A look at where we are in the offseason. Some deals are evaluated. Where might Roki Sasaki sign? And other news from around MLB.
Good morning.
- We’re in the home stretch of the offseason, so R. J. Anderson hands out progress report grades to each team.
- Mike Axisa looks at players currently on the trade market and where they might get dealt.
- Katie Woo gives an update on the trade market for third baseman Nolan Arenado (The Athletic sub. req.) and how it’s impacting the Cardinals. Woo reports that Arenado’s market has mostly stalled out and it’s more likely that Arenado starts the year with St. Louis.
- Jordan Schusterman looks at the Padres quiet offseason and what they might still do this winter.
- The Padres fans have to hope that Roki Sasaki ends up in brown. C. Trent Rosecrans tries to read the tea leaves in Sasaki’s agent’s public statements for some clues as to where he’s leaning. (The Athletic sub. req.)
- Mike Petriello ranks possible Sasaki destinations by how badly the team needs him. The Padres are number one.
- Keegan Matheson answers questions about the Blue Jays offseason including whether Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is likely to sign a contract extension. And when.
- David Schoenfield tries to match some lesser available free agents with new teams. (ESPN+ sub. req.)
- Ben Clemens evaluates the Athletics contract extension with slugger Brent Rooker.
- Jake Mintz tries to explain why the Athletics are spending big in their first season in Sacramento.
- The Orioles have signed right-handed reliever Andrew Kittredge to a one-year, $10 million deal.
- Left-hander Martin Pérez signed a one-year, $5 million deal with the White Sox.
- The Pirates signed left-hander Caleb Ferguson to a one-year, $3 million deal.
- Eric Longenhagen evaluates the deal that the Dodgers sent infielder Gavin Lux to the Reds.
- And Longenhagen breaks down the Dodgers dealing former top prospect Diego Cartaya to the Twins.
- In light of the Cartaya trade, R.J. Anderson has other minor league prospects who could use a change of scenery. Owen Caissie is number two. I know many of you would disagree with that assessment.
- A recap of all the arbitration contract exchange deadline news from around the league.
- David Schoenfield ranks each team’s worst mistake since 2020. (ESPN+ sub. req.)
- Ben Clemens thinks that the growth of the slider in pitch selection has peaked. That is, the slider isn’t the hot pitch anymore and slider usage is no longer increasing.
- Mets legend David Wright talks about his feelings about getting his number retired and being inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame.
- Jayson Stark explains why he voted for lefty Andy Pettitte for the Hall of Fame for the first time. (The Athletic sub. req.)
- Tyler Kepner explains why he didn’t vote for left-hander Félix Hernández for Cooperstown. (The Athletic sub. req.)
- Davy Andrews has admiration for some photos of Juan Soto as a Met.
- And finally, Keegan Matheson speaks with NBA legend and longtime executive Danny Ainge about his career as a shortstop for the Blue Jays.