Spring training is just around the corner, and teams are making their final moves to get rosters set for the upcoming MLB season.
Camps open soon in Florida and Arizona, which means it’s crunch time for front offices looking to add that one last piece—or, in some cases, a few pieces—to their puzzle.
So, let’s dive into some of the biggest news, rumors, and signings making waves right now.
Blue Jays Eyeing Scherzer
The Toronto Blue Jays appear to be the frontrunners in the race to sign veteran right-hander Max Scherzer, according to MLB.com.
Now, Scherzer, at 40, isn’t exactly the same dominant ace we remember from his Cy Young-winning days, but he still has plenty left in the tank—when healthy.
Last season, he was limited to just nine starts due to injuries, but in those outings, he posted a respectable 3.95 ERA with a 4.00 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
CBS Sports had him ranked as the 12th-best free agent coming into the offseason, expecting him to land a short-term, high-AAV deal. Given his age and injury history, that makes sense.
But let’s be real—if Scherzer is on the mound, he’s still a guy you’d want in your rotation, especially for a team like the Blue Jays, who are looking to keep up in an ultra-competitive AL East.
Toronto has already made some notable moves this offseason, bringing in Anthony Santander, Andrés Giménez, Jeff Hoffman, and Myles Straw. Adding Scherzer to the mix? That could be a game-changer.
Mets and Alonso: Back to the Negotiating Table?
Mets fans, this one’s been a rollercoaster. Over the weekend, team owner Steve Cohen didn’t exactly sound optimistic about re-signing Pete Alonso, calling negotiations “exhausting” and expressing frustration with the contract structures being presented.
Fast forward a few days, and Cohen is reportedly back in discussions with Alonso’s agent, Scott Boras.
So, what’s the deal? Cohen admitted that the Mets had already made a “significant” offer to Alonso, with reports suggesting a three-year, $70 million deal.
That is a slightly better deal than the three-year, $60 million contract Christian Walker got from the Astros. Whether that’s enough to get a deal done remains to be seen.
In the meantime, the Mets have asked young infielders Mark Vientos and Brett Baty to prepare for potential first base duties in spring training.
Is that just a backup plan or a sign that the team is preparing for life without Alonso? That’s the big question.
Mets Bring Back Stanek
While the Alonso saga drags on, the Mets have at least locked in some bullpen help, re-signing reliever Ryne Stanek to a one-year deal worth $4.5 million (with incentives that could push it to $5 million).
Stanek, 33, had a rough go in the regular season last year, posting a 6.06 ERA in just over 16 innings. But in the postseason, he stepped up, allowing just three earned runs over eight innings when it mattered most.
If he can recapture that playoff form, this could be a sneaky good signing for New York’s bullpen.
Tigers Bolster Bullpen with Kahnle
The Tigers have added some veteran stability to their bullpen, signing Tommy Kahnle to a one-year, $7.75 million deal. Kahnle, 35, had a stellar 2023 season with the Yankees, posting a 2.11 ERA across 42 innings.
Detroit isn’t necessarily viewed as a contender just yet, but moves like that one show they’re looking to compete in the AL Central.
Reds Land Rogers in Trade with Giants
Cincinnati has acquired lefty reliever Taylor Rogers from the Giants, with San Francisco covering half of his $12 million salary for 2025.
The cost? Double-A reliever Braxton Roxby, a 25-year-old who, posted a 5.21 ERA last season.
Rogers, 34, had a solid 2.40 ERA with 64 strikeouts in 60 innings last year, but his underlying numbers weren’t exactly dominant.
The fact that the Giants put him on waivers last year, and no MLB team bit on his salary speaks volumes. That said, it’s a low-risk move for the Reds to add a reliable lefty arm to their bullpen.
Final Thoughts on Recent MLB Moves
With spring training right around the corner, expect the rumor mill to keep churning as teams make their final roster adjustments.
Whether it’s Scherzer heading to Toronto, Alonso’s ongoing negotiations, or smaller moves like Stanek, Kahnle, and Rogers finding new homes, every signing could have ripple effects once the regular season begins.
Stay tuned—because the MLB is almost back, and things are about to get interesting.
