Spring training is right around the corner, and MLB teams are putting the final touches on their rosters before camps open up in Florida and Arizona.
This is when front offices make those last-minute tweaks—sometimes big splashes, sometimes depth moves—to get their squads in the best possible shape before the season’s long grind begins. And Monday? Well, Monday did not disappoint.
The Tigers Are Still Eyeing Alex Bregman
If you thought Detroit was done after bringing back Jack Flaherty, think again. ESPN’s Buster Olney reports that the Tigers are still interested in landing third baseman Alex Bregman.
Manager A.J. Hinch knows Bregman well from their Houston days, and Detroit has already added another veteran infielder this offseason in Gleyber Torres.
Bregman is a fascinating case. He’s been one of the most productive third basemen in the league for years, but there are some questions about how his bat will play outside of Houston.
Statcast data suggests that his power numbers might not hold up quite as well in another ballpark, and his walk rate dipped to a career-low 6.9% last year.
Still, the guy knows how to hit, he’s got a great feel for contact, and his defense is solid. Detroit is currently slated to start Jace Jung at third, but if they can land Bregman, that would be a serious upgrade.
Of course, Detroit isn’t the only MLB team interested. The Astros, Red Sox, and Cubs are also reportedly in the mix. Houston just cleared some financial space by trading Ryan Pressly, so don’t count them out.
Yankees Add Carlos Carrasco
This move is a classic Yankees depth signing. New York picked up veteran right-hander Carlos Carrasco on a minor-league deal, per Jack Curry of YES Network.
The 37-year-old had a rough go of it last year with the Guardians, but as recently as 2022, he was still an effective big-league starter. The Yankees are clearly hoping he can find something and provide some rotation depth.
Worst-case scenario? He’s insurance in case injuries hit. Best-case scenario? He turns back the clock and becomes a useful arm in the Bronx.
Rays Trade for Alex Faedo
Tampa Bay did what Tampa Bay does: they found an intriguing arm with potential and made a move. The Rays acquired righty reliever Alex Faedo from the Tigers in exchange for minor-league catcher Enderson Delgado and cash according to ESPN.
Faedo, a former first-round pick, had a solid 113 ERA+ last season. While he mostly worked out of the bullpen, he’s got the kind of slider that could make him an effective piece in Tampa’s pitching lab. Expect the Rays to give him every opportunity to carve out a role.
So, there you have it—some late-offseason moves that could make a difference once the season gets rolling. With spring training just around the corner, expect the MLB hot stove to keep burning for at least a little while longer.
