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Dec 10, 2024, 10:10 PM ET
The MLB winter meetings began Monday in Dallas and it figures to be an action-packed week of rumors, signings and trades.
We’ve got it all covered right here, from our predictions heading into the meetings to the latest updates, analysis and daily takeaways as the moves go down.
Now that Juan Soto has made his decision, what big free agency moves will follow? Who will be the big names mentioned in trade talks? And what rumors will dominate the week? Check out our predictions now and refresh often for the latest as the week unfolds.
The Yankees have (un)officially pivoted from Juan Soto. Their top priority going into the offseason if they lost out on Soto was adding a top-tier starting pitcher, and they got one in Max Fried. The price — $218 million for eight years — was hefty, but they’re better than they were yesterday, and they aren’t done yet. Fried’s addition, on paper, gives the Yankees one of the premier starting rotations in baseball. He’ll slide in behind ace Gerrit Cole with Carlos Rodon, Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt rounding out the quintet. — Jorge Castillo
The overall price of starting pitching is through the roof. It’s not just Fried. It’s Nathan Eovaldi nearly doubling the average annual value of his prior deal, securing $75 million over three years. It’s another $15 million going to Alex Cobb, a 37-year-old coming off a three-start season. It’s $67 million, an A’s record, guaranteed to Luis Severino. And it’s the likes of Frankie Montas ($34 million) and Matthew Boyd ($29 million) before them. So, yes, Corbin Burnes is going to do very, very well. But given how it has gone so far this offseason, so will every starter. It’s a product of the player pool, the trajectory of free-spending clubs and, perhaps most glaringly, the increasing rate of injuries that has made teams feel as if they can never possess enough starting-pitching depth. — Alden Gonzalez
Free agent moves are the talk now, but trades are brewing. The trade market has begun to heat up this week and, ultimately, this winter is going to be remembered for some big names getting moved. Kyle Tucker, Nolan Arenado, Garrett Crochet and either Cody Bellinger or Seiya Suzuki are all more likely to be dealt than not, according to league sources. The game of musical chairs could actually begin with Alex Bregman. If Houston retains the infielder’s services, it all but guarantees Tucker will be traded. He might be anyway. — Jesse Rogers
Sportv Winter meetings news and rumors
Sportv Dec. 10 buzz
Roki Sasaki “a major priority” for the Dodgers
What has long been obvious is now official: The Los Angeles Dodgers are in on Roki Sasaki.
“He’s someone that is obviously a major priority for us,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said, “and we’re going to do whatever we can.”
The Dodgers are still in talks to bring back Teoscar Hernandez and want to add a high-leverage reliever, but they also will spend these next few weeks laser focused on Sasaki, the 23-year-old Japanese phenom who was posted Tuesday and will pick his new team shortly after the next international signing period opens on Jan. 15.
The San Diego Padres, the Dodgers’ biggest rival at the moment, loom as perhaps their biggest competition, though Sasaki’s agent, Joel Wolfe, didn’t rule out anybody while addressing the media. And while the Padres hope Yu Darvish plays a part in convincing Sasaki to play in San Diego, the Dodgers hope Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto — also teammates with Sasaki during Japan’s championship run in last year’s World Baseball Classic — have more of an impact.
There has long been a perception that high-profile Japanese players prefer not to play alongside other Japanese stars in the major leagues, but that clearly wasn’t the case when the Dodgers signed Ohtani and Yamamoto within weeks of each other last offseason. How Sasaki views that dynamic is uncertain.
“Like everything, it’s an individual choice,” Friedman said. “For some people, I think it’s a real positive. And for other people, it might not be. For us, it’s about trying to understand that and putting forth our best foot and selling the city, the market, the opportunity, the growth and development and all the things we feel like we have to offer. I’m sure other teams will do the same.” — Alden Gonzalez
How Cubs’ outfield crowd is driving trade speculation
The buzz around Cubs outfielders Seiya Suzuki and Cody Bellinger might simply revolve around the idea of having two players for one position. With rookie Pete Crow-Armstrong establishing himself as the best defensive center fielder on the team, it has moved Bellinger into Suzuki’s spot in right. The Cubs — like a lot of teams — want to rotate players at designated hitter, meaning either Suzuki or Bellinger might be on the move.
“That’s a natural thing for teams to ask as they look at where a team’s depth is,” Chicago general manager Carter Hawkins said Tuesday. “It’s not a surprise teams would go down that path.” — Jesse Rogers
How Fried’s record deal helps another free agent ace
With the signing of Max Fried, the path has been cleared for Corbin Burnes to ink the highest offseason contract for a pitcher this winter. The Giants remain the favorites for his services, which likely will come at a cost closer to $300 million than $200 million. Fried’s deal with the Yankees for eight years at $218 million sets the bar for Burnes, who should blow by that number. — Jesse Rogers
Guardians and Blue Jays complete trade
BREAKING: The Toronto Blue Jays are finalizing a trade to acquire three-time Gold Glove-winning second baseman Andrés Giménez from the Cleveland Guardians, sources tell ESPN. — Jeff Passan
Yankees land Fried on $218 million contract
BREAKING: Left-hander Max Fried and the New York Yankees are in agreement on an eight-year, $218 million contract, pending physical, sources tell ESPN. It is the largest guarantee in baseball history for a left-handed pitcher. — Jeff Passan
Rangers, Yankees among teams showing interest in reliever Martin
Veteran right-hander Chris Martin, who is at the winter meetings, has so far met with the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers, a source tells ESPN. Martin, 38, recorded a 3.45 ERA in 45 games for the Boston Red Sox last season after posting a 1.05 ERA in 55 appearances for the club in 2023. — Jorge Castillo
Yankees could look to add new closer
Luke Weaver thrived as the New York Yankees’ closer after replacing Clay Holmes in September, but manager Aaron Boone said that doesn’t mean Weaver will be the team’s closer next season. Boone said Weaver’s role will depend on where the Yankees “go this offseason.” One possibility is they sign free agent left-hander Tanner Scott to be their closer. The Yankees had interest in acquiring him from the Miami Marlins at the trade deadline before he was traded to the San Diego Padres. When asked about Scott, Boone complimented his stuff and his command improvement. Scott, 30, has a 2.04 ERA in 146 appearances over the past two seasons. — Jorge Castillo
What does Guerrero’s future in Toronto look like?
The Toronto Blue Jays made an aggressive run at Juan Soto and lost out, just one offseason after losing out on Shohei Ohtani. Now, many in the industry believe the course of their franchise could be directed by one player: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the star first baseman who is only a season away from free agency. The Blue Jays have been in talks with Guerrero about an extension but are not considered to be close to one — a type of uncertainty that could impact their ability to attract free agents, many of whom will wonder about the direction of the franchise if Guerrero leaves in a year.
If the two sides can’t agree to a deal, many in the industry believe the Blue Jays will have little choice but to trade Guerrero and begin a rebuilding process. It doesn’t seem as if that is at the forefront of their minds, however; Toronto can easily play out the 2025 season and hope to bring Guerrero back as a free agent. But he’ll hit the open market at just 26 years old, the same age that catapulted Juan Soto to a $765 million guarantee. And the Blue Jays would obviously risk Guerrero’s price elevating further if he has another MVP-caliber season. — Alden Gonzalez
Latest on Arenado’s trade status with Cardinals
With Nolan Arenado being mentioned in trade talks, his agent, Joel Wolfe, spoke about the Cardinals infielder’s status on Tuesday. Wolfe said Arenado would be willing to waive his no-trade clause to go to a winning team and would be open to moving to first base if it makes sense.
Sasaki’s agent speaks at winter meetings
Now that star Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki has officially been posted as an MLB free agent, his agent, Joel Wolfe, spoke to the media at the winter meetings on Tuesday.
Here are a few of Wolfe’s quotes from the media session.
On what Sasaki values: “He has paid attention to how teams have done as far as overall success, both this year and in the past. He does watch a lot of MLB. He has paid attention to what his [World Baseball Classic] teammates have done. He asks about weather, comfortability, pitching development. He has been watching what other Japanese players in the major leagues are doing and how they are doing.”
On market size: “I think that there’s an argument to be made that a smaller, mid-market team might be more beneficial for him as a soft landing. Might be, I’m not saying it will be — but I really don’t know how he looks at it yet.”
On geography: “He’s never brought that up as an issue. When we supply information to our players, our Japanese players, long before they come over here, one of the things that we provide for them is direct flights from Japan, and the amount of time it takes for your family to come and visit you. And I think about five or 10 years ago, that was something that maybe they weighed a little bit more, but now you can fly direct from Japan to most of the major cities in the U.S. It’s not really that much of an issue anymore.”
Who could land Arenado, Tucker?
With Nolan Arenado and Kyle Tucker being mentioned in winter meetings trade speculation, David Schoenfield identifies potential landing spots for both sluggers — including the New York Yankees. Arenado, Tucker trade fits (ESPN+) »
Why Astros’ Tucker is coming up in trade speculation
Houston Astros owner Jim Crane has not gone beyond six years in his offers to players, and it’s pretty clear that if Kyle Tucker stays healthy, he is going to be offered big money/big years as a free agent next fall. So Houston has a choice similar to Boston’s in the offseason after 2019 with Mookie Betts: trade him for value this winter or next July, or, watch him walk away.
The Astros have indicated to other teams that, as a rule, they’ll listen to offers for anyone on their roster. But rival execs note that while trading Tucker now might help them recoup more value, the Astros — who’ve been in win-now mode since 2015 — have a long history of allowing their impending free agents walk out the door, rather than flipping them in pre-emptive trades. Gerrit Cole, George Springer and Carlos Correa are three of the most prominent examples of this philosophy. “And they’re trying to win (in 2025),” said one rival evaluator. “I have a hard time seeing them trade Tucker or Framber [Valdez].”— Buster Olney
Sportv Dec. 9 buzz
White Sox in trade talks on Crochet, Robert
The Chicago White Sox continue to field calls for pitcher Garrett Crochet and OF Luis Robert Jr., though a deal for either doesn’t sound imminent, according to general manager Chris Getz. At least 10 teams have inquired about Crochet as Chicago begins to whittle down potential trade candidates.
“There are some teams that are more sincere than others,” Getz said. “We’re still kind of learning. Those conversations will be ongoing. While we’re here, we’re going to the best we can do for the White Sox, and if that means we make a move, we make a move. But it’s OK if we don’t.”
As for Robert, the front office is hoping prospective trade partners look back to 2023, when he posted a .957 OPS, rather than a 2024 season in which he was hurt and his OPS fell 200 points. When asked if his desired return for Robert is too high based on that recent campaign, Getz said: “It’s an appropriate price tag based on the talent that he brings to the table.” — Jesse Rogers
Padres confident in chances of landing Sasaki
If there’s one team outside of the Los Angeles Dodgers that is widely considered favorites to land Roki Sasaki, it’s the Dodgers’ biggest rivals at the moment, the San Diego Padres. Speaking at the winter meetings on Monday, Padres manager Mike Shildt expressed confidence in his team’s ability to land the 23-year-old Japanese phenom who will be posted Tuesday afternoon and will pick his new team shortly after next year’s international signing period opens on Jan. 15. Shildt brought up the appeal of San Diego, the atmosphere at Petco Park, the opportunity to win the city’s first World Series and A.J. Preller’s prowess in the Japanese market as factors playing in the Padres’ favor.
“I feel like the organization is in a really good place with Sasaki,” Shildt said. “If there’s an open-market competition to be had, I feel like we’re in a good spot for a multitude of reasons.”
Another, perhaps even bigger factor is the presence of fellow Japanese starter Yu Darvish, a close friend and mentor to Sasaki. Asked how much Darvish is willing to help in the recruitment, Shildt said, “Yu will be involved. To what degree, that will be up to Darvish, and of course A.J. will help shepherd that. But I do feel comfortable and confident that Darvish will take his rightful spot in doing what he can.”
Could Soto’s megadeal help Astros’ Tucker?
In the aftermath of Juan Soto’s massive contract, I’m hearing some evaluators talking about the huge payday ahead for Kyle Tucker, who will be a free agent next offseason. Since the start of 2019: an adjusted OPS+ of 142, .882 OPS, 125 homers, 93 steals in 105 attempts, a Gold Glove Award. He’ll be 29 at the outset of the 2026 season. — Buster Olney
Dodgers planning to play Betts at shortstop
Los Angeles Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes confirmed at the winter meetings what has basically been known for a few weeks now: Mookie Betts is preparing to play shortstop next season, and that’s what they’re planning for. — Alden Gonzalez
Giants a team to watch for Fried
As we move forward in free agency, one possible fit worth watching: Max Fried and the San Francisco Giants. He’s being evaluated by contenders in the Northeast, too, but some execs wonder what his preference will be if it comes down to San Francisco vs. the two New York teams and the Red Sox. — Olney
Cardinals manager Marmol on Arenado trade rumors
St. Louis manager Oliver Marmol was asked about handling offseason trade buzz around his star third baseman Nolan Arenado and other veteran Cardinals players.
“You just continue to operate honestly as if they’re going to be there until they’re not. Those guys are doing a really nice job of that. Speaking to Nolan, he’s in a good spot, man. He’s doing what he does best because he’s working hard to make sure he has a good season.”
Red Sox manager Cora on Bregman
Red Sox manager Alex Cora was asked about free agent Alex Bregman, whom he coached during his time in Houston, at his winter meetings manager availability:
“Alex is a good player, man. He’s a complete player. He’s a player that’s been on winning teams, right, his whole career. Good defender. Offensively, he’s really good. He’s a guy that a lot of people are talking about, and I do believe he can impact a big league team, a championship-caliber team. He’s that type of player.”
Angels looking to add infield help
Los Angeles Angels general manager Perry Minasian — among the busiest executives this offseason, having already added Jorge Soler, Yusei Kikuchi and Travis d’Arnaud, among others — said Monday that he remains open-minded on a multitude of options to make his team significantly better in the wake of a 99-loss season. If there’s one clear target outside of the bullpen, though, it’s probably in the infield, specifically a second or third baseman.
The Angels feel set at shortstop (Zach Neto) and first base (Nolan Schanuel). They also have Luis Rengifo, an option at either second or third base. And then, of course, there’s Anthony Rendon, who’s still owed $76 million over the next two years but missed close to 70% of the Angels’ games from 2021 to 2024. The Angels can’t really count on Rendon at this point. They’ll explore free agency and the trade market for help there — likely on a short-term option, with Christian Moore, the eighth overall pick in the 2024 draft, not far removed from the big leagues.
“We have to be open to at least looking at that spot and seeing if there are other alternatives that will make us better,” Minasian said of adding a third baseman. “Obviously a healthy Anthony Rendon makes us better, but with the last four years being the last four years, we need to take a look at what else is out there.” — Gonzalez
Cubs in the market for a closer
After an awful year trying to finish off games, the Chicago Cubs have expressed interest in free agent closer Kyle Finnegan. Finnegan was a surprise non-tender after making the All-Star team with the Washington Nationals in 2024. He saved a career-high 38 games with a 3.68 ERA before entering the free agent market. The Cubs have already bolstered their pitching and catching depth, acquiring catchers Matt Thaiss and Carson Kelly while adding pitchers Eli Morgan and Matthew Boyd. — Jesse Rogers
Will Teoscar Hernandez return to the Dodgers?
The Dodgers’ acquisition of Michael Conforto, who agreed to terms on a one-year, $17 million deal on Sunday night, doesn’t take them out of the running for Teoscar Hernandez, sources said. But it could complicate matters. The Dodgers have been in conversations with Hernandez’s reps for weeks but have been unable to bridge the gap on a new deal, at least part of the reason they pivoted to more of a sure thing in Conforto. In some ways, that signing can be viewed in a vacuum; the Dodgers needed a left-handed-hitting outfielder and could still use an everyday, right-handed bat like Hernandez, a clubhouse favorite amid their World Series run. But the Red Sox and Yankees are both expected to be aggressive after Hernandez now that they have missed out on Juan Soto. A Hernandez/Dodgers reunion that not long ago seemed inevitable is no longer as much of a sure thing. — Gonzalez
Who will land Jonathan Loáisiga?
Right-hander Jonathan Loáisiga is drawing heavy interest from several teams, including the New York Mets, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, Texas Rangers and Blue Jays, a source told ESPN. The 30-year-old reliever is expected to land a big league contract after undergoing surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow in April. Injuries have held Loáisiga to 20 appearances over the past two seasons, including three in 2024 before undergoing the elbow procedure, but his electric stuff, headlined by a 98 mph sinker, makes him an attractive bullpen weapon for clubs expecting to contend. — Jorge Castillo
Buehler drawing interest
Walker Buehler is drawing varying amounts of interest from about 10 teams. The end to his postseason opened some eyes after he threw 10 scoreless innings split between the NLCS and World Series — including the final inning of the 2024 Fall Classic to close out the New York Yankees in Game 5. A deal for Buehler could look like a shorter-term bet on himself after he returned from his second Tommy John surgery in 2024 though some teams still see him as the guy who finished fourth in Cy Young voting as recently as 2021. That could mean a long-term deal of 3-4 years is still in the cards as he puts his injuries in the rearview mirror. — Rogers
Estevez a name to watch
Closer Carlos Estevez’s market is heating up as the veteran reliever could come off the board by the end of the meetings. Now that the Yankees have cleared up some money, Estevez is a fit in New York, especially after the team lost Clay Holmes via free agency to the Mets. Toronto and Philadelphia — the latter is where he ended the season — remain possible destinations as well. — Rogers
Sportv Winter meetings predictions
Now that Soto is off the board, who will be the biggest name to sign (or get traded) in Dallas?
Castillo: Corbin Burnes will sign with one of the teams that missed out on Soto — but while he’s arguably the best player left in free agency, is he a bigger name than Alex Bregman, who also could sign in a flurry of moves this week? I say no. So, Bregman is my answer.
Gonzalez: Max Fried. The Yankees and Red Sox have been heavy on him for weeks now, and their pursuits aren’t necessarily tied to signing Soto. Now that the Dodgers, fresh off guaranteeing $182 million to Blake Snell, aren’t necessarily a factor, the path is cleared for one of those two teams to close things up with Fried.
Rogers: Soto signing with the Mets will trigger Cody Bellinger getting dealt. Teams that lost out on the best lefty hitter available this offseason will turn their attention to the Cubs, who have signaled they are open to trading the former National League MVP. The Cubs are keeping close track of their spending these days and will want to move some salary in order to fulfill their needs for the rest of the winter.
What is one move fans might not be expecting that you predict will go down this week?
Castillo: Garrett Crochet will get traded to the Yankees or Red Sox.
Gonzalez: My prediction — and that’s all it is at this point — is that Alec Bohm goes to the Mariners. Jerry Dipoto and Dave Dombrowski are two of the industry’s most aggressive executives, and this pairing makes too much sense.
Rogers: Christian Walker will sign with the Yankees after New York missed out on Soto.
What is the one rumor that will dominate the week?
Castillo: It’s not just one rumor, but the musical chairs played between the available front-line starters and the clubs seeking front-line pitching will dominate the week.
Gonzalez: The winter meetings are the perfect environment to stoke intrigue, and one name I expect to be bandied about in Dallas, whether he’s truly available or not, is Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who’s still without an extension that would keep him in Toronto beyond 2025.
Rogers: Corbin Burnes will be linked to a bunch of the big-market teams with San Francisco at the top of the heap. Will the Giants give him a Stephen Strasburg type deal? President of baseball operations Buster Posey has already spent big this offseason. Why stop now?
