Pirates land lefty bat in All-Star O'Hearn on 2-year deal (source)

December 23rd, 2025

The Pirates are in agreement with free agent and 2025 All-Star Ryan O'Hearn on a two-year, $29 million contract, per sources, adding another bat to a lineup they very much wanted to revamp this winter.

The club has not confirmed the agreement.

O’Hearn would become the first free agent the Pirates have signed to a multiyear deal since Iván Nova in December 2016 (three years, $26 million). This is also the largest free-agent deal the organization has ever given a position player.

O’Hearn, 32, slashed .281/.366/.437 with 17 home runs and 63 RBIs over 544 plate appearances for the Orioles and Padres last season, performing better in Baltimore. He was the Orioles’ lone All-Star selection before he was traded to San Diego before the Trade Deadline.

An eight-year Major League vet, O'Hearn did not truly click in the Majors until he landed in Baltimore in 2023. He blossomed with the Orioles, hitting .277 with a .796 OPS and 125 OPS+ in his three years with the club. Last season was his first year with at least 500 plate appearances.

A lefty swinger, O’Hearn’s power came mostly against right-handers last season (14 of his 17 home runs), but he actually posted a better OPS against southpaws (.832 to .795). That’s a product of what is a very balanced approach at the plate, posting better than league-average whiff, chase and strikeout rates, while producing a strong walk rate (10.7%) and ideal launch angles (38.2% of his batted balls hit the sweet spot last year, according to Baseball Savant, putting him in the 85th percentile of players).

O’Hearn is the second 2025 All-Star the Pirates have acquired this week, the first being Brandon Lowe as part of a three-team deal with the Rays and Astros.

The Pirates’ roster is currently at capacity with 40 players, so they will need to open up a spot for O’Hearn.

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"Covering the Corner" is an amateur group but seems to be reasonably knowledgeable

LATEST FREE AGENT & TRADE RUMORS

8:32 AM CST

Yanks, Mets among teams interested in All-Star outfielder

Dec. 24: Yankees, Mets reportedly interested in OF Hays

While there hasn't been much buzz in recent days about the top outfielders on the free-agent market -- Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger -- one other outfielder seems to be very popular right now. MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reports that the Yankees as well as the Mets and Royals are interested in Austin Hays.

The 29-year-old Hays, who was an All-Star for the Orioles in 2023, hit 15 homers and logged a .768 OPS in just 103 games for the Reds this past season after signing a one-year, $5 million contract with them last January. Per Heyman, he could become a "more realistic" target for the Yanks if they can't re-sign Bellinger, who remains their top priority in free agency. Hays would also seem to fit the Mets' desire for an outfielder who bats from the right side and can be had on a short-term deal.

The Royals have addressed their underwhelming outfield by signing free agent Lane Thomas and trading with the Brewers for Isaac Collins. But their search for upgrades has continued, and they are reportedly interested in trading for the Red Sox's Jarren Duran, per The Athletic (subscription required).

Dec. 23: Mariners open to bringing back Eugenio Suárez

After playing with Seattle from 2021-22, Eugenio Suárez's reunion with the Mariners this past summer wasn't exactly a smashing success. While the club came within one win of an American League pennant, Suárez batted just .189 with a .683 OPS in 53 regular-season games after Seattle traded for him on July 31.

Still, Suárez remains a Mariners fan favorite, he hit 36 homers in 106 games with the D-backs before the trade last season, and general manager Justin Hollander said Sunday on MLB Network Radio that the club could bring Suárez back for a third stint in Seattle.

"Certainly a chance," Hollander said. "We've maintained contact with Geno's reps. We love Geno. Geno brings a ton, not just on the field -- the things that people see with the 49 homers, the big moments -- but off the field, his steady presence, great makeup. What he brings to a clubhouse every day, it's really hard to replicate. So we've maintained contact with Geno's reps all winter long."

As of now, the Mariners' 2026 third baseman looks to be either Ben Williamson or Colt Emerson, their No. 1 prospect per MLB Pipeline. However, Suárez could also fit at designated hitter.

The 34-year-old slugger has also been linked to the Red Sox, who want to continue bulking up their offense after acquiring Willson Contreras from the Cardinals on Monday.

Dec. 23: What's next for Mets in OF after McNeil trade?

The Mets continue to shake things up this offseason, trading veteran Jeff McNeil to the Athletics on Monday for teenage pitching prospect Yordan Rodriguez. McNeil played primarily second base but made 48 appearances in the outfield in 2025, seeing action mostly in center field (34 games) but also in both corners.

After Brandon Nimmo was dealt to the Rangers for Marcus Semien and Cedric Mullins signed with the Rays, trading McNeil means the Mets have created another vacancy in their outfield. Are they planning a big move to fill it? Not necessarily.

With No. 2 prospect Carson Benge nearing his debut, the Mets don’t want to commit long-term to an external outfielder if it’s not strictly necessary, according to MLB.com's Anthony DiComo.

"In this case, Mets officials don’t view it as strictly necessary," DiComo writes. "After just having made the difficult decision to move on from Pete Alonso, the Mets are not eager to sign another player to a long-term deal that would take him into his mid- or late 30s."

So while the top two free-agent outfielders -- right fielder Kyle Tucker and center fielder Cody Bellinger -- remain available, they may not be fits with the Mets unless their markets are unexpectedly light.

Tucker, MLB.com's top-ranked free agent this offseason, has received interest from several AL East clubs as well as the Dodgers. Bellinger has been linked to the Yankees and Dodgers as well as to the Mets.

According to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic (subscription required), the Mets are more interested in adding a right-handed hitter to balance their lineup. To that end, outfielder Austin Hays is someone the Mets have discussed, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman.

Dec. 22: Red Sox continuing search for offense after Contreras trade

Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow’s lengthy search for a bat landed him a solid right-handed-hitting veteran first baseman in Willson Contreras and cash in a trade with the Cardinals on Sunday night. Contreras became the second acquisition by Breslow this winter to waive a full no-trade clause to go from the Cardinals to the Red Sox. Veteran righty Sonny Gray did so last month.

According to MLB.com's Ian Browne, Breslow is expected to continue the hunt for offense, even after acquiring Contreras. That could come from yet another trade with St. Louis: Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic (subscription required) reported that the Red Sox and Cardinals have had discussions about second baseman Brendan Donovan. A popular trade candidate this offseason, Donovan would be a good fit at second for the Red Sox -- six players saw time for Boston at the position in 2025, led by rookie Kristian Campbell before his option to Triple-A.

The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey (subscription required) notes that re-signing Bregman "remains a priority" for Boston. However, the Red Sox have competition for his services. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal (subscription required) characterizes the D-backs and Blue Jays as "legitimate suitors" for Bregman based on what he's heard from sources briefed on the discussions between those teams and the third baseman. The Cubs are also said to be involved, per Rosenthal.

If Bregman signs elsewhere, the Red Sox will be forced to consider alternatives. Boston has been linked to a wide range of hitters in addition to Bregman this offseason, both in free agency and the trade market. The Red Sox reportedly showed interest in Kyle Schwarber, Pete Alonso, Jorge Polanco and Munetaka Murakami before they signed elsewhere. Unsigned free agents who have been on their radar include Bo Bichette, Eugenio Suárez and Japanese star Kazuma Okamoto, whose negotiating window closes Jan. 4. They've also discussed trades for D-backs second baseman Ketel Marte, Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes and Rangers shortstop Corey Seager.

Top prospect JJ Wetherholt should be up as the everyday second baseman at some point, assuming they trade Donovan, but the 23-year-old seems likely to open the season in Triple-A.

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McNeil thrilled for opportunity to boost A's young lineup

December 23rd, 2025

Jeff McNeil was approaching the 14th hole of his golf outing at TPC Monterey on Monday morning when he checked his phone and saw a barrage of missed calls and text messages from Mets general manager David Stearns and his agent.

“I had a text from Stearns going, ‘Hey, please give me call,’” McNeil recalled. “I was like, ‘I one hundred percent just got traded.’ I knew it was a possibility. I took that phone call. It was a quick phone call. I thanked him for everything and he thanked me for everything. … Definitely a crazy day.”

McNeil represents a sizable upgrade for the A’s, whose several second basemen cycled in throughout the season combined for -1.6 wins above replacement (per FanGraphs) in 2025. Even in what was somewhat of a down year for McNeil, who hit .243 with a .746 OPS, 12 home runs and 54 RBIs in 122 games, he was still a 2.1 fWAR player for the Mets.

McNeil was already envisioning himself contributing to a young A’s team on the rise and a lineup with no shortage of quality hitters such as American League Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz, Jacob Wilson, Brent Rooker, Shea Langeliers, Tyler Soderstrom and Lawrence Butler.

Beyond the standard statistics, McNeil also believes he had a better year based on some underlying numbers, which he said were similar to the year he won the batting title in 2022 with New York.

“I like to look at the numbers of the analytics, and it was pretty comparable to when I won a batting title,” said McNeil. “I had an extremely low [BABIP] this year. I ran into a lot of bad luck, but I hit the ball really hard and felt like my swing was exactly where I wanted it.”

McNeil also dealt with a shoulder issue that he felt was hindering him at the plate at times last season, particularly down the stretch. Earlier this offseason, he underwent a “minor” procedure for what was diagnosed as thoracic outlet syndrome.

“It hurt to throw and it hurt to swing a little bit,” McNeil said. “I got that taken care of. No problems now. No limitations. Back to a hundred percent. It was pretty minor, but it was just best to take care of it and come back this year healthy. Body feels good. I’ll have no restrictions or anything like that in Spring Training.”

While the A’s plan to fully utilize McNeil’s versatility with some time at first base and all three outfield spots, he is expected to enter spring as the club’s starting second baseman, forming a double-play duo alongside Wilson, who finished runner-up to Kurtz in Rookie of the Year voting.

McNeil has long had a reputation of being a pest for opposing pitchers with impressive contact skills. He and Wilson share similar elite contact skills -- the two combined to strike out just 94 times in 985 plate appearances last season -- which is why he admired watching the rookie from afar as he broke out as a budding star who finished trailing only Aaron Judge and tied for the second-highest batting average (.311) in the Majors.

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The Latest Developments on Luis Robert Jr. Trade Rumors

December 24, 2025

By Dakota Driscoll

Chicago White Sox

The Chicago White Sox appear ready to finally move on from star center fielder Luis Robert Jr., with trade talks intensifying in the wake of their surprise signing of Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami to a two-year, $34 million deal. The White Sox, still in a multi-year rebuild after three consecutive 100-loss seasons, are reportedly seeking young pitching in return for Robert, and several National League teams have emerged as serious contenders.

Trade Rumors Heat Up Surrounding Luis Robert Jr.

Robert, 28, remains one of the most intriguing talents in baseball when healthy. His breakout 2023 All-Star season, where he hit .264 with 38 home runs, 80 RBI, and a 129 wRC+, cemented his status as a five-tool player with elite power, speed (career high 33 stolen bases in 2025), and defense (Gold Glove caliber in center). However, injuries have plagued him since, limiting him to 100 games in 2024 and 110 in 2025, during which he posted career-low offensive numbers (.223/.297/.364, 14 HRs, .661 OPS).

The White Sox exercised his $20 million club option for 2026 (with a matching option for 2027 and $2 million buyouts) in November, signaling they still see value in his upside. But Murakami’s arrival at first base/DH has shifted priorities, freeing up the outfield and creating urgency to trade Robert for controllable arms to bolster their young rotation.

Reports indicate Chicago is willing to eat a portion of Robert’s 2026 salary, potentially up to half ($10 million), to facilitate a deal, making him more attractive despite his injury history and recent production dip.

Several Teams Interested

The most prominent discussions involve the New York Mets and Cincinnati Reds, with both clubs actively engaged as of late.

The Mets have long been linked to Robert, inquiring about him at last year’s trade deadline and showing renewed interest post-Murakami signing. With outfield holes after trading Jeff McNeil and losing Brandon Nimmo, Robert could provide a defensive upgrade in center and some right-handed pop. The Mets have a pitching surplus, including young arms like Jonah Tong, Brandon Sproat, Nolan McLean, and veterans like David Peterson or Kodai Senga, that aligns with Chicago’s needs. However, skepticism remains about Robert’s health and whether David Stearns would part with top prospects for a risky asset.

The Reds have re-engaged after previous offseason and deadline talks stalled. Coming off a surprising NL Wild Card appearance under manager Terry Francona, they need offensive firepower to complement Elly De La Cruz and a deep rotation. Robert would upgrade center field (allowing TJ Friedl to move to a corner), provide speed and power upside, and fit their budget-conscious approach. Cincinnati’s young pitching depth (Chase Petty, Julian Aguiar, Brandon Williamson) makes them a strong fit, though payroll constraints could limit the package.

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Luis Robert Jr. is known for excellent defense, often ranking in the top percentiles for metrics like Outs Above Average (OAA), with his 2023 season showing elite performance (4 OAA, 100th percentile) contributing to Gold Glove consideration, though specific defensive ratings fluctuate year to year, with strong fielding attributes like 79 Fielding in MLB The Show 25 reflecting his real-world ability to cover center field exceptionally well.

Luis Robert Jr.'s offensive performance in 2025 was a mixed bag, earning a C+ grade with a low .223 AVG, .297 OBP, but strong power/speed combo (14 HR, 33 SB in 110 games) and solid baserunning/fielding value, though Statcast showed a negative Batting Run Value, indicating inconsistency despite flashes of brilliance and a strong post-All-Star break showing. He's known for elite defense and speed, making his overall value high despite offensive volatility, especially with his 2023 breakout (38 HR) in mind. FLASHES OF KENNY LOFTON COMES TO MIND!

Robert Jr. has a controllable contract, is more than just a rental, and, when healthy, has the potential to be something exceptional. He has the kind of athleticism that can win a playoff series, as well as strong right-handed power and excellent center field defense.

[ If we make a deal for Robert, we have our opening day centerfielder. He fits all our requirements. Plus, he's still young and fits in well with our rising stars. We have the pitching to fill the Sox needs. TIME TO MAKE A DEAL BEFORE ITS TOO LATE! MORE TEAMS ARE IN THE HUNT!]

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1 blockbuster move Padres must make after MLB Winter Meetings

Explore how a bold Luis Robert Jr. trade could reshape the Padres, examining White Sox motivations and a potential Luis Robert Jr. Padres blockbuster.

By Garrett Kerman

Dec 24, 2025 at 11:00 AM ET

The Padres’ offseason uncertainty puts pressure on the front office to land an impact player before spring training. With the Dodgers still the benchmark in the NL West, staying stagnant isn’t an option.

One bold swing could come in the form of Chicago star center fielder Luis Robert Jr. — a controllable power bat who fits San Diego’s long-term plan.

The Padres have the prospect capital to make a big trade without jeopardizing their long-term goals because their minor league system contains players who could be traded.






After the Winter Meetings, Luis Robert Jr. is exactly what the Padres should be looking for.

Robert Jr. has a controllable contract, is more than just a rental, and, when healthy, has the potential to be something exceptional. He has the kind of athleticism that can win a playoff series, as well as strong right-handed power and excellent center field defense.

Robert immediately takes care of a number of needs from a roster-building standpoint. San Diego is seeking an right-handed hitter with good defensive abilities. Ramon Laureano could be traded, possibly along with Nick Pivetta, for a package of prospects, even though Jackson Merril is playing well in center.

Additionally, Robert Jr. bolsters the Padres' lineup with another middle-of-the-order hitter, protecting the current core and addressing lineup depth — something San Diego has lacked since several key departures.

A team like the Padres would find Robert's contract appealing when attempting to negotiate the luxury tax. He is kept under control through his late twenties under a club-friendly deal with team options.

As a result, the Padres can maintain their competitiveness for a number of years without having to make a significant, ten-year commitment. This offers a rare opportunity for a team attempting to strike a balance between star talent and financial responsibility to acquire a crucial player without taking the usual risk associated with free agency.

Numbers alone don’t define the fit. Robert would be a great fit for Petco Park because of his combination of raw power and style. Given his bat speed and ability to hit the ball hard to every part of the field, his power should still be useful in a park that favors pitchers, and his defensive abilities would easily cover the large outfield.

With the White Sox in full rebuild mode, nearly every veteran, including Robert Jr., should be available. It's difficult to decide whether to move a player like Robert, but for Chicago, it's about turning one star into multiple foundational pieces that fit their long-term goals. It's about converting potential into proven major-league performance for San Diego.

San Diego’s farm system, bolstered by recent drafts and international signings, now has the depth to make such a deal.

Without upsetting the core of the Padres' current roster, the objective is to create a trade so alluring that the White Sox part with their gifted veteran.

The Perfect Trade Framework

Here is a suggested trade scenario that imagines a “perfect world” exchange between the Padres and White Sox, emphasizing each player's potential, roster balance, and fit with the respective teams:

Padres Receive

OF Luis Robert Jr.
White Sox Receive

LHP Kash Mayfield
OF Braedon Karpathios

The Padres have a clear plan — exchange a few prospects for a proven batsman who can permanently alter their lineup. On the other hand, the White Sox would benefit from a number of advantages as this trade expedites their rebuilding process. They would acquire pitchers near the major leagues, promising position players, and an opportunity to nurture a young player with substantial potential.

This is the kind of aggressive play contenders make when they're truly gunning for a title in the unforgiving National League. Following a relatively subdued Winter Meetings for San Diego, the onus is on them to demonstrate a definitive plan. A major acquisition of Luis Robert Jr. would broadcast a strong signal, not just to the fans, but to the entire league, that the Padres are still aiming for October, not just a footnote in December's trade chatter.

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Been following Luis Robert Jr since he was a 15 year old in the Cuban League. I really like this kid....A LOT! I liked him then, I like him more now.

Reminds me a lot of Jose Ramirez at that time.
The difference between the two, Ramirez debuted at age 19 in LIDOM in 2012

Before the USA started picking off these Cuban baseball players one by one, the Cubans league was elite. We know this from all the stars that left Cuba (any way they could) to play baseball in the major leagues:

Tony Pérez, Minnie Miñoso, Luis Tiant, Rafael Palmeiro, Mike Cuellar, José Fernández, Yoenis Céspedes, Yasiel Puig, Minnie Miñoso, Luis Tiant, Mike Cuellar, to Aroldis Chapman, Tony Oliva, Jose Canseco, Bert Campaneris, Livan Hernandez, Randy Arozarena, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Raisel Iglesias, Yandy Díaz, José Abreu and the list goes on and on.

Now the Cuban league is just a mirror image of its old self. Not what it used to be. I don't know the players from the coaches anymore.

Well, to get back to the point. Luis Robert Jr entered the league as a 15 year old playing against guys much older than him. Some of the players are on the list and some are not. Youngest player in the league all of his teen years. He showed solid growth in each of his years in the league at ages 15, 16, 17,and 18. Chicago signed Robert in 2017 at age 19. If Robert had stayed in the league, he most likely would have been one of those star.

His stats during his stay in the Cuban league:

AGE 15= AB 24, R 3, H 3, 2B 1, 3B 0, HR 0, BB 3, SO 9, BA 125, OBP 214, SLG 167, OPS 381
AGE16= AB 123, R 21, H 30, 2B 2, 3B 2, HR 1, BB 8, SO 27, BA 244, OBP 304, SLG 317, OPS 621
AGE17= AB 273, R 68, H 83, 2B 10, 3B 2, HR 5, BB 32, SO 46, BA 304, OBP 382, SLG 410, OPS 792
AGE18= AB 182, R 51, H 73, 2B 12, 3B 2, HR 12, BB 38, SO 30, BA 401, OBP 526, SLG 687, OPS 1.213

Remember, Robert was a young teenager playing in an elite baseball league. We're not talking Dominican/summer league baseball or single, double or triple A baseball here. Robert Improved every year, in leaps and bounds. showed outstanding plate discipline. No questions concerning his defense or offense.

I really would like to have Robert in Cleveland as he conjures up memories of Kenny Lofton in my mind.

I just have that feeling that 2026 will be Robert's comeback season wherever he plays.

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Roberts fits nothing that the Guardians want. DeLauter is a better player right now. Still Joe will keep shoveling the crap because Nosco mentioned Roberts name.

Don't think you should get out too far in front of your skis.
DeLauter has no major league experience.
Robert has 4 years under his belt. One a silver slugger year.

White Sox sign lefty Newcomb to one-year deal

December 23rd, 2025

CHICAGO -- White Sox general manager Chris Getz is working right up until the holiday break, as the team agreed to terms with free agent left-handed pitcher Sean Newcomb on a one-year, $4.5 million deal as announced Tuesday.

That move follows the addition of first baseman Munetaka Murakami via a two-year, $34 million deal, made official with a Monday press conference at Rate Field.

“I don’t even know if I like the time off quite honestly. I love diving in,” Getz told MLB.com on Monday. “It probably drives my family nuts and perhaps some of our employees as I’m pinging them early in the morning or late at night or in the middle of the night. I love this job and I love pursuing ways to get us better.”

Murakami serves as a prime example of getting the White Sox better, adding a powerful left-handed bat to the middle of the lineup. Newcomb has the same effect, possibly working as a reliever or a starter after having done both in ‘25, but excelling as a reliever.

Newcomb, 32, split the 2025 season between the Red Sox and the Athletics, going 2-5 with a 2.73 ERA, two saves, four holds and 91 strikeouts over 48 combined appearances (five starts) and 92 ⅓ innings. Among left-handed relievers, he ranked fifth in the Majors with a 2.19 ERA, and tied for seventh with 70 innings pitched. Newcomb began the season with the Red Sox before being traded to the Athletics on May 27 in exchange for cash considerations.

After joining the Athletics, the southpaw finished 2-1 with a 1.75 ERA, posting a .214 opponents average and 50 strikeouts in 36 relief outings covering 51 ⅓ innings. His 1.75 ERA since May 29 was the seventh-best mark among MLB relievers with at least 45 innings pitched.

The first-round pick of the Angels in the 2014 Draft has a career 4.41 ERA in 65 starts and a 3.84 ERA in 158 games out of the bullpen. Newcomb joins Brandon Eisert, Tyler Gilbert, Bryan Hudson, Anthony Kay and Chris Murphy as current fully healthy left-handed options on the White Sox 40-man roster. Kay, who joined the team this offseason via a two-year, $12 million deal, is the only one of that group apparently set in the starting rotation.

To make room for Newcomb on the 40-man roster, the White Sox designated left-hander Ryan Rolison for assignment. The White Sox 40-man roster remains at 40.

In the 2025 MLB season, the Chicago White Sox played 46 one-run games, finishing with a 21-25 record in those tight contests, showing they were competitive but often fell short in close games, a significant number even if they had a losing overall record.

Early Season Struggles: By mid-June, they were already 4-16 in one-run games, but improved significantly to finish strong in those situations. After mid-June, 17-6.

2024: 41-121
2025: 60-102
2026: 76-86 prediction

The Sox made a significant improvement in 2025.
With recent additions, I'm guessing it enough to improve by the same margins.

Key Additions (2025-2026)

Munetaka Murakami (INF): Big splash signing on a 2-year deal, adding a premier bat.
Sean Newcomb (SP/RP): Signed to a 1-year deal for pitching depth.
Anthony Kay (SP/RP): Signed to a 2-year deal.
Ryan Rolison (LHP): Claimed off waivers from Atlanta.
Tim Elko (1B): Signed to a minor league deal.
Oliver Dunn (3B): Signed to a minor league deal.
Tristan Peters (OF): Acquired from Tampa Bay.
Ben Cowles (INF): Claimed off waivers.

Key Subtractions/Departures (2025-2026)

Tyler Alexander (RP): Left via free agency for the Rangers.
Cam Booser, Miguel Castro, Mike Tauchman, Michael A. Taylor: Became free agents.
Martin Perez (SP): Option declined, becomes free agent.
Steven Wilson (RP), Derek Hill (OF): Non-tendered (became free agents).

Other Moves

Youth Focus: The team continues its rebuild, integrating prospects like Braden Montgomery, Colson Schultz, and Jackson Schultz into the system for potential 2026 Major League impact.

[ Even the White Sox getting into the mix. Some key additions to the roster. Chipping away. Sox will be more competitive in 2026 ]

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