The MLB offseason is a time when baseball fans cling to every shred of rumor, every whisper of a deal.
We’re in the slow burn phase, where the marquee names have found new homes, and the rest of the market simmers, waiting for a spark.
Let’s dive into the latest tidbits circulating through the baseball grapevine.
Mets and Braves Target Tanner Scott
Here’s a fun one: the Mets and Braves are reportedly in hot pursuit of Tanner Scott, the left-handed relief ace.
Scott’s coming off a jaw-dropping season, boasting a 1.75 ERA over 72 innings, and his postseason performance was just as electric. He shut down Shohei Ohtani four times in October—no small feat.
The Mets need bullpen reinforcements badly, and Scott could be the perfect solution. The Braves? They’ve got a solid pen, but with A.J. Minter hitting free agency, they might see Scott as the next best thing. And don’t forget the Dodgers, lurking quietly.
They’ve got bullpen depth, but you can never have too many weapons come October. If Scott ends up in the NL East, the balance of power could shift dramatically.
Astros Eye Kyle Tucker Replacement—But Alex Verdugo?
Fans are still reeling from the Kyle Tucker trade in Houston. Tucker, a perennial MVP candidate, was shipped to the Cubs. Dealing him has left a massive void in the Astros’ outfield.
That is where Alex Verdugo comes in. However, he’s a name that’s raising more eyebrows than excitement. Verdugo had a rough 2024 with the Yankees, slashing .233/.291/.356. While he’s got a decent glove, his offensive upside is limited. To make things more difficult, Houston is not the only team interested.
Tucker’s consistent production spoiled Astros fans, and Verdugo feels like a letdown in comparison. Houston needs to aim higher if they want to keep their World Series window open.
Pete Alonso MLB Contract Buzz
Pete Alonso’s free agency situation has been the subject of much speculation. The rumor mill had Alonso eyeing a Prince Fielder-esque nine-year, $214 million deal.
However, Jon Heyman is saying that is not true. That’s a relief, considering Alonso’s 2024 numbers were his career-worst—a .788 OPS, 34 homers, and 88 RBIs. Solid, but not $214 million territory.
Alonso’s power is undeniable, but first basemen aren’t the hot commodities they used to be. If his contract demands are realistic, it could pave the way for a quicker resolution. Fans can only hope the Polar Bear finds a home soon.
The MLB offseason might be slow, but the dominoes are poised to fall. When they do, the landscape of the league could shift in a heartbeat.
