MLB Rumors, Trades and Signings
The Orioles might move shortstop Jorge Mateo. The 27-year-old led the AL with 35 steals and played excellent defense at short in 2022. Michael Conforto missed the entire 2022 season recovering from right shoulder surgery. Some teams are interested in signing him, but they are concerned about his ability to throw at full strength.
The D-backs are interested in a reunion with Brandon Drury. Drary played for Arizona for the first three seasons of his big league career. Boston wants to sign Rafael Devers to a long-term contract. Debruss is projected to make $16.9 million next season. Red Sox tried to negotiate a contract extension with Xander Bogaerts, but he left in free agency. The team will probably go beyond reason to secure Deverbs.
Michael Conforto is a free agent. The Astros signed Michael Brantley on a one-year, $12 million deal. Chicago added another bat to its team with a seven-years, $177 million contract with Dansby Swanson. Conmetro has been linked to the Rangers, Mets and Cubs. He has also been mentioned by the Yankees and Mariners.
Max Kepler is attracting interest after Minnesota's reported one-year, $11 million deal with Joey Gallo. Kepler's contract is for $8.5 million in 2023 and has a $10 million club option for 2024.
Manny Machado has five years and $150 million left on his contract after the 2023 season. If he opts out, he would be one of the headliners of 2024 free-agent class. The megadeals landed by the star free agents this offseason could provide a baseline for Machad's contract.
Red Sox lost star shortstop Xander Bogaerts to the Padres in free agency. Rafael Devers is Boston's "No. 1 priority" to sign him to a contract extension.
Rafael Devers, Gleyber Torres and Liam Hendriks are the top trade candidates this offseason. Noah Syndergaard and Michael Wacha are free agents. The Orioles are interested in signing Wachta. Bobby Dalbec, Chris Flexen, Danny Jansen, Pablo López, Bryan Reynolds, Gregory Soto and Daulton Varsho are also potential trade targets. They are all currently on the MLB's trade list. It is also possible to make a deal for Bobby DalBec.
The Braves acquired Sean Murphy from the A's on Monday. MLB.com's Jim Callis reports that the Braves could trade ace pitcher Max Fried this winter. Fried is under team control through 2024. The left-hander has recorded a 2.68 ERA over the past three seasons. He finished as the runner-up for the NL Cy Young Award in 2022. The Mets are listening to offers for starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco.
