In lower than a month, spring coaching camps will open throughout Arizona and Florida. There are nonetheless loads of free brokers ready to signal and commerce candidates ready to maneuver. There will likely be no scarcity of exercise between now and the beginning of camp. Right here now are Thursday’s scorching range happenings.

Dodgers stay fascinated about Kershaw

Even after signing Roki Sasaki and Blake Snell, the Dodgers have curiosity in re-signing Clayton Kershaw, GM Brandon Gomes stated Wednesday (through the Orange County Register). Kershaw had toe and knee surgical procedure in November and isn’t but throwing off a mound. Gomes indicated the Dodgers will look to re-sign him as soon as he is accomplished his rehab and able to pitch in MLB video games.

The Dodgers have enviable rotation depth, although Tyler Glasnow (elbow) and Yoshinobu Yamamoto (shoulder) missed prolonged time with accidents final yr, and Tony Gonsolin, Dustin Could, and Shohei Ohtani didn’t pitch in any respect in 2024 as they rehabbed from elbow surgical procedure. Kershaw is a franchise icon and there is no such factor as an excessive amount of pitching, particularly for a World Collection contender.

Reds pursuing Estévez

The Reds are in talks with righty Carlos Estévez, in accordance with USA Right this moment. The Blue Jays and Cubs have been stated to be within the combine for the free-agent reliever earlier this week. José Leclerc (Athletics), A.J. Minter (Mets), Tanner Scott (Dodgers), and Paul Sewald (Guardians) have all agreed to offers throughout the final week. The reliever market is starting to select up.

Cincinnati already has a fairly good nearer in Alexis Díaz, although there isn’t any such factor as too many good relievers, and the bullpen was a sore spot in 2024. With three wild-card spots per league, you do not have to attempt too onerous to see the Reds making a run at a postseason berth this season. We ranked Estévez because the Thirty fourth-best free agent accessible this winter.

Padres, Twins speaking Vázquez commerce

The Padres and Twins mentioned a commerce involving catcher Christian Vázquez earlier this offseason, reviews The Athletic. A deal shouldn’t be imminent, although the 2 sides are stated to be motivated to proceed talks. It seems the most important hurdle is how a lot cash Minnesota will eat to facilitate the commerce. Vázquez is owed $10 million in 2025, the ultimate yr of his contract.

San Diego misplaced Kyle Higashioka to free company and, at minimal, want a veteran backup for Luis Campusano. Vázquez has misplaced his beginning job with the Twins to Ryan Jeffers, and Minnesota can slot Jair Camargo in because the backup catcher. For them, buying and selling Vázquez can be a pure wage dump. The Padres, nevertheless, are stated to be approaching or up in opposition to their payroll restrict.

Matzek could have showcase Thursday

Free-agent lefty Tyler Matzek, who starred for the Braves within the 2021 postseason, will throw a showcase for groups in California on Thursday, reviews MLB.com. Matzek, 34, returned from Tommy John surgical procedure early final season, then was shut down with elbow irritation in Could and didn’t pitch the remainder of the yr. He is wholesome now and able to present groups he can contribute in 2025. If the showcase goes properly, a minor-league contract with a contender is probably going within the playing cards.