The MLB offseason for 2024-25 is moving along, and Juan Soto is among the big names already off the market.
With the Winter Meetings concluded, there’s still a lot of buzz about trades and free agents. Sunday’s rumor mill brings some interesting updates.
Yankees and Cubs Discussing Bellinger
After acquiring Kyle Tucker, the Cubs are considering trading Cody Bellinger. Meanwhile, the Yankees need a left-handed outfielder since Juan Soto joined the Mets. Talks between these teams could send Bellinger to New York. The New York Post reports there’s still a financial gap in negotiations: “Still a $ gap in Bellinger trade talk with Yankees and Cubs as of this minute. It’s a matter of ‘who blinks first,’ if ever.”
Bellinger chose to stay with the Cubs for $27.5 million instead of testing free agency for 2025. Last year, he played 130 games with stats like .266/.325/.426 (111 OPS+), hitting 18 homers and earning 78 RBIs. His contract has an option for another year at $25 million or a $5 million buyout.
Fans might wonder if this trade will actually happen or just fizzle out.
Mariners Entertain Offers for Castillo
Luis Castillo is attracting attention from teams like the Cubs, Red Sox, Orioles, and Mets as Seattle listens to offers for their right-handed pitcher. However, they only want to trade him if it improves their current roster—not just for future prospects.
Castillo’s recent season saw him pitch 175â…“ innings with an ERA of 3.64/3.91 FIP for Seattle. Over eight seasons in MLB, his career ERA+ stands at 120 with a WAR of 24.0.
Fans might think it’s risky to let go of such talent without immediate benefits.
Astros Still Considering Bregman
Alex Bregman is now a free agent but may not be leaving Houston after all despite recent trades bringing Isaac Paredes into play from Chicago’s deal involving Kyle Tucker—and interest in Nolan Arenado from St Louis Cardinals remains high too! KPRC suggests that Astros haven’t ruled out keeping him around yet; other teams like Yankees or Tigers also show varying degrees interest here though…
Bregman’s last season included hitting .260/.315/.453 (118 OPS+) alongside winning his first Gold Glove award while maintaining impressive career stats such as OPS+132 & WAR39 across nine years spent entirely within Astros’ lineup!
Pirates Make Minor Trade With Red Sox
In smaller news Sunday saw Pirates acquire Enmanuel Valdez—an infielder/outfielder—from Boston Red Sox by trading minor-league pitcher Joe Vogatsky who hasn’t pitched professionally yet but was picked during this year’s draft round nineteen! Valdez can cover multiple positions boasting slash line .235/.286/.400 over two seasons so far…
What do you think about these moves?
