Major League Baseball offseason rumors continue
The offseason remains slow for Major League Baseball. The holidays are approaching, which means that not much happens around Christmas and the New Year. There remains unfinished business within the league, although, despite this, many are hopeful that this year will be different.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto is a coveted right-hander and the top free-agent starting pitcher on the market this offseason. The clock is ticking for him as the decision-making deadline is January 4. Jon Morosi reports that Yamamoto has at least one offer worth or more, in line with recent expectations for the scale of the contract.
The San Francisco Giants and the Blue Jays are “not expected” to land Yamamoto. The Phillies have made a formal offer to Yamamoto and are still in contention for the pitcher. The Phillies have also re-signed starting pitcher Aaron Nola to a seven-year, $172 million deal.
The Dodgers, Yankees, and Mets are involved in the bidding and widely considered as front-runners, with the Red Sox and Blue Jays also mentioned. If the Dodgers acquired Yamamoto, it would make them significant favorites for the World Series during the next season.
The Seattle Mariners have discussed a trade with the Cleveland Guardians to acquire first baseman Josh Naylor. Naylor may make a quality addition to the Mariners’ 1B/DH combo with Ty France.
The Yankees have signed outfielder Luis González to a minor-league contract. González will serve as organizational depth for the team.