MLB Rumors: A Juan Soto Free-Agency Sweepstakes Update, Plus the Orioles Hunt for Starting Pitching
With the MLB winter meetings just around the corner, rumors surrounding free-agent superstar Juan Soto are intensifying. Despite being the Sunday after Thanksgiving—a typically slow day for sports news—there are significant updates regarding where Soto may land and the Baltimore Orioles’ plans for boosting their pitching rotation.
Two Leaders for Juan Soto?
During this offseason, speculation has been rife regarding Soto’s potential new team. Initially, many believed that Soto would end up in New York, with either the Yankees or the Mets being the likeliest destinations. However, recent reports suggest that the leaders in the race for Soto’s signature are actually the Mets and the Boston Red Sox. According to Randy Miller of NJ.com, the Yankees may be looking to cap their bid around $550 million, while the Mets and Red Sox are prepared to extend offers reaching approximately $600 million.
It has also been mentioned that Soto was impressed with the Red Sox organization. The team reportedly plans to attract Soto by promising additional key signings to enhance their playoff prospects. Last season, the Red Sox ended with an 81-81 record, missing a playoff spot by just five games. Soto, with his impressive stats of a .288/.419/.569 slash line, 41 home runs, and 128 runs, could be the game-changer the Red Sox need.
Other Teams Eyeing Juan Soto
The Dodgers, Blue Jays, and Yankees have also shown interest in securing Soto. His high value and impact as a player make him a coveted asset among these top-tier teams, each looking to bolster their rosters for the upcoming season.
Orioles Eyeing Starting Pitching
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Orioles are making headlines as well. They’ve shown significant interest in strengthening their pitching rotation, especially following the Dodgers’ signing of Blake Snell. Reports indicate that the Orioles were indeed vying for Snell before his commitment to Los Angeles. Undeterred, the Orioles are exploring other high-value pitching options.
Potential Targets for Orioles
- Corbin Burnes: The 2021 NL Cy Young winner is high on Baltimore’s list, and reports suggest that a return to the Orioles is very much a possibility. Burnes had a stellar 2024 season, posting a 2.92 ERA with 181 strikeouts in 194 1/3 innings.
- Nathan Eovaldi: Another feasible option for the Orioles is Eovaldi, who is notably more cost-effective. With a track record of postseason performance and good stats last year—12-8 with a 3.80 ERA—Eovaldi represents a steady, experienced addition to any starting rotation.
Latest MLB Stories
Aside from Soto and the Orioles, there are plenty of other significant stories emerging from the MLB as teams prepare for the winter meetings:
Blake Snell Joins the Dodgers
The Dodgers have added star pitcher Blake Snell to their roster with a lucrative $182 million deal over five years. This signing strengthens their rotation, although it also introduces high-risk dynamics to their bullpen.
Red Sox Secure Tommy Edman
The Red Sox have made a strategic move by locking in NLCS MVP Tommy Edman on a five-year contract worth $74 million. Edman’s consistent performance is expected to enhance the team’s competitive edge significantly.
Giants Eyeing Corbin Burnes
Following the missed opportunity to acquire Snell, the San Francisco Giants are now reportedly keen on signing Corbin Burnes. This move demonstrates their resolve to strengthen their pitching lineup for more robust competition next season.
Adding to the swirling rumors, the Blue Jays are looking beyond Juan Soto and are now showing interest in acquiring names like Alex Bregman and Max Fried to bolster their roster further. Each of these strategic maneuvers points to an exciting offseason of speculation and negotiation.
As the MLB offseason reaches a climactic point with teams looking to make impactful improvements, these rumors about Juan Soto’s potential destinations and the Orioles’ pitching aspirations are sure to spark further discussions among fans and analysts alike. Whether or not these whispers translate into official deals, the anticipation for the winter meetings and the ensuing decisions coincide with the spirit of the competitive hot stove season.
Source: https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mlb-rumors-a-juan-soto-free-agency-sweepstakes-update-plus-the-orioles-hunt-for-starting-pitching/