MLB Player News

Hayes finally provided some confirmation that he’s been dealing with back issues all season. It seemed like a safe assumption after he did miss time early on, especially with the way his defense has declined along with his offense. There’s been no indication yet whether he’ll attempt a return next month or if he might undergo surgery. With Hayes out, the Pirates will likely play Jared Triolo regularly for now. Nick Gonzales could return from a groin injury next week and take over at second, with Isiah Kiner-Falefa moving to third.

Bickford bolsters Chicago’s relief depth heading into the 2025 campaign after making eight unremarkable relief appearances last season for the Mets, finishing with a bloated 8.64 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 6/1 K/BB ratio across 8 1/3 innings of work. The 29-year-old journeyman right-hander holds a serviceable 4.62 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 210/73 K/BB ratio across 189 innings (187 appearances) in the big leagues dating back to 2020.

Jiménez was recently non-tendered by the Athletics after posting a 4.91 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, and 25/19 K/BB ratio across 25 2/3 innings in 2024. However, the 30-year-old had been good for the two seasons prior to that and still holds a 3.93 ERA across 84 2/3 MLB innings. Of course, that comes with a 1.44 WHIP and 21.4 percent strikeout rate. He might have to settle for a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

The Brewers will have to replace Willy Adames who is set to sign a big contract somewhere else this offseason, and it seems like Ortiz may get the first crack at being the guy there. The 26-year-old came over from the Orioles in the Corbin Burnes trade last off-season and hit .239/.329/.398 in his first full MLB season with 11 home runs and 11 steals in 142 games. He also posted a defensive WAR of 11.3 and an Outs Above Average of 11 at third base. His elite glove will likely make him an impact real-life shortstop, even if he never emerges as more than a deep-league target for fantasy baseball.

Despite rampant speculation that Guerrero may be on the move, Bowden says “opposing GMs have heard the same.” Vlad Jr. will likely remain in Toronto “even if they can’t sign him to a long-term deal"; however, if he is not signed to a long-term deal and the Blue Jays are falling out of playoff contention in the middle of the 2025 season then Bowden says “it’s conceivable they move him at that point.” But, for now, it seems we can turn the page on any Vlad Jr. trade rumors.

While Bowden is speculating on the exact trade package the Red Sox would offer for Crochet, it’s interesting to note his mention of Casas since there has been lots of reporting this offseason that the Red Sox are looking to move Rafael Devers off of third base. If the Red Sox were to sign a third baseman and move Devers to first base then they may view Casas as a palatable trade option if it nets them a potential difference-making starter like Crochet. Bowden suggested that “a package of Casas, Wilyer Abreu, and Connor Wong probably gets close to landing Crochet. The Red Sox could then replace Abreu with prospect Roman Anthony in right field, replace Wong with Kyle Teel at catcher.”

Pannone spent 2024 in Triple-A with both the Cubs and the Yankees, posting a 3.54 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 136/38 K/BB ratio in 152 1/3 innings. The left-hander appeared in one game for the Brewers back in 2023 and has a 5.46 career MLB ERA in 118 2/3 innings.

The Blue Jays are desperately looking for additional thump in their lineup, and Santander would fit the bill after hitting 44 home runs and driving in 102 runs this season. He has the ability to play corner outfield and first base, so he could provide flexibility for the lineup in addition to added power in the middle of the order; however, the 30-year-old figures to be an attractive option on the free agent market, so the Blue Jays will have to spend to get him.

The Phillies only have one opening in their starting rotation with Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suarez, and Cristopher Sanchez returning in 2025, but it seems that they are intent on taking a big swing to fill it. Bohm is 28 years old and coming off three straight solid seasons but seems to be capped as a .280 hitter with 15-20 home run power, so it’s unclear if that profile would excite the White Sox. Especially with the Orioles and Red Sox are allegedly open to trading some of the top 15 prospects in all of baseball. It’s still early days, but the Phillies seem intent on shaking up their lineup, and Nightingale reports that “if the Phillies trade Bohm, they are expected to make a strong play for Alex Bregman, whose talent and personality would fit in perfectly with the team, or perhaps sign Willy Adames and move him over to third base.”

The Red Sox would love to free up more money by trading Yoshida, but he still has three years and $55.6 million left on his contract, which is making it tough to find a trade partner. The 31-year-old hasn’t been bad since coming over from Japan, slashing .285/.343/.433 in 248 games, but he has struggled defensively so much that the Red Sox seem to refuse to play him in the outfield. He also only has 25 home runs across his two seasons, which makes it hard to use him as an everyday designated hitter and has capped his value across the league. The Red Sox may be forced to use him as a bench bat or eat most of the money in his contract to find a team to trade for him.

Although Adames has played shortstop for the entirety of his career, the 29-year-old is willing to move to third base, and, according to Nightengale, the Red Sox “have internally discussed moving Rafael Devers off third base.” Adding Adames to the middle of the lineup and moving Devers to first base would certainly improve the team’s offense and defense; although, it does leave some question about where Triston Casas fits in the team’s long-term plans. However, it seems like a move could be coming soon. “They have been so outspoken about their intentions,” one GM said, “there’s no way you talk that way unless you’re absolutely sure you’re signing one of those guys. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see them announce they’ve got one of those guys pretty soon. They’re pretty confident.”