The Rundown: Cubs May Be Done Spending, Dodgers Like Suzuki, Tigers Aggressively Pursuing Bregman
I don’t suppose we’ll be hearing much, if any, baseball news today. With that in mind, I would like to take this to thank all of you for reading and also wish a warm holiday week to everyone. Celebrating friends and family is something we should strive to do all year-round.
I’d also like to know if any of you will be attending Cubs Convention in a few weeks. If so, let’s get together for a drink or a bite to eat. Otherwise, I’ll see you all back here on the day after Christmas. Enjoy yourselves, but please make smart decisions, especially if you are driving anywhere.
Cubs News & Notes
- Jesse Rogers of ESPN opines that trading for Kyle Tucker while trading away Cody Bellinger and replacing Kyle Hendricks with Matthew Boyd is the Cubs’ version of going all in. Rogers also said that insiders believe Chicago won’t sign a player to a megadeal until the next CBA is negotiated ahead of the 2026 season. That includes a possible extension for Tucker.
- FanGraphs is not very high on the Cubs’ minor league system.
- That said, ZiPS projections love Chicago’s big league roster.
- The Dodgers are rumored to be interested in outfielder Seiya Suzuki.
- The Cubs are said to be disinclined to trading Suzuki after acquiring Tucker.
Odds & Sods
Some heroes don’t wear capes.
Even though he was battling cancer, baseball legend Babe Ruth still suited up as Santa Claus for children with polio. (December 1947 – New York City) ⚾️🎄 #MLB #Hero #Christmas ⚾️🎄 pic.twitter.com/uFDVfMIz1i
— Baseball by BSmile (@BSmile) December 24, 2024
Central Intelligence
- Milwaukee: Spencer Turnbull might be a sneaky-good signing for the pitching-depleted Brewers.
- St. Louis: Closer Ryan Helsley – the Cardinals’ top trade chip – is drawing interest from the Blue Jays and Diamondbacks. St. Louis is also hoping to trade Nolan Arenado soon.
- Cincinnati: Superstar shortstop Elly De La Cruz could be the first player to top the record contract the Mets gave to Juan Soto.
- Pittsburgh: Rookie second baseman Nick Yorke is expected to win the starting job in 2025.
Tuesday Stove
The Tigers are aggressively pursuing free agent third baseman Alex Bregman, according to reports.
Detroit is also believed to be Bregman’s likeliest suitor.
The Rangers would like to retain closer Kirby Yates, though Texas is reportedly trying to reduce payroll.
The Phillies have agreed to terms with ex-Brewers starter Joe Ross on a one-year deal worth $4 million.
The Red Sox announced a two-year contract with free agent lefty starter Patrick Sandoval on Monday. Sandoval is recovering from Tommy John surgery and is not expected to pitch for several months.
The Yankees believe Paul Goldschmidt will return to form after a career-worst season. They’ve also got their sights set on potentially adding Arenado.
The Giants and Rangers have reportedly met with Japanese sensation Rōki Sasaki and his agent.
The Dodgers will pay $109 million in luxury tax fines this year.
The league announced it has signed off on a new five-year collective bargaining agreement with the MLB Umpires Association, pending ratification by the umpires and owners next month, of course.
Tim Flannery once returned as a mascot after being ejected as the team manager.
Extra Innings
Shōta Imanaga gets the holiday week Mixtape Monday treatment.
All eyez on Sho Time 👀🍿 #MixtapeMondays pic.twitter.com/mHU3z44OIg
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) December 23, 2024
They Said It
- “Over the years, we’ve had a lot of Japanese players that have had good experiences in Chicago.” – Jed Hoyer
- “For me, I don’t look at it that way. I’ve been in the game a long time. I’m also confident in my abilities and my résumé, but my job, always, is to be the best steward of the organization. I try to make good decisions for the Ricketts family. I try to make sure I’m setting us up for a good future but also try to set us up for an exciting present. I don’t think [the Tucker] deal is in any conflict with that.” – Hoyer
Tuesday Walk-Up Song
Join me in wishing for peace on Earth as we slide into 2025. Let’s hope it’s a good one without any fear.