What felt inevitable as soon as Juan Soto signed with the Mets was made official Tuesday: Cody Bellinger was traded to the Yankees. It was the most recent large transfer in a busy two weeks on the recent range earlier than an inevitable vacation season lull. Right here now are Wednesday’s rumors and rumblings.
Yankees may have assembly with Sasaki
The Yankees may have an in-person assembly with Japanese righty Roki Sasaki in some unspecified time in the future “quickly,” GM Brian Cashman told ESPN on Wednesday. Sasaki, our No. 7 free agent, won’t signal with a staff till the 2025 worldwide signing interval opens on Jan. 15. As a result of he’s beneath 25, he’s topic to the worldwide bonus swimming pools, and can be restricted to a minor-league contract.
Sasaki, 23, is probably the most proficient pitcher on this planet not beneath contract with an MLB staff. It is upper-90s fuel with a wipeout slider and splitter. The worldwide bonus swimming pools vary from $4 million to $8 million annually relying on market measurement. Sasaki is just not eligible for a monster contract a la Yoshinobu Yamamoto, which ranges the monetary enjoying subject throughout his free company.
Arenado blocks deal to Astros
Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado has reportedly blocked a deal to the Astros utilizing his no-trade clause, according to MLB.com.
The 2 sides are persevering with to speak, per the report, but it surely’s unclear if a brand new settlement could be reached — or if Arenado will relent on his stance. It is price noting that MLB.com studies the Cardinals would have despatched cash together with Arenado to assist facilitate a deal.
Mets add Griffin Canning
The Mets have added one other doable rotation choice to their roster, inking right-hander Griffin Canning to a one-year pact price $4.25 million, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.
Canning was non-tendered earlier this offseason by the Braves, who had acquired him in a commerce with the Angels. At the time, CBS Sports chronicled why the Braves might view Canning as a potential buy-low candidate.
Hernández looking for three years
Free-agent outfielder Teoscar Hernández is looking for a three-year contract within the $22 million to $24 million vary yearly, reports MLB.com. The Dodgers stay considering a doable reunion, although the Blue Jays and Red Sox are exhibiting curiosity as properly. With fellow free-agent slugger Anthony Santander seeking five years, Hernández at three years is slightly interesting.
Even after signing Michael Conforto, the Dodgers want one other outfielder as a result of Mookie Betts is shifting again to shortstop in 2025. Their present outfield is Tommy Edman in middle with some mixture of Conforto, James Outman, Andy Pages, and Chris Taylor within the corners. For some time Hernández returning to the Dodgers felt fait accompli, and the very fact it hasn’t occurred but signifies the staff would not like the present asking worth.
Cubs exploring free-agent relievers
After shedding Bellinger’s wage, the Cubs are trying on the free-agent reliever market, according to MLB.com. At current, Chicago’s bullpen is anchored by righties Porter Hodge, Tyson Miller, and Nate Pearson. There’s undoubtedly room there for one or two (or three) veteran late-inning relievers. Somebody to step in because the established nearer, setup man, and so forth.
There are seven unsigned relievers among our top 50 free agents: Jeff Hoffman (No. 24), Tanner Scott (No. 27), Kenley Jansen (No. 30), Carlos Estévez (No. 34), David Robertson (No. 35), Kirby Yates (No. 36), and A.J. Minter (No. 48). Others like Andrew Kittredge, José Leclerc, and Chris Martin stand out as potential lower-cost worth additions. Level is, there aren’t any scarcity of high quality relievers sitting in free company. The Cubs have choices.
Blue Jays in on Pivetta
The Blue Jays have curiosity in free agent righty Nick Pivetta, reports the New York Post. Pivetta grew up in British Columbia on the opposite facet of Canada. He rejected the qualifying provide from the Purple Sox and would require forfeiting draft choose/worldwide bonus pool cash to signal. We ranked Pivetta as the 28th-best free agent available this offseason. He is our seventh-best unsigned starter.
Toronto’s rotation is sneaky skinny in the intervening time. Chris Bassitt and Kevin Gausman confirmed indicators of decline in 2024, José Berríos has worrisome underlying numbers, Alek Manoah is rehabbing from Tommy John surgical procedure, and neither Bowden Francis nor Yariel Rodríguez has pitched a full big-league season. Pivetta would give the membership some rotation depth and probably extra upside ought to his outcomes start to match the standard of his stuff.
