The MLB Winter Meetings concluded, but trade talks continued with the Astros trading Kyle Tucker to the Cubs and the Brewers swapping Devin Williams for Nestor Cortes with the Yankees. The Cubs are now working on a trade for Marlins lefty Jesús Luzardo, while the Athletics acquired lefties Jeffrey Springs and Jacob Lopez from the Rays. The Astros are willing to listen to offers for lefty Framber Valdez but are not actively trying to trade him. Valdez, a 31-year-old ground ball starting pitcher, had a strong season in 2024 with a 2.91 ERA in 176 1/3 innings. The Astros could potentially trade him to address roster needs and improve their farm system. Meanwhile, free agent slugger Anthony Santander is seeking a five-year contract, with interest from teams like the Blue Jays and Yankees. Despite hitting 44 home runs in 2024, there are concerns about his overall game, leading to a ranking as the 15th best free agent this offseason.
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The Brewers are atop the NL standings with an 11-game winning streak, bolstering their Wild Card chances. While they are not actively seeking major upgrades, they could enhance their bench and are considering trading veteran Nestor Cortes, who has been injured, as they have a solid rotation and are assessing options like Jose Quintana for potential trades. Want More Context? 🔎
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