The MLB offseason has been moving like molasses, but last night it took a turn. As spring training is about a month out, teams are starting to get their rosters together prior to pitchers and catchers reporting to camp. Rumors have ran wild this week, so let’s unpack the latest around MLB.
Chicago Locks Up Bregman
The Cubs had to do something this offseason on the offensive side. They had a big week, trading for Edward Cabrera and signing third baseman Alex Bregman. Bregman’s contract is for five years, $175 million, with $70M of that deferred. While the Red Sox’s offer is not yet public, it is said that their offer was “aggressive” it was not enough to reel the two-time World Champion third baseman in.
For the Red Sox, sources indicated late Saturday that their attention will now turn to Bo Bichette, but other teams arounf MLB, like the Phillies or potentially the Yankees will likely be more aggressive than Boston in their pursuit for Bichette.
The Cubs mean business this season and should be the clear favorites in the NL Central. Their lineup and rotation could rival the Dodgers this season, barring injuries.
Read More about the Cubs Lineup:
Bellinger-Yankees Impasse
The Yankees have made it no secret this offseason that they want OF/1B Cody Bellinger to return. According to ESPN, the Yankees are now operating under the assumption that Bellinger will not be returning in 2026. Scott Boras, Bellinger’s agent is pushing for a seven year contract with a total dollar amount north of $200 million. The Yankees will not be giving him that contract.
The Yankees also know that no other team has a contract offer out to Bellinger, or has shown a willingness to offer one that they have out. What will likely happen is Bellinger will go around the league and field interest, and baring a team coming out of the woodworks, like the San Fransisco Giants, he will come back to the Yankees.
Till then, the Yankees will try and start their offseason, and that includes adding pitching. The team is engaged with the Milwaukee Brewers about Freddy Peralta and the Washington Nationals about MacKenzie Gore, among others. The hold up in trading for a starter is the uncertainty surrounding Bellinger.
The Yankees will look to add an external offensive addition. Nico Hoerner could be one, but the asking price is steep. Another option could be Brendan Donovan, who the Yankees have had conversations regarding earlier this offseason.
Read more about Bellinger and the Yankees Negotiations here:
Other Wrinkles:
- The Detroit Tigers and LHP Tarik Skubal are heading to arbitration, in what could be a messy hearing. Skubal, and Boras, his agent, filed at $32 million, while the team filed at $19 million. It should be interesting to see how this case shakes out as it will likely affect Skubal’s impeding free agency.
- Earlier this offseason, the Marlins were considering trading INF Ketel Marte. That did not come to light, with GM Mike Hazen taking Marte off the market. That gives an interesting wrinkle of how the infield market shakes out this offseason. The DBacks will now turn their attention to their pitching staff, both the rotation and bullpen.
- The Cincinnati Reds signed INF Michael Toglia to a minor league contract. Toglia goes to Cincinnati as a buy-low, sell high option for the Reds. Playing in a place other than Colorado should help Toglia thrive.
- The Mets have interest in Kyle Tucker and are expected to peruse him more than Bellinger. Sources told LWOS that the two sides met and the meeting occurred on Thursday.
- The Phillies and Bichette will have a virtual meeting Monday. If Bichette signs in Philly, that could rule out a reunion with catcher J.T. Realmuto.
- MLB announced this week the suspension of free agent Max Kepler for use of PED’s. Kepler’s suspension will not begin until he is under contract and the regular season begins. Kepler will be ineligible for the postseason.
- Pitchers and Catchers will report to Spring Training in about a month!
Top Image Credit: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images