Offseason transactions are heating up, with several teams making significant moves. The San Francisco Giants have signed veteran pitcher Justin Verlander to a one-year deal, while the Tampa Bay Rays have extended Drew Rasmussen's contract through 2026, with an option for 2027. The Los Angeles Dodgers secured Teoscar Hernández with a three-year contract that includes an option for 2028. Additionally, the Baltimore Orioles have brought in Charlie Morton on a one-year contract, and the Cincinnati Reds have been active in trades, acquiring Gavin Lux from the Dodgers and Owen White from the Texas Rangers. Josh Bell has also signed a one-year deal with the Washington Nationals.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season standings, the American League wild card scenario is shaping up with the Baltimore Orioles and Cleveland Guardians projected to receive byes. The wild card series matchups are set to feature the Seattle Mariners against the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees facing the Minnesota Twins. In the National League, the Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers are also expected to secure byes, with the wild card series featuring the Milwaukee Brewers against the San Diego Padres and the Atlanta Braves taking on the New York Mets.
Key dates for the upcoming 2025 season include MLB Opening Day on March 27, the All-Star Game on July 15 at Truist Park, and the final day of the regular season on September 28. The trade deadline is scheduled for July 30, 2025. Notably, several players are set to enter free agency, including Shane Bieber of the Cleveland Guardians, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery. The New York Mets are facing potential turnover with key players like Pete Alonso, who is nearing the franchise's all-time home run record, along with pitchers José Quintana and Luis Severino. The St. Louis Cardinals are also contemplating options for pitchers Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn.
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