With three weeks elapsed in the 2024-25 Major League Baseball offseason, the hot stove has yet to ignite into a full blaze. Few significant moves have reshaped team rosters so far, leaving many fans eagerly refreshing feeds for the latest whispers and substantial transactions. Despite this relative quiet, the market is rife with anticipation, especially around top free agent Juan Soto.
Juan Soto: A Sought-After Talent
Juan Soto remains a focal point of the free-agent market. Well-regarded for his prowess at the plate and his high on-base percentage, Soto is commanding attention from numerous teams seeking to bolster their lineups. Soto's agent, Scott Boras, is notoriously savvy in negotiating blockbuster deals, making Soto’s free-agency journey particularly compelling to follow.
Soto’s meetings with potential teams have been centered around their "commitment to winning." This poignant focus indicates Soto’s priority in joining an organization that not only has the financial capability to invest in top-tier talents but also the structural drive to vie for championships. The list of teams eyeing Soto includes heavy hitters such as the Blue Jays, Dodgers, Mets, Red Sox, Yankees, Phillies, Rays, and Royals. This diverse roster of suitors underscores his broad appeal across the league.
Anticipation looms over Soto’s decision, expected to materialize by the time the Winter Meetings arrive. With teams maneuvering to submit their best offers, the baseball world waits with bated breath to see where the young superstar will call home next season.
The Baltimore Orioles and Catching Needs
In Baltimore, the Orioles continue to shape their roster with an eye toward easing the burden on Adley Rutschman, their franchise catcher. Rutschman has swiftly become an integral player for the team, both behind the plate and in the lineup. His value is such that Mike Elias, Baltimore’s general manager, expressed the desire for a quality backup to "give Rutschman a few more days at DH to cut down on wear and tear." This strategic consideration is crucial for preserving Rutschman’s health and maximizing his contributions throughout the season.
With James McCann now a free agent after serving as Rutschman’s backup for the last two seasons, the Orioles will be keenly evaluating potential candidates who can step into this vital supporting role.
Dodgers Eye Future with Tommy Edman
Meanwhile, the Dodgers have been engaging in preliminary extension talks with versatile infielder Tommy Edman. Having joined the Dodgers in a mid-season acquisition, Edman appeared in 37 games, posting a batting line of .237/.294/.417. As Edman inches closer to free agency after the 2025 season, Los Angeles looks to secure his services for the long term, a move that echoes their strategy of maintaining depth and flexibility across their roster.
Giants’ Interest in Tomoyuki Sugano
The Giants are reportedly casting a wide net in their pitching pursuits, showing interest in Japanese ace Tomoyuki Sugano. In a recent season, Sugano demonstrated prowess on the mound, pitching 156 2/3 innings with an impressive 1.67 ERA. Although previously posted during the 2020-21 offseason without securing an MLB contract, his consistent performances suggest potential for success in the majors.
Rockies’ Moves on the Horizon
Turning to Colorado, the Rockies have signed infielder Kyle Farmer to a one-year deal valued at $3.25 million. Farmer, whose recent performance with the Twins reflects a batting line of .214/.293/.353, joins the roster as the Rockies look to fortify their infield options following the non-tendering of Brendan Rodgers. This move indicates a shift and possibly a fresh start for both Farmer and the Rockies as they navigate the offseason landscape.
As teams continue to assess their needs and opportunities, the offseason is poised to grow more dynamic. With marquee names like Juan Soto yet to find their landing spots, the coming weeks promise to deliver clarity and excitement to the anticipation-laden months leading up to spring training.