The MLB offseason rumor mill is in full swing, and this past Thursday’s arbitration deadline adds another layer of intrigue.
Teams and arbitration-eligible players were scrambling to file salary figures, here’s the latest buzz:
Red Sox, Crochet Discussing Extension
The Red Sox are reportedly in talks with Garrett Crochet about a multi-year extension.
According to MassLive.com, negotiations are still in the early stages, with no deal imminent. Crochet, acquired to bolster Boston’s rotation, has two years of team control left.
Crochet could agree to a one-year deal for 2025 and revisit long-term discussions later. Comparisons are already being made to Pablo López’s four-year, $73.5 million extension with the Twins, signed at a similar career point.
At 25, Crochet posted a solid debut as a starter in 2024, racking up 209 strikeouts with a 3.58 ERA for a struggling White Sox team.
Arenado Reconsidering No-Trade Clause?
Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado, the offseason’s top trade target, may be softening his stance on his no-trade clause.
Per MLB.com, Arenado is more “open-minded” about waiving the clause, with the Royals rumored to have inquired earlier. However, Kansas City reportedly walked away, doubtful Arenado would approve a trade.
The Cardinals already had a deal in place to send Arenado to Houston, but he vetoed it. The Astros then pivoted to Christian Walker. St. Louis may face limited options for trading Arenado as spring approaches, though his departure seems likely.
Pirates Experimenting with Ferguson
The Pirates signed Caleb Ferguson to a one-year, $3 million deal and plan to test him as a starter in spring training.
Although primarily a reliever, Ferguson last worked as a true starter in 2018. Pittsburgh will see if he can crack a rotation led by Paul Skenes, Jared Jones, and Mitch Keller.
Ferguson’s 2024 season included a 4.64 ERA over 54 â…“ innings for the Yankees and Astros. If the experiment fails, sliding him back into the bullpen remains an easy fallback.
Yankees Fielding Offers for Cabrera
Utility player Oswaldo Cabrera is drawing interest from multiple teams, reports The Athletic.
Cabrera, who turns 26 soon, has demonstrated versatility by playing every position except catcher. While a stronger hitter from the left side, Cabrera even tried hitting lefty-on-lefty last season.
Cabrera’s trade value is high, and four years of team control are left. If moved, Oswald Peraza, who’s out of minor league options, could step in as the Yankees’ backup infielder.
Blue Jays Eyeing Big Names
The Blue Jays are still pursuing top-tier free agents like Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman despite a quiet offseason, according to Sportsnet.
However, they’ve struggled to land big names, with recent targets like Corbin Burnes and Juan Soto slipping away.
Toronto’s most notable moves have been acquiring Yimi GarcÃa and Andrés Giménez after a disappointing 74-88 season. Adding a marquee player could inject much-needed excitement into their lineup.
Pirates Considering Grichuk
Free agent Randal Grichuk is on the Pirates’ radar as a potential platoon partner in right field. Grichuk, 33, excelled against lefties last season, slashing .319/.386/.528 with the Diamondbacks.
Paired with lefty Joshua Palacios, Grichuk could provide a veteran presence alongside Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz in the outfield.
As the deadline looms and rumors swirl, one thing’s clear: the MLB hot stove is burning bright. Stay tuned as deals continue to unfold.
