Next week at the moment, the Winter Meetings can be full go, so the offseason right here for Major League Baseball ought to actually begin ramping up after a predictably gradual begin. We may even get the most important information of the offseason earlier than the conferences begin, as Juan Soto is rumored to be probably signing his deal by the top of this week.
As for the whole lot else, let’s get to it.
Yankees in touch with Fried
In addition to vigorously pursuing Juan Soto, the New York Yankees are additionally trying to fortify the rotation behind ace Gerrit Cole. On that entrance, Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay revealed on his radio present that the Yankees have reached out to ace lefty Max Fried, who’s on the free-agent market. Kay spaketh:
“The Yankees had a 90 minute Zoom name with Max Fried yesterday, and it supposedly went very effectively . . . someone who’s on the Fried aspect stated that Max actually actually appreciated them and apparently they will have one other assembly, as effectively.”
When wholesome, Fried has been top-of-the-line beginning pitchers in baseball on a charge foundation. The 30-year-old Fried for his profession boasts an ERA+ of 140 with an FIP of three.29. Twice he is completed within the prime 5 of the NL Cy Young balloting, most lately as runner-up in 2022. He’s coming off a 2024 season for the Braves through which he pitched to a 3.25 ERA with a 2.91 Ok/BB ratio in 174 1/3 innings. For his efforts, Fried earned his second profession All-Star choice.
Two extra groups in on Crochet?
Nearly any contending group or these hoping to contend have proven some degree of curiosity in White Sox All-Star beginning pitcher Garrett Crochet. Add the Cubs and Reds to the listing, studies Jon Morosi of MLB Network.
Crochet, a 25-year-old lefty, is below group management via 2026. Last season, he went 6-12 (bear in mind, the White Sox had been 41-121) with a 3.58 ERA (115 ERA+), 1.07 WHIP and 209 strikeouts in 146 innings. He took a giant step again within the second half and his workload was restricted, however this was his first full 12 months in an MLB rotation. He was 6-6 with a 3.02 ERA and 0.95 WHIP within the first half.
The Cubs are already heavy on lefties with Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga and Matthew Boyd, nevertheless it could not harm to seize somebody with the upside of Crochet. The group is more likely at this level to commerce, given the roster, than signal a significant free agent, given the entrance workplace’s aversion to big-dollar danger.
The Reds appear to have a full rotation with Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Brady Singer, Andrew Abbott and Nick Martinez, however there are many questions there and having six starters at the present time is simply good enterprise.
Astros might float trades of massive items
Between what is a sturdy MLB payroll and comparatively barren farm system, the Astros are at a little bit of a crossroads. Alex Bregman is a free agent whereas Kyle Tucker and Framber Valdez are each one 12 months away from hitting the market. The Astros have already been stated to have mentioned buying and selling back-end reliever Ryan Pressly, however The Athletic floats a much more jarring concept.
Making both Kyle Tucker or Framber Valdez out there in commerce discussions often is the best path for Houston to stability its current and future. Both males are estimated to make greater than $15 million of their remaining journey via the arbitration course of. Next winter, each will demand the form of free-agent offers Crane is loath to provide. Parting with both Valdez or Tucker wouldn’t sign a rebuild, however would convey again the form of prospect haul to assist stabilize a fledgling farm system.
Tucker solely performed in 78 video games final 12 months as a consequence of harm, however he was extremely productive when on the sector and is arguably their finest place participant. Valdez is their ace and simply went 15-7 with a 2.91 ERA, ending seventh in Cy Young voting.
Who the Astros selected to commerce from the 2 — if both — would absolutely be decided based mostly upon the returns that had been being supplied. It’s clearly simply within the hypothesis stage, however this can be a juicy one for certain.
Bohm to Seattle?
There’s been loads of discuss concerning the Phillies probably buying and selling All-Star third baseman Alec Bohm this offseason whereas the Mariners appear to be perpetually on the lookout for offense. Might there be a match?
A report within the Seattle Times says the Mariners’ “best want” this offseason is a 3rd baseman and discusses the doable match of Bohm in Seattle. In alternate, the Phillies had been reportedly asking for both Logan Gilbert or George Kirby.
Bohm, 28, hit .280/.332/.448 (117 OPS+) with 44 doubles, 15 homers, 97 RBI and three.0 WAR final season. He’s below group management for 2 extra years earlier than hitting free company. A down second half and even worse playoff efficiency together with a roster that might take in his loss have created a state of affairs the place it is sensible for the Phillies to deal Bohm. Perhaps the Mariners can capitalize and enhance their ballclub within the course of.
At current, the Rangers’ five-man rotation could be Jacob deGrom, Jon Gray, Cody Bradford, Tyler Mahle and Kumar Rocker with Dane Dunning as a sixth possibility. It might work, but when the 2023 World Series champions are attempting to contend in 2025, they might certain use some extra. Mahle and deGrom are lately off elbow surgical procedures, Bradford solely labored 76 ⅓ innings final 12 months, Gray is fairly effectively established as mediocre, Dunning should not be in a rotation and Rocker solely received 11 ⅔ innings below his belt final 12 months as a rookie.
Re-signing Nathan Eovaldi, who’s at present a free agent, is a “skilled precedence” for the entrance workplace, in response to the Dallas Morning News.
Eovaldi, 34, spent the final two years with the Rangers. He was an All-Star in 2023 and went 24-13 with a 3.72 ERA (110 ERA+), 1.12 WHIP and 298 strikeouts in 314 ⅔ innings in his two seasons. He additionally made loads of huge pitches within the run to the World Series title in 2023, working greater than 36 innings in six begins — the Rangers received all six.
It’s a pure match, however the Rangers aren’t alone within the bidding, as a number of groups just like the Orioles, Red Sox, Cubs and Braves have additionally proven critical curiosity.
Muncy open to transferring round
With the Dodgers rumored to be in on so many gamers, having somebody in home like Max Muncy by no means hurts something. He can play first, second or third and will additionally function a chosen hitter. DH is locked up by Shohei Ohtani whereas Freddie Freeman has first base locked down, however Muncy might nonetheless shuttle between second and third, and even spell the opposite two if and once they want a break. He largely performed third final season, however with Nolan Arenado clearly out there through commerce, Muncy might go to second base (probably kicking Gavin Lux to shortstop and Mookie Betts again out to proper discipline). Pick a place, actually.
“As lengthy as you place me on the market, I’ll play left discipline, proper discipline, third, first,” Muncy stated on Foul Territory. “I’ll play wherever they wish to put me. As lengthy because it means I’m on the market on that discipline, carrying Dodger blue, taking part in in that stadium, it would not matter to me. When you are speaking about (Arenado), you are speaking about arguably one of the best defensive third baseman of all-time at this level, when you have a look at his numbers. I can see why it will be interesting. To me it would not matter. … If it is turning into extra of a task participant, I do not care, I simply wish to assist the group win.”
It stays to be seen if the Dodgers are enthusiastic about Arenado. They very possible will not trouble discussing till they be taught they’re out of the Juan Soto sweepstakes. If they signal Soto, there is not any purpose to pursue Arenado.
Reds on the lookout for offense
Reds normal supervisor Nick Krall instructed MLB.com that the group is on the lookout for assist on the plate.
“We’re wanting so as to add hitters to our membership,” Krall stated. “Most possible it’ll be an outfielder over an infielder, however I would not rule something out simply but.”
Well, we might assist by ruling out Juan Soto. There are different outfielder out there in free company, after all, similar to Anthony Santander, Teoscar Hernández, Jurickson Profar, Joc Pederson, Tyler O’Neill and Michael Conforto, amongst others.
