Thanksgiving week in MLB rumors is not normally an enormous one, however strikes can occur. In truth, the Crimson Sox acquired Sonny Grey from the Cardinals in a commerce this morning. Perhaps we’ll see one other massive transfer or two. You by no means know.
Within the meantime, let’s spherical up all of the rumors for the day proper right here.
Imai prefers to ‘take down’ Dodgers
Do not count on incoming Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai to hitch the Los Angeles Dodgers now that he is been posted by his NPB staff, the Saitama Seibu Lions, for MLB consideration.
Somewhat, Imai stated throughout an interview with former MLB/NPB pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka that he cherishes the concept of beating the Dodgers and their assortment of Japanese stars — Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki.
“In fact, I would get pleasure from enjoying alongside Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Sasaki,” Imai stated, in response to MLB.com, “however successful towards a staff like that and changing into a world champion can be probably the most worthwhile factor in my life. If something, I would moderately take them down.”
Imai, 27, would in all probability discover it in his coronary heart to alter priorities if the Dodgers made one of the best supply. Nonetheless, it is a enjoyable wrinkle in his free company.
Imai is taken into account one of many higher beginning pitchers in the marketplace after a NPB send-off season that noticed him submit a 1.92 ERA and a 3.96 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 24 outings. CBS Sports activities ranked him because the Twelfth-best participant in the marketplace.
D-backs ‘actively listening’ on All-Star
The Diamondbacks have had points with second baseman Ketel Marte, notably late final season when some teammates had been reportedly annoyed with him for he took a while off after his house was burglarized. Across the similar time, Marte’s title began to pop up in commerce rumors. That is nonetheless apparently the case, because the “Diamondbacks are actively listening,” in response to MLB Community.
Marte, 32, made the All-Star staff for the third time this previous season and received his second Silver Slugger. In 126 video games, he hit .283/.376/.517 (145 OPS+) with 28 doubles, 28 homers, 72 RBI, 87 runs and 4.4 WAR.
He’d match properly on nearly any staff, so long as they may make room at second base. He is locked up by way of 2030 on a comparatively club-friendly deal that’ll pay him $15 million subsequent season.
Crimson Sox, Realmuto connection
Although a brand new catcher hasn’t been stated to be excessive on the Crimson Sox’s record of priorities this offseason, they’ve proven curiosity in free-agent catcher J.T. Realmuto, per The Athletic, which added:
The standard caveats apply. It’s early in free company. Groups are touching base with numerous gamers. One of the best guess with Realmuto is that he’ll nonetheless re-sign with the Philadelphia Phillies, his staff since 2019.
In 134 video games final season, Realmuto hit .257/.315/.384 (91 OPS+) with 12 homers, 52 RBI, 57 runs and a pair of.5 WAR. We cannot possible see him come near returning to the 6.5-WAR season he posted in 2022, however he is nonetheless a high quality backstop, even headed into his age-35 season.
As issues stand, the Crimson Sox catchers are Carlos Narváez and Connor Wong.
Marlins, Stowers far aside on extension talks
The Marlins and All-Star outfielder Kyle Stowers talked extension earlier this offseason, however there was no traction as a result of two sides being very far aside, in response to The Athletic.
In truth, it sounds just like the Marlins had been providing about half of what Stowers’ brokers had been asking. Stowers’ facet was reportedly taking a look at Bryan Reynolds’ extension (eight years and $106.5 million) as a information in asking for round $100 million. The Marlins had been as an alternative wanting on the Cedanne Rafaela deal of eight years and $50 million. By my depend, that is a $50 million distinction
Stowers, 27, had a breakout season in 2025. He hit .288/.368/.544 (149 OPS+) with 25 house runs, 73 RBI and three.6 WAR in 117 video games.
15 groups on Helsley, who might convert to SP
Former Cardinals nearer Ryan Helsley, who upset for the Mets after being traded there final season, has upwards of 15 groups with curiosity in him as he weighs attempting to transform to a beginning pitcher, stories The Athletic. Mike Axisa of CBS Sports activities examined Helsley together with two different attainable reliever conversions this morning.
Helsley, 31, was top-of-the-line closers in baseball in 2024. He was good with the Cardinals earlier than the commerce final season. With the Mets, he posted a 7.20 ERA and 1.80 WHIP in 22 appearances. He is by no means began an MLB sport and has appeared 297 occasions in reduction, pitching to a profession 2.96 ERA with 377 strikeouts in 319 ⅔ innings.
