As the countdown to Major League Baseball (MLB) spring training narrows, baseball fans are on the edge of their seats, and the offseason buzz is reaching its final crescendo.
With pitchers and catchers set to report in just a few weeks, teams are frantically polishing their rosters and strategizing for the 2025 campaign.
Here’s a roundup of Tuesday’s top headlines, trades, and speculations that have the MLB world talking.
Dodgers Eye Roki Sasaki in High-Stakes Recruitment Race
Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki is making waves yet again, with the Dodgers poised to host him for a second meeting—this time in Los Angeles and with teammates potentially involved according to The Athletic.
This marks the final lap of Sasaki’s recruitment tour, which has also seen stops in Toronto and San Diego.
While the Dodgers have home-field advantage with several Team Japan stars on their roster, including Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, it’s unclear how much that camaraderie will sway Sasaki’s decision.
He’s expected to announce his choice sometime between January 15, when the international free-agent signing period begins, and January 23. The baseball world holds its breath, waiting to see where this electric right-hander will land.
Cubs Play It Safe with Alex Bregman
In other offseason news, the Chicago Cubs seem to be tapping the brakes on a long-term deal with Alex Bregman, the former Astros cornerstone.
Reports indicate that while discussions with Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras, have taken place, the Cubs are leaning toward a short-term, flexible deal—reminiscent of Cody Bellinger’s one-year contract with Chicago last season.
Meanwhile, Bregman’s hopes for a $200 million multi-year commitment may have to wait as teams, including the Cubs, navigate an offseason where stars like Nolan Arenado remain in trade discussions.
With top prospect Matt Shaw in Chicago’s pipeline, the Cubs may ultimately choose to stick to their short-term approach, keeping their options open for the future.
Reds Gain Financial Wiggle Room
Good news for the Cincinnati Reds: a new broadcast and streaming deal with FanDuel Sports Network is giving their payroll a modest boost.
GM Nick Krall hinted that this extra cash will allow for more flexibility in both the free-agent and trade markets, though don’t expect any blockbuster contracts just yet.
For now, the Reds seem focused on short-term deals, a cautious move given the murky future of their long-term TV revenue.
With a bit more breathing room, Cincinnati may finally have the financial leeway to tweak its roster and keep its playoff ambitions alive in a highly competitive division.
Yankees Sign Dominic Smith to Minor-League Deal
The Yankees have signed Dominic Smith to a minor-league contract, adding depth to their infield options.
Smith was a former first-round pick and top prospect. However, he has seen his career take a winding path, bouncing between four different teams.
The Yankees, however, are hopeful that Smith can serve as a reliable insurance policy behind newly acquired Paul Goldschmidt, who’s looking to rebound after a tough 2024 season.
Smith will face competition from Ben Rice for a backup role, but for now, the Yankees are stacking their bench with potential Plan B options.
The MLB Offseason is Coming Down to the Wire
The clock is ticking for teams to make their final moves. With teams scrambling to fine-tune their rosters, these final weeks of the offseason promise plenty more drama.
From potential blockbuster signings to shrewd roster tweaks, baseball’s Hot Stove season continues to deliver.
Stay tuned—this is just the beginning of what promises to be a thrilling run-up to spring training.
