him in Toronto past 2025.
Rogers: Corbin Burnes might be linked to a bunch of the big-market groups with San Francisco on the prime of the heap. Will the Giants give him a Stephen Strasburg kind deal? President of baseball operations Buster Posey has already spent large this offseason. Why cease now?
