A total of $2.6 billion has been spent during the first 69 days of free agency. With five weeks until spring training, most teams, except for the Los Angeles Dodgers, have significant gaps to fill. While the New York Mets, Dodgers, and Yankees made big headlines by collectively spending $1.45 billion this winter, many teams in the National League West also made substantial free agency investments. Surprisingly, one-third of all teams have spent less than Juan Soto’s $10 million salary in the first six weeks with the Mets.
Six teams have yet to spend a single penny in free agency, including the Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres, and Seattle Mariners. In the NL Central, the Chicago Cubs have spent $43.3 million, which is still more than the combined total spent by the rest of the division. The Cincinnati Reds, Pittsburgh Pirates, Brewers, and Cardinals have either spent minimally or lost key players.
Despite some teams being willing to offer $600 million for Juan Soto, only the Mets successfully acquired him. The Yankees and Dodgers were among the bidders but ended up spending money elsewhere this winter. Many teams appear to be cautious with their spending, possibly waiting for the right opportunity to arise.
As the free-agent market is expected to remain slow this week due to arbitration cases, here are the top 10 questions heading into the final stage of the offseason:
– Where will Pete Alonso sign?
– Will Alonso secure a long-term deal?
– Are teams hesitant to offer extended contracts this winter?
Alonso, the MLB rookie record-holder with 53 home runs, may likely return to the Mets on a shorter deal. Despite interest from other teams, the market seems reluctant to meet his desired long-term contract expectations. Teams have been cautious with long-term deals, with only a few players receiving contracts of five or more years this winter.
Although eight teams have shown interest in Alonso, he remains unsigned amid a competitive first base market. The Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox are among the interested parties, but Alonso’s future remains uncertain as the offseason progresses.
The latest news on Alex Bregman sees him potentially signing with the Mets on a short-term deal with an opt-out. The Houston Astros offered him a six-year, $156 million contract, but talks stalled, leading them to move on. Bregman, a two-time World Series champion, is drawing interest but not at the $200 million price range yet. Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora is keen on signing him, but the team has only spent $52.5 million. The Detroit Tigers, backed by manager A.J. Hinch, are also in the mix, but there’s still a gap in contract talks. The Toronto Blue Jays have shown strong interest, but high tax rates and distance from Bregman’s home in Phoenix could be factors. The Philadelphia Phillies would consider him, but trading third baseman Alec Bohm would be a requirement. The Mets are an intriguing option in the Bregman/Alonso sweepstakes. Japanese pitching star RoÌ„ki Sasaki has the Los Angeles Dodgers as favorites, but the San Diego Padres have emerged as a new choice due to various factors. The Padres, who haven’t made big free agency moves, need Sasaki more than the Dodgers. The Dodgers continue to be active in the market, recently trading Gavin Lux to the Cincinnati Reds for outfield prospect Mike Sirota. Mookie Betts may play shortstop, but plans could change based on performance. The Yankees and Dodgers remain active in business dealings.
After Juan Soto declined their $760 million offer, the Yankees wasted no time in making significant moves. They signed pitcher Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million contract, acquired closer Devin Williams, outfielder Cody Bellinger, and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. Currently, they are on the lookout for a left-handed reliever and an infielder, actively shopping starter Marcus Stroman to free up his $18 million salary. Discussions have taken place with free-agent left-handed reliever Andrew Chafin and infielder Brendan Rodgers.
The American League has weakened compared to the National League this winter, with NL teams outspending AL clubs by almost $900 million. Meanwhile, the Toronto Blue Jays have been generous with their offers but are struggling to attract top talent. Despite offering over $700 million to Juan Soto and at least $250 million for ace Corbin Burnes, they were outbid for Max Fried. They have a standing offer for slugger Anthony Santander and are eyeing Bregman and Alonso. However, the Blue Jays have only spent $15 million in free agency and are urging players to take their money, especially in a crucial season where missing the playoffs would be disastrous.
As the final year approaches before Vladimir Guerrero and Bo Bichette become free agents, tensions are rising. Bichette seems likely to leave, while Guerrero and the Blue Jays are far apart in contract negotiations. If Guerrero doesn’t secure an extension before spring training, he may test free agency and possibly join the Red Sox in 2026. The lack of activity in the reliever market has been surprising, with top names like Tanner Scott, Jeff Hoffman, and Kenley Jansen still unsigned.
Looking ahead, teams like the Atlanta Braves and Seattle Mariners have significant decisions to make. Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos, known for his creative strategies, is expected to make moves despite shedding payroll. The Mariners, with room under the luxury tax threshold and a strong pitching rotation, need to capitalize on their assets. The MLB offseason is far from over, and teams are gearing up for further transactions and trades.
Once again, there are talks about the financial constraints preventing teams from making big moves such as acquiring players like Bregman, Alonso, or Arenado. However, some teams are considering trading players to free up funds for offensive upgrades.
Baltimore Orioles: Known for their young and talented hitters, the Orioles are in need of pitching help after losing Burnes and signing Morton. Acquiring Castillo from the Mariners could be a logical move for them.
Chicago Cubs: The Cubs made a significant trade by getting Kyle Tucker but also offloaded Cody Bellinger to the Yankees to balance the financial books. With more room in their budget, they are expected to make further moves to challenge Milwaukee in the NL Central.
San Diego Padres: Despite not making any trades or free-agent signings, the Padres are exploring options to improve their roster. They are considering trading players like Bogaerts and Cronenworth while also showing interest in high-priced talent. A move is expected soon to address their needs.
San Francisco Giants: The Giants made an early splash by signing Adames but have been relatively quiet since then. With strong competition in their division, they may need to make more moves to stay competitive, including possibly pursuing Alonso.
Overall, the MLB trade market is active with various players available, and teams are looking to make strategic moves to strengthen their rosters for the upcoming season.
Diamondbacks’ Marcus Stroman is set to join the Yankees alongside a strong lineup of relievers including Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, Jordan Romano, Liam Hendriks, Michael Kopech, and Ryan Pressly. The first base will see the likes of Vladimir Guerrero for the Blue Jays, Luis Arraez for the Padres, Josh Naylor for the Diamondbacks, and Rhys Hoskins for the Brewers. Gleyber Torres will hold down second base for the Tigers, while Bo Bichette will take on shortstop duties for the Blue Jays. Eugenio Suarez will man third base for the Diamondbacks, with J.T. Realmuto catching for the Phillies. Marcell Ozuna and Kyle Schwarber will share designated hitter responsibilities for the Braves and Phillies, respectively. The outfield will feature Kyle Tucker for the Cubs and Cody Bellinger, who has opted out, for the Yankees. Stay updated by following Nightengale on Twitter: @Bnightengale. For the latest news and in-depth coverage, download the USA TODAY app for access to award-winning journalism, crosswords, audio stories, the eNewspaper, and more. This article first appeared on USA TODAY and discusses the MLB rumors surrounding Pete Alonso, Alex Bregman, and other major questions in the league.
