MLB free agency: Tigers reportedly agree to terms with Gleyber Torres, Teoscar Hernández rejoining the Dodgers

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• Sat, December 28, 2024 at 7:54 AM GMT+8

  Teoscar Hernández reportedly rejoining Dodgers

  Teoscar Hernández is staying with the Los Angeles Dodgers for a few more years.

  The outfielder and 2024 World Series champion agreed to a three-year, $66 million deal with Los Angeles on Friday, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The deal reportedly includes a fourth-year option for $15 million, a $23 million signing bonus and, as is common for the Dodgers now, around $23 million in deferred money.

  Hernández had one of the best year-to-year turnarounds in 2024, following a disappointing 2023 with the Seattle Mariners with a stellar performance as a Dodger. Hernández was brought to L.A. to help boost the Shohei Ohtani-led Dodgers into a championship-caliber team, a mission that was certainly successful.

  Read more here.

• 

  Sat, December 28, 2024 at 3:11 AM GMT+8

  What to make of Torres’ deal with the Tigers?

  Before contemplating Torres’ fit on Detroit’s roster, let’s first consider the contract: one year, $15 million. At first glance, this seems awfully low for a player of Torres’ track record and especially at his age, even if the sense in the industry was that the market could be on the cold side for the second baseman following his unremarkable final season with the Yankees. But Tigers GM Scott Harris acknowledged Friday that Torres had larger offers available and instead chose the one-year pact with Detroit in hopes of reestablishing his value and hitting free agency again next winter. If Torres benefits from the change of scenery after seven years in New York and shows meaningful strides on both sides of the ball, he should be in position to secure a more significant multi-year deal a year from now, when he’ll still be one of the younger free agents available at 29.

  Harris also shed some light on the likely infield alignment after initial reports of Torres’ signing sparked questions about what the move means for the bevy of young infielders already on Detroit’s roster. Harris said Torres will be Detroit’s every-day second basemen, with Colt Keith — who signed a six-year extension before he made his MLB debut in 2024 — sliding to first base after spending the bulk of his rookie season at second. That would seemingly indicate a diminished role for former No. 1 overall pick Spencer Torkelson, but Harris said there are at-bats available if he’s producing.

  In Harris’ view, adding Torres makes the Tigers a better ballclub right now and will spark healthy competition for playing time elsewhere in the infield — a common dynamic for good teams. If that means making it more difficult to give playing time to the likes of Torkelson, Justyn-Henry Malloy or Jace Jung, so be it. On a team that considers itself a playoff contender, as Detroit does after its surprise run to the postseason in 2024, these players need to earn their playing time.

  On a related note, the other big question that looms over Detroit’s offseason is whether they remain in play for free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman. Bregman would obviously represent a substantial upgrade over any of Detroit’s internal options at third, and his experience having played under manager AJ Hinch in Houston helped build buzz for Detroit as a potential landing spot, particularly as other suitors have fallen out of the race.

  More important than any positional fit or prior relationships, though, is what it would take financially to get such a deal done. Unlike with Torres, who was comfortable agreeing to a shorter-term deal, Bregman and his agent, Scott Boras, are surely still seeking a massive, long-term contract, meaning Detroit would likely need to outbid several other Bregman suitors that have already demonstrated a willingness to spend big this winter. That still seems rather implausible at this stage, based on the Tigers’ more recent track record of relative frugality, but as long as Bregman remains available, the rumors will continue to swirl.

• 

  Fri, December 27, 2024 at 10:49 PM GMT+8

  Gleyber Torres signs 1-year, $15 million deal with Tigers

  The 28-year-old second baseman has spent his entire seven-year career with the New York Yankees. Last season, he hit .257 with 15 home runs, 63 RBI and 80 runs scored in 154 games.

  Free agent Gleyber Torres is in agreement with the Detroit Tigers on a 1-year, $15 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Torres had a great ALCS after a bit of down year on the power side for the Yankees. He’ll start at 2b for Detroit. @JonHeyman was first with the agreement.

  — Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) December 27, 2024

• 

  Thu, December 26, 2024 at 11:59 PM GMT+8

  With the addition of Walker Buehler, the Boston Red Sox are starting to look like 2025 contenders

  

  Coming into this winter, it was imperative for the Boston Red Sox to make multiple impactful moves following a disappointing finish to the 2024 season. And in light of the Yankees making several key pivots following Juan Soto’s departure, inactivity from Boston through another offseason wasn’t an acceptable option.

  Well, slowly but surely the Red Sox are putting together a solid offseason and starting to look like a team that is serious about getting back to the postseason in 2025.

  The Red Sox’s biggest changes have been in their rotation, where they’ve had a serious overhaul. Adding starting pitching was the top priority for chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, and the Red Sox added arguably the best starter on the trade market in Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox. But it takes more than one starter to get through the 162-game grind of the regular season.

  The Red Sox then added left-hander Patrick Sandoval, who’s recovering from Tommy John surgery, and they solidified their veteran presence on Monday by adding right-hander Walker Buehler on a one-year, $21.05 million deal. Buehler, who was No. 23 on Yahoo Sports’ list of this winter’s top 50 free agents, brings to Boston’s rotation a veteran arm who has pitched on baseball’s biggest stages and experienced plenty of success. His 18 postseason starts are the most on Boston’s roster by far.

  Read the full story here.

• 

  Tue, December 24, 2024 at 1:52 PM GMT+8

  Astros GM: Talks with Alex Bregman ‘stalled’ ahead of Christian Walker deal

  Astros general manager Dana Brown told reporters Monday that talks with longtime third baseman Alex Bregman stalled before Houston reached a deal with Christian Walker, effectively ending Bregman’s time with the team.

  “I thought we made a really competitive offer, showing that we wanted him back,” Brown said on the day the Astros officially introduced Walker. “But we had to pursue other options.

  “We couldn’t just sit there. We locked in [Isaac] Paredes early in that trade, knowing that he could play third or first, and then when the opportunity to add another bat came up, we just jumped on it.”

  Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras, offered a retort to The Athletic:

  “Over time, teams learn if you’re running from leadership and talent, you’re running from the ultimate goal,” Boras said.

• 

  Tue, December 24, 2024 at 4:35 AM GMT+8

  Eloy Jiménez signs minor-league deal with Rays

  Eloy Jiménez and the Rays have agreed to a minor-league deal, ESPN’s Jesse Rogers reports. Jiménez, 28, batted .238 with a .626 OPS, 14 doubles, six home runs and 28 RBI last season for the White Sox and Orioles. An adductor strain and hamstring injury limited him to 98 games.

  News: DH Eloy Jimenez and the Tampa Bay Rays are in agreement on a minor league deal, sources tell ESPN. Jimenez, 28, played for the White Sox and Orioles this year and hopes to rebuild his career with a Rays team that has high aspirations in the American League East.

  — Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) December 23, 2024

  Since he hit 31 homers during his rookie season, injuries have been a consistent obstacle for Jiménez. Among the many issues he has dealt with have been a sprained ankle and right ulnar nerve contusion in 2019, a torn left pectoral tendon in 2021, a torn right hamstring tendon in 2022 and an appendectomy in 2023.

  However, Jiménez did hit 18 home runs, the second-highest total of his career, while playing 120 games in 2023.

• 

  Tue, December 24, 2024 at 12:30 AM GMT+8

  Joc Pederson signs 2-year deal with Rangers

  Outfielder/designated hitter Joc Pederson has signed with the Texas Rangers. Pederson agreed to a two-year, $37 million deal, according to The Athletic. The contract includes an opt-out after the first year.

  Last season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Pederson hit .275 with a .908 OPS (both career bests), 17 doubles, 23 home runs and 64 RBI. He played exclusively as a DH but has played the outfield throughout his 11-year career, mostly in left and center field.

  Joc Pederson’s deal with the Texas Rangers: 2 years, $37 million, with an opt-out after the first year. A perfect fit for their lineup.

  — Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 23, 2024

  Pederson, 32, will replace Nathaniel Lowe in the Rangers’ lineup. Lowe was traded to the Washington Nationals over the weekend for reliever Robert Garcia.

• Mon, December 23, 2024 at 11:31 PM GMT+8

  Red Sox, RHP Walker Buehler agree to 1-year, $21.05 million deal: Sources

  The Boston Red Sox have landed a major piece in their quest to remake their starting rotation. According to Yahoo Sports’ Russell Dorsey, the Red Sox and right-hander Walker Buehler are in agreement on a one-year, $21.05 million deal. The deal includes incentives and is pending a physical.

  Buehler, 30, is a two-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion with the Los Angeles Dodgers, which is the only team he’s played for in his seven-year career.

  Buehler, who did not receive a qualifying offer from the Dodgers, essentially gets one from the Red Sox. Coming off a strong showing this postseason, he’ll now get to pitch a full season healthy with an opportunity to re-enter the free-agent market again next winter. https://t.co/JMZBpPmc6d

  — Russell Dorsey (@Russ_Dorsey1) December 23, 2024

  Read more here.

• 

  Mon, December 23, 2024 at 11:10 PM GMT+8

  Andrew McCutchen re-ups with Pirates

  The 38-year-old outfielder played 120 games last season with the Pirates, hitting .232 with 20 home runs, 50 RBI and a .739 OPS.

  According to MLB.com’s Alex Stumpf, it’s a one-year, $5 million deal.

• Mon, December 23, 2024 at 10:50 PM GMT+8

  Mets reportedly reunite with Sean Manaea on 3-year, $75 million deal following career year

  The New York Mets have made a move to solidify their starting rotation. In the wee hours of Monday morning, they reportedly agreed to reunite with left-hander Sean Manaea on a three-year, $75 million deal.

  Manaea, who will be 33 in February, had a career year with the Mets in 2024. He had a 3.47 ERA and 184 strikeouts over 32 starts and 181 2/3 innings. That’s the lowest ERA of his career, maintained over the most innings he has ever pitched and anchored by the second-most strikeouts he has ever thrown. Before the 2024 season, his best numbers came with the Athletics in 2018, when he had a 3.59 ERA over 160 1/3 innings.

  Read the full story here.

• 

  Mon, December 23, 2024 at 6:50 AM GMT+8

  Nathaniel Lowe to the Nationals

  The Nationals and Rangers struck a deal to swap Nathaniel Lowe and left-handed reliever Robert Garcia on Sunday night. Lowe won his first Gold Glove award and helped lead the Rangers to a World Series win in 2023.

  Left-handed reliever Robert Garcia is headed from the Nationals to the Rangers in the Nathaniel Lowe trade, sources tell ESPN.

  — Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 22, 2024

• Mon, December 23, 2024 at 1:08 AM GMT+8

  A’s sign free-agent third baseman Gio Urshela to a one-year deal

  Urshela signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Tigers in February but was released by the team in August. Urshela then signed with the Atlanta Braves and played in 36 games for the team, finishing with a .265 batting average.

• Mon, December 23, 2024 at 12:58 AM GMT+8

  Phillies pick up lefty starter Jesús Luzardo in trade with Marlins

  The Philadelphia Phillies have added another weapon to their starting rotation, picking up pitcher Jesús Luzardo in a trade with the Miami Marlins, the team announced Sunday.

  The Philles also received minor-league catcher Paul McIntosh in the trade, while Miami got prospects Starlyn Caba and Emaarion Boyd in return.

  Luzardo is coming off an injury-filled 2024 but will be a big boost to the Phillies’ rotation if he can stay healthy.

  Read more about the trade here.

  

• 

  Sun, December 22, 2024 at 7:25 AM GMT+8

  Guardians replace Josh Naylor with signing of Carlos Santana

  Just a few minutes after news of the Josh Naylor trade hit, the Cleveland Guardians found their own first-base replacement by bringing back veteran Carlos Santana, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

  It will be Santana’s third stint in Cleveland, where he is second on the franchise’s all-time walks list and sixth in home runs.

  First baseman Carlos Santana and the Cleveland Guardians are in agreement on a one-year, $12 million contract, pending physical, sources tell ESPN. The Guardians traded Josh Naylor, and now they bring the 39-year-old Santana back for his third stint with the organization.

  — Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 21, 2024

• 

  Sun, December 22, 2024 at 7:12 AM GMT+8

  D-Backs replace Christian Walker with trade for Guardians’ Josh Naylor

  A day after Christian Walker agreed to a deal with the Houston Astros, the Arizona Diamondbacks found his replacement by swinging a trade for Cleveland Guardians first baseman Josh Naylor, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

  Going back to Cleveland will be pitcher Slade Cecconi and a competitive balance Round B draft pick. Naylor is coming off his first career All-Star selection and hit .243/.320/.456 with 31 homers for a team that emerged on top in the AL Central.

• 

  Sun, December 22, 2024 at 2:09 AM GMT+8

  1B Paul Goldschmidt signs 1-year deal with Yankees

  The deal is worth a reported $12.5 million, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

  Last season with the Cardinals, the 37-year-old Goldschmidt batted .245 with 22 home runs and 65 RBI.

  Read more about the deal here.

  Paul Goldschmidt will sign a 1-year deal with the Yankees. The 37-year old has won 4 Gold Gloves and was the 2022 MVP. While he had a .716 OPS with 22 HRs & 65 RBI last year, he had solid numbers vs LHP and also performed better in the second half. Savvy, short-term signing.

  — JackCurryYES (@JackCurryYES) December 21, 2024

• 

  Sat, December 21, 2024 at 12:35 PM GMT+8

  Yankees acquire RP Fernando Cruz from Reds for C Jose Trevino

  The New York Yankees added a strikeout reliever to their bullpen, acquiring Fernando Cruz from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for catcher Jose Trevino on Friday.

  Reds were looking for a catcher who could help their young pitching staff alongside Tyler Stephenson, and Trevino fits the bill. Cruz is a strikeout machine whose ERA far exceeds his FIP, so Yankees hope he can be a high-leverage arm. Jackson is a defense-first veteran backup.

  — Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 21, 2024

  Cruz, 34, struck out 109 batters in 66 2/3 innings with a 4.86 ERA in 69 appearances. His strikeout total ranked fourth among MLB relievers last season. Trevino, 31, appeared in 73 games for the Yankees as the backup to Austin Wells. He batted .215 with a .642 OPS, eight home runs and 28 RBI.

• Sat, December 21, 2024 at 2:15 AM GMT+8

  Christian Walker reportedly agrees to deal with Astros

  According to multiple reports, first baseman Christian Walker has agreed to a deal with the Astros. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports the deal is for three years and $60 million.

  Read more here.

• Sat, December 21, 2024 at 1:26 AM GMT+8

  Astros, Christian Walker in ‘serious talks’: Report

  Christian Walker spent the past eight seasons in Arizona and posted a .251/.335/.468 slash line in 2024.

  The Astros and free-agent first baseman Christian Walker are in serious talks and progressing toward a deal, sources tell @Ken_Rosenthal and me.

  — Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) December 20, 2024

• 

  Fri, December 20, 2024 at 11:55 PM GMT+8

  LHP Patrick Sandoval joins Red Sox on 2-year, $18.25M deal

  Sandoval made 16 starts last season with the Los Angeles Angels — a season that ended in June after he underwent Tommy John surgery. The 28-year-old is expected back at some point during the second half of the 2025 season.

  Left-hander Patrick Sandoval and the Boston Red Sox are in agreement on a two-year, $18.25 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Sandoval, 28, is coming off Tommy John surgery and expects to return in the second half. He gets a strong deal with Boston looking toward 2026 as well.

  — Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 20, 2024