It’s offseason time, baseball fans, and you know what that means: rumors flying, trade talks heating up, big contracts being negotiated, and plenty of drama to keep us constantly refreshing our feeds.
With the Winter Meetings just around the corner, the MLB offseason is bursting with updates that could shape teams and lineups for next season.
Let’s jump into the action and see what’s happening, with big names like Alex Bregman, Cody Bellinger, and Juan Soto stealing the spotlight.
- The Astros offered Alex Bregman $156 million for six years, but he and his agent want over $200 million, which is a big difference to work out.
- The Yankees, Astros, and Mariners are all looking into trading for Cody Bellinger, but his $52.5 million contract could make things difficult.
- Juan Soto might sign a deal worth $750 million, setting a new record in MLB and changing how teams handle big contracts.
Astros Make Big Offer to Alex Bregman
The Astros have offered their star third baseman, Alex Bregman, a six-year deal worth $156 million.
If Bregman accepts, this would be the biggest contract in team history, beating José Altuve’s $151 million deal from 2018.
However, Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras, is reportedly aiming for a deal over $200 million.
And that’s a big gap to close.
Bregman is one of the top free agents this offseason (ranked #3), and his numbers back that up.
For comparison, Matt Chapman signed a six-year, $151 million deal with the Giants earlier this year, and Bregman’s stats are better.
The Astros don’t usually break the bank for players—they’ve let guys like Carlos Correa and George Springer leave in free agency.
Will they make an exception for Bregman? Only time will tell.
Cody Bellinger: Trade Interest Is Growing
The Cubs have been getting calls about Cody Bellinger, and teams like the Yankees, Astros, and Mariners are very interested.
Bellinger chose to stay with the Cubs for 2025 by picking up his $27.5 million player option instead of testing free agency.
That hasn’t stopped teams from showing interest, though.
Last year, Bellinger’s numbers were solid but not spectacular: .266 batting average, 18 home runs, and 78 RBIs in 130 games.
He had a great 2023 season, so teams still see his potential.
And the Cubs already have a crowded outfield and younger players ready to step up, so trading him could make sense if the return is right.
Possible Landing Spots for Bellinger:
- Yankees: They’re interested but might wait to see what happens with Juan Soto first. Bellinger could fit at first base or in the outfield.
- Astros: They need a first baseman after José Abreu’s struggles, and Bellinger could also play center field.
- Mariners: They’re desperate for a reliable bat, and Bellinger’s versatility could help.
However, the main challenge has to be Bellinger’s remaining $52.5 million contract.
Teams may want the Cubs to cover some of his salary or take another contract in return.
Guardians Open to Trading Naylor and Thomas
The Cleveland Guardians are open to offers for Josh Naylor and Lane Thomas, both of whom will become free agents after 2025.
Naylor is expected to make $12 million through arbitration, while Thomas could earn about $8 million.
The Guardians have a replacement for Naylor in Kyle Manzardo, a top prospect ready to step into the first-base role.
On the other hand, Thomas is one of their few solid outfielders, so Cleveland might hesitate to move him unless they get a strong offer.
Thus, trading either player could bring back younger, cheaper talent in the future.
Diamondbacks Taking Calls on Starting Pitchers
The Diamondbacks have six starting pitchers for only five spots, and other teams are very interested.
Jordan Montgomery is the most likely to be traded.
While he had a rough 2024 season with a 6.23 ERA, starting pitching is expensive right now, and teams see potential in him.
Montgomery picked up his $22.5 million player option, which makes him an affordable gamble for teams needing pitching depth.
Arizona also has stars like Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, who will be free agents next year.
While Gallen is unlikely to be traded, Montgomery is a more realistic option for teams looking for an experienced arm.
Yankees Eye Corbin Burnes After Fried Meeting
The Yankees are staying busy this offseason.
After meeting with Max Fried earlier, they’ve had talks with Corbin Burnes, one of the top free-agent pitchers.
While the Yankees’ main focus is on Juan Soto, they’re clearly exploring other options.
Adding a pitcher like Burnes would make their rotation even stronger, and he’s the kind of ace any team would want.
Rays Shopping Jeffrey Springs
The Tampa Bay Rays are open to trading Jeffrey Springs, their left-handed starter who is set to make $10.5 million per year for the next two seasons.
Springs had a solid year, posting a 3.27 ERA in limited starts after returning from Tommy John surgery.
The Rays are known to trade players when their value is high, so Springs could be on the move if the right offer comes.
Teams needing affordable pitching will likely be calling Tampa soon.
Juan Soto: Could He Sign the Biggest Deal Ever?
Here’s the big one—Juan Soto might sign a deal worth up to $750 million over 15 years.
If that happens, it would be the largest contract in MLB history, surpassing Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million deal with the Dodgers.
Soto’s free agency is heating up fast, and teams like the Yankees, Dodgers, Mets, and Red Sox are all in the mix.
As a Yankee last season, Soto hit .288 with 41 home runs, so New York fans hope he stays.
With offers already exceeding $600 million, Soto’s decision could come as early as this week.
Whoever lands him will add a generational talent with a career .285 batting average and .421 on-base percentage.
What’s Coming Next in This Offseason?
The MLB offseason is already full of action, and there’s still much more on the cards.
Alex Bregman’s contract talks with the Astros could change their team for years to come, while Cody Bellinger’s trade rumors might lead to some big moves.
The Guardians, Diamondbacks, and Rays are all open to trading players, so this is a great chance for other teams to add talent.
The biggest question, though, is where Juan Soto will end up.
If he signs a deal worth $750 million, it could set a new record and change how teams think about contracts in the future.
With the Winter Meetings just around the corner, expect more big deals and surprises soon.
Since this is just the start, the next big move could happen any minute.
