MLB Rumors: Cubs Considering Justin Turner Contract If Alex Bregman Signs Elsewhere
Feb 10, 2025
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 28: Justin Turner #2 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates his walk-off fielder's choice during the tenth inning against the Oakland Athletics at T-Mobile Park on September 28, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
The Chicago Cubs are considering signing free agent Justin Turner as a backup option if Alex Bregman signs elsewhere, according to The Athletic's Patrick Mooney and Ken Rosenthal.
Bregman, the free agent out of Houston, has been drawing interest from several teams, as he has yet to sign despite the start of spring training.
This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis.
Brewers Reveal Jersey Patch to Honor Bob Uecker During 2025 MLB Season
Feb 10, 2025
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JULY 28: Bob Uecker being introduced during the Ryan Braun Walk of Fame ceremony before the game against the Miami Marlins at American Family Field on July 28, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
The Milwaukee Brewers will honor legendary broadcaster Bob Uecker during the 2025 season with a tribute patch.
Major League Baseball shared a look at the patch on Monday:
The Brewers have unveiled a Bob Uecker tribute patch that they will wear for the full 2025 season 💙💛
Uecker died last month at the age of 90 after a legendary broadcasting career. He became unanimous with the Brewers as he continued his career, and now the team will keep his memory alive in the season after his passing with the recognition on the jersey sleeve.
"Ueck was the light of the Brewers, the soundtrack of our summers, the laughter in our hearts, and his passing is a profound loss," the team said in a statement after his death. "He was the heart and soul of Wisconsin and a dear friend. Bob loved people; his presence warmed every room and he had a way of welcoming all of us into his world as if we were lifelong friends.
"Saying goodbye to Bob shakes us all. He was so much more than a Milwaukee Brewers icon. He was a national treasure. Bob entertained us with his words and storytelling, so it is no surprise that his passing now leaves us at a loss for our own words."
Uecker started as the Brewers' radio play-by-play man in 1971 after a playing career that included the 1964 World Series title with the St. Louis Cardinals. He also played for the Milwaukee Braves, Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves as a catcher.
While his playing career went for six seasons from 1962 to 1967, he was best known for his career in broadcasting. That time in broadcasting even landed him opportunities as a humorous announcer in the Major League film franchise and on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.
But it was with the Brewers that he created his legacy.
The Baseball Hall of Fame recognized him with the Ford C. Frick Award in 2003, forever cementing his place in the sport's history. That came after he was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2001.
The Brewers start their regular season with a March 27 road game against the New York Yankees. Their home opener is March 31 against the Kansas City Royals.
Paul Skenes, Livvy Dunne Take Photo with 1-of-1 MLB Rookie Card Before Auction
Feb 9, 2025
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 28, 2024: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates throws a pitch during the second inning against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park on August 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes finally reunited with his MLB Debut Patch card.
Skenes and his girlfriend, LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne, posed with the 1-of-1 card that features his autograph as well as a patch worn by the 22-year-old during his MLB debut in 2024.
Paul Skenes reunited with his MLB Debut Patch at last night’s Super Bowl party, where the 1/1 card was on display ahead of its upcoming auction. Livvy had never seen the card in-person before, so she also needed a solo photo with the piece of history 😆 pic.twitter.com/xsNnxw1Cz7
Topps announced on Jan. 21 that the card had been pulled by an 11-year-old collector from Los Angeles.
The company later revealed that the collector declined offers from the Pirates and Dunne, choosing to auction it off instead.
Pittsburgh made several large offers before the card was pulled including two Pirates season tickets behind home plate for 30 years, the chance to play in a softball game at PNC Park and a meet and greet with Skenes.
An 11-year-old collector just pulled the Paul Skenes 1/1 Debut Patch card!
Dunne also extended her own offer in an Instagram story, explaining that whoever pulls the card would have the option to sit with her in a suite at a Pirates game.
Let's raise the stakes...the person who finds the card can sit with me at a Pirates game in my suite https://t.co/WZTk5SxHW5
After the offers were declined, Fanatics announced that the card would be available during the company's March Premier auction and proceeds will be directly donated to Los Angeles wildfire relief funds.
The card should fetch a hefty price after it received a a perfect grade of 10 by the PSA. Larry Holder of The Athletic reported that there's an "expectation" the card could be sold for "up to $1 million."
Skenes, the 2024 National League Rookie of the Year, turned heads throughout his inaugural season. In 23 starts, he finished with an 11-3 record to go along with a 1.96 ERA and 0.947 WHIP.
Both Skenes and Dunne took the opportunity to see the card in person before it's auctioned.
MLB News: Ryan Brasier Reportedly Traded to Cubs After Dodgers DFA
Feb 5, 2025
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 30: Ryan Brasier #57 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches during the third inning of Game Five of the 2024 World Series against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on October 30, 2024 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Ryan Brasier is reportedly on the move after being designated for assignment last week by the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Per ESPN's Jeff Passan, Los Angeles traded the right-handed reliever to the Chicago Cubs. Brasier spent two seasons with the Dodgers.
The 37-year-old was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in 2007 but didn't make his MLB debut until 2013. He appeared in just seven games that season before what would be an extended absence from the majors.
He spent several years in the minors before deciding to take his talents to Japan for a season in 2017. He found his way back to the majors in 2018, and he has been a solid reliever ever since.
He was with the Boston Red Sox from 2018 to 2023, winning a World Series with the team in his first season. He appeared in nine postseason games during their 2018 World Series run, recording a 1.04 ERA and notching seven strikeouts across 8.2 innings.
The Red Sox traded Brasier to the Dodgers halfway through the 2023 season, and he thrived with his new team. In the second half of the season, he made 39 appearances and posted a 0.70 ERA.
Last season, he made 29 appearances and recorded a 3.54 ERA and 0.96 WHIP. In the postseason, he appeared in eight games and started two for the Dodgers, collecting a 5.00 ERA across nine innings.
Though the Dodgers didn't have room for Brasier in their bullpen, he should be able to play a big role for the Cubs in the middle innings.
Pete Alonso Rumors: Reds 'May Consider' Contract in MLB FA amid Mets, Blue Jays Buzz
Jan 31, 2025
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 08: Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the second inning of Game 3 of the Division Series presented by Booking.com between the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Mets at Citi Field on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 in New York, New York. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
The Cincinnati Reds "may consider" pursuing slugger Pete Alonso in free agency, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
Heyman noted that the Reds could allow Alonso to re-establish his value on a contract that would contain "early opt-outs."
SNY's Andy Martino reported Tuesday that the Toronto Blue Jays have also been "confirmed to have had talks" with the first baseman, while Heyman revealed that New York Mets owner Steve Cohen has been in contact with Alonso's camp.
The Los Angeles Angels and San Francisco Giants are also among the teams to "check in" on Alonso, per Heyman.
Despite rumors surrounding a reunion with the Mets, Cohen didn't appear to be optimistic regarding a return when discussing negotiations with fans at New York's fanfest event on Saturday.
"I don't like the structures that are being presented back to us," Cohen said. "I think it's highly asymmetric against us. I feel strongly about it. I will never say 'no,' there's always a possibility, but the reality is we're moving forward and we continue to bring in players."
"I don't like the negotiations. I don't like what's been presented to us."
Steve Cohen talks about the Mets' negotiations with Pete Alonso and the possibility of the Mets moving forward without him:
The four-time All-Star hit just .232 with runners in scoring position and registered a career-low .788 OPS during the 2024 season, but he was still able to record 34 home runs and 31 doubles.
Alonso was much more effective during New York's National League Championship Series run, hitting four home runs and 10 RBIs during the postseason to go along with a .273/.431/.568 slash line.
Cincinnati has increased its free-agency activity as of late, signing outfielder Austin Hays to a one-year, $5 million contract on Tuesday. The Reds also acquired reliever Taylor Rogers in a trade with the Giants on Wednesday.
If they're looking to make a larger splash and attempt to return to the postseason for the first time since 2020, they could pursue Alonso.
MLB Trade Rumors: Cubs Among 'Teams to Watch' for Dylan Cease amid Padres Talks
Jan 30, 2025
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 09: Dylan Cease #84 of the San Diego Padres after giving up a home run against the Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers during Game Four of the Division Series at Petco Park on October 09, 2024 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Even though the San Diego Padres already have Dylan Cease under contract for 2025 after the two sides avoided arbitration, the veteran right-hander is a hot topic in trade talks with spring training on the horizon.
Per MLB Network's Jon Morosi (starts at :45 mark), the Chicago Cubs were cited as a team to watch in the Cease market because of the depth of high-end talent in their farm system that is in the upper-levels of the minors right now.
Cease agreed to a $13.75 million contract with the Padres on Jan. 9. He will be eligible for free agency after the 2025 season, which is one reason San Diego is at least exploring his value right now.
Another reason, as Morosi pointed out, is the Padres are "bumping up against" their payroll limit being imposed by ownership. It's unclear exactly what the figure is, but their current payroll for the upcoming season sits at $197.5 million.
By comparison, the Padres ran a $170.9 million payroll in 2024. There is also an ongoing dispute about control of the franchise in the wake of Peter Seidler's death in November 2023.
Sheel Seidler, Peter's widow, filed a lawsuit earlier this month against two of her late husband's brothers to become the control person for the Padres. The lawsuit accuses Robert and Matthew Seidler of "fiduciary breaches of trust, fraud, conversion and egregious acts of self-dealing" in their roles as trustees and executors of Peter's estate.
Even though the Cubs haven't been playing in the deep end of the free-agent pool this offseason, their front office has kept busy by making trades. Most of their moves so far have been with the Houston Astros, landing Kyle Tucker and Ryan Pressly in separate trades.
Playing for the Cubs would be something of a full-circle moment for Cease. He was originally drafted by the club in 2014 before being dealt to the Chicago White Sox three years later in a midseason trade as part of a package for José Quintana.
Cease has been an inconsistent player since making his MLB debut in 2019, but his ceiling is as high as any pitcher in the big leagues. He has two top-five finishes in Cy Young voting in the past three years, including a second-place showing in 2022.
The Padres acquired Cease from the White Sox in March 2024. He posted a 3.47 ERA with 224 strikeouts in 189.1 innings last season. His durability is also a huge asset, as he leads all pitchers with 130 starts since 2021.
Adding Cease would give the Cubs a proven frontline starter to pair with Shōta Imanaga as they look to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
San Diego's pitching depth isn't as strong going into 2025 with Joe Musgrove out for the year after having Tommy John surgery in October. Trading Cease would create even more problems for the rotation, leaving Michael King and Yu Darvish as the only reliable options.
While that would be a dilemma for the big-league club, trading Cease would allow the Padres to restock a farm system that The Athletic's Keith Law ranked as the sixth-worst in MLB going into this season.
MLB Rumors: Reds, White Sox Couldn't Find 'Middle Ground' on Luis Robert Jr. Trade
Jan 30, 2025
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 16: Luis Robert Jr. #88 of the Chicago White Sox celebrates a run against the Los Angeles Angels in the second inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on September 16, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Cincinnati Reds have increased their activity in recent days, but they reportedly fell short of making a major trade.
According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon, the Reds were "working on" a trade for Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. until Sunday, but the teams "could not find a middle ground on players or dollars."
Robert is set to earn $15 million for the 2025 season and has $20 million club options for 2026 and 2027 with $2 million buyouts in both years, so trading for him would require a commitment of at least $17 million. The 27-year-old is coming off another injury-riddled season in 2024 in which he was limited to 100 games and hit a career-worst .224 with just 14 home runs and 35 RBI.
Sources told Rosenthal and Sammon that Cincinnati and Chicago "did not resolve how much of Robert's salary the White Sox would have paid." The Reds reportedly included infield prospect Edwin Arroyo in discussions with the White Sox, but "ultimately, the Reds could not get comfortable with the total cost."
After failing to land Robert, the Reds pivoted by reaching an agreement with free-agent outfielder Austin Hays on a one-year, $5 million contract, pending a physical. Cincinnati also signed veteran left-hander Wade Miley to a minor-league deal and acquired lefty reliever Taylor Rogers in a trade with the San Francisco Giants.
The Reds went 77-85 in 2024 and missed the playoffs for the fourth straight year. Cincinnati is certainly hoping its recent additions will help turn things around next season, and it can be expected that the franchise will continue seeking improvements to its roster this winter.
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 24: St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) warms up in the on deck circle in the first inning during a game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on September 24, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
While Nolan Arenado has been connected to the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees at times this offseason, it is reportedly looking more likely that he will remain with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported Wednesday that the trade market for the third baseman "has not progressed recently." He also added "the chances continue to increase" he will be with the Cardinals at the start of Spring Training.
The Nolan Arenado trade market has not progressed recently, as I reported today on @MLBNetwork.
The Cardinals may not be able to find an acceptable trade before the start of spring training. https://t.co/azpb6ei8RS
There has been no shortage of Arenado discussions this offseason, and he even invoked his no-trade clause in December to block a trade with the Houston Astros.
Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam of MassLive reported earlier this month that Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak has made no secret of the team's desire to trade him "in an effort to cut payroll."
But that contract and his no-trade clause makes finding the right partner, especially at this point of the offseason with Spring Training set to begin next month, all the more difficult.
Arenado is scheduled to make $21 million in base salary in 2025, $16 million in 2026 and $15 million in 2027 on his current deal. That is a significant deal with plenty of years remaining for someone who will turn 34 in April, although he has quite the resume.
Since entering the league in 2013, the third baseman has eight All-Star selections, 10 Gold Gloves and five Silver Sluggers. He is one of the best infielders in his generation and is someone who can hit for average and power while playing excellent defense on the hot corner.
Yet he is coming off a disappointing 2024 campaign by his elevated standards.
He slashed .272/.325/.394 with 16 home runs and 71 RBI for a Cardinals team that missed the playoffs. Trading him could help St. Louis accelerate a retooling of its roster with a focus on younger players, but that is proving to be easier said than done to this point.
Photo: Cubs Unveil New Wrigley Field Seats Featuring Unlimited Beer, Special Perks
Jan 29, 2025
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 02: Clouds persisted over Wrigley Field following a rain delay for a game between the Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Guardians at Wrigley Field on July 02, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)
Some Chicago Cubs fans will be living in luxury when they visit Wrigley Field during the 2025 season.
As Major League Baseball relayed Wednesday, the Cubs will offer new seats in center field that come with unlimited drinks—including beer, seltzer and wine—and meals for each guest.
The seating area can fit as many as 50 fans in all with groups of four to six guests being the ones who can purchase the tickets up to 90 minutes prior to the start of the game:
The Cubs will have new seats in center field at Wrigley with exclusive perks 👀
- Ballpark meal per guest - Private cooler with unlimited beer, seltzer, wine and nonalcoholic drinks - Available up to 90 minutes before first pitch - Groups of 4 to 6 guests, with maximum capacity… pic.twitter.com/ONuIWavHxi
Brett Taylor of Bleacher Nation shared more information from the official press release for the seating area that is being called "The Yard."
The private rental areas were added in a way that none of the previous bleacher seats were removed, so it won't impact attendance and the number of general-admission seats in the outfield that can be sold.
The Cubs have done similar things like that in the past with private rental areas such as the Hornitos Hacienda in left field and the Budweiser Patio in right field.
Every rental features a table with high-top seating, and those in attendance can choose their meal option from a menu that includes a Small Cheval burger, Vienna Beef hot dog or vegetarian option.
"Fans often tell us that Wrigley Field is their summer home, so we wanted to create a space that feels like their own backyard," Cubs Senior Vice President of Ticketing Cale Vennum said. "The Yard not only offers a cozy and intimate setting, but also addresses feedback we've received about creating bleacher options for smaller groups.
"The historic Budweiser Bleachers have a unique energy unlike anything in Major League Baseball. The Yard sits in the middle of the action but provides an elevated gameday experience in an all-inclusive and reserved space for a few friends or family members."
Cubs fans who purchase tickets in "The Yard" will surely hope to see a playoff team this season after Chicago missed out on the postseason in each of the last four campaigns. Its last playoff win came during the 2017 run to the National League Championship Series, which was the season following its 2016 World Series title.
The Cubs' biggest offseason move with that playoff goal in mind was trading for star outfielder Kyle Tucker. They also added pitchers Ryan Pressly and Colin Rea, although Cody Bellinger is no longer on the team.
Chicago starts it season with two games against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Japan on March 18 and 19, and its home opener is April 4 against the San Diego Padres.
Photo: Paul Skenes, Elly De La Cruz, Gunnar Henderson Land 'MLB The Show 25' Cover
Jan 27, 2025
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 27: Elly De La Cruz #44 of the Cincinnati Reds reacts after being thrown out advancing to third base against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field on September 27, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MLB The Show 25 will feature a number of young stars on its cover for this year's video game.
Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes, Cincinnati Reds star shortstop Elly De La Cruz and Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson received the honor:
The stars of today and tomorrow:
Elly De la Cruz ⚡ Paul Skenes 🔥 Gunnar Henderson 💪
De La Cruz, 23, has emerged as one of the most exciting players in the sport, hitting .259 in the 2024 season with 25 homers, 76 RBI, 105 runs, an MLB-leading 67 stolen bases and a .809 OPS.
The first-time All-Star is also a wizard defensively, to the point that he had even Snoop Dogg shook:
Henderson, 23, was the 2023 AL Rookie of the Year and a 2024 All-Star, hitting .281 this past season with 37 homers, 92 RBI, 118 runs and a .893 OPS.
Finally, the 22-year-old Skenes is already one of the top pitchers in the game after a 2024 season that saw him named both an All-Star and the NL Rookie of the Year. He went 11-3 in 23 starts with a 1.96 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 170 strikeouts in 133 innings, elite numbers. By as early as next season, he may be the National League's most dominant starter.
