The New York Mets are preparing for life without Pete Alonso.   The club considers Alonso signing...

<p>The New York Mets are preparing for life without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8674" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8674">Pete Alonso</a>. </p><p>The club considers Alonso signing elsewhere the most likely outcome at this point and is pivoting to Plan B, beginning with its <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3191760" href="https://thescore.com/news/3191760">reported</a> re-signing of outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4022" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4022">Jesse Winker</a>, according to <a href="https://sny.tv/articles/jesse-winker-mets-post-pete-alonso">Andy Martino of SNY</a>.</p><p>New York likes Alonso and hoped to reach an agreement, but the sides have not come close on years or dollars, Martino adds. Adding a top reliever remains a possibility for the Mets.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The fallout comes after Alonso and his camp <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3185790" href="https://thescore.com/news/3185790">reportedly</a> approached New York about a short-term deal containing opt-outs. The Mets' proposal was for three years at around $68 million-to-$70 million, while Alonso's camp countered with a three-year deal with higher average annual values, <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/01/16/sports/what-the-mets-were-offering-pete-alonso-before-talks-broke-down/">Joel Sherman of the New York Post</a> reports. Alonso rejected the Mets' offer, and the team wasn't comfortable with the dollar figures the slugger was requesting, according to Sherman.</p><p>The Toronto Blue Jays were reported earlier Thursday as being engaged with Alonso, while the Mets were seeking a quick resolution, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6067080/2025/01/16/pete-alonso-mets-blue-jays/">Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic</a>.</p><p>If the Blue Jays were to add Alonso, they'd prefer to keep first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8267" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8267">Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</a> and rotate them between first base and designated hitter, per Rosenthal and Sammon.</p><p>Alonso hit 226 home runs over the last six years playing first base for the Mets. He hit 34 with 88 RBIs in 162 games in 2024 en route to a third consecutive All-Star appearance. </p><p>The 30-year-old slugger owns a career .854 OPS (134 OPS+). </p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 17: Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets reacts during the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during Game Four of the National League Championship Series at Citi Field on October 17, 2024 in New York City.

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Report: Mets expect Alonso to sign elsewhere

New Toronto Blue Jays reliever Jeff Hoffman downplayed reports Wednesday that his health is cause...

<p>New Toronto Blue Jays reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4786" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4786">Jeff Hoffman</a> downplayed reports Wednesday that his health is cause for concern.</p><p>Before inking a three-year, $33-million contract with Toronto, it was widely reported he had deals in place with the Atlanta Braves and the Baltimore Orioles that fell through because of failed physicals.</p><p>"All the flags, physical stuff, was as big of a surprise to me as anybody," Hoffman said, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeff-hoffman-orioles-braves-blue-jays-d66f17e571f1a088a76b54e903c95fae">Ronald Blum of The Associated Press</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"If you can check my kind of track record over the past few seasons, I’ve been as healthy as anybody. It’s a nonissue for me. It’s just something that they wanted to bring up, and the Blue Jays see me for what I am. So I’d rather be in a place like that anyways."</p><p>The 32-year-old battled injuries earlier in his career but has enjoyed a clean bill of health since becoming a full-time reliever in 2023 with the Philadelphia Phillies. He has made 122 appearances over the past two years.</p><p>Baltimore's interest in Hoffman apparently didn't wane after his physical issues. Instead of pulling its offer, the team made a revised proposal to the right-hander based on the risk assessed after viewing the physical results, sources told <a href="https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/sports/orioles-mlb/jeff-hoffman-says-he-will-be-extra-motivated-when-the-blue-jays-play-the-orioles-OHCDC3UQABFXTDQHSMXZX7II2M/">Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner</a>.</p><p>By that point, however, other teams got back into the sweepstakes, leading to the deal with Toronto. Hoffman, who added the Blue Jays were "in it from the beginning," now believes he has extra motivation to use against the AL East-rival Orioles.</p><p>"We can add them to the list, for sure," Hoffman said, according to <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/blue-jays-rhp-jeff-hoffman-offers-more-insight-on-multiple-failed-physicals/">Sportsnet</a>. "Something I enjoy is finding those edges, and when you go through something like this, there is a little bit of a chip that comes with it."</p><p>Hoffman heads to Toronto on the heels of an All-Star campaign with the Phillies. He recorded an impressive 2.17 ERA and 0.97 WHIP with a 12.1 K/9 across 66 1/3 innings pitched.</p><p>His Blue Jays deal is actually a reunion. The club drafted him ninth overall in 2014 before trading him to the Colorado Rockies the next year.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 09: Jeff Hoffman #23 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts during the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Citizens Bank Park on September 09, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Jays' Hoffman: Failed physicals 'big of a surprise to me as anybody'

Justin Verlander has high expectations for himself ahead of his age-42 season with the San Franci...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/195" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/195">Justin Verlander</a> has high expectations for himself ahead of his age-42 season with the San Francisco Giants.</p><p>"I wouldn't be back if I didn't think I could be great," he said during a press conference Monday, according to <a href="https://x.com/PavlovicNBCS/status/1878869912271392891">Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area</a>.</p><p>"I really truly believe the experiences I had last year and leading into this year, I can be back to the pitcher I was not all that long ago when I won a Cy Young."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Verlander joined the Giants on a one-year, $15-million deal after struggling through an injury-riddled 2024 campaign with the Houston Astros. He started the year on the injured list with a shoulder issue and then missed nearly two months during the season with a neck injury, which he admitted he returned from too soon. The Astros ultimately left the right-hander off their playoff roster after he posted a 5.48 ERA and 1.38 WHIP across 17 starts.</p><p>As Verlander alluded to, however, he is only two seasons removed from winning the Cy Young Award in 2022. He was less dominant but remained very effective the following year.</p><p>Verlander said he still has a passion for the game and plans to pitch until he's 45, according to <a href="https://x.com/susanslusser/status/1878869091303522454">Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle.</a></p><p>Cooperstown awaits after Verlander does hang up his spikes. His Hall of Fame resume includes an MVP, three Cy Young Awards, two ERA titles, nine All-Star appearances, and a pair of World Series rings.</p><p>He is MLB's active leader in wins (262), strikeouts (3,416), and innings pitched (3,415 2/3), among many other categories.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: Justin Verlander #35 of the Houston Astros looks on prior to Game Two of the Wild Card Series against the Detroit Tigers at Minute Maid Park on October 02, 2024 in Houston, Texas.

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Verlander: 'Wouldn't be back if I didn't think I could be great'

Former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury announced his retirement from boxing Monday morning in a s...

<p>Former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury announced his retirement from boxing Monday morning in a social media post.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">‼️ Tyson Fury has announced that he's now RETIRING from boxing at age 36 following his defeats to Oleksandr Usyk…<br><br>[🎥 <a href="https://twitter.com/Tyson_Fury?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Tyson_Fury</a>] <a href="https://t.co/kv1emyKtjV">pic.twitter.com/kv1emyKtjV</a></p>— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) <a href="https://twitter.com/ringmagazine/status/1878804211233964329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The news comes after Fury's loss to Oleksandr Usyk in December.</p><p>"I'm going to make this short and sweet, I'd like to announce my retirement from boxing," Fury said in the video. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"It's been a blast, I've loved every single minute of it, and I'm going to end with this: Dick Turpin wore a mask. God bless everybody, see you on the other side."</p><p>Fury previously retired in 2013 and 2017, and most recently in April 2022 after defeating Dillian Whyte. He returned in December of that same year.</p><p>A long-awaited fight against Anthony Joshua was rumored to have been in the works for this year. </p><p>If this is the end, Fury retires with a career 34-2-1 record.</p><p> </p><p> </p>

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - DECEMBER 22: Oleksandr Usyk of Ukraine in action against Tyson Fury of United Kingdom during "Riyadh Season" boxing match event at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on December 22, 2024.

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Fury announces retirement from boxing 

The Atlanta Braves agreed to a minor-league deal with first baseman Garrett Cooper that includes ...

<p>The Atlanta Braves agreed to a minor-league deal with first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4486" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4486">Garrett Cooper</a> that includes an invite to spring training, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ByRobertMurray/status/1878454631816208637">FanSided's Robert Murray</a>.</p><p>Cooper hit .206/.267/.299 with one home run and 11 RBIs in 36 games between the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox in 2024.</p><p>The 34-year-old enjoyed a productive stint with the Miami Marlins from 2018-23. Cooper earned his lone All-Star appearance in 2022, hitting a career-high 33 doubles with a .752 OPS (112 OPS+).</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>However, Cooper has struggled since the Marlins shipped him to the San Diego Padres at the 2023 trade deadline.</p><p>He joined the Cubs in 2024 on a one-year deal but was designated for assignment after 12 games played. Chicago traded Cooper to Boston, where he endured the worst stretch of his career.</p><p>Cooper would likely serve as a bench bat for the Braves if he makes their roster behind star first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4249" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4249">Matt Olson</a>.</p><p>The veteran has recorded a .759 OPS (105 OPS+) through eight MLB seasons.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - MAY 29: Garrett Cooper #28 of the Boston Red Sox runs back to the dug out during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 29, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Report: Braves sign former All-Star Cooper to minor-league deal

The Los Angeles Dodgers have shipped former top catching prospect Diego Cartaya to the Minnesota ...

<p>The Los Angeles Dodgers have shipped former top catching prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12482" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12482">Diego Cartaya</a> to the Minnesota Twins for minor-league pitcher Jose Vasquez, the teams announced Thursday.</p><p>The Dodgers designated Cartaya for assignment last week to make room on the active roster for newly acquired infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18713" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18713">Hyeseong Kim</a>. </p><p>Cartaya, 23, entered the 2023 season atop Los Angeles' prospect rankings and 14th overall on <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/los-angeles-dodgers-top-30-prospects-list-2023-preseason">MLB Pipeline</a>. The team signed him as an international free agent out of Venezuela in 2018.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The once-promising catcher reached Triple-A last season but struggled at the plate in his 49 appearances: He slashed just .208/.293/.350 with six home runs while striking out 57 times in 183 at-bats.</p><p>He now slots in as the Twins' 23rd-ranked prospect, per <a href="https://www.mlb.com/milb/prospects/twins/">MLB Pipeline</a>. </p><p>Vasquez, 20, pitched in 11 games for the Dominican Summer League Twins in 2024. He struck out 45 batters in 30 2/3 innings. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 21: Diego Cartaya #76 of the Los Angeles Dodgers poses for a portrait during photo day at Camelback Ranch on February 21, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona.

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Dodgers trade former top prospect Cartaya to Twins

The Chicago White Sox signed veteran starting pitcher Martín Pérez to a one-year deal worth $5 mi...

<p>The Chicago White Sox signed veteran starting pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/1406" href="https://thescore.com/wbc/players/1406">Martín Pérez</a> to a one-year deal worth $5 million, a source told <a href="https://x.com/Feinsand/status/1877067880438665227">MLB.com's Mark Feinsand</a>.</p><p>The contract also includes a $10-million mutual option for 2026, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Martin Perez White Sox deal: $3.5M salary for 2025 with a $1.5M buyout on a $10M 2026 mutual option ($5M guarantee) <a href="https://twitter.com/ByRobertMurray?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ByRobertMurray</a> 1st with agreement</p>— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonHeyman/status/1877069686921121862?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Pérez began his 2024 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates before eventually being traded to the San Diego Padres. He excelled after the change of scenery, recording a 3.46 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in 10 starts for the Friars.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The lefty's best season came in 2022 with the Texas Rangers when he made his lone All-Star appearance. He put up a 3.26 FIP, the best of his career, en route to accruing an impressive 3.9 fWAR. </p><p>Pérez, 33, has been a durable back-of-the-rotation arm throughout his 13 MLB campaigns and should eat valuable innings for the White Sox. He could also become a trade chip if he pitches well.</p><p>Pérez owns a 4.44 ERA and 1.45 WHIP for his career, which has also included stints with the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins. </p>

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 29: Starter Martín Pérez #54 of the San Diego Padres pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the game at Chase Field on September 29, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks defeated the Padres 11-2.

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Report: White Sox, Martín Pérez agree to 1-year, $5M deal 

With the calendar flipping over to 2025, it's time to look ahead to the upcoming season. Here, we...

<p><em>With the calendar flipping over to 2025, it's time to look ahead to the upcoming season. Here, we make one early prediction for each National League club in 2025. </em></p><p><strong>Jump to:</strong><br><a href="#ari">ARI</a> | <a href="#atl">ATL</a> | <a href="#chc">CHC</a> | <a href="#cin">CIN</a> | <a href="#col">COL</a> | <a href="#lad">LAD</a> | <a href="#mia">MIA</a> | <a href="#mil">MIL</a> | <a href="#nym">NYM</a> | <a href="#phi">PHI</a> | <a href="#pit">PIT</a> | <a href="#sd">SD</a> | <a href="#sf">SF</a> | <a href="#stl">STL</a> | <a href="#wsh">WSH</a></p><h3><a id="ari" name="ari">Arizona Diamondbacks</a></h3><p><strong>Lead the league in ERA: </strong>The Diamondbacks have an embarrassment of riches in the rotation with the addition of Corbin Burnes alongside Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Brandon Pfaadt. The bullpen is also deep and versatile. Arizona's pitching staff finished a disappointing 27th in team ERA last season but has the talent to orchestrate a quick and pronounced turnaround in 2025.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3><a id="atl" name="atl">Atlanta Braves</a></h3><p><strong>NL East champions:</strong> Atlanta made the playoffs in 2024 despite losing Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider for most of the season due to injury. The club won over 100 games in each of the two previous years. The Braves' lineup is stacked with All-Star sluggers and the starting rotation will once again be led by reigning Cy Young winner Chris Sale. The Phillies are loaded and the Mets got Juan Soto, but the Braves are the most complete team in the division. Better injury luck is all this group needs to get back on track.</p><h3><a id="chc" name="chc">Chicago Cubs</a></h3><p><strong>Kyle Tucker arrives as promised:</strong> The Cubs shocked the baseball world by winning the Tucker trade sweepstakes. The outfielder was playing at an MVP level in 2024 before a leg injury sidelined him for several months. He still accrued a staggering 4.2 fWAR in just 78 games for the Astros with 23 home runs and a .993 OPS (181 OPS+). There's no reason to think Tucker, a beacon of consistency throughout his career, won't introduce himself to Chicago with another excellent showing in 2025.</p><h3><a id="cin" name="cin">Cincinnati Reds</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742069/cropped_GettyImages-2167055964.jpg?ts=1724293577" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742069/w220xh124_GettyImages-2167055964.jpg?ts=1724293577 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742069/w320xh180_GettyImages-2167055964.jpg?ts=1724293577 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742069/w640xh360_GettyImages-2167055964.jpg?ts=1724293577 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742069/w768xh432_GettyImages-2167055964.jpg?ts=1724293577 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742069/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2167055964.jpg?ts=1724293577 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Cole Burston / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Elly De La Cruz wins NL MVP: </strong>This is on the bolder side when it comes to a preseason prediction. However, De La Cruz finished eighth in voting in 2024 after amassing 6.4 fWAR with 25 home runs and 67 RBIs. His skill set will likely continue to entice voters. If he manages another campaign of 30 home runs with 60 stolen bases and the Reds rise in the standings, De La Cruz should be squarely in the mix to become the Reds' first MVP since Joey Votto in 2010.</p><h3><a id="col" name="col">Colorado Rockies</a></h3><p><strong>The NL's worst record again:</strong> Colorado lost an NL-high 101 games last season and could be even worse in 2025. The team lacks a star to build around. The Rockies teams of yesteryear used to offset poor pitching with lineups full of thumpers, but this current squad doesn't have any. Kris Bryant's hit just 17 home runs in the three seasons since he signed a $182-million contract. It doesn't look as though the dark ages will end any time soon.</p><h3><a id="lad" name="lad">Los Angeles Dodgers</a></h3><p><strong>Another World Series title: </strong>Somehow, the reigning champions enter 2025 looking even better on paper. The acquisition of Blake Snell gives the Dodgers another ace in a starting rotation that Shohei Ohtani is expected to rejoin. The lineup, which still features Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Teoscar Hernández, will be even better with the addition of Michael Conforto and a full season of Tommy Edman. The Dodgers are a juggernaut; the dawn of a dynasty is upon us.</p><h3><a id="mia" name="mia">Miami Marlins</a></h3><p><strong>Xavier Edwards wins batting title: </strong>Edwards has raked at every stop of his professional career. The 25-year-old hit an impressive .328 last season and owns a .321 career average over his first 100 MLB games. Edwards boasts excellent contact skills and does a good job of avoiding strikeouts. He checks a lot of the boxes for a batting champion.</p><h3><a id="mil" name="mil">Milwaukee Brewers</a></h3><p><strong>No sophomore slump for Jackson Chourio: </strong>The league will do its best to adjust to Chourio, and it won't matter. He broke out in the second half last year en route to a 20-20 season as a 20-year-old rookie. Then, during his first taste of postseason action, he slashed .455/.500/.1000 with two home runs and a stolen base. The notoriously frugal Brewers locked him up on an eight-year, $82-million deal before he even reached the major leagues for good reason. Chourio is here to stay.</p><h3><a id="nym" name="nym">New York Mets</a></h3><p><strong>Juan Soto is worth every penny:</strong> Paying a defensively challenged corner outfielder more than $50 million per season may not look smart on paper, but Soto warrants the price tag. He slugged a career-high 41 home runs in 2024 while walking more than he struck out. Few hitters assert their dominance over opposing pitchers the way he does. Soto is primed to buck the recent trend of players disappointing in the first year of their megadeals and will lead the Mets back to the playoffs with another amazing season.</p><h3><a id="phi" name="phi">Philadelphia Phillies</a></h3><p><strong>Zack Wheeler wins the Cy Young: </strong>In 2024, Wheeler finished as the runner-up for the honor for the second time in four seasons. Chris Sale, who won, offers proof that great pitchers eventually get rewarded - and Wheeler is unquestionably one of them. He recorded an NL-best 0.96 WHIP and 6.3 hits per nine with a 2.57 ERA in 200 innings last season. He's seemingly a lock to make 30 starts, pitch deep into games, and rack up strikeouts. Look for him to finally take home the hardware in 2025.</p><h3><a id="pit" name="pit">Pittsburgh Pirates</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743783/cropped_GettyImages-2166924151.jpg?ts=1725490327" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743783/w220xh124_GettyImages-2166924151.jpg?ts=1725490327 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743783/w320xh180_GettyImages-2166924151.jpg?ts=1725490327 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743783/w640xh360_GettyImages-2166924151.jpg?ts=1725490327 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743783/w768xh432_GettyImages-2166924151.jpg?ts=1725490327 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/743783/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2166924151.jpg?ts=1725490327 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Tim Heitman / MLB / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Oneil Cruz becomes a household name: </strong>Cruz rebounded from an injury-plagued 2023 campaign to hit 21 home runs with 22 stolen bases and a 110 wRC+ across 147 games last season. The 26-year-old moved over to center field and is set to keep that role heading into 2025. Cruz ranked in the 97th percentile in hard-hit rate, racking up 58 extra-base hits in 2024. His raw tools have never been in question, but 2025 will be the year that Cruz puts it all together to reach his immense potential.</p><h3><a id="sd" name="sd">San Diego Padres</a></h3><p><strong>Fernando Tatis Jr. puts up career year:</strong> Although Tatis has been good for the last two seasons, he hasn't been the same player who hit 42 home runs in 2021 before being suspended for PEDs. His counting stats were down across 102 games in 2024, but his .833 OPS (130 OPS+) suggests the talent is still there. Look for Tatis to put up his first 30-30 season in 2025, re-establishing himself as one of baseball's true superstars.</p><h3><a id="sf" name="sf">San Francisco Giants</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761287/cropped_GettyImages-2189088092.jpg?ts=1734544788" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761287/w220xh124_GettyImages-2189088092.jpg?ts=1734544788 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761287/w320xh180_GettyImages-2189088092.jpg?ts=1734544788 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761287/w640xh360_GettyImages-2189088092.jpg?ts=1734544788 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761287/w768xh432_GettyImages-2189088092.jpg?ts=1734544788 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/761287/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2189088092.jpg?ts=1734544788 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Suzanna Mitchell/San Francisco Giants / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Chapman and Adames win Gold Gloves: </strong>The Giants boast arguably the best defensive left side of the infield in baseball with Matt Chapman at third base and Willy Adames handling duties at shortstop. Chapman won his fifth Gold Glove in 2024, while Adames is still searching for his first despite routinely ranking among the game's best defenders at his position.</p><h3><a id="stl" name="stl">St. Louis Cardinals</a></h3><p><strong>Jordan Walker hits 30 home runs: </strong>The former top prospect stalled in 2024 after a promising 2023 campaign. Walker was sent down to Triple-A early in the season and posted a 72 wRC+ in 51 games. The Cardinals appear to be a team in transition, making them more likely to stick with Walker even if he struggles out of the gate in 2025. The 22-year-old showed flashes of his potential in 2023 and has the raw skills to be a prolific power hitter if he can get the ball in the air more often.</p><h3><a id="wsh" name="wsh">Washington Nationals</a></h3><p><strong>More offensive fireworks: </strong>The Nationals enter the season with a lot of buzz and momentum. General manager Mike Rizzo added proven veteran hitters Nathaniel Lowe and Josh Bell to complement a young core headlined by CJ Abrams, Dylan Crews, and James Wood. Washington's talented lineup should be able to make life tough for opposing pitchers. After finishing the 2024 campaign 29th in home runs and 25th in runs scored, the Nationals should be much higher in those categories at the end of 2025.</p>

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1 early prediction for each NL team in 2025

The Tampa Bay Rays extended pitcher Drew Rasmussen, his agency, Beverly Hill Sports Council, anno...

<p>The Tampa Bay Rays extended pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11824" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11824">Drew Rasmussen</a>, his agency, Beverly Hill Sports Council, announced Tuesday.</p><p>The contract awards Rasmussen a $500K signing bonus and buys out his final two arbitration years. It pays him $2 million in 2025 and $5.5 million in 2026 and includes an $8 million option for 2027 with a $500,000 buyout, according to <a href="https://x.com/TBTimes_Rays/status/1876713296608264671">Mark Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times</a>.</p><p>The option reportedly contains escalator clauses based on health and innings pitched.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Rasmussen is expected to rejoin the Rays' starting rotation full time in 2025 after making 12 relief appearances last year. The right-hander didn't debut until August, as he worked his way back from season-ending elbow surgery that limited him to eight starts in 2023.</p><p>The 29-year-old impressed the last time he was fully healthy in 2022, recording a 2.84 ERA and 1.04 WHIP over a career-high 146 innings.</p><p>Rasmussen holds a career 2.95 ERA (133 ERA+).</p><p> </p>

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - MAY 6: Drew Rasmussen #57 of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches against the New York Yankees during the second inning of the game at Tropicana Field on May 6, 2023 in St. Petersburg, Florida.

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Rays extend Rasmussen on 2-year, $8.5M contract

Infielder Bobby Dalbec is changing his Sox.   The Chicago White Sox announced Tuesday that they s...

<p>Infielder Bobby Dalbec is changing his Sox. </p><p>The Chicago White Sox announced Tuesday that they signed the former Boston Red Sox top prospect to a minor-league deal, which includes a non-roster invite to spring training.</p><p>Dalbec will make $1.25 million if he reaches the majors and can earn an additional $500,000 through incentives, according to <a href="https://x.com/ChrisCotillo/status/1876702292176417153">Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com</a>. The contract reportedly includes opt-out clauses in June and July.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 29-year-old struggled mightily in 2024 to a .133/.217/.193 slash line with one home run and eight RBIs in 37 games with Boston before being designated for assignment in September.</p><p>However, <a href="https://www.mlb.com/milb/prospects/2020/redsox/">MLB Pipeline</a> ranked Dalbec as the Red Sox organization's No. 3 prospect entering the 2020 season.</p><p>He delivered a first impression worthy of that promise, slugging eight home runs in just 92 plate appearances. Dalbec then went deep 25 times with a .792 OPS (107 OPS+) in 2021 but went into a multi-year tailspin afterward.</p><p>Still, Dalbec should have a good chance at cracking the Opening Day roster for a White Sox team coming off a record 121-loss season in 2024.</p><p>His career OPS stands at .714 (91 OPS) across five MLB seasons.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 24, 2024: Bobby Dalbec #29 of the Boston Red Sox bats during the fourth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on April 24, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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White Sox sign Dalbec to minor-league contract

Michael Lorenzen is returning to the Kansas City Royals on a one-year deal worth $7 million, sour...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4295" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4295">Michael Lorenzen</a> is returning to the Kansas City Royals on a one-year deal worth $7 million, sources told <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1876406693015289956">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a>.</p><p>The contract includes a $12-million mutual option for 2026, Passan reports. </p><p>Lorenzen will be paid $5.5 million in 2025 and gets $1.5 million as a buyout on the 2026 option, according to <a href="https://x.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/1876417602588987435">The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal</a>. He can also earn another $1 million through incentives.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Right-hander Michael Lorenzen’s one-year, $7 million contract with the Kansas City Royals contains up to $2.5 million in bonuses, per source.<br>⁰$250,000 each for 100, 125 innings pitched.⁰$500,000 each for 150, 175 innings pitched.⁰ ⁰$100,000 for 10 games as a pitcher.…</p>— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) <a href="https://twitter.com/ByRobertMurray/status/1877013000336642225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The 33-year-old pitched to a 3.31 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in 26 appearances (24 starts) split between the Texas Rangers and Royals in 2024.</p><p>He authored one of the finest stretches of his career with Kansas City after being acquired via trade, recording a sparkling 1.57 ERA and 1.08 WHIP across 28 2/3 innings.</p><p>The righty should slot in where he left off in the Royals' rotation behind <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14571" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14571">Cole Ragans</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5533" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5533">Seth Lugo</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3633" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3633">Michael Wacha</a>.</p><p>Lorenzen has also pitched for the Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Angles, Detroit Tigers, and Philadelphia Phillies. </p><p>He owns a 3.99 ERA (107 ERA+) through 10 MLB seasons. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 09: Kansas City Royals pitcher Michael Lorenzen (24) pitches in the ninth inning of game 3 of the ALDS between the New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals on October 9, 2024 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO.

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Report: Royals re-sign Lorenzen to 1-year, $7M deal

No Met will ever wear No. 5 again.  The New York Mets announced Monday that David Wright will hav...

<p>No Met will ever wear No. 5 again.</p><p>The New York Mets announced Monday that <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1023" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1023">David Wright</a> will have his number retired and be inducted into the team's hall of fame in a special ceremony July 19.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A great Captain will always lead the way. <a href="https://t.co/CMwTjqXYRF">pic.twitter.com/CMwTjqXYRF</a></p>— New York Mets (@Mets) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mets/status/1876345579330027833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Wright retired in 2018 after spending his entire 14-year career with New York. He became the fourth captain in team history in 2013, joining the likes of Keith Hernandez, Gary Carter, and John Franco. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The dynamic third baseman made seven All-Star appearances in eight seasons from 2006-2013. He also won two Gold Gloves and finished in the top 10 in MVP voting four times during that run.</p><p>Wright appeared on track for Cooperstown before chronic injuries prematurely ended his career. He played in just 77 games after turning 32 while battling spine, neck, and shoulder issues. </p><p>Wright overcame these injuries to play in all five of the Mets' World Series games in 2015 against the Kansas City Royals. He homered and drove in four runs in the club's lone win of the series in Game 3.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HkZuZr0a4dA?si=Ss0SF1Hwb0MQm01E" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><p>(Video source: MLB.com)</p><p>Wright remains the Mets' franchise leader in hits (1,777), RBIs (970), doubles (390), and walks (762). He ranks second in home runs (242) and games played (1585), as well as fourth in stolen bases (196).</p><p>He retired with a .296/.376/.491 slash line and 133 OPS+. </p>

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 29: (EDITORS NOTE: Retransmission with alternate crop.) David Wright #5 of the New York Mets acknowledges the crowd as he is removed from the final game of his career during the fifth inning against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field on September 29, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.

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Mets to induct Wright into team hall of fame, retire number on July 19

<p><em>With the calendar flipping over to 2025, it's time to look ahead to the upcoming season. Here, we make one prediction for each American League club in 2025.</em></p><p><strong>Jump to: </strong><br><a href="#ath">ATH</a> | <a href="#bal">BAL</a> | <a href="#bos">BOS</a> | <a href="#cws">CWS</a> | <a href="#cle">CLE</a> | <a href="#det">DET</a> | <a href="#hou">HOU</a> | <a href="#kc">KC</a> | <a href="#laa">LAA</a> | <a href="#min">MIN</a> | <a href="#nyy">NYY</a> | <a href="#sea">SEA</a> | <a href="#tb">TB</a> | <a href="#tex">TEX</a> | <a href="#tor">TOR</a></p><h3><a id="ath" name="ath">Athletics</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763260/cropped_GettyImages-2170453673.jpg?ts=1735828802" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763260/w220xh124_GettyImages-2170453673.jpg?ts=1735828802 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763260/w320xh180_GettyImages-2170453673.jpg?ts=1735828802 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763260/w640xh360_GettyImages-2170453673.jpg?ts=1735828802 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763260/w768xh432_GettyImages-2170453673.jpg?ts=1735828802 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/763260/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2170453673.jpg?ts=1735828802 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Lachlan Cunningham / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Lawrence Butler makes first All-Star team: </strong>Butler was one of the breakout stars in the second half of 2024, posting an .898 OPS with 13 home runs, 12 stolen bases, and 32 RBIs in 61 games after the All-Star break. The 24-year-old has legitimate 30-homer, 30-stolen base potential and could join that club in 2025. Butler looks like a building block for the A's.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3><a id="bal" name="bal">Baltimore Orioles</a></h3><p><strong>Jackson Holliday truly arrives: </strong>Holliday showed flashes but ultimately looked overmatched as a 20-year-old rookie in 2024. Not every prospect reaches the majors as a finished product - even Mike Trout struggled in his first taste of MLB action. Holliday is a transcendent talent who dominated across all minor-league levels. Expect him to break out now that he has valuable reps under his belt.</p><h3><a id="bos" name="bos">Boston Red Sox</a></h3><p><strong>A 20-20 season from Trevor Story: </strong>Story has played just 163 games over three seasons since signing a six-year, $140-million contract with the Red Sox. It's hard to know what version of Story the Red Sox will get after a shoulder injury limited him to just 26 contests. He's only entering his age-32 campaign, so there should still be some quality production left if he can stay healthy.</p><h3><a id="cws" name="cws">Chicago White Sox</a></h3><p><strong>Another 115-loss season: </strong>The White Sox somehow look worse on paper heading into 2025 than they did last year when they lost an MLB-record 121 games. The starting rotation no longer has Garrett Crochet, and Luis Robert Jr. is no sure bet to stay healthy. Some good luck here and there might help Chicago avoid breaking its own dubious record, but another historically bad season feels inevitable.</p><h3><a id="cle" name="cle">Cleveland Guardians</a></h3><p><strong>José Ramírez wins AL MVP: </strong>MLB's most underappreciated star is long overdue to win the highest individual honor. Ramírez somehow finished just fifth in voting despite falling one home run shy of a 40-40 season in 2024. It was his seventh appearance in the top 10 over the last nine years. Ramírez stands a good chance to finally be recognized as the AL's most valuable player barring another historic season from Aaron Judge.</p><h3><a id="det" name="det">Detroit Tigers</a></h3><p><strong>No postseason repeat:</strong> The Tigers struggled for much of 2024 before sneaking into the playoffs on a red-hot Cinderella run. Unfortunately, Detroit hasn't done much to establish itself as a true contender this offseason beyond adding Gleyber Torres on a one-year deal. The starting rotation lacks depth behind Tarik Skubal, and the lineup is thin on impact bats. Everything will need to go right for the Tigers to be playing October baseball in 2025.</p><h3><a id="hou" name="hou">Houston Astros</a></h3><p><strong>Yordan Alvarez hits 40 home runs: </strong>Alvarez has been one of baseball's premier power threats since arriving in 2019 but has never eclipsed the 40-home run plateau. He's hit at least 30 in four straight years, however, and will need to be extra aggressive with Kyle Tucker gone. The only thing standing between Alvarez and this benchmark is health - the lefty slugger has yet to play 150 games in a season.</p><h3><a id="kc" name="kc">Kansas City Royals</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/747986/cropped_GettyImages-2175975009.jpg?ts=1727819554" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/747986/w220xh124_GettyImages-2175975009.jpg?ts=1727819554 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/747986/w320xh180_GettyImages-2175975009.jpg?ts=1727819554 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/747986/w640xh360_GettyImages-2175975009.jpg?ts=1727819554 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/747986/w768xh432_GettyImages-2175975009.jpg?ts=1727819554 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/747986/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2175975009.jpg?ts=1727819554 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Greg Fiume / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Bobby Witt Jr. steals 60 bases:</strong> Witt fully broke out in 2024, making good on his prospect pedigree and establishing himself as MLB's preeminent shortstop. He did, however, regress in base-stealing, as his total dropped from 49 in 2023 to just 31 while being caught 12 times. The 24-year-old nonetheless ranked in the 100th percentile in sprint speed and should reach the 50-steal mark for the first time next year - he might even swipe 60.</p><h3><a id="laa" name="laa">Los Angeles Angels</a></h3><p><strong>80 wins: </strong>The Angels haven't reached the 80-win mark since 2018 and haven't posted a winning record since 2015. General manager Perry Minasian was aggressive in the early part of the offseason, acquiring Jorge Soler, Travis d'Arnaud, Yusei Kikuchi, and Kyle Hendricks to bolster the roster. A healthy season for Mike Trout would be a big help, but the Angels still have the talent to put together a better-than-expected 2025 season.</p><h3><a id="min" name="min">Minnesota Twins</a></h3><p><strong>Carlos Correa gets traded: </strong>All parties shut down the idea of a trade this offseason, but what about when the losses start piling up? The Twins have followed up a second-half collapse by making no moves, rarely a recipe for success. Correa is a proven winner who may grow frustrated if Minnesota falls out of the race by the deadline. The front office, meanwhile, is always looking to shred payroll.</p><h3><a id="nyy" name="nyy">New York Yankees</a></h3><p><strong>Another World Series run: </strong>The Yankees still appear to be the class of the American League, even after losing Juan Soto in free agency. There's an argument to be made that New York is actually a more complete team heading into 2025 after the additions of Max Fried, Devin Williams, and Cody Bellinger. The AL pennant is the Yankees' to lose, as MLB's true juggernauts reside in the National League.</p><h3><a id="sea" name="sea">Seattle Mariners</a></h3><p><strong>Luis Castillo gets dealt for hitting: </strong>The<strong> r</strong>ight-hander has been the subject of trade rumors at various points this offseason. The 32-year-old is signed for another three seasons at a reasonable salary and remains a solid starting pitcher. The Mariners are in desperate need of another impact bat and can afford to move Castillo with Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Bryan Woo, and Bryce Miller in the rotation.</p><h3><a id="tb" name="tb">Tampa Bay Rays</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742462/cropped_GettyImages-2168311075.jpg?ts=1724558262" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742462/w220xh124_GettyImages-2168311075.jpg?ts=1724558262 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742462/w320xh180_GettyImages-2168311075.jpg?ts=1724558262 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742462/w640xh360_GettyImages-2168311075.jpg?ts=1724558262 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742462/w768xh432_GettyImages-2168311075.jpg?ts=1724558262 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/742462/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2168311075.jpg?ts=1724558262 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Katelyn Mulcahy / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Junior Caminero puts himself on the map:</strong> Caminero hit six home runs with a 105 wRC+ in a 43-game stint with the Rays last season. The 21-year-old has prodigious power potential with Steamer projecting 29 home runs, 91 RBIs, and a 122 wRC+ in 2025. The Rays are sorely lacking middle-of-the-order thump, and Caminero looks poised to assume that role this season.</p><h3><a id="tex" name="tex">Texas Rangers</a></h3><p><strong>AL West champions: </strong>The Rangers are primed to bounce back after a disappointing 2024 campaign. Joc Pederson predicted the Astros' reign atop the division "will come to an end" in 2025. Houston has won seven of the last eight AL West titles but appear to be in a state of flux. Texas' roster looks more balanced and should be able to overtake the Astros if relatively healthy.</p><h3><a id="tor" name="tor">Toronto Blue Jays</a></h3><p><strong>Ross Atkins and John Schneider get fired: </strong>The Blue Jays enter 2025 on very shaky ground. The club finished in the AL East basement in 2024 and face the realistic prospect of losing both Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette for a fraction of their true value. The farm system is thin and the roster is lacking in impact talent. With the AL East as competitive as ever, a slow start to the 2025 campaign will cost both general manager Atkins and manager Schneider as the Blue Jays try to settle on a new direction for the future.</p>

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1 early prediction for each AL team in 2025

With most top free agents already signed this offseason, here's an early look at the top 20 playe...

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Ranking next winter's top 20 MLB free agents

The Texas Rangers traded reliever Grant Anderson to the Milwaukee Brewers for pitching prospect M...

<p>The Texas Rangers traded reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14024" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14024">Grant Anderson</a> to the Milwaukee Brewers for pitching prospect Mason Molina, the clubs announced Thursday.</p><p>Anderson struggled to an 8.10 ERA and 1.61 WHIP in 23 appearances for the Rangers last season. He allowed 24 earned runs and 11 home runs in 26 2/3 innings while striking out 29 batters.</p><p>The 27-year-old fared better at Triple-A Round Rock, recording a 3.93 ERA and 1.30 WHIP in 26 games.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Milwaukee drafted Molina in the seventh round in 2024 out of the University of Arkansas. The lefty pitched five scoreless innings with the Carolina Mudcats, the club's Single-A affiliate.</p><p>The Brewers designated pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17337" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17337">Tyler Jay</a> for assignment in a corresponding move. </p><p> </p><p> </p>

ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 03: Grant Anderson #65 of the Texas Rangers pitches during a game against the New York Yankees at Globe Life Field on September 03, 2024 in Arlington, Texas.

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Rangers trade Anderson to Brewers

The Philadelphia Phillies traded reliever Tyler Gilbert to the Chicago White Sox for minor-league...

<p>The Philadelphia Phillies traded reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12629" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12629">Tyler Gilbert</a> to the Chicago White Sox for minor-league pitcher Aaron Combs, the clubs announced Wednesday. </p><p>The Phillies designated Gilbert for assignment on Dec. 22. He made six appearances out of their bullpen in 2024, pitching to a 3.24 ERA and 1.44 WHIP with four strikeouts in 8 1/3 innings. </p><p>The 31-year-old lefty famously threw a no-hitter in his first MLB start with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2021.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Chicago selected Combs in the eighth round of the 2024 draft out of the University of Tennessee. He allowed zero earned runs across six appearances at Single-A with the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers.</p><p>The White Sox designated infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12390" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12390">Braden Shewmake</a> for assignment in a corresponding move to make room on the 40-man roster.</p><p> </p><p> </p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 20: Tyler Gilbert #40 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws a pitch during the eighth inning of the game against the New York Mets at Citi Field on September 20, 2024 in New York City.

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Phillies trade Gilbert to White Sox for minor leaguer

The Baltimore Orioles announced Tuesday they agreed to a minor-league contract with utility man N...

<p>The Baltimore Orioles announced Tuesday they agreed to a minor-league contract with utility man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4771" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4771">Nick Gordon</a>.</p><p>Gordon, 29, struggled mightily with the Miami Marlins in 2024. He slashed .227/.258/.369 with eight home runs and 32 RBIs in 95 games while predominantly playing the outfield.</p><p>The Minnesota Twins drafted Gordon fifth overall in 2014. His best season came in 2022 when he hit 28 doubles with a .743 OPS (111 OPS+) in a career-high 136 games.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Gordon has experience playing all outfield positions, as well as second base, third base, and shortstop at the MLB level. </p><p>His career OPS is .669 (85 OPS+) through four seasons. </p>

ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 03: Miami Marlins center fielder Nick Gordon #1 bats during the Saturday evening MLB game between the Atlanta Braves and the Miami Marlins on August 3, 2024 at Truist PArk in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Orioles sign Nick Gordon to minor-league deal

Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow wants it known his club intends to keep first...

<p>Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow wants it known his club intends to keep first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12885" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12885">Triston Casas</a>.</p><p>"I'm not totally sure where it comes from," Breslow said of the trade rumors that have circled this offseason, according to <a href="https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2024/12/red-sox-boss-on-triston-casas-trade-rumors-nothing-came-remotely-close.html">Chris Cotillo of MassLive</a>.</p><p>"We're not shopping Triston. We see him as a guy that can hit in the middle of the lineup for a really long time here in Boston. Obviously, plus power, plus strike zone judgment, the ability to get on base, and it's someone that I don't think we've seen the best of."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Casas' name has popped up in discussions at several points throughout the offseason, most recently when Boston reportedly discussed a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5526" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5526">Luis Castillo</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3171695" href="https://thescore.com/news/3171695">trade</a> with the Seattle Mariners before signing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8193" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8193">Walker Buehler</a>. The Red Sox were apparently only willing to part with Casas if the Mariners took on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15430" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15430">Masataka Yoshida</a> and his remaining salary.</p><p>"When you have really good young players, I don't think it's surprising that other teams would ask about them," Breslow said.</p><p>"But I've seen some of the speculation about what deals may or may not have existed or what may or may not have been proposed. And there was nothing that was remotely close. We're certainly not shopping him."</p><p>Casas, who will turn 25 in January, posted an impressive .800 OPS (120 OPS+) with 13 home runs in 63 games in 2024. He finished third in the American League Rookie of the Year voting two seasons ago.</p><p>The Red Sox have been active on the trade market elsewhere, acquiring <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12246" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12246">Garrett Crochet</a> from the Chicago White Sox for a package of prospects earlier in December.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

Boston, MA - August 27: Boston Red Sox 1B Triston Casas gestures to his dugout after hitting a first inning double. The Red Sox lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers, 7-4.

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Breslow: Red Sox not shopping Casas

Starting pitcher Trevor Williams is returning to the Washington Nationals on a two-year contract ...

<p>Starting pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5349" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5349">Trevor Williams</a> is returning to the Washington Nationals on a two-year contract worth $14 million, the club announced Tuesday. </p><p>Williams missed time with a flexor muscle strain in 2024 but posted a strong 2.03 ERA and 1.04 WHIP across 13 starts when healthy. His 2.79 FIP was his best with at least 50 innings pitched. </p><p>It was a timely turnaround for Williams after he struggled mightily the previous year. He allowed a National League-leading 34 home runs while recording a 5.55 ERA and 1.60 WHIP across 30 starts in 2023.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 32-year-old has also spent time with the Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Mets, and Chicago Cubs throughout his nine-year career.</p><p>The righty owns a 4.30 ERA (97 ERA+) over 926 1/3 MLB innings.</p><p> </p>

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 27: Trevor Williams #32 of the Washington Nationals pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the second inning at Nationals Park on September 27, 2024 in Washington, DC.

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Nationals re-sign Williams to 2-year, $14M deal

The Detroit Tigers may not be done adding talent.   Detroit remains in negotiations with free-age...

<p>The Detroit Tigers may not be done adding talent. </p><p>Detroit remains in negotiations with free-agent third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5367" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5367">Alex Bregman</a> despite a gap in perceived value between the two sides, according to <a href="https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2024/12/28/detroit-tigers-alex-bregman-mlb-free-agency/77247901007">Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press</a>.</p><p>The Tigers have been unwilling to meet Bregman's $200-million asking price, but notable progress has been made over the last month, Petzold adds.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Detroit made a splash Friday when the team reportedly agreed to a one-year, $15-million deal with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4975" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4975">Gleyber Torres</a>. He's expected to become the team's everyday second baseman.</p><p>The Houston Astros, Bregman's old team, were thought to be a serious contender to retain him before negotiations stalled. They pivoted to signing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3836" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3836">Christian Walker</a> and trading for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9550" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9550">Isaac Paredes</a>.</p><p>Bregman is coming off another strong season ahead of his age-31 campaign. He won his first career Gold Glove at third base while hitting .260/.315/.453 with 26 home runs and 76 RBIs in 2024. </p><p>He accrued at least 4.1 fWAR for the third straight year. </p><p>Third base remains a question mark for the up-and-coming Tigers. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16144" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16144">Jace Jung</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11054" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11054">Matt Vierling </a>are currently penciled in to split time at the position, although Vierling can also play the outfield.</p>

OAKLAND, CA - JULY 22: Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros during the game against the Oakland Athletics at the Oakland Coliseum on July 22, 2024 in Oakland, California. The Athletics defeated the Astros 4-0.

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Report: Tigers still pursuing Bregman despite gap in negotiations

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Ben Wrixon

Associate Baseball News Editor

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Josh Goldberg

News editor

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