The ongoing Major League Baseball offseason for 2024-25 is in full swing, with notable free agents like Juan Soto already off the market. Despite the Winter Meetings being over, there are still many big names available in free agency and trade talks, leading to a constant stream of rumors. Here are some of the latest rumors from Sunday:
Yankees and Cubs Discuss Bellinger Trade
The Cubs are actively looking to trade outfielder Cody Bellinger after acquiring Kyle Tucker. On the other hand, the Yankees are seeking a left-handed hitting outfielder following Juan Soto’s departure to the Mets. It comes as no surprise that the two teams are engaged in discussions about a potential trade involving Bellinger heading to New York. The New York Post provides an update on the situation:
Bellinger, 29, decided to exercise his $27.5 million player option with the Cubs for the 2025 season instead of testing free agency. In the previous season, he posted a .266/.325/.426 slash line with 23 doubles, three triples, 18 home runs, 78 RBIs, 72 runs, nine stolen bases, and a 2.2 WAR in 130 games. After a standout 4.4 WAR season in 2023, Bellinger saw a slight dip in performance last year. His contract includes a $25 million player option with a $5 million buyout for the 2026 season.
Mariners Fielding Offers for Castillo
The Seattle Mariners are receiving inquiries about veteran right-handed pitcher Luis Castillo and are open to listening to offers. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Mariners will only consider moving Castillo if it benefits their current roster and not just for prospects far from the majors. Teams like the Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, and New York Mets have shown interest in Castillo.
Castillo, who recently turned 32, delivered a 3.64 ERA/3.91 FIP across 175 1/3 innings for the Mariners in the 2024 season. Throughout his career, he boasts an ERA+ of 120 and a WAR of 24.0 over eight MLB seasons. He has approximately $72 million remaining on his contract through 2027, with a $25 million vesting option for 2028.
Astros Still Eyeing Bregman
Long-time Astros third baseman Alex Bregman is currently a free agent, and indications suggest that Houston may let him sign elsewhere. This decision comes after acquiring third baseman Isaac Paredes in the Kyle Tucker trade with the Cubs and showing interest in veteran Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado. Despite this, reports from KPRC in Houston reveal that the Astros are still keen on re-signing Bregman. Other teams like the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, and Tigers also reportedly have varying levels of interest in Bregman.
Bregman, 30, wrapped up the 2024 season in Houston with a .260/.315/.453 slash line (118 OPS+), 26 home runs, and 30 doubles in 145 games. He also secured his first Gold Glove. Over his nine-year MLB career, Bregman has an OPS+ of 132 and a WAR of 39.6, all achieved with the Astros. He is a two-time All-Star and has finished in the top 10 of the American League MVP voting twice.
Pirates and Red Sox Complete Minor Trade
On Sunday, the Pirates announced the acquisition of infielder/outfielder Enmanuel Valdez from the Red Sox in exchange for minor-league right-handed pitcher Joe Vogatsky. Valdez, who will turn 26 later this month, is versatile in playing multiple positions and has recorded a .235/.286/.400 slash line over two MLB seasons. Vogatsky, set to turn 23, was a 19th-round pick in the recent MLB Draft and has yet to make his professional debut.
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