Spring training is in full swing, and we’re just weeks away from Opening Day in Major League Baseball. You might need to check your pulse if you’re not excited yet. This MLB offseason has been absolute chaos.
Juan Soto secured the biggest contract in American sports history—an absurd payday that sent shockwaves through the league. And right after that, the floodgates opened.
Big names changed teams, contenders loaded up, and the balance of power in MLB shifted in a major way.
Dodgers Reloaded in a Very Big Way
But let’s be honest—it’s still the Dodgers and then everybody else. Somehow, someway, Los Angeles managed to pull off another heist, landing Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, and Tanner Scott.
How did the rest of the league let this happen? Who knows. But here’s the thing about baseball: it never goes according to plan. That’s the beauty of 162 games.
Unexpected heroes emerge. Superteams stumble. October brings chaos. So, buckle up—this is going to be fun. That said, don’t sleep on the competition. The Mets just added Juan Soto to a lineup that already includes Francisco Lindor.
The Braves are (almost) healthy again. The Phillies swapped out Taijuan Walker for Jesus Luzardo. The Yankees added multiple All-Stars. The Diamondbacks stole Corbin Burnes. So, even with the Dodgers looming over everyone, this season is shaping up to be a thriller.
Mets Unlikely To Pursue Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in Free Agency
At first glance, the Mets seem like an obvious landing spot for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. when he hits free agency.
Steve Cohen has more money than he knows what to do with, and Pete Alonso’s contract includes an opt-out, which could open the door for a major addition at first base.
But hold on—Tim Britton of The Athletic isn’t buying it. The reason? Guerrero’s defense. He’s a great hitter, but his glove work is a problem, and long-term flexibility is a concern.
As Britton put it, Soto has a similar profile but better. He’s a more consistent hitter, plays a position higher on the defensive spectrum, and doesn’t carry the same concerns about how his body will age into his 30s.
Do the Mets Want Another Expensive Bat?
Historically, smart front offices hesitate to throw big money at right-handed first basemen with defensive limitations. Guerrero is an exception, but even exceptions come with risk.
And let’s not forget—Cohen recently stated that the Mets can’t load up on too many long-term contracts. That comment? Directly in response to a question about Guerrero.
The team that just handed out a massive contract to Soto and has other financial commitments on the horizon. Locking in another high-priced bat could limit their flexibility.
Mets fans, you might want to temper those expectations.
Nolan Arenado-to-Astros Trade Talks Losing Momentum
Remember when it looked like Nolan Arenado was heading to Houston?
The Astros re-engaged with the Cardinals after Alex Bregman left for Boston, but according to The Athletic’s Chandler Rome and Katie Woo, Houston’s interest has been greatly exaggerated.
No deal is gaining traction, and Cardinals president John Mozeliak all but confirmed that.
“I don’t feel anything is imminent,” Mozeliak said. “I can’t comment or chase every rumor.” Translation: Don’t hold your breath.
Are the Cardinals Stuck With Arenado?
One source called the chances of Arenado-to-Houston a “long shot.” The 10-time Gold Glove winner hasn’t changed his mind about his no-trade clause, and the current trade framework isn’t even close to being viable.
Bottom line? It’s increasingly unlikely that Arenado moves anywhere—unless the Cardinals are willing to eat much of his remaining salary.
St. Louis seems to be slowly embracing a rebuild, but Arenado’s $52 million remaining over the next three years isn’t an easy contract to move, especially with his declining numbers.
If the Cardinals can’t find a trade partner, they might be stuck holding onto him longer than they’d like.
Shohei Ohtani Staying Quiet About 2026 WBC Plans
Shohei Ohtani and Samurai Japan took down Team USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, a game that baseball fans will never forget. That ninth-inning showdown between Ohtani and Mike Trout? Instant classic.
With the 2026 WBC on the horizon, you’d think Ohtani would be all in for another run with Japan, right? Well, not so fast.
“First of all, I want to focus on the season,” Ohtani told Japanese media outlet Full-Count. “If I can be selected after that, it will be an honor.”
Will the Dodgers Have a Say?
Sounds noncommittal, but let’s be real—if he’s healthy, he’s playing. Dodgers president Andrew Friedman recently met with Japan’s manager, Hirokazu Ibata, but insists they didn’t talk about the WBC or Ohtani’s involvement. Sure. We’ll believe that when we see it.
The Dodgers just made a massive investment in Ohtani, and while they can’t outright prevent him from playing in the WBC, they’ll surely have some influence on the decision.
If Ohtani pitches again, by 2026 the Dodgers might prefer he focuses on staying fresh for the MLB season rather than throwing high-stress innings in international play.
The MLB Season Is Just Getting Started
With all these moving pieces, trade rumors, and contract speculation, one thing is clear—this season is going to be unpredictable.
The Dodgers might look like the clear favorite now, but we’ve seen too many surprises in baseball to assume anything is set in stone.
So, get ready because the MLB drama is only just beginning.
