Major League Baseball’s (MLB) offseason is warming back up after the holiday lull, and teams are hustling to finalize their rosters.
With pitchers and catchers set to report in about a month, it’s crunch time in the hot stove league. Here’s the latest buzz on Sunday’s notable moves, rumors, and free-agent updates:
Flaherty and Santander Eye Short-Term Deals
Two high-profile free agents, Jack Flaherty and Anthony Santander, are reportedly open to signing shorter contracts with higher annual payouts, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. This shift signals their awareness of lingering market concerns.
Flaherty, ranked as the No. 8 free agent by CBS Sports entering the offseason, is coming off a solid rebound year split between the Tigers and Dodgers.
Yet, his recent volatility—ERA+ figures of 93, 87, and 127 over the past three seasons—may have teams hesitant to offer long-term commitments. A short-term deal could give Flaherty a chance to rebuild trust as a top-tier starter.
Meanwhile, Santander, ranked No. 15 by CBS Sports, faces his own hurdles. While his bat remains his primary asset, his defensive and baserunning skills have drawn skepticism.
Potential suitors may be wary of banking on his offensive prowess, which he held strong into his 30s, which might explain his openness to a shorter pact.
Yankees and Cubs Pursue Brooks Raley
The Yankees and Cubs are reportedly interested in lefty reliever Brooks Raley, who is bouncing back from Tommy John surgery.
Raley’s recent track record—153 ERA+ since 2022—proves his effectiveness when healthy, but his recovery timeline may limit his impact in the season’s first half. Despite the risks, his veteran experience is drawing attention.
Braves Add Garrett Cooper
The Braves, who have been relatively quiet this winter, made a move by signing former All-Star outfielder Garrett Cooper to a minor-league deal.
Cooper, 34, has struggled at the plate since his 2022 All-Star campaign, posting a lackluster .242/.297/.395 line in 573 plate appearances. However, a strong spring performance could earn him a bench spot, providing depth to Atlanta’s roster.
The countdown to spring training has begun, and these late-offseason MLB developments will be crucial as teams fine-tune their lineups for the 2024 season.
