Here’s what we’re watching across Major League Baseball today - from Boston’s infield puzzle to a suddenly intriguing first base market and the latest from the arbitration front:
1. Red Sox clear space - now what?
The Red Sox made a move that felt more like a setup than a solution, shipping out right-hander Jordan Hicks, pitching prospect David Sandlin, $8 million in cash, and two players to be named later in exchange for Gage Ziehl and another PTBNL. It’s a deal that clears both salary and a 40-man roster spot - and it nudges Boston back under the second tier of the luxury tax threshold. But the real question is: what’s next?
Boston still hasn’t addressed the hole left by Alex Bregman’s departure. Marcelo Mayer is expected to be part of the infield equation, potentially sliding to second or third depending on who else joins the mix. But with Luis Arraez and Eugenio Suárez both coming off the board over the weekend, the list of impact infielders is thinning fast.
The Sox have been deliberate this offseason, but now they’re on the clock. The financial flexibility is there.
The roster spot is open. And the need is glaring.
Whether they turn to a trade or the remaining free agent pool, Boston can’t afford to leave that infield hole unpatched much longer.
2. First base market finally waking up?
It’s been a slow burn for first basemen this winter. Even after every hitter on the annual Top 50 MLB Free Agents list has signed, several notable names at the position remain in limbo - including Paul Goldschmidt and Rhys Hoskins. But things may finally be picking up.
The Diamondbacks, fresh off a postseason run, are reportedly shopping for a first baseman. They’ve been linked to switch-hitting veteran Carlos Santana and also have interest in Ty France. Meanwhile, the Padres - who need reinforcements in their first base/DH rotation - are also eyeing France, and both New York clubs are said to be in the mix as well.
That’s a lot of eyes on one player, and he’s not the only one drawing attention. Wilmer Flores, Nathaniel Lowe, and Rowdy Tellez are still out there, too, and with Arraez and Suárez no longer options, teams looking for corner power might finally be ready to make their move.
This could be the moment the first base market finally catches fire.
3. Arbitration season in full swing
We’re officially in arbitration season, and while decisions typically take time to surface, the process is already underway. So far, two players - right-hander Edwin Uceta (Rays) and left-hander Dylan Lee (Braves) - have had their hearings.
The results haven’t been announced yet, with Uceta’s decision reportedly being held until other cases are resolved. Lee’s result is expected sometime next week.
Vinnie Pasquantino avoided arbitration last week, but there are still 12 players scheduled for hearings. The headliner? That would be Tigers ace and two-time AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, whose case features a jaw-dropping $13 million gap between his filing number and the team’s offer.
Arbitration hearings are set to run through February 13, and while they’re often quiet affairs behind closed doors, the outcomes can have ripple effects - not just financially, but sometimes in how teams and players view each other going forward.
With spring training creeping closer, roster decisions are starting to speed up. Whether it’s Boston’s next move, the first base dominoes finally falling, or arbitration battles being settled, the next two weeks could shape what Opening Day looks like for a lot of clubs.