Football season is officially in the books, so it’s time to turn our attention to the fresh grass, the crack of the bat, and the smell of hot dogs in the air. That’s right, Major League Baseball is almost back in action as the MLB offseason is coming to an end.
Spring training is right around the corner, and with it comes all the speculation, rumors, and last-minute roster moves that make this time of year so much fun.
The first round of pre-spring training power rankings is out, and while there’s still plenty of business to be handled before Opening Day, we’re already getting a glimpse at how teams are shaping up.
Are the Cubs Planning a Big Move?
If you’ve been following the Chicago Cubs’ offseason, you know there’s been a lot of chatter about them making a splash. One name that keeps popping up? Alex Bregman.
The star third baseman is still on the market, and while the Cubs have been linked to him, there’s been no sign that things are heating up.
Jed Hoyer, the team’s president, addressed the situation at his spring training press conference, offering the response (via USA Today):
“Unclear. I think you always look for opportunity, but right now, we’re going to focus on the guys we have in camp. That’s the plan.”
Let’s read between the lines here. Is he ruling out a big move? No. But is he committing to one? Also no. It’s a classic front-office answer that leaves the door open just enough to keep everyone guessing.
If the Cubs don’t land Bregman, they reportedly have a backup plan: Justin Turner. The Athletic reported that the Cubs are interested in the 40-year-old veteran if Bregman signs elsewhere.
Turner isn’t the power-hitting third baseman he once was, but he’s still got a solid bat and has built a reputation as a clutch performer. That said, his days of playing third base every day are likely over.
The Cubs could plug him in a couple of times a week at the hot corner, but this move would be more about adding a veteran bat than solving their third base situation long-term.
Speaking of the future at third base, keep an eye on top prospect Matt Shaw. He’s got the talent to take over, but with only 35 games of Triple-A experience, the Cubs might want to give him a little more seasoning before throwing him into the fire.
Dodgers Bring Back Kiké Hernández
Kiké Hernández is heading back to the Dodgers in a move that should surprise no one. The super-utility man has inked a one-year deal according to The Athletic, marking his ninth season in Dodger blue.
Now, let’s be clear—Hernández isn’t coming in to be an everyday starter. Last MLB season, he posted a .229/.281/.373 slash line with 16 doubles, 12 homers, and 42 RBIs across 126 games. But what makes him valuable is his ability to play just about anywhere on the field.
In 2023, he saw action at every position except catcher and right field. That kind of versatility is exactly why the Dodgers love having him around.
Tanner Scott Named Dodgers’ Closer
The Dodgers have been known to mix things up in the ninth inning over the past few seasons. But it looks like they’ll be settling on one guy—at least for now. According to manager Dave Roberts, Tanner Scott will get most of the save opportunities this MLB season.
Scott was acquired this offseason and had an impressive 2023 campaign, posting a 2.31 ERA with 104 strikeouts in 78 innings. He’s got the stuff to handle the role, but the Dodgers still have plenty of other experienced arms—Kirby Yates, Blake Treinen, Michael Kopech, and Evan Phillips—who could step in if needed.
So, there you have it. The countdown to MLB spring training is officially on, and the rumor mill will only heat up from here. Stay tuned—because if there’s one thing we know about baseball, it’s that nothing is ever set in stone until that first pitch is thrown.
