MLB free-agent rumors tracker: Scherzer makes Rangers pitch to Ohtani
MLB free agency is in full swing.
There are a few star players on the open market this offseason, including Shohei Ohtani. The two-way star is likely to receive the biggest contract in MLB history, and potentially the biggest in the history of North American professional sports.
[Read more: 2024 MLB free-agent rankings: Shohei Ohtani leads top 30;top 30 pitchers; top 30 hitters;When and where will Shohei Ohtani sign and for how much? MLB staff predictions]
Where will Ohtani and other stars end up? Follow along here for the latest rumors on the top free agents.
NOV. 22
Mariners could turn to Jeimer Candelario to replace Eugenio Suárez at third base
Seattle reportedly traded Suárez to the Diamondbacks earlier Wednesday for reliever Carlos Vargas and catcher Seby Zavala in an apparent cost-cutting move, but Candelario is an option to fill the new vacancy at the hot corner, per MLB Network.
Turning around and signing Candelario might not be very cost-effective, as the 30-year-old is expected to receive a three- or four-year deal worth somewhere around $60-$70 million, but he would definitely mark an upgrade at the position.
Candelario hit .251 with an .807 OPS and 22 home runs with the Nationals and Cubs last season. Suárez, who hit .232 with a .714 OPS last year, had served as the Mariners’ primary third baseman the past two years.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto prefers to play with fellow Japanese players, has heard from 10-15 teams
As the free agency of the 25-year-old phenom officially opened Tuesday, Yamomoto’s agent (Joel Wolfe) told Japanese media that his client “wants to play with Japanese players,” something that hasn’t been common among Japanese players upon signing with MLB clubs.
The Mets, Red Sox and Cubs are rumored to be among the top Yamamoto suitors with a Japanese player on their squad. The Blue Jays and Cardinals also have a player from Japan or someone he played with on Team Japan during the World Baseball Classic. Wolfe said that Yamamoto has been spending some time in the United States and recently played golf with Lars Nootbaar. MLB on FOX insider Ken Rosenthal has previously speculated that Ohtani will wait until Yamamoto signs to make his decision.
Wolfe added that he’s already heard from “at least” 10 teams but “no more” than 15. He also stated that Yamamoto “has no geographic preferences” regarding where he’ll play.
Shota Imanaga to be posted soon
The other top free agent coming from Japan this winter will likely be posted by Nov. 27, MLB.com reported. Imanaga, a left-handed pitcher, appears likely to garner considerable interest but isn’t expected to receive as lucrative of a deal as Yamamoto. The 30-year-old recorded a 2.80 ERA in 2023, marking his fifth straight season with a sub-3.00 ERA.
Dodgers looking to land Ohtani and Yamamoto
The Dodgers are potentially in play to add FOX Sports’ top two free agents this offseason, MLB Network reported.
Obviously, Ohtani is the big fish and could end up signing the biggest contract in the sport’s history. Yamamoto, meanwhile, was posted by the Orix Buffaloes on Monday and his 45-day negotiating window opened on Tuesday.
The Dodgers have been widely viewed as the favorite to sign Ohtani for quite some time, with some speculating that their relative inactivity last offseason was in preparation to make a run at signing the two-way star this year. Los Angeles is also among the betting favorites to sign Yamamoto.
Could a Juan Soto trade happen this offseason?
The Padres star outfielder might be the best player traded this offseason, and the deal could take place before the end of the Winter Meetings in the first week of December, MLB Network reported. Soto, who turned 25 in October, is entering the final year of his deal and the Padres could be looking to recoup “maybe 70 percent” of the prospect value they gave him to acquire him from Washington in 2022, MLB Network added. The Yankees and Giants are reportedly two of the teams to watch if Soto is dealt.
Cubs looking to trade for Bo Bichette?
Chicago is looking at more than just the free agent market to make a big splash this offseason, discussing a possible trade to land Toronto’s shortstop, MLB Network and Locked On Sports reported. If the Cubs were to acquire Bichette, they would reportedly move him to third base as Dansby Swanson is a Gold Glove shortstop for Chicago.
The Cubs have reportedly been linked to several top free agents this offseason as they look to make a push for the postseason in 2024 after falling just short this year. The team has already hired manager Craig Counsell to a record-setting contract and is in the mix to sign Ohtani, among others.
Bichette, who turns 26 in March, hit .304 with 20 homers last season, earning the second All-Star nod of his career. He’s signed through the 2025 season.
Josh Hader expected to leave Padres, and may have a new suitor?
Hader, viewed as the top reliever on the market, has been linked to the Rangers and Phillies for much of the offseason. But the Cubs could also be a suitor, MLB Network reported. Hader’s past working relationship with Counsell in Milwaukee and Chicago’s desire to build its roster to try to entice Ohtani are two of the reported reasons why the Cubs could be in the mix for the five-time All-Star closer.
Hader has recorded 165 saves since 2018. Adbert Alzolay emerged in the closing role for the Cubs in 2023, recording 22 saves before missing the end of the season due to injury.
Which pitchers are most likely to be traded?
In addition to several top-of-the-rotation starting pitchers available in free agency, there are a few more who might be available via trade.
MLB on FOX insider Ken Rosenthal believes that Tyler Glasnow, Dylan Cease and Shane Bieber are the most likely to be traded, in that order.
“Generally speaking, when we talk about guys like this and they continually get mentioned as trade possibilities, they get traded,” Rosenthal said on “Foul Territory.” “It doesn’t always happen … but I would not be surprised to see any of those pitchers moved.”
Rosenthal said Glasnow is the one he views as most likely to be traded because the Rays‘ projected payroll is over $40 million more than their record high.
Rosenthal added that he would’ve ranked Brewers ace Corbin Burnes at the top of the list earlier in the offseason, but he’s “hearing things out of Milwaukee” that indicate the team will try to make a playoff run in 2024. However, Rosenthal mentioned that he still wouldn’t be surprised to see Burnes traded this offseason.
NOV. 20
Will Ohtani wait for Yoshinobu Yamamoto to sign before making his decision?
The courting of Ohtani has begun, but the superstar free agent could take longer than expected to sign his new deal. Ohtani “perhaps will be better off waiting” until after Yamamoto signs, which could come after the Winter Meetings in early December, according to FOX Sports and The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.
“I think it’s going to move slower than people think,” an American League executive told Rosenthal. “There’s a lot to be answered.”
Yamamoto was officially posted Monday, meaning his 45-day window to negotiate and sign a deal will run through early January.
Max Scherzer makes his pitch for Ohtani to join Rangers
With the Ohtani sweepstakes already well underway, everyone is polishing their selling points. Even fellow MLB stars are joining in on the action, with Scherzer stating his case on why Ohtani should join the defending champs in Texas.
“Money’s great, but winning’s better,” Scherzer said on “Foul Territory.” “If you want to come win, that’s better than money. I promise.”
The Rangers have been one of several possible suitors to land Ohtani in the early part of free agency, but Scherzer didn’t say if his team was making a run to sign him. Ohtani, of course, did not make the playoffs once while playing for the Angels the past six seasons.
“I have no knowledge,” Scherzer said. “I have not talked to anybody within the Rangers organization about Shohei Ohtani. But if you asked me if [I’d want to play with him], the answer would be yes.”
Dodgers looking at big names in trades
Los Angeles could be eying multiple stars to add via trade this offseason. One team executive believes that the Dodgers might make an attempt to trade for Brewers ace Corbin Burnes and shortstop Willy Adames, MLB.com reported. The Dodgers are also “in talks” with the White Sox to trade for Dylan Cease, USA Today reported.
The Dodgers have already been linked to several starting pitchers on the free-agent market as they look to fix their rotation. As for Adames, he would help the Dodgers fill a potential void at shortstop, although the team has said that Gavin Lux is on track to be the starter there in 2024.
Rangers believed to be favorite to land Josh Hader
As the Phillies made the first big signing of the offseason Sunday, it appears they’re unlikely to make a big splash to help their bullpen. The Phillies have “shown very little appetite” in signing Hader this offseason, leaving the Rangers as “heavy favorites” to sign the star closer, USA Today reported. The Phillies and Rangers have reportedly been the two teams most linked to Hader in the opening weeks of free agency.
Brandon Woodruff drawing significant interest
The former Brewers starter won’t have any problem finding suitors in free agency even though he isn’t expected to pitch in 2024. Woodruff is already drawing interest from “a majority of MLB teams,” MLB Network reported. Milwaukee surprisingly opted to non-tender Woodruff on Friday, making the two-time All-Star a free agent. The Brewers’ decision came a month after Woodruff underwent surgery to repair a capsule in his throwing shoulder. The 30-year-old made only 11 appearances last season.
Cardinals, Twins also in on Sonny Gray
After Aaron Nola re-signed with the Phillies, teams are lining up to sign one of the next-best veteran right-hander on the market. In addition to the Braves, the Cardinals and Twins are also in on Gray, MLB Network reported. The Cardinals reportedly agreed to a deal with Lance Lynn but are looking to add multiple starting pitchers this offseason.
The Braves have been linked to Gray for much of free agency, possibly making them a stronger suitor after their failed attempt to sign Nola away from their division rival. Gray is coming off a big year with the Twins, who might be determined to retain him in hopes of defending their AL Central title.
NOV. 19
Yamamoto still on Phillies‘ radar
With the Phillies reportedly re-signing Aaron Nola to a seven-year, $172 million contract on Sunday, Philadelphia plans to continue bolstering its pitching staff, which could still include the 25-year-old Japanese ace, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Sonny Gray one of Braves‘ top options
The Atlanta Braves had spoken to Nola prior to his re-signing. However, with Nola now returning to Philadelphia, the Braves have emerged as one of the top suitors for Gray, who finished second in AL Cy Young voting in 2023.
NOV. 17
Brewers non-tender Brandon Woodruff
Milwaukee non-tendered Woodruff, its former ace, ESPN reported. The right-hander was limited to 11 games last season due to a shoulder injury and is expected to miss most of the 2024 season due to surgery. Since becoming a full-time member of the Brewers starting rotation (2019), Woodruff has posted a combined 2.93 ERA and 1.02 WHIP across 595.0 innings (103 starts). This past season, he posted a 2.28 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and 74 strikeouts across 67.0 innings.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto could hit open market next week
Yamamoto is expected to be posted by the Nippon Professional Baseball league’s Orix Buffaloes on Monday, meaning the 45-day negotiation window with MLB teams would start Tuesday for the 25-year-old phenom, per ESPN. Several teams are expected to pursue Yamamoto, who’s ranked No. 2 in our top-30 free agents of 2024.
Rays‘ Tyler Glasnow trade talks remain in preliminary stage
At various points in his six-year tenure with the Rays, Glasnow has served as the team’s ace. He might be offering those services elsewhere next year. The 30-year-old right-hander will likely be traded this offseason, per ESPN. He is due a Rays-record $25.4 million in 2024, while the demand for pitching across the league remains exceptionally high. Glasnow went 10-7 with a 3.53 ERA and 162 strikeouts over 121 innings (21 starts) this past season.
The chances of a Glasnow trade will be higher once the top free agent pitchers sign, per MLB Network.
NOV. 16
Cubs ‘more likely’ to sign Ohtani than Cody Bellinger; eyeing Pete Alonso, Yoshinobu Yamamoto
As Chicago prepares to make its case to sign the two-way superstar, it may say goodbye to its top star from last season. The Cubs are “more likely” to sign Ohtani this offseason than Bellinger, who might be “as good as gone,” ESPN reported. Bellinger enjoyed a comeback season with the Cubs, though he was almost moved at the trade deadline in the middle of his one-year deal. A pair of other favorites have reportedly also emerged to sign Bellinger.
The Cubs, meanwhile, have recently generated buzz in the Ohtani sweepstakes. They now have the second-best odds to sign the soon-to-be two-time AL MVP.
Ohtani and Bellinger are ranked as the two best hitters in free agency this offseason by FOX Sports.
The Cubs are also looking at other star players to acquire this offseason. If the Mets make Alonso available for trade, the Cubs are expected to offer a package that would center around 24-year-old Christopher Morel, according to ESPN. The Cubs are also expected to be in on the sweepstakes for Japanese pitchers Yamamoto and Shota Imanaga and could pursue a trade for Brewers ace Corbin Burnes, ESPN added in its reporting.
Who could be a sleeper team in the Ohtani sweepstakes?
One rival executive believes that the Blue Jays might be an outside candidate to land Ohtani, FOX Sports and The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported. However, Rosenthal noted a pair of issues that the Blue Jays and other possible AL East suitors might have in trying to land Ohtani, speculating that the competitive division and inconsistent weather could deter him from signing with one of those teams.
Angels prepare to be ‘aggressive’ this offseason
While many expect the Angels to lose Ohtani this offseason, that isn’t going to be a deterrence for Angels general manager Perry Minasian to try and still win in 2024.
“We’re going to be aggressive this offseason and we’re going to make this team better,” Minasian said at the introductory press conference for new manager Ron Washington.
As Minasian said he’s already heard from people who “wouldn’t mind joining the party over here,” Washington made a big proclamation.
“If you remember now — I was in Texas, and guess what we did? We ran the Angels down,” Washington said. “Now I’m in California, with the Anaheim Angels — well, the Los Angeles Angels. I’ll get that in my head. Once we get things together, we get these guys together in spring training and start to work, our whole focus is gonna be to run the West down. And you can take that to the bank and deposit it.”
NOV. 15
Giants in on several top free agents
San Francisco is “in” on the sweepstakes to land Cody Bellinger, Matt Chapman and Blake Snell in free agency this offseason, MLB Network reported. The Giants are looking to land a big free agent this offseason after turning out empty-handed last offseason, coming up short in trying to sign Aaron Judge and reneging on a contract agreement with Carlos Correa due to a failed physical.
The Giants are looking to get back to the postseason after two underwhelming seasons in 2022 and 2023.
At least eight teams seeking multiple pitchers in free agency; Yankees ‘among most active’ teams in pitching market
The Cardinals, Mets, Red Sox, Cubs, Dodgers, Pirates, Angels and Giants are among at least eight teams looking to add two pitchers in free agency this offseason, MLB Network reported. The free-agent market this offseason features more than 10 starters who were top-of-the-rotation pitchers for their teams last season, including a few with possible Cy Young upside.
While the Yankees aren’t listed among those eight teams, they’re “among the most active teams in the starting pitching market,” MLB Network reported. New York has shown interest in Aaron Nola and Yoshinobu Yamamoto so far, according to MLB Network.
Dodgers among ‘most interested’ in Yoshinobu Yamamoto
In addition to the Yankees, the Dodgers are also preparing to pursue the Japanese phenom, MLB Network reported. Yamamoto, 25, is viewed by some as the best non-Ohtani pitcher on the free-agent market this offseason and ranked No. 2 overall on Jordan Shusterman‘s free-agent rankings.
Yamamoto will reportedly be posted within the next week. Teams will then have 45 days to negotiate a deal with the right-hander. While the Dodgers and Yankees are among the betting favorites to land Yamamoto, the Mets currently hold the best odds to land him.
West Coast teams, Phillies in on Blake Snell
The Cy Young candidate is garnering great interest on the free-agent market. The early set of favorites to land Snell include the Dodgers, Giants, Phillies and Padres, MLB Network reported. Snell reestablished himself as one of the game’s top pitchers this past season with San Diego after a relatively non-remarkable stretch.
NL West teams early suitors for Matt Chapman
Arguably the best infielder on the free-agent market this offseason, Chapman is receiving early interest from Diamondbacks and Giants, MLB Network reported. Both teams are reportedly looking to add at third base, and Chapman could receive a deal worth up to $150 million, MLB Network reported earlier in November.
The Diamondbacks are looking to add after making a surprise World Series run while the Giants could reunite Chapman with Bob Melvin, their recently hired manager who spent five years with the third baseman in Oakland.
Rangers, Phillies ‘strong candidates’ to sign Josh Hader
After both teams made deep postseason runs (with the Rangers winning the World Series), Texas and Philadelphia are seeking to solidify their bullpens, making them “strong candidates” to sign Hader, MLB Network reported. The lefty is widely considered to be the best bullpen arm on the market this offseason as he’s been an All-Star in five of the past six seasons.
Mets will listen to offers on Pete Alonso
As Alonso enters the final year of team control, the Mets aren’t actively seeking to move their star first baseman but are open to offers, ESPN reported. Scott Boras, Alonso’s agent, told reporters at the GM Meetings that his client wants an extension prior to the 2024 season.
“[Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns] certainly views Pete as a core part of their team and we just kind of let him know when it comes to the Polar Bear we’re not in contract hibernation,” Boras said. “We’re open to listening. Pete has directed me to listen to what they have to say and we’ll go from there.”
NOV. 14
Why the Dodgers, Rangers and Red Sox are in the Ohtani sweepstakes
The two-way superstar is choosing from any number of clubs this offseason. There are at least three teams he has “expressed affinity” for in the past that will be in the hunt for his services in this second round of free agency: the Dodgers, Rangers and Red Sox, per ESPN. Los Angeles, of course, is considered the favorite, reportedly because of its winning pedigree, its track record in development and its coaching acumen, in addition to its location. Texas is believed to be a real candidate for Ohtani’s services because it just won the World Series but also for showing a strong interest in him when he first came from Japan. Ohtani is interested in Boston, meanwhile, because he likes visiting there as well as playing in Fenway Park.
NOV. 13
Could Ohtani take a short-term contract?
Ohtani seemed destined for a long-term contract worth $500 million or more before suffering a torn UCL for the second time in his six-year MLB career in August. While his inability to pitch consistently until at least 2025 changes the equation a bit, he still figured to be in line for similar deal. But according to ESPN, Ohtani is open to taking a shorter-term contract with an “exceedingly high” average annual value (AAV).
Ohtani would still likely break the AAV record for an MLB contract, but if he takes a shorter-term deal in hopes of reentering free agency while still in his prime as a fully healthy two-way threat, that could allow other candidates aside from big-market favorites like the Dodgers and Giants to enter the bidding for his services.
What’s Ohtani prioritizing?
As the baseball world wonders where Ohtani will play next, the belief is that he’s “probably less concerned with geography and more concerned about the quality of the team he’s going to” compared to when he was a free agent six years ago, MLB Network reported. That could give teams like the Dodgers, Cubs and Braves, the last of which Ohtani is purportedly “very intrigued by,” over other potential suitors, according to MLB Network.
Which teams do executives think Ohtani might sign with if he doesn’t go to the Dodgers?
The Dodgers are the heavy favorite to sign the two-way superstar, but if Ohtani surprises the baseball world, executives think he’ll either sign with the Cubs or Rangers, while the Giants will offer the most money, USA Today reported. The Cubs and Rangers have reportedly gained momentum in the Ohtani sweepstakes over the past week, with multiple reports suggesting that they’re potential landing spots for him.
Favorites emerging in Cody Bellinger sweepstakes
The Cubs, Giants and Yankees are viewed as the favorites to land the 2019 NL MVP, according to USA Todayand MLB Network. Bellinger had a bounce-back season with Chicago last season, appearing to successfully bet on himself as he signed a one-year deal to join the Cubs last offseason. Bellinger is expected to receive a much larger payday than the $17.5 million contract he signed last offseason and is ranked as FOX Sports’ second-best available free-agent hitter.
The Yankees are expected to be in the Bellinger sweepstakes until the very end as they likely prioritize signing him over trying to trade for Juan Soto, MLB Network added in its report.
Mets eyeing Japanese ace
The Mets “have their eyes” on Yoshinobu Yamamoto as they don’t believe they have a chance to land Ohtani, according to USA Today. Yamamoto, who is ranked as FOX Sports’ second-best free agent this offseason, is reportedly likely to be posted by the Orix Buffaloes within the next week.
Cubs interested in Rhys Hoskins?
Chicago views the veteran first baseman as a “good fit” for its roster, The Athletic reported. The Cubs could lose two of their top hitters in free agency this offseason with Bellinger and Jeimer Candelario both hitting the market. While signing Hoskins wouldn’t be a direct replacement for either player (should they lose them), he’d give them much-needed help at first base. He hit 30 homers with a .246 batting average and a .794 OPS with the Phillies in 2022 before tearing his ACL during spring training last season.
NOV. 11
Shohei Ohtani No. 1 target for Giants
One year after attempting to sign Aaron Judge, the San Francisco Giants are looking to make a splash in the free-agent market by signing Ohtani, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
The Giants are reportedly also interested in Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a pitching phenom from Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league who is expected to be an eligible MLB signee this winter.
However, Ohtani is reportedly the main priority for San Francisco this offseason, despite the notion that their NL West rival Los Angeles Dodgers are the favorite to land the two-way superstar.
NOV. 10
‘Belief around the industry’ is that Juan Soto will be dealt
Despite the fact that agent Scott Boras told reporters Wednesday that the San Diego Padres gave him the impression that they will keep Soto, the “belief throughout the industry” is that the three-time All-Star will be traded, per ESPN. Several executives and agents that spoke on the matter believe Padres general manager AJ Preller is open to a Soto trade due to apparent holes in San Diego’s roster coupled with little payroll space in which to operate.
Phillies not interested in trading Nick Castellanos
Contrary to previous notions, the Philadelphia Phillies are not interested in trading Nick Castellanos, as they consider the 31-year-old to be an integral component to their team, per ESPN.
Castellanos is entering the third year of a five-year, $100 million deal he signed with the Phillies ahead of the 2022 season, and has been part of the team’s deep playoff appearances the last two seasons.
NOV. 9
Yoshinobu Yamamoto‘s posting window set to open ‘soon’
The Orix Buffaloes, which Yamamoto pitched for over the past seven seasons, are likely to post Yamamoto for MLB teams within the next week, per MLB Network. Teams will have 45 days to negotiate and agree to a contract with Yamamoto, 25, once he’s posted. The Japanese pitcher is viewed by many as the top pitcher on the loaded free-agent market.
Brewers ‘open to moving virtually any player’
Days after manager Craig Counsell departed Milwaukee, the Brewers are open to trading anyone to help “sacrifice its present for its future,” Rosenthal reported. If the Brewers opted to sell this offseason, Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff, Willy Adames and Christian Yelich could be among the players traded this offseason, according to Rosenthal.
Cody Bellinger at ‘top’ of Yankees‘ free-agent list
The Yankees are ready to make major moves this offseason, and Bellinger is their top target. The team has already touched base with his agent, Scott Boras, per the New York Post. Bellinger is considered to be the top non-Ohtani hitter on the free agent market this offseason after his resurgence with the Cubs in 2023. The 28-year-old hit .307/.356/.525 with 25 homers this past season.
Phillies moving on from Nick Castellanos?
Philadelphia is “open to the idea” of trading its right fielder as his “streaky ways and disappointing performance in the NLCS could result in an offseason change,” MLB.com reported. Castellanos only hit .042 in the Phillies’ seven-game loss in the NLCS, but he hit well in the regular season after struggling in his first year in Philadelphia. He hit .272/.311/.476 with 29 home runs and 106 RBIs in the regular season, earning an All-Star nod.
He’s entering the third year of a five-year, $100 million deal he signed with the Phillies ahead of the 2022 season, so trading him could potentially save the Phillies up to $20 million in payroll.
NOV. 8
Bryce Harper is the Phillies’ long-term first baseman
Phillies president Dave Dombrowski said that Harper will be the team’s first baseman moving forward and that free agent Rhys Hoskins — Philadelphia’s first baseman before he tore his ACL in spring training this past year — was informed of the decision. Harper served as the team’s first baseman for the bulk of 2023 after he returned from his offseason Tommy John surgery.
Eduardo Rodríguez has open mind about locale
The veteran lefty, who rejected a trade to the Dodgers at the deadline, has reportedly informed teams he has no geographic restrictions. Rodríguez went 13-9 with a 3.30 ERA over 152.2 innings this past season with the Tigers.
Cubs could be most aggressive team in Ohtani sweepstakes
The chase for teams to land Ohtani in free agency is still in its infant stages, but “several GMs” believe that the Cubs might be the most aggressive team to try and land him, USA Today reported. However, the Dodgers “remain heavy favorites” and the Rangers “are serious contenders,” while the Red Sox, Mets and Giants are reportedly also in the mix.
NOV. 7
Jordan Montgomery receiving interest from Red Sox
Officials for the Red Sox “have spoken” with Montgomery’s agent as the southpaw hits free agency following his strong World Series run with the Rangers, MLB Network reported. Montgomery, 30, went 4-2 with a 2.79 ERA in 11 starts with the Rangers, who acquired him from the Cardinals before the trade deadline in July. He also went 4-2 in the postseason, posting a 2.90 ERA over his six postseason outings (five starts).
The Red Sox desperately need starting pitching help after they ranked 25th in quality starts last season and Montgomery is just one of several high-end starters on the free-agent market.
Jonathan India emerging as a trade candidate?
The Reds second baseman has been a “popular name” among executives at the general managers meeting, though Cincinnati isn’t “motivated to move” India, according to MLB Network. India was speculated to be a possible trade candidate at the deadline this past summer due to the Reds’ influx of young infield talent.
After winning NL Rookie of the Year in 2021, India has dealt with injuries that have forced him to miss multiple months in each of the past two seasons. He hit .244/.338/.407 with 16 homers in 119 games last season.
Zack Greinke unsure if he’ll pitch in 2024
The 40-year-old hasn’t decided whether he’ll pitch next season, Royals GM JJ Picollo told reporters. Greinke pitched with the Royals in 2023, going 2-15 with a 5.06 ERA in his second season back in Kansas City after he spent the first seven seasons of his career there from 2004-10. Greinke, a six-time All-Star, won the AL Cy Young with the Royals in 2009.
NOV. 6
Many teams interested in Ohtani
As expected, several teams are rumored to have an interest in Ohtani at the onset of free agency, including the Dodgers, Red Sox, Cubs, Yankees, Mets, Blue Jays, Giants, Mariners, Padres and Rangers, USA Today reported.
White Sox ‘willing’ to listen to offers on Dylan Cease
The White Sox aren’t “shopping” Cease, but they’re willing to listen to trade offers for their right-handed ace, per USA Today. Cease could be the top available pitcher on the trade market this offseason. The 27-year-old’s stats took a bit of a dip in 2023. He was 7-9 with a 4.58 ERA after going 14-8 with a 2.20 ERA in 2022 to finish second in AL Cy Young voting.
Bellinger receiving interest from AL East contender
The Blue Jays might turn to the top bat on the free-agent market to fix their left-handed hitting woes, showing “strong” interest in Bellinger at the start of free agency, per USA Today. Bellinger had a resurgence with the Cubs after the Dodgers cut ties with him following 2022, hitting .307/.356/.525 with 26 homers last season. Toronto was among the teams interested in Bellinger when he was a free agent last year.
Check back for updates.
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