The MLB hot stove isn’t cooling down just yet, even as we move into 2025. While big names like Juan Soto and Corbin Burnes have found new homes, there’s still plenty of action happening in baseball’s offseason market.
The Boston Red Sox are making moves, but they might not be done yet. They’ve already picked up Walker Buehler, Garrett Crochet, and Aroldis Chapman this winter, showing they’re serious about competing again.
Team president Sam Kennedy recently laid out what’s still on their shopping list: pitching, better infield defense, and a right-handed bat.
That right-handed bat could be a big one. The Sox have their eyes on Alex Bregman, who’s still available in free agency. They’re also talking to the Cardinals about Nolan Arenado.
Either player would be a huge get for Boston. Bregman could slide over to second base, while Arenado would mean shuffling Rafael Devers around – but both would definitely boost that infield defense Kennedy wants.
Here’s the interesting part: Arenado would need to okay any trade to Boston, but insiders think he’d do it. He’d also be cheaper than Bregman and only locked in through 2027.
Meanwhile, out in Oakland, the A’s are actually spending money – which is pretty surprising if you know their history. They’ve grabbed Luis Severino and Gio Urshela, traded for Jeffrey Springs, and locked up Brent Rooker long-term.
But there’s a catch. They’re probably not spending because they suddenly want to win – it’s more likely about avoiding trouble with the players’ union over revenue-sharing money.
GM David Forst says they’re still looking to add "maybe one or two more things," with starting pitching on the wishlist.
Jack Flaherty and Max Scherzer are the biggest arms still available, but the A’s will probably aim for someone a bit more budget-friendly.
In the bullpen market, Tommy Kahnle is drawing serious attention. Eight teams are looking at the 35-year-old reliever, who’s coming off a really solid year with the Yankees (2.11 ERA in 50 games).
That’s not surprising – pretty much every team trying to win could use a reliable arm like Kahnle’s in their bullpen.
