Major League Baseball is back, and it feels so good. The Tokyo Series is about to get underway, Opening Day is within reach, and the MLB hot stove never really stops burning. This offseason was absolutely chaotic.
Juan Soto landed a monster deal in Queens, aces shuffled teams like a game of high-stakes poker, and front offices barely had a chance to catch their breath before the next move dropped.
Just because the offseason is technically over doesn’t mean the rumors are. With rosters getting finalized and injuries starting to shake up rotations, the action is not over yet.
Red Sox Rotation in Shambles After Giolito’s Injury
Lucas Giolito debuted on the mound for the Boston Red Sox in spring training against the Phillies, and it could not have gone much worse.
One inning, two walks, two runs, and then a hamstring injury. Not exactly the triumphant start Boston was hoping for. Now he’s scheduled for an MRI according to Alex Cora. Given his recent elbow surgery, this is the last thing he or the Sox needed.
Giolito isn’t the only problem. Kutter Crawford and Brayan Bello are already expected to start the season on the IL, meaning the Red Sox might have to turn to young arms like Quinn Priester and Richard Fitts earlier than planned.
Sure, they added Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler this offseason. But with this many injuries piling up before Opening Day, it’s hard not to feel nervous if you’re a Boston fan. Craig Breslow’s first season in charge of the front office is off to a rocky start.
Travis Jankowski Jumps to the White Sox
Outfielder Travis Jankowski is on the move to the other side of Chicago. After being left off the Cubs’ Tokyo Series roster, he’s packing up and heading to the White Sox on a minor league deal.
Given the White Sox’s desperate need for depth—especially after Andrew Benintendi broke his hand—this is a smart, low-risk signing.
Jankowski is coming off a rough 2024 campaign, hitting just .200 with a .508 OPS, but he’s only two years removed from playing a key role on a World Series team in Texas.
The White Sox, who had a historically awful season last year, is in full-on “why not?” mode and Jankowski at least brings experience and speed to the mix.
Yankees Unlikely to Trade for Dylan Cease
With Gerrit Cole sidelined for the season after Tommy John surgery, the immediate thought was that New York would aggressively pursue a high-end replacement.
The obvious candidate is Padres ace Dylan Cease, a flamethrower who finished fourth in NL Cy Young voting last year.
But according to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, a Cease-to-New York deal isn’t happening. The Yankees are reportedly hesitant to take on more payroll, and Brian Cashman’s comments since Cole’s injury suggest they aren’t in a hurry to make a big move.
New York just signed Max Fried to a long-term deal, so the Yankees will likely ride out the season with their current rotation and hope for the best. Regardless, losing Cole is a massive blow. If they have problems early on in the season, expect these rumors to heat up again.
Final Thoughts on Latest MLB Rumors
Whether it’s Boston scrambling to patch together a rotation, the White Sox taking low-cost fliers, or the Yankees playing conservatively, there’s no shortage of drama as we head toward Opening Day. With many teams already dealing with injuries, this is going to be an interesting 2025 season.
