The MLB offseason has officially begun, and excitement is building with trades and signings already underway. Just a day after the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated their World Series victory, teams have started to reshape their rosters for the 2024-25 season.
Leading this offseason buzz is the question of where top free agent Juan Soto, a young and highly talented slugger, will land. Soto’s future is one of the most anticipated storylines, though he’s not the only major player on the market. Other prominent free agents include elite pitcher Corbin Burnes, power hitter Pete Alonso, and versatile infielder Alex Bregman, all of whom are expected to attract substantial interest.
Teams across the league are eyeing opportunities to enhance their rosters and position themselves for a 2025 World Series run. Front offices are under pressure to make aggressive moves to stay competitive, and fans are eagerly watching to see which franchises will go “all-in” on top talent. Alongside free-agent signings, trade deals are also generating buzz, as several teams look to retool their lineups and pitching rotations. With plenty of talent available and teams eager to improve, the MLB offseason promises to be eventful, with significant moves expected as clubs strive to meet their championship aspirations.
A few notable transactions have already occurred, providing a preview of the action likely to unfold in the coming weeks. On November 6, the Cleveland Guardians secured catcher Austin Hedges on a one-year contract, strengthening their lineup with a dependable defensive player.
The Los Angeles Angels added experienced pitcher Kyle Hendricks on a one-year, $2.5 million deal, which could bring stability to their rotation. Previously, on November 3, the Kansas City Royals re-signed right-hander Michael Wacha to a three-year contract worth $51 million, with incentives that could extend the deal to four years and $72 million. This contract underscores Kansas City’s commitment to bolstering their pitching staff.
One of the first trades of the offseason came on October 31, with the Atlanta Braves trading outfielder Jorge Soler to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for right-hander Griffin Canning. This trade marks an early attempt by the Braves to shake up their roster, while the Angels gain a powerful bat in Soler to enhance their lineup. Deals like this suggest that more trades are likely in the works as teams look to fine-tune their rosters before the start of spring training.
Key offseason dates are on the horizon, which could shape the rest of the league’s winter transactions. The MLB winter meetings, scheduled for December 9-12 in Dallas, Texas, are expected to be a hub of activity, often marking a period when blockbuster trades and high-profile signings occur.
The Rule 5 Draft on December 11 offers teams the opportunity to acquire young, often overlooked talent. Meanwhile, arbitration deadlines in January and the start of spring training in February are reminders that time is ticking for teams to lock in their rosters. This MLB offseason is poised to be dynamic, with each transaction bringing teams closer to their 2025 goals.
