Three weeks into the 2024-25 Major League Baseball (MLB) offseason and the landscape is surprisingly calm given the buzz surrounding several key players and potential moves. Among the most discussed names is Juan Soto, considered one of the offseason's top free agents. Represented by the influential Scott Boras, Soto continues to engage with teams that not only have an eye for talent but also a commitment to winning—a factor that the star outfielder has emphasized in discussions about his future.
The list of suitors for Soto is as extensive as it is impressive. The Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Tampa Bay Rays, and the Kansas City Royals have all expressed varying degrees of interest. With the stakes so high, Soto's decision is expected to make waves, potentially concluded by the upcoming Winter Meetings. The outfielder's next move will undoubtedly impact the strategic direction of whichever team successfully lands him.
Meanwhile, another intriguing storyline surrounds the Baltimore Orioles and their franchise catcher, Adley Rutschman. Having firmly established himself as a cornerstone of the team's aspirations, Rutschman's presence ensures stability behind the plate. However, with James McCann—Rutschman's backup for the past two seasons—entering free agency, Baltimore faces the challenge of finding a reliable secondary option. As Mike Elias noted, "Baltimore of course has a franchise catcher in Adley Rutschman, though they would like a quality backup so they give Rutschman a few more days at DH to cut down on wear and tear."
Elsewhere in the league, the Dodgers are in preliminary extension talks with versatile infielder Tommy Edman, who made an instant impact following his mid-season acquisition. Edman's performance since joining the Dodgers has been notable, batting .237/.294/.417 over 37 games. With Edman set to become a free agent after the 2025 season, these discussions are crucial for retaining a player whose adaptability and skill set provide significant value to the roster.
On the international front, the San Francisco Giants have cast their eyes on Japanese pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano. Sugano, who has consistently showcased his elite pitching prowess with a 1.67 ERA over 156 2/3 innings, previously flirted with an MLB move during the 2020-21 offseason but ultimately remained in Japan. The renewed interest from the Giants underlines their intent to fortify their pitching lineup as they navigate an offseason ripe with possibilities.
In Colorado, the Rockies are making tactical adjustments, highlighted by their recent signing of infielder Kyle Farmer to a one-year, $3.25 million contract. Farmer, coming off a stint with the Minnesota Twins where he posted a batting line of .214/.293/.353, is poised to contribute depth to the Rockies' infield roster. Concurrently, the team surprised many by non-tendering Brendan Rodgers, opening the door to further restructuring and potential acquisitions as the offseason progresses.
As teams across the MLB mobilize for what could become a frantic series of negotiations and signings, the looming decisions of top free agents like Juan Soto and international talents like Tomoyuki Sugano promise to shape the narratives of not just their future teams, but the league as a whole. With the Winter Meetings serving as a focal point for many of these developments, the anticipation builds for a transformative offseason.