The Chicago Cubs bolstered their catching depth Friday, announcing the signing of veteran catcher...

The Chicago Cubs bolstered their catching depth Friday, announcing the signing of veteran catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3911" href="/mlb/players/3911">Carson Kelly</a> to a two-year contract.Kelly's contract is worth $11.5 million in guaranteed money, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/1867719134357897628">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a>. His deal also contains a $7.5-million mutual option for 2027 with a $1.5 million buyout, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/sahadevsharma/status/1867720283920212231">Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic</a>. Kelly also gets a $250,000 bonus if he starts 81 and 91 games in each season of the deal, per Sharma.The 30-year-old hit .238/.313/.374 with nine home runs and 37 RBIs across 91 games last season split between the Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers. He was solid defensively behind the plate, throwing out 21 would-be base-stealers while collecting one catcher framing run and a 48.5% strike rate.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Kelly, who was born in Chicago and raised in Oregon, will likely split time behind the plate with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8927" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8927">Miguel Amaya</a>, the Cubs' primary catcher last season. Amaya and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8187" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8187">Matt Thaiss</a>, who was acquired from the Los Angeles Angels in November, are the only other catchers on the team's 40-man roster. None of them have any minor-league options remaining.A veteran of nine big-league seasons, Kelly is a lifetime .224/.307/.373 hitter with 54 homers and 207 RBIs across 556 big-league contests with four teams.Kelly's signing caps a busy Friday for the Cubs, who <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3158672" href="https://thescore.com/news/3158672">acquired</a> star outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8173" href="/mlb/players/8173">Kyle Tucker</a> from the Houston Astros for three players earlier in the day.

DETROIT, MI - JULY 9: Carson Kelly #15 of the Detroit Tigers bats against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning at Comerica Park on July 9, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan.

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Cubs sign veteran catcher Kelly to 2-year deal reportedly worth $11.5M

Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown maintained that his team has no plans to rebuild despit...

Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown maintained that his team has no plans to rebuild despite <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3158672" href="https://thescore.com/news/3158672">trading</a> star outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8173" href="/mlb/players/8173">Kyle Tucker</a>."The window is definitely still open. ... Make no mistake, we're still going to compete," Brown told reporters Friday after the trade was announced, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/Chandler_Rome/status/1867705045544026513">The Athletic's Chandler Rome</a>.To that end, Brown added that the trade will have no impact on the Astros' quest to retain star third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5367" href="/mlb/players/5367">Alex Bregman</a>, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/matthewkawahara/status/1867703796241248438">Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Tucker has been one of the American League's best all-around outfielders over the last several seasons and until Friday was a staple of the Astros' lineup. The three-time All-Star helped Houston to a pair of pennants as well as the 2022 World Series championship, where he caught the final out.But with Tucker set to hit free agency next winter, Houston made the decision to deal the 27-year-old to the Chicago Cubs for three players, including corner infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9550" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9550">Isaac Paredes</a>.Friday's trade could mark the end of the most prosperous era in franchise history. Over the last decade, the Astros have made nine playoff appearances and won seven division titles, four pennants, and two World Series titles. They won a fourth straight AL West crown in 2024 but were swept out of the wild-card series by the Detroit Tigers in a monumental upset that led to questions about their future direction.Speculation had been growing about Houston potentially trading top starting pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8415" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8415">Framber Valdez</a>. Brown admitted he's received phone calls about the left-hander but dismissed the idea that he's looking to trade Valdez, which would almost certainly signal a rebuild."With Valdez, we are not aggressively trying to move him, but we'll listen," Brown said, per <a href="https://twitter.com/Chandler_Rome/status/1867705705530372281">Rome</a>. "If you ask me do you think we're going to trade Valdez, I don't think we're going to trade Valdez."

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 01: Manager Joe Espada #19 of the Houston Astros talks with Astros General Manager Dana Brown prior to Game 1 of the Wild Card Series presented by T-Mobile 5G Home Internet between the Detroit Tigers and the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 in Houston, Texas.

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Astros GM: 'We're still going to compete' despite Tucker trade

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman acknowledged Friday that he's had contract talks w...

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman acknowledged Friday that he's had contract talks with free-agent third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5367" href="/mlb/players/5367">Alex Bregman</a>."He's been a thorn in our sides for years, along with a lot of other peoples' sides," Cashman said of the longtime Houston Astros star, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/BryanHoch/status/1867689365800935866">Bryan Hoch of MLB.com</a>. "He's now into free agency, and I'm sure he's got a whole boatload of choices. Really good players like him make a lot of money."Cashman did not elaborate on the state of his talks with Bregman's camp or when those discussions may have occurred. Bregman is represented by Scott Boras.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Bregman is the top third-base option available in free agency this offseason after nine years in Houston as a pillar of the Astros' recent run of success. The 30-year-old hit the open market after winning his first Gold Glove in 2024 while also hitting 26 home runs, although his .768 OPS was a new career low.On the field, he'd be a near-perfect fit for the Yankees. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9520" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9520">Jazz Chisholm Jr.</a> is still slated to open next season at the hot corner, but Bregman's presence would allow the team to move Chisholm to his natural position of second base. Bregman would also bring plenty of championship pedigree to a team that hasn't won a championship in 15 years, having won two rings in Houston.Bregman is, of course, no stranger to the Yankees and their fans thanks to their rivalry with Houston over the past decade. His presence on the 2017 World Series champion Astros, who beat the Yankees en route to the title and were later found to have illegally stolen signs, has turned him into something of a villain in the Bronx. All told, Bregman's Astros eliminated New York in the ALCS three times over the past eight seasons.The Yankees face stiff competition for Bregman's services. There's reportedly <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3157668" href="https://thescore.com/news/3157668">mutual interest</a> between the two-time All-Star and the Detroit Tigers, and Houston wants to bring him back. Boras said earlier this winter that Bregman would consider switching positions, which could open up even more suitors.New York has wasted no time building its 2025 roster after losing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a> to the crosstown rival Mets. The club traded for award-winning closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11736" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11736">Devin Williams</a> on Friday and reportedly inked star left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4259" href="/mlb/players/4259">Max Fried</a> to an eight-year, $218-million deal at the winter meetings.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 09, 2024: Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros hits a single during the sixth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on May 09, 2024 in New York, New York.

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Cashman: Yankees have had contract talks with Bregman

The Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees have had discussions about a trade that would send former N...

The Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees have had discussions about a trade that would send former NL MVP <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4899" href="/mlb/players/4899">Cody Bellinger</a> to the Bronx, <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/12/11/sports/yankees-targeting-cubs-cody-bellinger-but-money-issues-remain/">Jon Heyman of the New York Post</a> reports.While there was a bit of progress in talks Wednesday, no deal is imminent, Heyman reports.The main issue appears to be regarding money. Chicago wants the Yankees to assume most of Bellinger's remaining contract, while New York has been asking for the Cubs to include cash in any deal, according to Heyman.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Bellinger chose not to opt out earlier this offseason. He's owed $52.5 million over the final two years of his contract and has another player option next winter.The 29-year-old wasn't able to replicate his comeback 2023 season with the Cubs this past year, hitting .266/.325/.426 with 18 homers and 78 RBIs over 130 games. Chicago reportedly made Bellinger and outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13692" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13692">Seiya Suzuki</a> available this winter and is apparently <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3151207" href="https://thescore.com/news/3151207">trying</a> to move at least one of them.Bellinger could be a good fit for the middle of the Yankees' lineup as a left-handed power bat who could potentially rebound hitting into Yankee Stadium's short porch. He also plays plus defense at center field and first base, two positions where New York is looking for upgrades.In addition to their apparent trade talks with one another, the Yankees and Cubs are said to be <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3156737" href="https://thescore.com/news/3156737">pushing hard</a> to acquire Houston Astros outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8173" href="/mlb/players/8173">Kyle Tucker</a>.

DENVER, COLORADO - SEPTEMBER 15: Cody Bellinger #24 of the Chicago Cubs runs before scoring a run in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on September 15, 2024 in Denver, Colorado.

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Report: Yankees, Cubs have discussed Bellinger trade

The New York Yankees are re-signing right-hander Jonathan Loáisiga to a one-year contract with a ...

The New York Yankees are re-signing right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/9856" href="/wbc/players/9856">Jonathan Loáisiga</a> to a one-year contract with a club option for 2026, a source told <a href="https://twitter.com/jorgecastillo/status/1866999530090049853">ESPN's Jorge Castillo</a>.Financial terms of the agreement are not yet known.Loáisiga made only three appearances for the Yankees last season before undergoing surgery to repair a torn elbow ligament. He's pitched in just 20 games over the past two years because of a variety of elbow issues. Loáisiga's expected to be ready for a return to the mound in late April, according to Castillo.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Once he's healthy, the 30-year-old will add even more depth to the Yankees' bullpen, perhaps in a middle relief role.Loáisiga owns a lifetime 3.44 ERA, 3.59 fielding independent pitching, and 1.23 WHIP along with 207 strikeouts and seven saves across 163 appearances, all with the Yankees. His best season came in 2021, when he put up a 2.17 ERA in 70 2/3 innings as a key member of New York's bullpen.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 15: Jonathan Loaisiga #43 of the New York Yankees pitches during the sixth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on August 15, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Report: Yankees agree to 1-year deal with Loáisiga

The Cleveland Guardians traded infielder Spencer Horwitz to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange fo...

The Cleveland Guardians traded infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13830" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13830">Spencer Horwitz</a> to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15398" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15398">Luis L. Ortiz</a>, and left-handed pitching prospects Josh Hartle and Michael Kennedy, both teams announced.Cleveland had acquired Horwitz from the Toronto Blue Jays in a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3156249" href="https://thescore.com/news/3156249">separate trade earlier Tuesday</a> that sent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8766" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8766">Andrés Giménez</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12325" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12325">Nick Sandlin</a> north of the border.While he's played 39 games at second base in the majors, Horwitz is a first baseman by trade, and he will presumably be the Pirates' everyday first baseman in 2025. The position has been something of a black hole for Pittsburgh in recent years; Pirates first basemen ranked 25th in the major leagues in total production last season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 27-year-old, who debuted in 2023, hit .265/.357/.433 with 12 homers and 40 RBIs across 97 games in 2024 while splitting time between first, second, and DH. All 13 of his big-league homers have come against right-handed pitching; conversely, he's struggled against southpaws, sporting a lifetime .523 OPS in 87 plate appearances versus lefties.Horwitz will find some familiar faces waiting for him in Pittsburgh. New Pirates hitting coach Matt Hague held the same position in Toronto last season, and the two had a close relationship, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/bnicholsonsmith/status/1866692990309372266">Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith</a>. General manager Ben Cherington, meanwhile, was working in the Blue Jays' front office when they drafted Horwitz in 2019."Spencer has been a consistently strong offensive performer throughout his pro career, including his first extended major-league experience this season," Cherington <a href="https://twitter.com/Pirates/status/1866700984732488181">said</a>. "As a left-handed hitting first baseman with on-base skill, we believe he's a strong fit for our lineup and team."Ortiz, who turns 26 next month, began last season in the bullpen but was moved to the rotation down the stretch amid a quiet breakout season. He finished the year with a career-best 3.32 ERA, 4.25 FIP, and 1.11 WHIP with 107 strikeouts and a 2.8 BB/9 rate over 135 2/3 innings. The Dominican Republic native throws five pitches, including a fastball and sinker that average around 95 mph, per <a href="https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/luis-l-ortiz-682847?stats=statcast-r-pitching-mlb">Baseball Savant</a>.In Cleveland, Ortiz should be a candidate to start full time next season. He might also become a key piece for the Guardians over the long haul, as he has another five years of team control remaining, including four seasons of arbitration.Hartle, Pittsburgh's third-round pick out of Wake Forest this past summer, was ranked as the Pirates' No. 16 prospect by <a href="https://www.baseballamerica.com/teams/2016-pittsburgh-pirates/prospects/?season=2024">Baseball America</a> prior to the trade. The 21-year-old put up a 5.79 ERA with 81 strikeouts over 51 starts in his junior year with the Demon Deacons and appeared in only one professional game after the draft.Kennedy, 20, was the Pirates' No. 19 prospect, per BA. The former fourth-round draft pick posted a combined 3.66 ERA and 1.09 WHIP with 95 strikeouts and a 10.2 K/9 rate across 18 appearances (17 starts) between Low-A Bradenton and High-A Greensboro in 2024.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 7: Spencer Horwitz #48 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates after hitting his second solo home run of the game during the fourth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on September 7, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Guardians trade newly acquired Horwitz to Pirates

Alec Bohm's future in Philadelphia has been the subject of much speculation this winter, but Phil...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10702" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10702">Alec Bohm</a>'s future in Philadelphia has been the subject of much speculation this winter, but Phillies manager Rob Thomson insists the team is not looking to trade the third baseman."I know the rumors are flying all over the place. We're not shopping him," Thomson said on <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBNetwork/status/1866605691235860874">MLB Network</a>. "But people are approaching us on him, so you gotta listen."Bohm, the Phillies' primary third baseman for the past five seasons, was a first-time All-Star in 2024. Over 143 games, he hit .280/.332/.448 with 15 homers and 97 RBIs, along with a career-high 3.0 bWAR.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>However, his bat went silent in October, as Bohm went 1-for-13 with a walk during the Phillies' shocking NLDS loss to the New York Mets. Thomson left Bohm on the bench to start Game 2 in an ill-fated attempt to spark his club.That disappointing playoff performance led to reports the Phillies were shopping Bohm in an attempt to shake up their roster. The Kansas City Royals, Chicago White Sox, and Seattle Mariners were among the teams said to have interest in acquiring him.Philadelphia also seems to be inquiring about alternatives at the hot corner. The Phillies <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3156213" href="https://thescore.com/news/3156213">apparently</a> have interest in St. Louis Cardinals star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2381" href="/mlb/players/2381">Nolan Arenado</a> and are one of several teams said to have spoken with the 10-time Gold Glover's agent about facilitating a trade.Still, Thomson gave Bohm a huge vote of confidence Tuesday, highlighting how he feels the 28-year-old has grown as a player during his career."This guy has improved so much, not just physically but mentally over the course of the three or four years he's been in the big leagues. (Infield coach) Bobby Dickerson ... has done an unbelievable job with Alec, getting (him) to be better defensively. Throwing accuracy, glove action. He's a really good hitter. "... He's so good hitting behind (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1688" href="/mlb/players/1688">Bryce Harper</a>), 'cause he's gonna put the ball in play with runners in scoring position. He's not gonna strike out. You can pretty much book an RBI if Alec is at the plate with less than two out and a runner in scoring position."

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 19: Alec Bohm #28 of the Philadelphia Phillies runs to first base after he hit a three-run home run against the Washington Nationals during the eighth inning of a game at Citizens Bank Park on May 19, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Nationals 11-5.

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Thomson: Phillies aren't trying to trade Bohm

Max Fried has found his bag in the Bronx.  The longtime Atlanta Braves ace agreed to an eight-yea...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4259" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4259">Max Fried</a> has found his bag in the Bronx.The longtime Atlanta Braves ace agreed to an eight-year, $218-million contract with the New York Yankees, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/1866615806186209355">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a>.It's the largest contract given to a left-hander in baseball history, topping David Price's $217-million deal with the Red Sox, and the fourth-largest for a pitcher. The Yankees now have two of those top five contracts - Fried and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2913" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2913">Gerrit Cole</a> - in their rotation.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The deal contains no deferred money or opt-outs, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/BNightengale/status/1866617739663552905">Bob Nightengale of USA Today</a>. He also gets a full no-trade clause, <a href="https://twitter.com/Joelsherman1/status/1866624116112998906">Joel Sherman of the New York Post</a> reports.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
Fried’s $27.25M average annual value ranks 37th all-time, just below Tyler Glasnow among pitchers. Yankees presumably extended deal to eight years to lower luxury-tax hit, which is based on AAV.— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/1866618667540124103?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Fried, 30, owns a lifetime 3.07 ERA, 3.29 fielding independent pitching, and 1.16 WHIP with 863 strikeouts in 168 appearances (151 starts) across eight seasons with the Braves. The two-time All-Star also owns three Gold Glove awards, a Silver Slugger from the pre-DH era, and was the NL Cy Young runner-up in 2022. His 2.81 ERA since the start of 2020 is the lowest among pitchers with at least 550 innings over that span, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/SlangsOnSports/status/1866622872682193222">Sarah Langs of MLB.com</a>.The California native also brings plenty of postseason experience to New York after several years at the top of Atlanta's rotation. Fried was the ace of the Braves' 2021 World Series championship club and helped clinch that title with six shutout innings on the road in Game 6.Last year saw Fried rebound from an injury-plagued 2023 campaign to put up a 3.25 ERA and 1.16 WHIP along with 166 strikeouts, two complete games, and one shutout over 174 1/3 innings. He crossed the 165-inning mark for the fourth time since 2019, and went over 170 for the second time in three seasons.Now, he'll immediately form one half of a formidable duo atop New York's rotation alongside former Cy Young winner Cole. His presence lengthens the Yankees' rotation and leaves them with a surplus of capable starters on their active roster.Yankees' projected 2025 rotation<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pitcher</th>
<th>Throws</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Gerrit Cole</td>
<td>RH</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Max Fried</td>
<td>LH</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Carlos Rodón</td>
<td>LH</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Luis Gil</td>
<td>RH</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Marcus Stroman</td>
<td>RH</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>The addition of Fried comes barely 48 hours after the Yankees lost superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a> to the Mets on a $765-million mega-deal.The Boston Red Sox were among the finalists for Fried's services, but their final offer came in well below what he got from the Yankees, a source told <a href="https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2024/12/as-red-sox-lose-out-to-yankees-on-max-fried-team-preps-corbin-burnes-offer.html">MassLive's Chris Cotillo</a>. The Toronto Blue Jays also had interest in Fried, but were not involved in the final round of bidding, <a href="https://twitter.com/bnicholsonsmith/status/1866622751773167631">Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith</a> reports.The Texas Rangers also made a late attempt to sign Fried, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/Joelsherman1/status/1866624688878965049">Sherman</a>.Because Fried declined Atlanta's qualifying offer, the Braves will receive an extra draft pick after the end of the fourth round in the 2025 draft as compensation for his signing with the Yankees.

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 27: Max Fried #54 of Atlanta Braves pitches in the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Truist Park on September 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Report: Yankees agree to 8-year, $218M deal with Fried

The Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Angels are showing interest in free-agent second baseman Gl...

The Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Angels are showing interest in free-agent second baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///wbc/players/4975" href="/wbc/players/4975">Gleyber Torres</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/jonmorosi/status/1866598676648563023">MLB Network's Jon Morosi</a> reports.Torres is a free agent for the first time in his career following a rocky seven-year tenure with the New York Yankees. The 27-year-old was an All-Star in each of his first two seasons but struggled to maintain that consistency in the years that followed.In 2024, Torres hit .257/.330/.378 with 15 homers and 63 RBIs over 154 games as the Yankees' primary second baseman. He also became a bit of a lightning rod for controversy, first when he got into an on-field argument with teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4101" href="/mlb/players/4101">Marcus Stroman</a> and then when he was benched in August for a perceived lack of hustle.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Still, he enjoyed a strong finish to the season, posting a .840 OPS over his final 39 games after being moved to the leadoff spot in mid-August. Torres then made some key contributions to the Yankees' playoff run, hitting .241/.348/.397 with two homers and eight RBIs across 14 postseason games.Torres had a rough year defensively, committing a league-leading 18 errors while tallying minus-11 defensive runs saved and minus-seven outs above average at second base. Based on his struggles at the keystone, it's possible that interested teams might want to try him at another position; Torres does have over 250 games of experience at shortstop but has never played third base in the majors.The Blue Jays are no doubt familiar with Torres, who's faced them many times over his years with the Yankees and owns a lifetime .807 OPS at Rogers Centre. He'd presumably slot in as their everyday second baseman and form a double-play combo with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9615" href="/mlb/players/9615">Bo Bichette</a>. Rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15496" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15496">Will Wagner</a> is currently slated to open the season at second for Toronto, perhaps in a platoon with either <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14134" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14134">Davis Schneider</a> or <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12657" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12657">Leo Jiménez</a>.In Anaheim, Torres would be a clear upgrade at second, and his presence would allow <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8736" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8736">Luis Rengifo</a> to move into a utility role that might suit him better. Torres or Rengifo might also be candidates to play third regularly depending on the status of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2908" href="/mlb/players/2908">Anthony Rendon</a>.

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 23: Gleyber Torres #25 of the New York Yankees rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the second inning during the game between the New York Mets and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 in New York, New York.

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Report: Blue Jays, Angels interested in Gleyber Torres

The Toronto Blue Jays were among the finalists for Juan Soto's services despite tabling an offer ...

The Toronto Blue Jays were among the finalists for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a>'s services despite tabling an offer to the superstar that was below $700 million, sources told <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/how-far-blue-jays-went-in-pursuit-of-juan-soto/">Sportsnet's Shi Davidi and Ben Nicholson-Smith</a>.The exact number of the Blue Jays' final offer is unclear, and some of the numbers being thrown around are quite varied. Buzz at the winter meetings suggested the Blue Jays may have bid as high as $760 million, only $5 million shy of the New York Mets' winning offer, according to <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/12/09/sports/steve-cohen-wasnt-sure-mets-won-juan-soto-sweepstakes-until-he-heard-yes/">Jon Heyman of the New York Post</a>. The Mets were even thought to be behind the Blue Jays in terms of money heading into the weekend, Heyman notes.However, that figure might be inflated. The Blue Jays had permission from ownership to up their offer to Soto, but general manager Ross Atkins and president Mark Shapiro kept to their internal valuations of the four-time All-Star, Davidi and Nicholson-Smith report.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>This marks the second straight year in which the Blue Jays fell short in their quest to land a franchise-altering free-agent superstar. Last winter, the team was among the finalists for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9519" href="/mlb/players/9519">Shohei Ohtani</a> before he opted to sign a $700-million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.Atkins, entering his 10th season as the Blue Jays' GM, offered some insight into the Blue Jays' pursuit of Soto. He said star first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8267" href="/mlb/players/8267">Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</a>, a pending free agent who's friends with Soto, was not involved in the team's pitch, and he saluted ownership for its help during the recruiting process."I think we were just really fortunate to have the support that we had," Atkins said Monday, per Davidi and Nicholson-Smith. "He's a really good player, a really good person on and off the field, so he had a lot of interest. We were grateful to be a part of the process."Soto reportedly signed a professional sports-record 15-year, $765-million contract with the Mets after spending one season across town with the New York Yankees. The Yankees' final offer to Soto was reportedly for 16 years and $760 million.The Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers were the other two finalists for Soto's services. Boston's final bid was for around $700 million over 15 years, <a href="https://twitter.com/Sean_McAdam/status/1865960179847561236">MassLive's Sean McAdam</a> reported Sunday. Details of the Dodgers' offer are not yet known.

TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 17: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Yankees crosses the plate as he hits a solo home run in the eighth inning of their MLB game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on April 17, 2024 in Toronto, Canada.

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Report: Blue Jays' offer to Soto below $700M

Steve Cohen's checkbook won the Juan Soto sweepstakes - much to the surprise of the New York Mets...

Steve Cohen's checkbook won the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a> sweepstakes - much to the surprise of the New York Mets owner himself."I was being logical. When you have <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4773">(Aaron) Judge</a>, it's tough to beat that," Cohen said in his first comments since reportedly <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3129426" href="https://thescore.com/news/3129426">inking</a> the superstar to a professional sports-record 15-year, $765-million contract. "Juan was great. But what they had ... I didn't know how to solve that.""There was a lot of emotion and a lot of ups and down, not knowing where you stood," he added.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Though Cohen was always hoping to recruit Soto to Flushing, he was aware of the incumbent New York Yankees being in pole position during the entirety of the sweepstakes, and he told <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/12/09/sports/steve-cohen-wasnt-sure-mets-won-juan-soto-sweepstakes-until-he-heard-yes/">Jon Heyman of the New York Post</a> that he was convinced Soto was returning to the Yankees until the moment the deal was finalized.Cohen's persistence reportedly helped seal the deal and make Soto a Met. The 68-year-old billionaire, along with his general manager David Stearns, hosted Soto's camp for a secret lunch meeting at Cohen's home in Boca Raton, Florida on Friday. The meeting went well, as Soto established greater trust with the Mets' brass, helping them push ahead of the Yankees and others, people close to the situation told Heyman.Cohen upped his offer to $750 million by Sunday night and then to the winning bid of $765 million. The Mets' contract came in $5 million higher than the Yankees' final bid and likely well ahead of the other finalists.Cohen, meanwhile, pulled out all the stops to ensure Soto would join his club. Perks in his Mets contract include a $75-million signing bonus - he was offered a $100-million bonus at one point, according to Heyman - no deferred money, and a complimentary suite at Citi Field for Soto's family. The Yankees reportedly weren't willing to give Soto a free suite at Yankee Stadium.Soto gave the Yankees a chance to match the Mets' offer, but they declined to do so, according to Heyman.By stealing Soto away from the Yankees, Cohen altered the entire face of New York baseball with one stroke of a pen. But he doesn't feel as though there has to be any animosity between the clubs going forward."The Yankees are the Yankees. I respect that," Cohen said. "This is not about the Yankees versus the Mets. It's about competing for a player. We both can exist in New York. There's plenty of room."

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 06: Owner of the New York Mets Steve Cohen looks on prior to Game 2 of the Division Series presented by Booking.com between the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Sunday, October 6, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Mets' Cohen thought Soto would return to Yankees: 'I was being logical'

St. Louis Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak confirmed Monday that the team...

St. Louis Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak confirmed Monday that the team is working to move star third baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2381" href="/mlb/players/2381">Nolan Arenado</a>."It's my intention to try (and trade him)," Mozeliak said at the winter meetings, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/LWorthySports/status/1866264916081979410">Lynn Worthy of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch</a>.While no trade is imminent, Mozeliak added that he expects the situation could be resolved within the next seven-to-10 days, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/jmjones/status/1866265090346959042">Jeff Jones of the Belleville News Democrat</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Arenado is owed $59 million over the final two seasons of his contract and owns a full no-trade clause. His preference is to be dealt to a contender, and he's believed to have a narrow list of clubs with which he'd approve a deal, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5982613/2024/12/09/cardinals-mlb-nolan-arenado-trade/?source=emp_shared_article">Katie Woo of The Athletic</a> reports. Arenado is also said to be <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3140857" href="https://thescore.com/news/3140857">willing</a> to play first base in the right situation.The New York Yankees, who have a hole at the hot corner, are interested in trading for the eight-time All-Star, a source told Woo. It's not clear if Arenado would approve the Yanks as a destination or how far along St. Louis' talks with New York might be.At least three unknown mid-market clubs have also checked in with the Cardinals, Woo reports. The Cardinals have reached out to around five teams to discuss an Arenado trade, sources told <a href="https://www.stltoday.com/sports/professional/mlb/cardinals/cardinals-seeking-to-trade-nolan-arenado-for-best-interest-of-both-sides-john-mozeliak-says/article_910acdd2-b67b-11ef-8e43-33d72377f446.html">Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch</a>.Mozeliak made it clear that Arenado has not requested a trade this offseason."These decisions are not something we ever take lightly," the executive said, per Woo. "(Arenado) is not demanding a trade. He's not telling me I have to do it, but I think in the best interest of both sides, I'd like to try to find him someplace to land."Mozeliak said there is a possibility that Arenado will remain a Cardinal into spring training but added that "I'm not sure that puts us exactly where we want to be," per Goold.The Cardinals reportedly began gauging interest about a potential Arenado trade last month, in the wake of a disappointing 2024 season. They're hoping to move the 33-year-old in an attempt to trim payroll ahead of a possible rebuild.Arenado was acquired by the Cardinals from the Colorado Rockies before the 2021 season in a complicated deal that included negotiated deferrals that will be paid out through 2041. The 10-time Gold Glove winner made three All-Star teams in his first four years as a Cardinal and finished third in NL MVP voting in 2022.Things started moving south in 2023, when his hold on the Gold Glove at third base was finally snapped. That trend continued into 2024, as Arenado's slash line sunk to a career-worst .272/.325/.394 with only 16 homers in 152 games last year.The Cardinals rebounded from a 91-loss 2023 campaign to go 83-79 and finish second in the NL Central this past season. However, they finished 10 games out of first place and missed the playoffs for a second straight year.

ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 16: Nolan Arenado #28 of the St. Louis Cardinals throws against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium on September 16, 2024 in St Louis, Missouri.

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Cards will 'try' to trade Arenado, Yankees reportedly interested

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman feels his organization went as far as it possibly ...

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman feels his organization went as far as it possibly could to try and retain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a> this winter."We went above and beyond what our comfort level was," Cashman said of negotiations the day after the superstar reportedly signed a record contract with the New York Mets, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/pcaldera/status/1866241826661060974">Pete Caldera of the Bergen Record</a>.The Mets lured Soto to Flushing with a historic 15-year, $765-million contract offer that came together Sunday. The Yankees' final offer topped out at $760 million over 16 years, with a $47.5-million average annual value, <a href="https://twitter.com/JonHeyman/status/1865958845664653692">Jon Heyman of the New York Post</a> reported. The Yanks' AAV ended up being $4.5 million below what Soto will earn annually across town.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Cashman traded five players to the San Diego Padres for Soto last December in hopes that he'd have a head start on negotiating an extension with the four-time All-Star. The 26-year-old proved a natural fit alongside <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a> in the Yankees' lineup and was integral to the club's first pennant in 15 years."It's not a deal we regret. He impacted us in a heavy way," Cashman said, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/BryanHoch/status/1866250934587671012">Bryan Hoch of MLB.com</a>. "I'm just sorry we fell short in the World Series."But to the shock of those in the Bronx, the union ended up being a one-year wonder. Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner met with Soto in July, but Soto decided to not discuss an extension at that time, <a href="http://www.mlb.com/news/yankees-change-plans-after-juan-soto-goes-to-mets">Hoch</a> reports. Soto and Steinbrenner both had hopes of cultivating a deeper relationship, but the owner kept his distance in order to not be a distraction, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5980567/2024/12/09/juan-soto-steve-cohen-mets-free-agent/">The Athletic's Patrick Mooney, Will Sammon, Brendan Kuty, and Ken Rosenthal</a>."I would say Hal went above and beyond to try to find a way to keep Juan Soto in pinstripes," Cashman said, per <a href="https://x.com/ChrisKirschner/status/1866247459795513470">Chris Kirschner of The Athletic</a>.With Soto now gone, the Yankees are moving quickly to pivot. The sudden opening in right field will be filled by Judge, with rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15477" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15477">Jasson Domínguez</a> a front-runner to take over center field, Cashman <a href="http://x.com/BryanHoch/status/1866250039015940482">said</a>. They also have holes in left field and both corner infield spots and could use some more pitching help.Some of those upgrades can still be found in free agency, and Cashman hinted that he'll continue to push for big signings now that Soto's off the board. However, he also cautioned that the Yankees won't be writing any checks just for the sake of it."We're not going to be (spending like) drunken sailors," he said, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/eboland11/status/1866241425681076566">Newsday's Erik Boland</a>.

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 25: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Yankees waves to the fans after the game against the Colorado Rockies at Yankee Stadium on August 25, 2024, in New York, New York.

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Cashman: Yankees went 'beyond' comfort level with Soto offer

The Los Angeles Dodgers have retained a big piece of their bullpen, signing veteran reliever Blak...

The Los Angeles Dodgers have retained a big piece of their bullpen, signing veteran reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3013" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3013">Blake Treinen</a> to a two-year, $22-million contract, a source told <a href="https://x.com/AriA1exander/status/1865963213650612565">Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston</a>.The 36-year-old missed all of 2023 because of a shoulder injury but emerged as a critical weapon for Dodgers manager Dave Roberts after returning in early May. Treinen posted a 1.93 ERA, 2.99 fielding independent pitching, and 0.94 WHIP along with 56 strikeouts and a 10.8 K/9 rate across 46 2/3 innings.He then enjoyed an excellent October, putting up a 2.19 ERA and 0.76 FIP with 18 strikeouts and three saves over nine appearances during the Dodgers' run to the World Series title. Treinen was masterful in the clinching Game 5 at Yankee Stadium, gutting out 2 1/3 scoreless innings to save a tired bullpen and earn the win.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Dodgers' reunion with Treinen comes a few hours after they <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3154560" href="https://thescore.com/news/3154560">reportedly</a> added outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4772">Michael Conforto</a> in free agency. L.A. also signed two-time Cy Young winner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5351" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5351">Blake Snell</a> earlier this offseason.

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 30: Blake Treinen #49 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after pitching during Game 5 of the 2024 World Series presented by Capital One between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 in New York, New York.

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Report: Dodgers re-sign Treinen on 2-year, $22M deal

Juan Soto is crossing town.  The superstar outfielder agreed to a 15-year, $765-million contract ...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a> is crossing town.The superstar outfielder agreed to a 15-year, $765-million contract with the New York Mets, sources told <a href="https://x.com/JonHeyman/status/1865957135760142837">Jon Heyman of the New York Post</a>.Soto's contract is the largest in professional sports history, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/1865957256824750297">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Richest MLB contracts" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-ieYCF" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ieYCF/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="663" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure>The contract contains no deferred money, <a href="https://twitter.com/Feinsand/status/1865957979125596174">Mark Feinsand of MLB.com</a> reports. Soto also gets an opt-out after the 2029 season, per the <a href="https://twitter.com/Joelsherman1/status/1865958409289203996">Post's Joel Sherman</a>. However, the Mets can void that opt-out by raising Soto's annual salary over the final 10 seasons from $51 million to $55 million, a source told <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/1865972699077755312">Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic</a>.It comes with a $75-million signing bonus, <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/1865958148902957479">Rosenthal</a> reports. Soto also has a full no-trade clause, according to <a href="https://x.com/timbhealey/status/1866169257513431054">Newsday's Tim Healey</a>.The 26-year-old is coming off another All-Star campaign, winning a Silver Slugger with the New York Yankees. In his only season with the Yanks, he hit .288/.419/.569 with a career-high 41 home runs to go with 31 doubles and 109 RBIs across 157 games.Soto, acquired from the San Diego Padres last offseason, appeared to begin crafting his Yankees legacy with a postseason run to remember. He hit .327/.469/.633 in 14 games and crushed the ALCS-winning homer in Game 5 against the Cleveland Guardians.Steve Cohen, the richest individual owner in baseball, outbid his crosstown counterpart, Hal Steinbrenner, to lure Soto to Queens. The Yankees' final offer to the four-time All-Star came in at $760 million over 16 years, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/JonHeyman/status/1865958845664653692">Heyman</a>, for an average annual value of $47.5 million compared to the $51 million he'll get from the Mets.The Yankees' last offer didn't contain deferred money, sources told <a href="https://x.com/martinonyc/status/1866168992026808392">Andy Martino of SNY</a>.The Boston Red Sox, one of the other finalists for Soto's services, tapped out after a final offer of around $700 million over 15 years, a source told <a href="https://twitter.com/Sean_McAdam/status/1865960179847561236">MassLive's Sean McAdam</a>. The Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers were also finalists.Soto joins a Mets team looking to build on last year's surprising run to the NLCS. He'll likely bat behind leadoff hitter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2909" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2909">Francisco Lindor</a> to create one of the best one-two punches in baseball. He also gets to call one of his favorite ballparks home, as he's hit .333/.466/.709 with 12 homers in 35 games at Citi Field.The Mets have made the playoffs twice in the past three seasons but haven't won a pennant since 2015 and the World Series since 1986.Soto was signed by the Washington Nationals out of the Dominican Republic in 2015 and reached the majors three years later. He immediately established himself as one of baseball's best hitters and led the Nats to a World Series title as a 20-year-old in 2019.Soto turned down a 15-year, $440-million extension offer from the Nationals in July 2022, a decision that now looks quite prescient. Shortly after declining, Washington traded him to the Padres where he spent a year-and-a-half.Over his seven-year career, Soto is a .285/.421/.532 hitter with 201 home runs and 592 RBIs. The four-time All-Star has won five Silver Sluggers, a batting title, and two on-base percentage titles while never posting an OBP below .400.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Most consecutive seasons with .400+ OBP to start career, AL/NL in live-ball era (1920): Ted Williams: 17 Frank Thomas: 8 Wade Boggs: 8 Juan Soto: 7 *active Ferris Fain: 7— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/SlangsOnSports/status/1865973154637652394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The Yankees, meanwhile, will receive an additional draft pick as compensation after the fourth round in July's draft, according to <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/2024-25-qualifying-offer-candidates-and-decisions">Thomas Harrigan of MLB.com</a>, as Soto declined their qualifying offer in November.

CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 19: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Yankees hits a three-run home run during the tenth inning of Game Five of the American League Championship Series against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on October 19, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Report: Soto inks record 15-year, $765M deal with Mets

The Los Angeles Dodgers bolstered their outfield corps, agreeing to a one-year, $17-million deal ...

The Los Angeles Dodgers bolstered their outfield corps, agreeing to a one-year, $17-million deal with free agent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4772" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4772">Michael Conforto</a>, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/Alden_Gonzalez/status/1865945639474852276">ESPN's Alden González</a>.Conforto, 31, spent the last two seasons with the San Francisco Giants, where he primarily faced right-handed pitching as one half of a left-field platoon. In 130 games last year, he hit .237/.309/.450 with 20 home runs and 66 RBIs.In Los Angeles, he'll likely continue to serve as a platoon bat who can start in either corner outfield spot against righties.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Conforto joins a group of outfielders that also includes <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12600" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12600">James Outman</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9695" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9695">Tommy Edman</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3941" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3941">Chris Taylor</a>. Edman, currently slated to be the Dodgers' center fielder, could be a potential platoon partner for Conforto based on his superior splits against left-handed pitching.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Career splits, OPS: Conforto: .838 vs RHP, .705 vs LHP Edman: .689 vs RHP, .831 vs LHP <a href="https://t.co/0QCJ3TWAh9">https://t.co/0QCJ3TWAh9</a>— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillShaikin/status/1865949499061071927?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Signing Conforto does not take the Dodgers out of the race to re-sign outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4472" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4472">Teoscar Hernández</a>, sources told <a href="https://twitter.com/Feinsand/status/1865952658063839293">Feinsand</a>. Hernández's reported <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3154115" href="https://thescore.com/news/3154115">preference</a> is to remain with the Dodgers, where he was a key member of their World Series-winning club.The Dodgers are hoping that leaving San Francisco will help Conforto rediscover the form that made him an All-Star in 2017. Conforto struggled to hit at Oracle Park while with the Giants, putting up a .632 OPS with three homers in 58 home games last season compared to .852 with 17 homers on the road.Conforto is a lifetime .251/.348/.456 hitter with 167 home runs and 520 RBIs across parts of nine seasons with the Giants and New York Mets.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 29: Michael Conforto #8 of the San Francisco Giants celebrates his single against the St. Louis Cardinals in the second inning at Oracle Park on September 29, 2024 in San Francisco, California.

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Report: Dodgers agree to 1-year, $17M deal with Conforto

The Boston Red Sox are ramping up their search for starting pitching in a big way.  Boston met wi...

The Boston Red Sox are ramping up their search for starting pitching in a big way.Boston met with star free-agent pitchers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9580" href="/mlb/players/9580">Corbin Burnes</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4259" href="/mlb/players/4259">Max Fried</a>, sources told <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/12/08/sports/red-sox-max-fried-corbin-burnes/">Alex Speier of the Boston Globe</a>.Burnes sat down with the Red Sox virtually, according to Speier, who adds it's unclear whether the meeting with Fried was in person or online.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Red Sox have been pushing hard for top-tier starting pitching upgrades this offseason. They were chasing two-time Cy Young winner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5351" href="/mlb/players/5351">Blake Snell</a> before he joined the Los Angeles Dodgers. After missing on Snell, the Sox <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3141595" href="https://thescore.com/news/3141595">reportedly</a> shifted focus to Fried. Boston is also said to be <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3153381" href="https://thescore.com/news/3153381">dangling</a> first baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12885" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12885">Triston Casas</a> in potential trades for pitchers.Burnes finished fifth in AL Cy Young voting this past season after a stellar campaign with the Baltimore Orioles. The 30-year-old's 2.92 ERA was his lowest since his NL Cy Young-winning campaign in 2021. He also topped 190 innings for a third straight year.The right-hander is drawing plenty of interest across the AL East, having already reportedly talked to Boston's division rivals in New York and Toronto.Fried, who will turn 31 next month, put up a 3.25 ERA and 1.16 WHIP with 166 strikeouts, two complete games, and one shutout across 29 starts for the Atlanta Braves in 2024. The southpaw was runner-up in NL Cy Young voting two years ago.Fried is a longtime friend and former high-school teammate of Red Sox starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4272" href="/mlb/players/4272">Lucas Giolito</a>. Earlier this offseason, Giolito said he planned to recruit Fried to Boston, calling him a "great fit" for the club.The Orioles, Blue Jays, and Yankees have also been connected to Fried this winter.Both Burnes and Fried are attached to draft-pick compensation after rejecting qualifying offers from their former teams.

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 20: Corbin Burnes #39 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches during the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Friday, September 20, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Report: Red Sox met with Burnes, Fried

Cooperstown welcomed two new members to its ranks Sunday, as Dick Allen and Dave Parker were elec...

Cooperstown welcomed two new members to its ranks Sunday, as Dick Allen and Dave Parker were elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2025.The pair will be inducted as part of Hall of Fame Weekend on July 27 alongside whomever is elected on the writers' ballot next month.Parker received 14 of 16 votes from the Classic Baseball Era Committee to gain election, while Allen earned 13. Allen, who died in 2020, missed induction by one vote on committee ballots in 2015 and 2022.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Dick Allen’s family reacts to his induction to the Hall of Fame <a href="https://t.co/K6ia70P95F">pic.twitter.com/K6ia70P95F</a>— James Fegan (@JRFegan) <a href="https://twitter.com/JRFegan/status/1865918781035249682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Allen was one of the most feared hitters in baseball during his 15-year career with the Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox, and Oakland Athletics. A lifetime .292/.378/.534 hitter, he led his league in OPS four times, slugging and OPS+ three times, and home runs twice. His individual accolades include the 1964 NL Rookie of the Year with the Phillies and the 1972 AL MVP with the White Sox.The Phillies elected Allen to their Wall of Fame in 1994 and retired his No. 15 in 2020, only a few months before his death.Parker, 73, compiled a .290/.339/.471 slash line with 2,712 hits, 339 home runs, and 1,493 RBIs across 19 seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds, Athletics, Milwaukee Brewers, California Angels, and Toronto Blue Jays. "The Cobra" was considered one of the best players in baseball at his peak, wielding both a dominant bat and powerful arm in right field.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1PH6XJypKno?si=PGtX9luiRBenxsie" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure>Parker was a seven-time All-Star and won three Gold Gloves, three Silver Sluggers, and two batting titles, along with the 1978 NL MVP. He's mostly associated with the Pirates, where he served as an anchor of their great lineups in the late 1970s and was a key figure in their 1979 World Series title. Parker also earned two top-five MVP finishes with his hometown Reds in the 1980s and is a member of both the Pirates' and Reds' Halls of Fame.Later in his career, Parker became a steady veteran DH and won a second ring with the A's in 1989.Parker never received more than 24.5% of the vote in 15 years on the BBWAA ballot. This was his fourth appearance on an Era Committee ballot; he earned seven votes in 2020.Allen and Parker were the only two names on the eight-player ballot who received more than 10 votes from the Classic Baseball committee. Tommy John earned seven votes, while Ken Boyer, John Donaldson, Steve Garvey, Vic Harris, and Luis Tiant each received fewer than five.

CHICAGO, IL - CIRCA 1970's: First baseman Dick Allen of the Chicago White Sox watches the flight of his ball as he follows through on his swing during a mid circa 1970's Major League Baseball game at Comiskey Park in Chicago, Illinois. Allen played for the White Sox from 1972-74.

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Dick Allen, Dave Parker elected to Hall of Fame

The National Baseball Hall of Fame will announce the results of its 2025 Classic Baseball Era Com...

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Walker Buehler ended the New York Yankees' season last month. Now, he might be ready to join them...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8193" href="/mlb/players/8193">Walker Buehler</a> ended the New York Yankees' season last month. Now, he might be ready to join them.The Yankees and Buehler, now a free agent, have some mutual interest in a union this winter, <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBNetwork/status/1860036275266552105">Jon Morosi of MLB Network</a> reported.New York got a close look at Buehler during this year's World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The right-hander shut down the Yankees' lineup, throwing seven shutout innings across two appearances in Los Angeles' five-game victory. He secured the series-clinching win with a flawless ninth inning to close out Game 5 at Yankee Stadium.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Yankees are looking to upgrade their rotation behind ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2913" href="/mlb/players/2913">Gerrit Cole</a> this winter, according to Morosi. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4763" href="/mlb/players/4763">Carlos Rodón</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9586" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9586">Clarke Schmidt</a>, and AL Rookie of the Year <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11752" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11752">Luis Gil</a> are likely penciled in for 2025, leaving one spot potentially open. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4101" href="/mlb/players/4101">Marcus Stroman</a>, the team's big free-agent addition last offseason, didn't pitch in the playoffs after a disappointing 2024 and could be a trade candidate, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9727" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9727">Nestor Cortes</a> battled elbow troubles and finished his year in the bullpen.Buehler's coming off a rough 2024 campaign - he posted a career-worst 5.38 ERA and 1.55 WHIP along with 64 strikeouts in 16 regular-season starts for the Dodgers. It was the two-time All-Star's first action in nearly two years following Tommy John surgery.But the 30-year-old rediscovered his old form in October, turning in three scoreless outings during the Dodgers' run to their second championship in five years. The only six runs he allowed in the playoffs all came during the second inning in Game 3 of the NLDS.Buehler, who isn't tied to draft-pick compensation, has also reportedly drawn interest from the Atlanta Braves and Athletics this winter.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 16: Walker Buehler #21 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after a inning ending strikeout to Francisco Lindor #12 of the New York Mets during the second inning in game three of the National League Championship Series at Citi Field on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024 in New York. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

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