AL East

The Boston Red Sox "remain in on" free-agent outfielder Teoscar Hernández, according to MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo.

Cotillo added, however, that the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers are presenting "stiff competition" and that demand for Hernández's services could increase once Juan Soto has settled on a decision.

The Boston Globe's Pete Abraham reported the Dodgers appear to be his preferred choice but that Boston is in the mix:

https://twitter.com/PeteAbe/status/1865831163429830834

The Red Sox are among the five teams chasing Soto but might be losing ground. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported Saturday the Yankees and New York Mets have increased their bids to $700 million-plus.

Boston and the Toronto Blue Jays "are also believed to have placed very competitive bids," per Heyman, though it's unclear whether either is willing to match what the New York teams have put on the table.

In the case of Hernández, he'd be more than just a contingency plan for the Red Sox in the event they miss out on Soto. ESPN's Jeff Passan reported Tyler O'Neill agreed to a three-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles, taking away one of Boston's starting outfielders from 2024.

While Hernández would be a defensive downgrade from O'Neill, his offense would more than make up for that. The 32-year-old hit 33 home runs and had a .272/.339/.501 slash line with the Dodgers last year. For his career, he has slugged .488 with a 121 OPS+, per Baseball Reference.

As one of the better outfielders in free agency, Hernández is in a great position to cash out offseason. He should benefit from however the Soto sweepstakes shake out, too, since the Dodgers and/or Yankees will be a little more desperate to bolster their outfielder if they fail to land the four-time All-Star.

Stockpiling draft capital could potentially prevent the Baltimore Orioles from signing some of the biggest available free agent starting pitchers still available.

The Orioles are "reluctant" to sign Max Fried, Sean Manaea or Nick Pivetta because all three received qualifying offers from their respective teams, Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon reported for The Athletic.

Signing Fried, Manaea or Pivetta would cost the Orioles a compensatory draft pick. Because the Orioles are a revenue-sharing recipient, the club would be required to send over their third-highest selection in the 2025 draft, per MLB rules.

That could mean the loss of a top-40 pick. The Orioles currently hold the No. 19 selection and could receive two more picks in the 30s, per Rosenthal, should Corbin Burnes and Anthony Santander sign elsewhere after receiving qualifying offers from the O's.

Burnes could still return to Baltimore, although Rosenthal and Sammon described the possibility as "remote."

The right-hander could be seeking something close to a six-year, $175 million contract, per MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. A deal in that range would be uncharacteristic for the Orioles, who have yet to sign a free agent to a multi-year contract under Mike Elias' six-year tenure as general manager.

Elias said in October that he was "pretty confident" that the Orioles would complete increasing their payroll in 2025. But as Rosenthal and Sammon noted, the O's could be out-bid for Burnes, especially one of the deep-pocketed suitors for Juan Soto.

Should a Soto bidder like the New York Mets or New York Yankees miss out on signing the star outfielder and turn their attention instead to Burnes, they could offer more money and leave the Orioles with the compensatory draft pick but no ace.

Rosenthal and Sammon reported that the Orioles were previously "highly competitive" to sign Clay Holmes. The O's, like the Mets, wanted to transition the former reliever into a starting role, per Rosenthal and Sammon.

But Holmes inked a three-year, $38 million deal with the Mets instead, and the Orioles will remain in need of a starter should Burnes sign elsewhere.

Baltimore has previously been linked to White Sox staterr Garrett Crochet, per Feinsand. However, trading for Crochet would likely require further depleting a farm system still recovering from losing the top prospects sent to Milwaukee in the Burnes trade last winter.

Before Shane Bieber returned to the Cleveland Guardians in free agency, the Boston Red Sox were reportedly interested in the ace.

According to Robert Murray of FanSided, the Red Sox were "aggressive" and made a "serious push" to bolster their rotation by landing Bieber.

Instead, the 30-year-old stayed with the Guardians on a one-year contract worth $14 million that includes a $16 million player option for the 2026 season (via ESPN's Jeff Passan).

Bieber was off to a strong start in 2024 before he underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery. In two appearances, he struck out 20 batters compared to just one walk and didn't allow an earned run in 12 innings of work.

Through a pair of starts, Shane Bieber leads Major League Baseball in strikeouts with 20.#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/f7ibqNwGOi

— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) April 3, 2024

Since making his debut for Cleveland in 2018, he's developed into one of the best starters in the majors when healthy. Bieber has two All-Star nods to go along with a 2020 Cy Young award victory under his belt, owning a 3.22 ERA and 1.115 WHIP to go along with average of 10.2 strikeouts per nine innings in 134 career starts.

The Red Sox are coming off a 2024 season in which they finished with a record of 81-81, but there's potential for them to improve with a strong farm system and financial flexibility in free agency.

Craig Breslow, Boston's chief baseball officer, previously acknowledged the team's need for starting pitching help.

"We know we need to raise the ceiling of the rotation," Breslow said, per Alex Speier of the Boston Globe. "I think there are a lot of ways to do that, but we're going to be really, really open-minded."

The Red Sox aren't just interested in rotation help, as they're among the teams vying to sign superstar Juan Soto in free agency.

As they attempt to land Soto, they'll continue to search for another starting pitcher after missing out on Bieber.

New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe reflected on the team's 2024 World Series defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"I know we wouldn't have it any other way than we want to go up against the best, and they definitely proved it," Volpe said during an appearance on the Roommates Show (27:40 mark). "Just that motivation going into next year, knowing that we didn't play our best by any means, I think that's what made it so tough. Going to bed, having regrets because you want to go out there and obviously leave it all out there."

"You gotta work and use it to fuel you and to become better from it, because there's really no other alternative," he added.

The 23-year-old also discussed his admiration for legendary Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter.

"Growing up, big reason why I loved the Yankees, loved playing baseball was because of Derek Jeter," Volpe explained.

"All he did, the amount he won, what he did for the city," he said. "To be out there, it's so surreal. You obviously work so hard to help the team win, but you also know what it means to be a Yankee and what it means to be a Yankee shortstop."

Volpe wasn't able to build upon a promising rookie season, hitting just 12 home runs compared to 21 homers in 2023. His .666 OPS in his inaugural year also dipped to .657 in 2024.

Still, Volpe was named a Gold Glove finalist and helped the Yankees win their first American League pennant since the 2009 season. In 14 postseason appearances, he racked up three doubles and six RBIs to go along with a .286 batting average and .815 OPS.

VOLPE!!! GRAND SLAM!!

📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/MQREjawu0B

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 30, 2024

As Volpe prepares for his third season in the majors, he's using New York's loss in the Fall Classic as fuel to help the Yankees return to the postseason and defend their AL East crown.

As star outfielder Juan Soto enters the final stages of picking his new team in free agency, one team is seeking another meeting.

Per The Boston Globe's Alex Speier (h/t Boston.com's Conor Ryan), the Boston Red Sox are hoping to meet with Soto and his agent, Scott Boras, to determine the price of his contract.

"The Mets and owner Steve Cohen loom large," Speier wrote. "The Sox are aware of rumors that Cohen told Boras he would go $50 million beyond any other team's highest offer. Whether accurate or not, the perception of Cohen's willingness to spend to such heights lords over the bidding and how teams approach it.

"For that reason, the Red Sox have expressed interest in an additional meeting in which Boras and Soto would identify a price that would get a deal done. It's unknown if such a meeting has been or will be granted."

According to Speier, the Red Sox are still in the mix to land Soto and have reportedly upped their offer to $600 million.

The push for another meeting comes after reports that New York Mets owner Steve Cohen is willing to offer $50 million more than other teams, according to YES Network's Michael Kay. The Mets met with Soto in November and the meeting "went extremely well," per Jon Heyman of The New York Post.

Along with the Red Sox and Mets, Soto has reportedly met with the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays

Since winning the World Series in 2018, Boston has been to the postseason just one time and has finished at .500 or worse over the past three seasons. Adding a superstar like Soto could change the course of the franchise.

In his first season with the New York Yankees in 2024, Soto hit 41 home runs and 109 RBI with a .288 batting average and a .989 OPS. His efforts helped lead the Yankees to the World Series for the first time since 2009, but they fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Red Sox's offer would be historic, but ultimately might not be enough if Cohen and New York present Soto with a better proposal.

The Toronto Blue Jays are "making a strong push" to sign free-agent slugger Juan Soto, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.

Toronto is one of five teams still chasing Soto along with the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets and New York Yankees. SNY's Andy Martino reported Monday that there's "widespread belief" the Blue Jays will table the highest offer.

Martino wasted no time throwing cold water on the idea of Soto going north of the border, writing in the next sentence of his piece that "there is also widespread skepticism that Soto would go to the Blue Jays."

Rosenthal shared that doubt, pointing to the impending free agencies of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette after the 2025 season and how the franchise's outlook could be much different this time next winter.

The on-field impact of signing Soto is obvious. The 26-year-old is a generational hitter who draws comparisons on Baseball Reference to Bryce Harper, Frank Robinson, Ken Griffey Jr. and Mike Trout through this point in their careers.

Soto is a cornerstone who can anchor an offense for a decade or more.

Winning this sweepstakes would also potentially be a significant boost to the Blue Jays' overall image.

Being a finalist for top stars—Toronto was in the hunt for Shohei Ohtani last offseason—is all well and good. Sooner or later, you need to seal the deal.

The San Francisco Giants have similarly chased a lot of marquee targets and come up short pretty much every time in recent years. Eventually, that becomes part of your identity and the fanbase responds accordingly.

Even if Soto signs and beats a hasty retreat from Toronto after a few seasons, getting him in the first place would be a clear signal. Look at how much the San Diego Padres' image has shifted after they landed Manny Machado in 2019.

Alas, Jays fans are probably staying realistic about Soto and may not want to get burned again after how Ohtani's free agency unfolded.

Hip-hop star Kendrick Lamar will have an interesting stop on his Grand National Tour featuring SZA that was announced on Tuesday.

The Toronto Blue Jays revealed that Lamar's tour will include a visit to the Rogers Centre on June 12:

Kendrick Lamar visits Rogers Centre in June

Tickets go on sale December 6 at 10:00am ET 👇

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) December 3, 2024

Of course, Toronto is home to Lamar's biggest music rival, Drake. The two of them engaged in one of the biggest rap beefs in recent memory over the summer.

Many believe Lamar came out on top in his feud with Drake thanks to his smash-hit record, "Not Like Us," which received five nominations in the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.

Fans on social media couldn't help but troll Drake after it was announced that Lamar would be taking a victory lap through his hometown:

Drake: “I don’t want you to book Kendrick in Toronto”

Rogers Centre: pic.twitter.com/BNXBogd3f7

— Xanthony Davis (@PretttyFlackooo) December 3, 2024

Drake will be at the Toronto show like this pic.twitter.com/Ty4XYsRlGQ

— Charles J. Moore (@charles270) December 3, 2024

drake at the rogers center while kendrick and sza performing pic.twitter.com/utnuGtQeqP

— ethical hater (@DijahSB) December 3, 2024

Drake fans in shambles right now

— BET99 Ontario (@BET99ON) December 3, 2024

Lamar visiting Toronto is another clear indication of the undeniability of his star power. His tour will also include stops at Mercedez-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and SoFi Stadium in his hometown of Los Angeles.

The New York Yankees could compete with at least seven other teams to sign pitcher Tommy Kahnle in free agency, per Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

Eight teams including the Yankees are showing interest in Tommy Kahnle

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 3, 2024

Kahnle, who was originally drafted by the Yankees but made his MLB debut with the Colorado Rockies, returned to New York on a two-year deal ahead of the 2023 season.

He recorded a career-best 2.11 ERA through 50 appearances and 42.2 innings pitched in 2024 before playing a key bullpen role in the Yankees' run to the World Series.

Kahnle was the pitcher of record in an ALDS Game 3 win after pitching 1.1 scoreless innings against the Kansas City Royals.

He later recorded a save in Game 4 of the ALCS when he held the Cleveland Guardians without a run in the ninth inning.

But Kahnle's postseason ended on a sour note. He recorded the Game 5 elimination loss in the World Series after allowing all three Los Angeles Dodgers batters faced on base in the eighth inning.

Kahnle, who turned 35 in August, has previously struggled with injuries and missed time with shoulder inflammation for a second straight season last spring.

His strong regular season and early postseason are still projected to earn him a two-year, $10.7 million deal in free agency by Spotrac.

The New York Post's Dan Martin previously reported that there is "interest from both sides on a potential reunion for Kahnle."

As noted by Martin, should Kahnle receive the multi-year deal projected by Spotrac, it would mark the first time this offseason a reliever has signed for more than one year.

There is also the possibility Kahnle would accept a discount in order to return to New York, as he reportedly did on his last deal. The Athletic's Chris Kirschner reported in January 2023 that Kahnle rejected a more lucrative offer from the Boston Red Sox in order to return to New York.

"I always loved being a Yankee. It just made sense to me to return," Kahnle told Kirschner at the time.

Other Yankees relievers hitting free agency include Tim Hill and Clay Holmes, who the Post's Joel Sherman reported could potentially transition to starter with another team in 2025. Betting on Kahnle's health and his ability to bounce back from the Game 5 loss could allow the Yankees to bolster a bullpen in need of staffing help this offseason should the club win out over other suitors in free agency.

The Boston Red Sox have reportedly fortified their bullpen with a veteran reliever.

According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, closer Aroldis Chapman and the Red Sox agreed to terms on a one-year, $10.75 million contract on Tuesday.

Chris Cotillo of MassLive first reported the Red Sox had "progressed in talks" with Chapman and were "working toward signing him."

Let’s go! pic.twitter.com/MhJ64TN6Lq

— Aroldis Chapman (@AChapman_105) December 3, 2024

Chapman spent the 2024 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates and put together a 5-5 record, 14 saves, a 3.79 ERA and 98 strikeouts in 61.2 innings pitched across 68 appearances.

A 16-year veteran, Chapman has also taken the mound for the Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers. He was a member of World Series-winning teams with the Rangers in 2023 and the Cubs in 2016.

The 36-year-old is likely to have a major role for the Red Sox, as their closer for the past two years Kenley Jansen is currently a free agent. Veteran setup man Chris Martin is also on the open market this winter.

Boston is hoping to improve its roster in a big way this offseason after it missed the playoffs for a third straight year with an 81-81 record in 2024. The Red Sox are expected to be aggressive in chasing some of the top free agents both on the mound and at the plate.

Adding Chapman is a step in the right direction for Boston as it tries to return to glory in 2025.

The New York Yankees have "upgraded their initial bid" to star outfielder Juan Soto, according to The New York Post's Jon Heyman.

Heyman reported the Bronx Bombers "remain almost solely focused on Soto" and don't want to leave anything to chance with the New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays in the hunt.

Heyman added that Soto's price could climb past $600 million and that the four-time All-Star is aiming to get a 15-year pact.

Some of the dominoes are beginning to fall in MLB free agency.

Starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi is headed to the Los Angeles Angels on a three-year deal reportedly worth $63 million. Two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell is signing with the Dodgers for five years and $182 million, per ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Ronald Blum of the Associated Press reported Tuesday that Scott Boras, Soto's agent, requested for any interested teams to have their initial offers made by Thanksgiving. A resolution could arrive around the MLB winter meetings, which get underway Dec. 8.

The Athletic's Brendan Kuty provided some additional context:

(Cont.) … expected to become increasingly more serious, weeding out candidates and seemingly point toward a Winter Meetings-ish decision timeframe.

— Brendan Kuty 🧟‍♂️ (@BrendanKutyNJ) November 26, 2024

The Dodgers' pursuit of Snell could be somewhat instructive of their true desire to land Soto.

"The addition of a pitcher like Snell, then, was practically a necessity," The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal wrote Wednesday. "And while the Dodgers will remain in the mix for free-agent outfielder Juan Soto, if only to jack up the price for the other bidders, signing him was a longshot from the start."

Even if the reigning World Series champions are ultimately out, the Yankees could have stiff competition from within their own city. There's a sense Mets owner Steve Cohen will be prepared to top whatever offer another team puts on the table.

For fans in the Bronx, it's encouraging that the Yankees have already made some movement with Soto's representatives. But that won't count for much if he lands elsewhere.

The franchise's singular focus on the talented slugger could also backfire if it means ceding ground on other top free agents.