All articles tagged with #pitching market
Despite a challenging 2024 season with a 5.38 ERA, Walker Buehler is attracting interest from teams like the Mets, Yankees, and Braves due to his strong pitching potential, past performance, and the current competitive pitching market. Buehler's pitch quality, historical success, and the high demand for pitchers make him a valuable free-agent target this offseason.
The New York Mets' recent signing of Frankie Montas to a two-year, $34 million deal suggests a strategic approach to the pitching market, focusing on short-term contracts with potential upside rather than pursuing top-tier free agents like Corbin Burnes and Max Fried. This pattern aligns with the Mets' inquiries into other pitchers like Walker Buehler, indicating a preference for flexibility and potential value in their rotation-building strategy.
The Chicago White Sox are expected to trade All-Star pitcher Garrett Crochet this winter as they seek to rebuild after a dismal 41-121 season. The team is looking for a package of prospects, ideally centered around a high-ceiling position player, in exchange for Crochet, who has shown dominance as a starter. Teams like the Phillies, Dodgers, and Braves are potential trade partners, with Crochet's value heightened as a cost-effective alternative to expensive free-agent pitchers. The acquiring team is likely to negotiate a contract extension with Crochet, who has two years before free agency.
Despite the injury news regarding Kodai Senga, the New York Mets are not rushing into the high-end pitching market, but may seek to acquire more rotation depth.
The Orioles are seeking pitching help due to injuries to Kyle Bradish and John Means, with Corbin Burnes already acquired; the Padres, Twins, and Pirates are also in the market for starters. The Yankees are discussing starters but not willing to overpay, while the Angels are considering big-name free agents and depth pieces. Gary Sanchez's deal with the Brewers may have hit a snag, and 112 MLB players remain free agents, leading to uncertainty in the market.
The Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly set to sign Cuban pitcher Yariel Rodriguez to a 4-year, $32 million contract, making him the first Cuban-born pitcher in the team's history. The 26-year-old right-hander, who has excelled as a reliever in the NPB, may be seeking a starting role, potentially impacting the team's pitching budget. The signing could also influence the pitching market, with implications for other teams and players.
The Red Sox have reportedly met with Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who is expected to make his free-agent decision in the next few days. The Red Sox, along with other teams like the Yankees, Dodgers, Giants, and Blue Jays, held meetings with Yamamoto in California. While the Mets were initially seen as favorites to sign him, recent reports suggest the Yankees and Dodgers are also in the running. There is a rumor that the Red Sox made an offer of over $300 million to Yamamoto, which could potentially make him the highest-paid pitcher in MLB history. The pursuit of Yamamoto has affected the Red Sox's ability to make offers to other pitchers like Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery.
New York Mets owner Steve Cohen, accompanied by president of baseball operations David Stearns, flew to Japan to meet with Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who is the Mets' top free-agent target this offseason. The 25-year-old pitcher's price tag could exceed $250 million, with estimates suggesting he could bank $300 million. Yamamoto has won the Japanese equivalent of the Cy Young award for the last three seasons. The Mets are willing to wait for an answer from Yamamoto, and their offseason strategy heavily revolves around signing him.