It’s rumor mill and hot stove season in the baseball world.
Major League Baseball’s Winter Meetings begin Dec. 8 in Orlando, Fla. The closed-quarters wheeling and dealing often picks up as a result of all 30 clubs converging to the same area, and it’s possible some of the biggest moves of the offseason will take place, or at least begin to formulate, at the Winter Meetings.
The Guardians are dealing with the question of whether or not to trade All-Star left fielder Steven Kwan and how to best support star third baseman Jose Ramirez, though their projected payroll remains much lower than their 2024-2025 levels.
Stay tuned here for the biggest rumors as they begin to swirl.
James Karinchak in agreement with Braves
Former Cleveland reliever James Karinchak is reportedly in an agreement with the Atlanta Braves on a minor league deal.
Karinchak hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2023.
Mets, Phillies in on Kyle Schwarber
Slugger Kyle Schwarber, one of the top free agent hitters on the market this winter, is drawing interest from a number of a teams, a list that reportedly includes the Mets and Phillies in the NL East.
One of the leading decisions to be made around the league, rival teams are reportedly waiting to see how far the Phillies will go to keep him.
Red Sox, Orioles looking at Pete Alonso
First baseman Pete Alonso, one of the best right-handed power hitters in the game, is expected to drive the market and is reportedly expected to meet with the Red Sox, Orioles and others soon.
Cubs among teams interested in Tatsuya Imai
Japanese star Tatsuya Imai will garner a great deal of interest of many teams, a list that that will reportedly include the Cubs.
Nationals drawing heavy interest in CJ Abrams, Mackenzie Gore
The Nationals hold two of the bigger trade chips at this year’s Winter Meetings, and both — CJ Abrams and Mackenzie Gore — are reportedly drawing heavy interest with clubs understanding they could potentially be available.
Royals interested in Harrison Bader
The Royals are reportedly showing interest in Harrison Bader as a right-handed outfielder, something that could also fit what the Guardians are looking for if they were to re-tool some spots around the roster.
Ketel Marte drawing interest from Blue Jays, Red Sox
A couple of AL East teams — the Blue Jays and Red Sox — are both among the clubs reportedly interested in Ketel Marte.
Mike Soroka to sign with Diamondbacks
Free agent pitcher Mike Soroka is reportedly in an agreement with sign a one-year deal with the Diamondbacks.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: 2025 MLB Winter Meetings rumors, trades, news for Guardians, others
Reporting by Ryan Lewis, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
