MLB Player News

The writing was already on the wall that the Dodgers weren’t going to win the Juan Soto sweepstakes but signing Conforto and still pursuing Hernández afterwards does seem to confirm that. There’s plenty of room in the outfield for Conforto and Hernández to coexist though, so don’t be surprised if they’re able to get a deal done — especially since the 32-year-old slugger has already said it’s his preference to stay in Los Angeles.

Castillo, 32, has been the subject of trade rumors as of late, with the Red Sox and Cubs being mentioned as the top suitors for the right-hander. Rosenthal note that the Mariners won’t just dump Castillo and will only move him if it makes the team better, and both New York and Baltimore — among others — have players that could make Seattle’s lineup better. It won’t be a big surprise if Castillo plays elsewhere before the start of 2025.

Lambert elected free agency after being designated for assignment at the end of the 2024 season. The 27-year-old is a former top prospect who has struggled considerably at the highest level of play, and he’ll get a chance to revitalize his career overseas.

Fabian Ardaya reports that the contract includes an invitation to spring training. Bote was last with the Cubs before the Cubs designated the 31-year-old for assignment in August. The 31-year-old could compete for one of the final spots on the Dodgers in the Cactus League, but more than likely he’ll just be organizational depth.

On paper, this sure seems like a perfect fit. Wisdom was non-tendered by the Cubs near the end of November, but the 33-year-old has been a consistent source of power. He just hasn’t consistently helped anywhere else. A good showing in the KBO could see him return to the states.

Gómez says the Yankees want the Cubs about $10 million. Bellinger is guaranteed $52.5 million the next two seasons, though he does have an opt out after 2025.

Max Schuemann, Brett Harris, Darell Hernaiz and C.J. Alexander are the team’s internal options at third, but Forst is looking to do better. Josh Rojas, Yoán Moncada, Luis Urías, Brandon Drury and Gio Urshela are some of the modestly priced options out there in free agency. The A’s had six different players start at least 10 games at third last season, with the since-released Abraham Toro leading the way.

Luzardo seems risky after dealing with elbow and back injuries in a 2024 season in which he posted a 5.00 ERA in 12 starts, but he was excellent in finishing with a 3.58 ERA and 208 strikeouts in 178 2/3 innings in 2023. Triantos and Caissie are fine prospects and would be candidates to help out next year if traded. Triantos would probably step in at second base sometime next summer, whereas Caissie would have a chance to win a corner outfield gig in spring training.

If Springs can get healthy and stay that way, this will likely turn out to be a steal for the A’s. Still, this is a 32-year-old with career-high inning totals of 135 in 2022 and 112 in 2017. He’s never been over 85 innings otherwise. Upon returning from Tommy John last summer, had a 3.27 ERA in seven starts and then went back on the IL with elbow fatigue. His fantasy stock definitely takes a hit with the organization change here, though he figures to be worth using in mixed leagues while healthy. He’ll slot into an A’s rotation set to include Luis Severino and JP Sears. Mitch Spence and Osvaldo Bido seem like the favorites for the last two spots, with Joey Estes, J.T. Ginn and Lopez also in the mix.

Lopez might be the biggest beneficiary of this deal, as he figures to have a much greater opportunity in Sacramento than he ever would with the Rays. The 26-year-old lefty has spent most of the last two season at Triple-A Durham, posting a 3.54 ERA and a 193/92 K/BB in 168 innings. He doesn’t offer much in the way of upside, but he might be able to stick as a fifth starter/middle reliever.

We’re not sure whether the Rays place greater value on Boyle or the 36th overall pick in the draft, but those were the two biggest gets here. Boyle has a fantastic arm that has rarely proven capable of throwing strikes. He seemed to make great strides initially after the A’s acquired him from the Rays at the 2023 trade deadline, but he took a couple of steps back last season in totaling a 6.42 ERA and 40 walks in 47 2/3 innings in the majors and a 5.12 ERA and 39 walks in 45 2/3 innings in Triple-A. The Rays will probably have him start games in Triple-A initially, but if he’s going to make an impact, it seems more likely to happen as a reliever.