The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal suggests that free-agent first baseman Christian Walker, who is from the eastern part of Pennsylvania, could be an ideal fit for the Pittsburgh Pirates, a team looking for upgrades on offense. However, many other teams will be interested in Walker this offseason, including both New York teams if they lose out on superstar free-agent outfielder Juan Soto. The Pirates expect outfielder Bryan Reynolds to play some first base in 2025, but ideally, the Bucs are looking to add a first baseman and a corner outfielder this offseason. The 33-year-old Walker turned down the Arizona Diamondbacks' $21.50 million qualifying offer, so if Pittsburgh signs him, they'll give up draft compensation. Walker has been a model of power consistency in recent seasons, although an oblique injury hampered him down the stretch in 2024. A move to Pittsburgh wouldn't be ideal for fantasy, but he'll still be a decent target at the position once the elite names come off the board.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds is expected to see time at first base in 2025. While this will likely only be in a part-time role, this is a situation worth monitoring as it could provide Reynolds even more at-bats throughout the season. Rosenthal also noted that given Pittsburgh's offensive struggles last season, they would "ideally" like to add a first baseman and another corner outfielder. Last season, the 29-year-old posted a strong .275/.344/.427 line with 24 home runs and ten stolen bases. Reynolds enjoyed an impressive stretch during June and July when he held a stellar .328/.389/.566 slash line. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor who the Pirates bring in during free agency but should expect Reynolds to continue to serve as a staple in the starting nine in 2025.

According to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score, Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger's trade market is heating up. Levine notes that since the Cubs have a surplus of outfield bats, this could open the door for the Cubs to shop Bellinger at the Winter Meetings. Currently, on their roster, the Cubs have multiple outfielders who are already established at the major league level, such as Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki, and several young outfield prospects, including Pete Crow-Armstrong, Owen Caissie, and Kevin Alcantara. Crow-Armstrong flashed a high upside late last summer as he posted a stellar .314 AVG in August with five doubles, four home runs, and six stolen bases. Bellinger was still very productive last season, holding a solid .266/.325/.426 slash line. However, with their top outfield prospect, Owen Caissie, knocking on the big league door, the Cubs may use this as an opportunity to trade Bellinger to find a player to improve another position on their roster. If Bellinger is moved out of the Northside, Caissie is a name to keep a close eye on during Spring Training as he could be a high-upside pick in late in drafts.

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (ankle) underwent surgery on his right ankle, according to the team. This procedure will remove loose bodies from the ankle area. Freeman was a crucial part of the Dodgers' World Series run as he was named World Series MVP but played through this ankle injury in the process. However, it is a great sign to see that the 35-year-old should be expected to be ready by Spring Training following the surgery. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during the offseason in case he faces a setback during his recovery. While he did see a slight drop in production this past summer, Freeman still posted a solid 282/.378/.476 line with 22 home runs and nine stole bases. Under the hood, he boasted an impressive .287 xBA and .367 xwOBA, which were both well above the average marks. Freeman should still be viewed as a top option at first base heading into the 2025 season.

The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal writes that the Cleveland Guardians are open to trade offers for first baseman Josh Naylor and outfielder Lane Thomas, both of whom are entering their walk years. Naylor is projected to earn $12 million in salary arbitration, while Thomas is at $8.3 million. Cleveland has concerns in their outfield, but they just landed Thomas in a midseason trade in 2024. Naylor, on the other hand, has emerged as one of the team's most valuable position players while also being a leader in the clubhouse. If Naylor were dealt, Kyle Manzardo would be the obvious replacement for Naylor at first base in Cleveland. The small-market organization has already lost left-hander Matthew Boyd to free agency, and right-handers Shane Bieber and Alex Cobb could be next. Naylor had a career year for the Guards in 2024, but his struggles against left-handed pitching remains an issue.

The St. Louis Cardinals are entering a rebuilding stage this offseason, but teams that have talked to the Cardinals have come away with the impression that they will not trade closer Ryan Helsley. "It's something we will always remain open-minded to, but our plan is to have him be part of our organization," president of baseball operations John Mozeliak said. Helsley is entering his age-30 season and is projected to earn $8.5 million in his final year of arbitration eligibility. His value is as high as it will probably ever be after he saved a league-high 49 games in 53 chances in 2024 on his way to winning the award for best closer in the National League. Helsley also had a strong 2.04 ERA in his 66 1/3 frames. The Cardinals are open to trading third baseman Nolan Arenado, but they aren't expected to go for a full teardown. The Cardinals also aren't considering moving Helsley to their starting rotation.

ESPN's Jeff Passan writes that free-agent first baseman Pete Alonso's free-agent market this winter is likely to take more time to develop than free-agent shortstop Willy Adames'. However, there's a scenario where Alonso doesn't want to miss out on the big-spending teams and those same clubs don't want to miss out on an impact bat after Juan Soto decides his destination. Alonso isn't a great fit for the same teams that are in the running for Soto. For instance, the Yankees already have enough power with Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. Buster Olney suggests the best possible outcome for Alonso would be if Soto signs with a team other than the Mets, because Alonso is worth more to the Mets than any other team. Alonso has been durable and is still a premier power bat, but his offensive numbers dipped again in 2024, and he's now 30 years old. Still, the Polar Bear is a safe bet for 30 homers no matter where he goes.

The Toronto Blue Jays reportedly have had an in-person meeting with free-agent right-hander Corbin Burnes. The Blue Jays are also in on free-agent outfielder superstar Juan Soto and are looking to make a big splash in free agency yet again this offseason after another disappointing season that finished without a postseason berth. Burnes, 30, is at the top of the free-agent pitching market and turned down a $21.05 million qualifying offer from the Baltimore Orioles, so any team that signs him will be forced to give up draft picks. In 32 starts in his first and potentially only season in Baltimore, Burnes was outstanding, posting a 2.92 ERA, which was seventh-lowest among qualified starters in 2024. Despite being on the wrong side of 30 and with his strikeout rate dropping slightly, Burnes is going to be paid long term like the fantasy ace that he is.

The Seattle Mariners have at least had preliminary talks about acquiring All-Star third baseman Alec Bohm from the Philadelphia Phillies to fill their vacancy at the hot corner. However, Philadelphia's high asking price for Bohm has given Seattle pause. The Phillies have reportedly asked for one of the team's starters -- either Logan Gilbert or George Kirby -- in a package involving Bohm. Bohm hit .280 with 15 home runs and 97 RBI in the best season of his career in 2024, but he hit just .258 with 11 homers and 67 RBI after the first month of the season. For how much hard contact the 28-year-old right-handed slugger made, fantasy managers would have expected more power, with his playing-time volume and surrounding lineup carrying a lot of his value. While there's nothing to suggest the M's will actually trade for Bohm, a move to Seattle would be a downgrade in lineup and for the ballpark factor.

While the Yankees are still considered one of the four serious contenders to sign Juan Soto, they have been making alternative plans in the event they are unable to bring back the superstar outfielder. New York has been said to be interested in shortstop Willy Adames, but could also be willing to spend big on pitching, having recently conducted meetings with star pitchers Max Fried and Corbin Burnes. Left-hander Fried earned his second All-Star nomination in 2024, pitching to a 3.25 ERA (3.33 FIP) and 1.16 WHIP with a 15.3% K-BB% in 29 starts. Right-hander Burnes, a Cy Young winner in 2021, made his fourth consecutive All-Star appearance in 2024, posting a 2.92 ERA (3.55 FIP) and a 1.10 WHIP with a 17.0% K-BB% in 32 starts. Either one would fortify a strong rotation that already has former Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole, 2x All-Star Carlos Rodon, and 2024 AL Rookie of the Year winner ... [More]

Baltimore Orioles left-hander Trevor Rogers, who as acquired in a trade from the Miami Marlins last year, was sent to Triple-A Norfolk after four mostly ineffective starts with his new club. It was a big fall for Rogers, who had a 3.17 ERA in his final nine starts with the Marlins. He had a 7.11 ERA in his four starts for the O's. Rogers was an All-Star as a rookie in 2021 but admits he was overwhelmed in his move to Baltimore in 2024. The veteran lefty did have a 2.96 ERA with 28 K's and six walks in 24 1/3 innings in his final four starts for Norfolk, though, and he is going to a player performance data-driven center this offseason for further evaluation to try and regain some velocity. Rogers averaged 94.5 mph on his fastball in 2021, but it was down to 91.9 mph in 2024. The 27-year-old is focusing on getting his lower half stronger as he looks to bounce back in 2025 with the O's.

Most teams interested in free-agent right-hander Michael Soroka prefer him as a back-end starting pitcher with front-line potential and not as a reliever despite his better numbers in a relief role with the Chicago White Sox in 2024, according to league sources. The 27-year-old finished as the runner-up for National League Rookie of the Year in 2019 with the Atlanta Braves. But since then, Soroka tore his right Achilles tendon twice and threw only 46 innings from 2020 to 2023. Between the rotation and bullpen in 2024 with the White Sox, he posted a 4.74 ERA in 79 2/3 innings. Soroka had a 6.39 ERA with 24 K's and 24 walks in 43 2/3 innings as a starter but posted a 2.75 ERA with 60 K's and 20 walks in 36 innings of relief. The difference was his heavy reliance on his four-seam fastball as a reliever. If he continues that usage and earns a starting role somewhere, he could be a sleeper to watch in fantasy.

The bidding for free-agent superstar outfielder Juan Soto has reached $600 million, according to two people briefed on the negotiations who were not authorized to speak publicly. Soto's agent, Scott Boras, said on Tuesday that his client has also started the process of eliminating potential teams. The Mets, Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays and Dodgers are reportedly the most serious about Soto, and all the remaining contenders have made offers above $600 million. The MLB winter meetings begin on Sunday in Dallas, and the expectation is that Soto will make his decision by the end of the meetings. The 26-year-old generational talent is expected to sign for at least 12 years, with the present-day value of his new contract almost certainly beating the record Shohei Ohtani set last offseason with a deferred 10-year, $700 million contract. Wherever Soto is playing, he should continue to be an offensive beast.

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho (shoulder) sounds unlikely to be ready for Opening Day in 2025, according to general manager Ross Atkins. "I don't want to limit him, but based on history, that could be unrealistic," said Atkins. Nothing is guaranteed at this time in the offseason, but it sounds like the Blue Jays aren't going to rush the 28-year-old in his recovery from surgery that he had on his right shoulder in late September. We'll have a better idea of his recovery timeline when the calendars flip to 2025, but Varsho's fantasy value will obviously take a hit if he's not ready for Opening Day. The former second-rounder had another below-average offensive season in Toronto in 2024, slashing .214/.293/.407 with a .700 OPS, 18 home run, 58 RBI, 10 steals and 73 runs scored in 136 games. Varsho's declining offensive profile and recovery from shoulder surgery won't make him very attractive in fantasy drafts next year.

Free-agent infielder Nick Maton agreed to a minor-league deal with the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday that includes an invitation to major-league spring training. Maton is a versatile defender and has recorded a .659 OPS in parts of five big-league seasons. The 27-year-old former seventh-round pick by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2017 was hitless with two strikeouts in five at-bats with the Baltimore Orioles in 2024 and slashed .258/.366/.470 with an .836 OPS, 16 home runs, 57 RBI and 44 runs scored in 91 games with High-A Aberdeen and Triple-A Norfolk in the minors. In 184 games at the big-league level since debuting with Philly in 2021, Maton has hit just .205/.303/.357 with 15 homers and 63 RBI in 514 plate appearances. His greatest asset is his infield versatility, and he could see time in the majors for the rebuilding Pale Hose in 2025.

Veteran free-agent outfielder Kevin Pillar (thumb) has changed his mind and is now keeping the door open to playing in 2025. "I've just had some time to reflect...I still enjoy doing it. I'm pretty sure I still want to play," Pillar said. He will be at the upcoming winter meetings in Dallas to look for a new team. The 35-year-old said back in the summer that he was pretty certain that the 2024 campaign would be his last in the big leagues, but he's had a change of heart since the season ended and he's had time to reflect on his career. If Pillar does play next season, he'll likely have to settle for a minor-league deal somewhere as he tries to make the Opening Day roster out of spring training as outfield depth. Having surgery on his left thumb early in the offseason won't help his cause. Pillar hit only .229 with eight homers, 45 RBI and 12 steals for the White Sox and Angels in 2024, but he excelled against left-handed pitching.

Free agent reliever Tommy Kahnle is drawing attention on the open market, with up to eight teams showing interest in adding his services. Kahnle pitched for the Yankees last season, posting a 2.11 ERA (4.01 FIP), 1.15 WHIP, and a 15.1% K-BB% while collecting 16 holds and one save over 42 2/3 IP during the regular season. The 35-year-old even pitched eight-and-two-thirds innings of scoreless ball in the postseason before allowing all three batters he faced in the eighth inning of Game 5 of the World Series to reach base, ultimately going down as the losing pitcher in the series finale. Despite that, the Yankees have been rumored as one of the teams interested in bringing him back. The veteran has a career 3.47 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and a 17.8% K-BB%, but would likely only be relevant for fantasy in leagues that reward holds unless he were to be thrust into a closing role for some reason, although the righty has just eight career saves.

A few teams are asking about free-agent right-hander Clay Holmes moving from the bullpen to the starting rotation in 2025, including the New York Mets, according to a source. Holmes was a starter throughout his minor-league career, but he hasn't started a game since his debut season with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2018. MLB teams are looking more at converting relievers into starters after recent success had by right-handers Seth Lugo, Michael King, Reynaldo Lopez, Jordan Hicks and Zack Littell. Holmes was an All-Star for the second time with the New York Yankees in 2024 as a reliever and has the pitch arsenal to be successful as a starter. In addition, he's been durable, appearing in the eighth-most games in the majors in the last four seasons and another 19 playoff games. Holmes turns 32 in March and led the majors in blown saves (13) this past season.

According to the New York Post's Joel Sherman, the New York Mets have shown interest in signing free-agent right-hander Walker Buehler this offseason after just signing veteran right-hander Frankie Montas for their starting rotation. The Montas signing and the fact they are interested in Buehler signals that the Mets aren't playing at the top of the starting pitching market for big names like Corbin Burnes and Max Fried. Even after struggling to a 5.38 ERA with a weak 18.6% strikeout rate in 75 1/3 innings during the regular season in his return from Tommy John surgery, plenty of pitching-needy teams are in on Buehler this offseason, including the Athletics. The fact that Buehler showed added velocity and looked much better in the Dodgers' World Series run in October is helping his cause. Even if Buehler doesn't rediscover his pre-injury form, he could be a quite attractive value play in fantasy drafts if he lands in the right situation.

SNY's Andy Martino writes that there is a widespread belief among bidders that the Toronto Blue Jays will come in with the highest offer to free-agent superstar outfielder Juan Soto. However, it's no secret that the New York Yankees and New York Mets are "all in" on Soto, according to a league source. There is also widespread skepticism that Soto would choose the Blue Jays, but a source says that if a team is involved in the final bidding, Soto will be willing to play there. In addition to the Blue Jays, Yankees and Mets, the Boston Red Sox have been heavily involved with the generational talent. The expectation is that Soto's market will begin to pick up now that Thanksgiving is in the rearview mirror, and the widespread belief is that he'll choose his next team before the end of the upcoming winter meetings in Texas. Wherever Soto is playing in 2025 and beyond, he'll be a high-end fantasy asset.