As baseball’s version of a silent night settles in for the holidays, the hot stove is anything but cool-especially at the corners. Here are three storylines worth keeping an eye on as we head into Christmas Eve.
1. Corner Infielders Are the Talk of the Town
The corner infield market is buzzing, and over the past few days, we’ve seen a flurry of moves that suggest teams are locking in their power bats and defensive anchors before the calendar flips.
The White Sox kicked things off Sunday morning by landing Munetaka Murakami on a two-year, $34 million deal. The slugging first/third baseman from Nippon Professional Baseball brings a potent bat and international pedigree to the South Side, and he’s expected to slot into the heart of their lineup right away.
Later that same day, the Red Sox made a splash of their own, acquiring Willson Contreras from the Cardinals. While primarily known as a catcher, Contreras has experience at first base and brings serious pop to Boston’s offense. That move could have ripple effects across the roster-more on that in a bit.
Then came the Pirates, who made their own corner infield upgrade by inking Ryan O’Hearn to a two-year, $29 million contract. O’Hearn had a breakout season and now heads to Pittsburgh to provide a left-handed power presence and a veteran bat in a lineup that’s still trying to find its identity.
But the moves don’t stop there. The rumor mill is churning, and it’s clear that front offices around the league are still circling the corner infield market.
According to reports, the Blue Jays have been in touch with Scott Boras regarding Alex Bregman, arguably the top unsigned corner infielder remaining. Bregman’s blend of plate discipline, postseason experience, and Gold Glove-caliber defense makes him a game-changer for any contender.
The Mariners, meanwhile, are keeping tabs on a familiar face. GM Justin Hollander confirmed the club’s interest in bringing back Eugenio Suárez, who spent the last two seasons in Seattle. Suárez offers consistent power and leadership, and a reunion would make plenty of sense for a team still looking to solidify its infield.
Over in Pittsburgh, before the O’Hearn deal came together, the Pirates reportedly held multiple virtual meetings with Kazuma Okamoto-another NPB All-Star with a strong track record at both corner infield spots. It’s clear that teams are casting a wide net, looking not just domestically but internationally for impact bats.
And don’t be surprised if the trade market starts to heat up next. With Pete Alonso now firmly entrenched at first base in Baltimore, the Orioles could look to move one of Ryan Mountcastle or Coby Mayo-both of whom are blocked positionally.
In Boston, Triston Casas might become a trade chip following Contreras’s arrival. And with the Cardinals already moving Contreras and Sonny Gray, it’s fair to wonder if Nolan Arenado could be next.
The All-Star third baseman has been a centerpiece in St. Louis, but the winds of change are clearly blowing.
While we’re unlikely to see any blockbuster deals go down on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, don’t be shocked if a few more dominoes fall shortly after. The corner infield market is moving fast-and it’s far from finished.
2. DFA Deadlines Looming for Noel and Wiemer
A week ago, the Guardians and Giants designated outfielders Jhonkensy Noel and Joey Wiemer for assignment. That clock is about to hit zero.
When a player is DFA’d, the team has seven days to trade him, release him, or attempt to pass him through waivers. That deadline arrives today for both Noel and Wiemer, which means we should be hearing something soon-whether it's a minor trade, a waiver claim, or an outright assignment to the minors.
Noel, affectionately nicknamed “Big Christmas,” is a power-hitting prospect with raw tools and a sky-high ceiling. He’s still developing, but his upside could entice a team looking to take a flier on a young bat with thump.
Wiemer, on the other hand, brings elite defense and a cannon arm to the outfield, along with some pop of his own. Both players are still early in their big-league careers and don’t have the service time to reject a minor league assignment, so if they clear waivers, their current clubs will retain them.
Keep an eye out-these are the kinds of under-the-radar moves that can quietly pay off down the line.
3. Will There Be a Last-Minute Holiday Deal?
While most front offices are likely winding down for the holiday, baseball has a funny way of sneaking in a surprise or two before the eggnog gets poured.
We’ve already seen three transactions in the last 24 hours: Jacob Webb signed with the Cubs, Sean Newcomb joined the White Sox, and Ryan O’Hearn agreed to terms with the Pirates. That’s a decent bit of movement for late December, and it shows that some teams are still doing business right up to the wire.
That said, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are typically quiet across the league. But history reminds us that “typically” doesn’t mean “always.”
Just last year, the Twins and Red Sox pulled off a Christmas Eve trade, sending reliever Jovani Morán to Boston in exchange for utility man Mickey Gasper. And if you look back a little further, the holiday has had its share of notable moments.
Mark McGwire re-signed with the A’s on December 24, 1992, inking a five-year, $28 million deal. Reggie Jackson also made his final big-league stop official on Christmas Eve in 1986, returning to Oakland for one last ride.
Even in recent years, a few teams have made holiday headlines. The Cubs signed Drew Smyly on Christmas Eve in 2022, the Mets did the same with Dellin Betances in 2019, and the A’s locked up Mike Fiers in 2018-a move that eventually paid off with a no-hitter the following season.
So while the odds of a blockbuster are slim, don’t rule anything out. Baseball has a way of delivering a surprise gift or two when you least expect it.
As you settle in for the holiday, keep one eye on the fireplace and the other on the transaction wire. The offseason is far from over-and the corner infield carousel is just getting started.