The MLB offseason is heating up, with free agency and blockbuster trades keeping fans on edge. Last week’s winter meetings in Dallas delivered plenty of headlines, from major trades to free-agent signings and intriguing international prospects. Here’s a rundown of the biggest moves and ongoing storylines this offseason.
Nolan Arenado Rejects Astros Trade
One of the offseason’s major trade targets, Nolan Arenado, has reportedly exercised his no-trade clause, declining a move to the Houston Astros, according to MLB.com.
The St. Louis Cardinals were willing to send $15–20 million to Houston to help offset Arenado’s remaining $64 million salary (with the Colorado Rockies covering $10 million of the $74 million total). However, Arenado’s approval was required to finalize the deal.
While a no-trade clause rejection doesn’t always mean a deal is off the table, the Astros appear pessimistic about reviving the talks. Houston may also feel comfortable sticking with Isaac Paredes, acquired in the Kyle Tucker trade with the Chicago Cubs, as their starting third baseman.
Yankees Pivot After Losing Juan Soto
Losing Juan Soto to their cross-town rivals, the New York Mets, was a major blow for the Yankees, but the Bronx Bombers are wasting no time reshaping their roster.
Biggest Moves So Far:
Max Fried Signing:
The Yankees bolstered their rotation by signing Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million deal. Fried joins a formidable rotation that already includes Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Luis Gil, and Clarke Schmidt.
Devin Williams Trade:
To replace departed closer Clay Holmes, the Yankees traded Nestor Cortes Jr. and infield prospect Caleb Durbin to the Milwaukee Brewers for elite reliever Devin Williams.
Cody Bellinger Acquisition:
In need of a Soto replacement, the Yankees traded for former MVP Cody Bellinger. While Bellinger has faced injuries and swing issues, his strong season with the Cubs in 2023 suggests a bounce-back is possible.
Blockbuster Trades Around the League
The offseason has seen no shortage of high-profile trades:
Chicago Cubs Land Kyle Tucker:
The Cubs made a splash by acquiring Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros. In return, Houston received infielder Isaac Paredes, pitcher Hayden Wesneski, and top prospect Cam Smith.
Red Sox Acquire Garrett Crochet:
The Boston Red Sox strengthened their rotation by trading for left-hander Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox. Boston sent a package of minor-league talent, headlined by catcher Kyle Teel and outfielder Braden Montgomery, in return.
Blue Jays Add Andrés Giménez:
The Toronto Blue Jays traded for second baseman Andrés Giménez and pitcher Nick Sandlin from the Cleveland Guardians to bolster their infield and bullpen.
Eyes on Roki Sasaki
One of the most intriguing offseason developments is the posting of Roki Sasaki, the 23-year-old Japanese right-hander. Sasaki was posted Dec. 9, giving MLB teams a 45-day window—ending Jan. 23—to sign him.
Sasaki is one of the most highly touted international prospects in years, with his 102-mph fastball and dazzling pitching arsenal making him a coveted prize. Teams will have to wait until the international amateur signing period opens Jan. 15 to finalize any deals.
The offseason is far from over, with plenty of big names and blockbuster deals still in play. From Arenado’s decision to the pursuit of Roki Sasaki, the winter of 2025 is shaping up to be one of MLB’s most memorable.
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