Big moves are shaking up the baseball landscape today, and with a pair of press conferences and a major roster decision looming, there’s plenty to keep tabs on. Let’s dive into three storylines that are front and center around the league right now:
1. Mets Set to Introduce Bo Bichette - and Field Questions on Luis Robert Jr.
The Mets are wasting no time making waves this offseason. They’ll officially introduce Bo Bichette at a press conference scheduled for 1 p.m. local time, just a day after finalizing a three-year deal with the All-Star infielder. Bichette’s arrival gives New York a dynamic presence at the top of the order and solidifies the middle of the infield - but that’s only half the story.
Late last night, the Mets pulled off a blockbuster, acquiring outfielder Luis Robert Jr. from the White Sox in a deal that sent former top prospect Luisangel Acuña to Chicago. That’s a major swing by president of baseball operations David Stearns, who will join Bichette at today’s presser and is likely to face questions about the team’s next steps.
With Bichette and Robert now in the fold, the Mets have added two high-impact bats in a matter of hours. The big question now: will Stearns continue to bolster the offense, or shift focus to the starting rotation? The Mets have been linked to top-tier arms this winter, and with the lineup starting to take shape, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the next big move come on the mound.
2. Red Sox Presser Hints at Ranger Suarez Signing
The Red Sox are also calling the media together today, with a press conference scheduled for 11 a.m. local time. While the team hasn’t officially announced the reason for the gathering, the timing lines up with this morning’s trade of Tristan Gray, which cleared a spot on the 40-man roster. All signs point to the club finalizing a deal with left-hander Ranger Suarez.
Suarez, a steady southpaw with postseason experience, would be a strong addition to a rotation that’s in need of depth and reliability. But beyond the Suarez signing, this press conference could offer a window into Boston’s broader offseason strategy.
Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow may address how the club plans to replace Alex Bregman on the infield. Internally, prospects Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell could be options at third and second base, respectively, but the Sox could also look outside the organization for a more established solution. Either way, today’s presser should provide some clarity on how aggressive Boston intends to be down the stretch of the offseason.
3. Dodgers Need to Clear Space for Kyle Tucker Deal
While the Mets and Red Sox are making headlines with official signings, the Dodgers are still waiting to finalize their own big splash. Their agreement with star outfielder Kyle Tucker hasn’t been made official just yet, and there’s one key reason why: Los Angeles needs to open a spot on its 40-man roster.
That move could come in a few different forms. The most straightforward option is designating a player for assignment, but the Dodgers could also follow Boston’s lead and swing a minor trade to clear space - something we’ve seen plenty of teams do in similar situations.
Once that roster move is complete, expect the Tucker deal to become official shortly thereafter. And when it does, the Dodgers will have added one of the game’s premier outfielders to an already loaded lineup - another reminder that they’re all-in on chasing another title.
Between blockbuster trades, key signings, and roster maneuvering, today is shaping up to be anything but quiet around the league. Keep your eyes on those pressers and roster wires - the hot stove is still burning.