With just about a month remaining before Major League Baseball’s regular season begins, teams are scrambling to finalize their rosters. Many front offices are expected to engage in last-minute trades and signings to strengthen their lineups before Opening Day. CBS Sports has compiled the latest updates on rumors, trades, and player signings happening across the league as teams look to optimize their depth charts for the upcoming season.
Arenado Dismisses Yankees Trade Showcase Speculation
St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado has been linked to trade rumors involving the New York Yankees throughout the offseason. However, Arenado made it clear that he did not view his recent spring training game against the Yankees as a showcase for a potential move.
Speaking to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, he dismissed the idea, emphasizing that he was not yet at full form in just the third day of spring training. Arenado’s performance in that game—going 0 for 3 with two strikeouts—did little to fuel further speculation.
Nolan Arenado (MLB)Arenado is coming off one of the worst seasons of his career but remains under contract for three more years at a total of $74 million. While the Cardinals are reportedly willing to cover part of that sum to facilitate a trade, Arenado holds the power to veto any deal. Given his struggles last season, teams interested in acquiring him may weigh the financial implications and potential upside carefully before making a move.
Mets Bolster Pitching Depth with José Ureña Signing
The New York Mets, dealing with multiple injuries to their pitching staff, have signed veteran right-hander José Ureña to a minor-league contract. Ureña, a seasoned pitcher with 10 years of big-league experience, has a career 4.76 ERA and most recently played for the Texas Rangers. The 33-year-old provides additional depth for the Mets, who are already facing setbacks with starting pitchers Frankie Montas (lat strain) and Sean Manaea (oblique injury). Both are expected to miss the beginning of the season.
With injuries plaguing their pitching staff, the Mets will have to rely on their remaining healthy starters as they enter the regular season. If no further injuries occur, their Opening Day rotation will likely feature Kodai Senga, David Peterson, Clay Holmes, Paul Blackburn, and Griffin Canning. As spring training progresses, the Mets will hope to avoid additional setbacks and keep their roster intact as they prepare for a competitive season ahead.
