Next week at the moment, the Winter Meetings shall be full go, so the offseason right here for Major League Baseball ought to actually begin ramping up after a predictably sluggish begin. We would possibly even get the largest information of the offseason earlier than the conferences begin, as Juan Soto is rumored to be probably signing his deal by the tip of this week.
As for every part else, let’s get to it.
Yanks eyeing Adames as Soto back-up plan
The New York Yankees’ No. 1 offseason precedence is in fact bringing again Juan Soto to the Bronx. But what occurs if Soto as an alternative goes to the Mets, Red Sox, Dodgers, or Blue Jays? In that case, the Yankees can be seeking to fortify the offense in different, albeit lesser methods. Speaking of which, here is MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand:
“According to sources, one of many choices being thought-about is Willy Adames, who’s drawing curiosity from the Yankees. Adames is the highest free-agent shortstop out there after posting a profession yr with 32 house runs and 112 RBIs in 161 video games.”
The 29-year-old Adames has been a major shortstop for his total big-league profession, and he is been a extremely productive hitter by positional requirements. Over components of seven MLB seasons, Adames has an OPS+ of 109, and he is averaged 28 house runs and 32 doubles per 162 video games performed. That type of pop from such a premium place has helped Adames put up a profession WAR of 21.5. His 2024 season with the Brewers suggests he is nonetheless on the high of his sport.
Yankees involved with Fried
In addition to vigorously pursuing Juan Soto, the New York Yankees are additionally seeking 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 nicely . . . anyone who’s on the Fried aspect mentioned that Max actually actually favored them and apparently they are going to have one other assembly, as nicely.”
When wholesome, Fried has been among the best beginning pitchers in baseball on a fee 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 high 5 of the NL Cy Young balloting, most just lately as runner-up in 2022. He’s coming off a 2024 season for the Braves during 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 workforce 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 checklist, reviews Jon Morosi of MLB Network.
Crochet, a 25-year-old lefty, is below workforce management by means of 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 an enormous step again within the second half and his workload was restricted, however this was his first full yr 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, but it surely could not damage to seize somebody with the upside of Crochet. The workforce 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 these days is simply good enterprise.
Astros may float trades of huge 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 yr away from hitting the market. The Astros have already been mentioned 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 would be the best path for Houston to stability its current and future. Both males are estimated to make greater than $15 million of their ultimate journey by means of the arbitration course of. Next winter, each will demand the type of free-agent offers Crane is loath to provide. Parting with both Valdez or Tucker wouldn’t sign a rebuild, however would deliver again the type of prospect haul to assist stabilize a fledgling farm system.
Tucker solely performed in 78 video games final yr as a consequence of harm, however he was extremely productive when on the sphere 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 certainly be decided primarily based upon the returns that had been being supplied. It’s clearly simply within the hypothesis stage, however it is a juicy one for positive.
Bohm to Seattle?
There’s been loads of speak in regards to the Phillies probably buying and selling All-Star third baseman Alec Bohm this offseason whereas the Mariners appear to be perpetually searching 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 change, 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 workforce 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 soak up his loss have created a scenario 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 can be Jacob deGrom, Jon Gray, Cody Bradford, Tyler Mahle and Kumar Rocker with Dane Dunning as a sixth choice. It may work, but when the 2023 World Series champions try to contend in 2025, they may positive use some extra. Mahle and deGrom are just lately off elbow surgical procedures, Bradford solely labored 76 ⅓ innings final yr, Gray is fairly nicely established as mediocre, Dunning should not be in a rotation and Rocker solely received 11 ⅔ innings below his belt final yr as a rookie.
Re-signing Nathan Eovaldi, who’s at present a free agent, is a “skilled precedence” for the entrance workplace, in line with 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 gained 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 shifting 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 delegated hitter. DH is locked up by Shohei Ohtani whereas Freddie Freeman has first base locked down, however Muncy may nonetheless shuttle between second and third, and even spell the opposite two if and after they want a break. He largely performed third final season, however with Nolan Arenado clearly out there through commerce, Muncy may go to second base (probably kicking Gavin Lux to shortstop and Mookie Betts again out to proper area). Pick a place, actually.
“As lengthy as you place me on the market, I’ll play left area, proper area, third, first,” Muncy mentioned on Foul Territory. “I’ll play wherever they wish to put me. As lengthy because it means I’m on the market on that area, sporting 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, if you happen to take a look at his numbers. I can see why it could be interesting. To me it would not matter. … If it is changing into extra of a job participant, I do not care, I simply wish to assist the workforce win.”
It stays to be seen if the Dodgers are serious about Arenado. They very doubtless will not trouble discussing till they study they’re out of the Juan Soto sweepstakes. If they signal Soto, there is not any cause to pursue Arenado.
Reds searching for offense
Reds normal supervisor Nick Krall informed MLB.com that the workforce is searching for assist on the plate.
“We’re wanting so as to add hitters to our membership,” Krall mentioned. “Most doubtless it’ll be an outfielder over an infielder, however I would not rule something out simply but.”
Well, we may assist by ruling out Juan Soto. There are different outfielder out there in free company, in fact, reminiscent of Anthony Santander, Teoscar Hernández, Jurickson Profar, Joc Pederson, Tyler O’Neill and Michael Conforto, amongst others.
