MLB free agency is in full swing, with some big names like Juan Soto already off the market. However, there are still impact players available, and the trade market is active as well.
Let’s take a quick look at the latest happenings this offseason:
Dodgers remain active with Gavin Lux trade, Hyeseong Kim signing
The Los Angeles Dodgers made a move by trading second baseman Gavin Lux to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for outfield prospect Mike Sirota and a Competitive Balance Round A pick (around No. 37). This trade came shortly after the Dodgers signed former KBO infielder Hyeseong Kim to a three-year deal with $12.5 million guaranteed. The contract includes a two-year option for the 2028 and 2029 seasons, potentially making it worth up to $22 million.
Hyeseong Kim, a 25-year-old infielder who previously played for the KBO’s Kiwoom Heroes, was the first player from South Korea and Japan to be posted this offseason. He has been training in Los Angeles for the past month.
Corbin Burnes signs with Diamondbacks
Corbin Burnes has agreed to a lucrative six-year, $210 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks, which includes an opt-out clause after two seasons.
As Burnes turned down a qualifying offer from the Baltimore Orioles, the Orioles will receive draft pick compensation from the Diamondbacks. This contract is the largest in Diamondbacks history. Burnes, the 2021 Cy Young Award winner, chose to pitch for the local team in Scottsdale, Arizona, over offers from the San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays.
Gleyber Torres signs with Detroit
Gleyber Torres has signed a one-year, $15 million deal with the Detroit Tigers. The 28-year-old second baseman spent his entire seven-year career with the New York Yankees. In the previous season, Torres had a .257 batting average with 15 home runs, 63 RBIs, and 80 runs scored in 154 games.
While this deal may seem low for a player of Torres’ caliber and age, Tigers GM Scott Harris acknowledged that Torres had larger offers available but chose the one-year pact with Detroit in hopes of reestablishing his value and hitting free agency again next winter. If Torres performs well in Detroit and shows improvement on both offense and defense, he should be in a position to secure a more significant multi-year deal next year, when he will still be a relatively young free agent at 29.
First-base market picks up pace after slow start
The free-agent market for first basemen was slow until the week before Christmas.
The Houston Astros made the first move by reportedly signing Christian Walker to a three-year, $60 million deal. Walker, previously a standout first baseman for the Arizona Diamondbacks, triggered a series of moves as the D-backs acquired Josh Naylor from the Cleveland Guardians to replace Walker. Meanwhile, the Guardians signed Carlos Santana for his third stint with the team after he spent last season with the Minnesota Twins.
Additionally, the New York Yankees signed former MVP Paul Goldschmidt to a one-year, $12.5 million deal.
The first-base market is still active, with players like Pete Alonso and others still available.
For more news and updates on MLB free agency, follow Yahoo Sports as we track all the latest rumors, signings, and more: