The Houston Astros have agreed to a three-year, $54 million contract with Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai, a top free agent coming off a strong season in Japan, adding depth to their starting rotation amid some injury concerns among current starters.
The Boston Red Sox aim to acquire a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher this offseason through trade or free agency to strengthen their pitching staff for playoff success, with a focus on players who can start high-stakes games and contribute immediately.
Cincinnati Reds' manager Terry Francona and team president Nick Krall have downplayed the possibility of trading young ace Hunter Greene, emphasizing the importance of keeping him due to the difficulty of acquiring such pitching talent and his recent strong performance. Greene, under a favorable contract, is considered a valuable asset, and the Reds have a stable group of young starters that they aim to retain.
The Boston Red Sox are considering acquiring Dylan Cease from the San Diego Padres as part of trade deadline moves, with Cease being a surprising starter being floated in trade talks due to his potential despite a down year and playoff struggles. Cease's strong stuff and upcoming free agency make him an intriguing, cost-effective option for the Red Sox, who are below the luxury tax threshold.
Clarke Schmidt of the New York Yankees is likely to undergo Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for the season and possibly most of the next. The Yankees face the challenge of replacing a key pitcher and are considering internal options like prospect Cam Schlittler or acquiring a veteran starter through trades, with potential targets including Sandy Alcantara and Freddy Peralta, as the trade deadline approaches.
The Baltimore Orioles are in need of an ace pitcher to compete in the AL East, especially after rivals like the Yankees and Red Sox bolstered their rotations. With limited options available, the Orioles are eyeing Dylan Cease, who is reportedly on the trade market as the Padres explore his value before he hits free agency. Cease, a consistent performer with a strong track record, could be a key acquisition for the Orioles if they are serious about contending for the World Series in 2025.
MLB teams, including the Mets, are considering transitioning reliever Clay Holmes into a starting pitcher role. Holmes, who hasn't started since 2018 but was a starter in the minors, is seen as a potential rotation asset due to his diverse pitching arsenal and durability. This interest follows recent successful transitions of relievers to starters, like Seth Lugo and Michael King. The Mets, avoiding high-end rotation markets, might offer Holmes a short-term deal, leveraging his ability to also serve as a reliever if needed.
The Boston Red Sox are in a strong position to make a blockbuster trade for a starting pitcher this offseason, thanks to their impressive pool of young talent, including pre-arbitration players and top prospects like Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer. At the GM Meetings, there's a belief that the Red Sox can trade for nearly any player, though they may choose to retain their promising prospects for future team development.
With injuries affecting fantasy teams, managers are seeking help on the waiver wire for players like Elias Díaz, Tyler Wade, Connor Joe, Nick Martini, Zack Littell, and Ian Hamilton, who have shown promising performances early in the season. These players offer potential value in various positions, making them enticing options for fantasy managers looking to bolster their rosters.
Cubs starting pitcher Justin Steele likely headed to the injured list with a left hamstring injury after leaving his Opening Day start early; the severity of the injury will be determined after an MRI. The team is considering options to fill his spot in the rotation, with Drew Smyly, Hayden Wesneski, and Ben Brown among the potential candidates.
Luis Gil has secured the New York Yankees' fifth starter position for the upcoming season due to an impressive spring performance, standing out even against strong competition. Having not pitched in the majors since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2022, Gil's standout outing against the Phillies demonstrated his potential as a valuable asset for the team, with his first start scheduled for next Monday against the Diamondbacks in Phoenix while the Yankees anticipate being without Gerrit Cole for at least the first two months of the season.
The Chicago White Sox have named left-hander Garrett Crochet as their Opening Day starter, marking his first major league start. Crochet, who has had a winding journey to the rotation, impressed the team during spring training with nine scoreless innings. The decision comes as the White Sox face a rotation shakeup, with recent trades and injuries affecting their starting depth. Crochet's transition to the rotation will be closely watched, as the team navigates his workload and potential impact on future seasons.
Marcus Stroman declined the opportunity to start as the Yankees' Opening Day pitcher, preferring to stick to his current schedule. With Gerrit Cole sidelined due to elbow concerns, the team is now considering other options, including Carlos Rodon, Nestor Cortes, and Clarke Schmidt. Stroman is focused on making a full season of starts, regardless of his position in the rotation, while the Yankees await updates on Cole's condition.
New York Yankees' starting pitcher Gerrit Cole is expected to miss at least one to two months due to additional testing on his right elbow, with initial MRI showing no tear in his UCL but inflammation in his elbow joint. Manager Aaron Boone is awaiting further testing results before solidifying plans for the starting rotation in Cole's absence, with Marcus Stroman emerging as a leading candidate for Opening Day. The team is considering several options to fill Cole's absence, including potential call-ups from the minor leagues.
New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole will undergo an MRI on his pitching elbow due to concerns about his recovery between outings, posing a potential threat to the team's already shaky rotation. Additionally, captain Aaron Judge is dealing with minor injuries, and the team may need to consider acquiring a starting pitcher if Cole faces a long-term injury. Cole's health is crucial for the Yankees as they aim to bounce back from a disappointing 2023 season, and his potential absence could impact the team's performance and future decisions.