Michael King re-signed with the San Diego Padres on a three-year, $75 million deal, aiming to recover from an injury-plagued 2025 season and bolster the team's starting rotation, which has faced significant challenges due to injuries and trades.
The Cubs are actively seeking starting pitching help before the trade deadline, exploring options like Zach Eflin from Orioles, Shane Bieber from Guardians, and considering other pitchers from Rays, with various prospects and rental options on their radar due to injuries and team needs.
The Chicago Cubs suffered a frustrating 8-4 loss to the Royals, highlighted by defensive errors and a poor pitching performance from Colin Rea, underscoring their urgent need for starting pitching upgrades before the trade deadline. The team has upcoming games against the White Sox and Brewers, with fans hoping for better results and roster improvements.
The Boston Red Sox are considering acquiring Orioles pitcher Charlie Morton before the July 31 MLB trade deadline to bolster their starting rotation, especially after injuries and recent performance issues, with Morton being a short-term rental due to his free agency after the season.
The MLB offseason is poised for potential activity following productive general manager meetings, with starting pitching expected to be the most dynamic market segment. The collapse of regional sports networks, particularly affecting small-market teams, complicates financial landscapes, but some teams are prepared to spend on top free agents like Juan Soto and Corbin Burnes. The disparity in local TV revenue could influence market dynamics, with stable RSN situations benefiting larger teams.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are considering moving Mookie Betts back to the infield in 2025 and are actively seeking to bolster their starting pitching lineup. They are monitoring Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki, who could be a cost-effective addition if posted for MLB clubs. The Dodgers are also interested in free agents like Blake Snell and have other potential targets, including Corbin Burnes and Max Fried. The team remains in a wait-and-see mode as they evaluate their options for the offseason.
With the season-ending injuries to pitchers Tyler Wells and John Means, the Baltimore Orioles must prioritize acquiring starting pitching before the trade deadline. Despite current depth and promising prospects, the team needs to bolster its rotation to ensure a strong postseason run. General Manager Mike Elias is cautious but acknowledges the necessity of adding a reliable starter.
The Padres' starting pitching struggles continue, with the team often falling behind early in games and relying heavily on relievers. Fernando Tatis Jr. is showing promising power numbers, indicating a potential return to his previous form. Rookie Jackson Merrill emphasizes the importance of winning over personal achievements after hitting his first major league home run. The team's financial constraints made it unlikely for them to retain Juan Soto. Jurickson Profar's leadership and motivational messages have had a positive impact on the team.
The Houston Astros are not actively pursuing starting pitching, despite late efforts to land Blake Snell. General manager Dana Brown stated that they are comfortable with their rotation and hesitant to pay more for similar production. However, with injuries to key pitchers like Justin Verlander and Jose Urquidy, the Astros may need to consider adding another pitcher for coverage. Urquidy's forearm injury is less serious than initially feared, but he is expected to be out of action for a little over a month. As the season approaches, the Astros' starting staff will likely be led by Framber Valdez, Cristian Javier, Hunter Brown, and J.P. France, with Brandon Bielak and Ronel Blanco as potential options for the fifth spot.
The New York Yankees, still in need of starting pitching, missed out on Blake Snell, who signed with the Giants. With ace Gerrit Cole facing significant time off due to injury, the Yankees are exploring trade options and free agency for reinforcements. The team has shown interest in pitchers like Dylan Cease, Jesus Lúzardo, Michael Lorenzen, and Jordan Montgomery, as they seek to bolster their rotation before the start of the season.
Red Sox starting pitcher Lucas Giolito's elbow injury has left the team with a major void in their rotation, raising questions about their pursuit of free agent Jordan Montgomery. With budget constraints limiting their options, the Red Sox are unlikely to pursue Montgomery despite the need for pitching depth. The team's focus seems to be on internal options and exploring the market for additional depth starters, as they prioritize rebuilding over win-now mode for the 2024 season.
The Chicago White Sox are fielding trade offers for pitcher Dylan Cease, but they are holding out for a high asking price of multiple top prospects and additional lower-end talent. Despite interest from several teams, including the Braves and Yankees, no deal has gained traction yet. Cease is seen as a prime rebound candidate with two affordable years of control and is projected for an affordable salary in arbitration. The demand for starting pitching in the MLB exceeds the available supply, and it's expected that Cease will be moved prior to the season.
The St. Louis Cardinals have addressed their needs in the offseason by signing Lance Lynn, Kyle Gibson, and Sonny Gray, as well as adding bullpen depth. However, they still lack a second top-end starter. While the Cardinals have not prioritized adding another starter, the trade market could favor them as teams find their pitching. This article explores four potential trades the Cardinals could make to strengthen their rotation and become true contenders in the National League.
Texas Rangers pitcher Max Scherzer underwent surgery for a herniated disk in his back, delaying his start to the season until at least June or July. Scherzer attempted conservative treatments but ultimately opted for surgery. The 39-year-old ace, who was traded to the Rangers from the Mets last season, has a history of back injuries. The Rangers' Opening Day rotation will now feature Nathan Eovaldi, Jon Gray, Dane Dunning, Andrew Heaney, and Cody Bradford, with Jacob deGrom and Tyler Mahle expected to return from Tommy John surgery around the same time as Scherzer. The team remains open to acquiring additional starting pitching.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are actively pursuing free agent right-handed starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto, with bidding expected to exceed $300 million. The team is also interested in upgrading their bullpen with former Padres closer Josh Hader. Despite recent signings, the Dodgers still need to acquire top starting pitchers to solidify their chances of becoming World Series favorites.