The Cubs and Alex Bregman have agreed to a five-year, $175 million deal. Nonetheless, three of the highest 4 free brokers and 7 of the highest 14 stay unsigned, that means there’s loads of work for the Main League Baseball offseason. On condition that we’re staring down the center of January, that is a bit late. Let’s hit up that rumor mill on this positive Sunday, proper?
Yankees, Bellinger at deadlock
Any contract negotiations between the Yankees and All-Star outfielder Cody Bellinger are “at an deadlock,” experiences ESPN. Maybe extra importantly, the Yankees, who had been beforehand of the mindset that Bellinger was attainable, at the moment are reportedly wanting towards 2026 underneath the assumption that they will not have Bellinger.
The Yankees have reportedly provided Bellinger a five-year deal value at the very least $150 million. He’s nonetheless looking for longer phrases.
In 152 video games for the Yankees final season, Bellinger hit .272/.334/.480 (125 OPS+) with 29 homers, 98 RBI and 5.1 WAR.
Purple Sox flip focus to Bichette
By means of a lot of the offseason, we have heard that the highest precedence for the Purple Sox was retaining Bregman. Now that he is signed elsewhere, the highlight shines on the Purple Sox. The Athletic factors out that the five-year deal he took with the Cubs “ffurther highlighted the membership’s aversion to long-term offers for gamers over the age of 30.”
Somebody who’s underneath 30? Bo Bichette. The 27-year-old infielder is “more likely to be their main goal,” within the wake of Bregman signing elsewhere, per The Athletic. Ditto from the Boston Globe, which says, once more, Bichette is more likely to be their main goal.
It is protected to say we’ll see loads of Bichette/Purple Sox rumors within the subsequent few days. They will not be alone, although, as Bregman is off the board and the Diamondbacks are not anticipated to commerce Ketel Marte. There’s now one All Star-caliber infielder obtainable on the free-agent market and it is Bichette.
In 139 regular-season video games final yr, Bichette hit .311/.357/.483 (129 OPS+) with 44 doubles, 18 homers, 94 RBI and three.5 WAR.
Reds signal reliever
The Reds have agreed to phrases with free-agent reliever Pierce Johnson, in line with The Athletic. Johnson, a 34-year-old right-hander, had a 3.05 ERA and 1.20 WHIP with 59 strikeouts in 59 innings final season for the Braves. He’ll probably function one of many setup males for nearer Emilio Pagán.
