The 2024-25 MLB offseason is more than three weeks old and we're still waiting for the first major free agent signing. That's not unusual. Rarely does a top free agent leave before Thanksgiving. The action will begin soon, I promise. Here are the latest updates for Sunday as the annual winter meetings approach.
Soto's offer is scheduled to begin this week
Teams involved Juan Soto Bids assume offers will be made in the coming week. per ESPN. Soto and agent Scott Boras have met in person with interested teams over the past few weeks, and those meetings have largely been an opportunity to get to know each other, particularly at the ownership level. Soto asked each team about their desire to winamong other things.
The Blue JaysDodgers, Mets, Red SoxAnd Yankees are among the teams known to have met with Soto and Boras. Other clubs, including the Phillies, RaysAnd Royals They are also reported to be interested, but it is unclear whether there was a meeting. All signs point to Soto's free agency not extending into 2025. This could be completed at the winter meetings in two weeks.
O is looking for help catching
In addition to re-signing or replacing Corbin Burnes And Anthony SantanderThe Orioles are looking for help catching this winter, GM Mike Elias said on MLB Network Radio on Sunday. Baltimore, of course, has a franchise catcher Adleyrutschmanalthough they'd like to have a quality backup, so they're givingrutschman a few more days at DH to reduce wear and tear.
veteran James McCann served as Schiebeman's backup the past two seasons and is currently a free agent. The Mets paid a large portion of McCann's salary, although the 34-year-old shouldn't require a huge commitment at this point in his career. Other free agent backup catcher types include: Kyle Higashioka, Carson KellyAnd Gary Sanchez.
DodgersEdman has begun discussions about a contract extension
The Dodgers and NLCS MVP Tommy Edman have held preliminary contract extension discussions, reports MLB.com. The World Series champions acquired Edman from the Cardinals in a team of three Erick Fedde Trade with that White Sox at the close of trading. Edman is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2025 season, and the Dodgers are hoping to prevent that.
Edman, now 29, hit .237/.294/.417 in 37 games with the Dodgers after the trade and posted a .328/.354/.508 line in October. The Dodgers are expected to move Edman back to center field next year after he played shortstop in October. An extension for Edman could look similar to the four-year, $60 million deal the Dodgers gave Chris Taylor during the 2021-22 offseason.
Giants among the teams evaluating Sugano
The Giants are among the teams evaluating longtime Yomiuri Giants star Tomoyuki Sugano. according to MLB.com. Sugano, 35, was brought in during the 2020-21 offseason but was unable to reach a contract agreement with one . He returned to Japan and now has enough service time to qualify as an international free agent. Sugano is a regular old free agent. It doesn't have to be posted.
A two-time MVP with Yomiuri, Sugano is one of the greatest Japanese pitchers of all timeand last season he threw 156 2/3 innings with a 1.67 ERA. These days, his fastball is mostly in the low 90s, although he has a knockout splitter and a deep arsenal as well as excellent leadership. Due to his age, Sugano may be limited to a one-year contract, making him an interesting player with a high return.
Not long after Non-tendering Brendan Rodgersthe utility man signed by the Rockies Kyle Farmer to a one-year contract worth $3.25 million, New York Post report. Colorado is set at shortstop (Ezequiel Tovar) and third base (Ryan McMahon), so Farmer will likely replace Rodgers at number two. The 34-year-old Farmer hit .214/.293/.353 with the Gemini However, he finished strong in 2024, posting a .744 OPS in his final 57 games. He has experience at nearly every position, including catcher.
