MLB Rumour Tracker: All the latest Winter Meetings buzz

Major League Baseball's annual Winter Meetings mark an unofficial beginning of hot stove season.

While the prize jewel of the off-season came off the board Sunday, with Juan Soto's record-breaking contract with the New York Mets, the baseball world gathering in Dallas this week can only mean the action is only starting to get underway.

As clubs look to make a splash this winter, rumours and speculation will continue to fly, and you can follow along at Sportsnet.ca. Here is our running tracker of what MLB insiders across the industry are hearing.

Wednesday, Dec. 11

9:30 p.m. ET — Yankees targeting Cubs' Cody Bellinger

The Yankees and Cubs have made progress on a deal that would send former NL MVP Cody Bellinger to the Bronx, according to The New York Post's Jon Heyman. However, the two teams are reportedly apart on money, with Chicago asking the Yankees to take on almost all of Bellinger's remaining contract. Heyman writes that Bellinger would provide a solution at first base and in centre field for New York but that the team is also considering Pete Alonso and Christian Walker to fill that hole.

6:30 p.m. ET — Mariners hoped to fill first base need before conclusion of Winter Meetings

Seattle landed in Dallas for this year's Winter Meetings hoping to "address the first base situation before the meetings convened, trying to sign either Carlos Santana or Justin Turner to a one-year contract," per a report from The Seattle Times' Ryan Divish. However, the Mariners were unable to land their first baseman and will continue to look for infield reinforcements in the coming weeks.

6 p.m. ET — Angels, Nationals have expressed interest in Gleyber Torres

According to The New York Post's Joel Sherman, former Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres is generating interest from the Nationals and Angels. Washington has reportedly asked Torres to move to third base, but that is a move he has resisted in the past while with the Yankees.

5:15 p.m. ET — Red Sox still exploring rotation options after Crochet trade

While speaking to reporters after trading for Garrett Crochet, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said Boston is still looking for an addition to its rotation. And according to the Boston Globe's Alex Speier, "the Red Sox are still exploring both top-of-the-rotation options - including Corbin Burnes - and mid-tier options."

5 p.m. ET — Pirates open to moving RHPs Keller, Jones

Pittsburgh is looking to move some of its pitching depth for offensive help. Even the Pirates did that Tuesday by acquiring Spencer Horwitz for a package including Luis Ortiz, he isn't the only rotation member they have shopped. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazzete's Andrew Destin and Noah Hiles write that the Pirates "are open" to trading Mitch Keller and that Jared Jones is "very available."

3:30 p.m. ET — Bregman could be next big name off the board

The Alex Bregman sweepstakes could be coming to a close soon. "There's a sense Bregman could be the next big free agent to sign," per a report from MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. The Astros, Red Sox, Yankees and Tigers are reportedly in the mix.

1 p.m. ET — Mets meeting with Nick Pivetta Wednesday

After landing Juan Soto, the Mets are shifting their attention to their rotation. New York is scheduled to meet with Canadian right-handed starter Nick Pivetta on Wednesday, according to The New York Post's Jon Heyman."Pursuing a pitcher like Pivetta fits the Mets’ strategy under new baseball czar David Stearns, who has targeted mid-level starters over pursuing the high-priced free agents, like newest Yankee Max Fried and current free agent Corbin Burnes," Heyman wrote.

12:15 p.m. ET — Astros' preliminary Tucker trade talks with Cubs include Parades, Suzuki

Earlier reported that the Cubs were one of the strongest suitors to land outfielder Kyle Tucker, The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Chandler Rome report that outfielder Seiya Suzuki and third baseman Isaac Parades are two players Houston is targeting in trade talk with Chicago. "Talks are fluid, and the teams have exchanged a variety of names," the report says, adding that "Any Cubs package for Tucker likely would include prospects as well."

In a potential Yankees deal, the Astros would be looking to receive reigning AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil in return, according to multiple reports.

11:25 a.m. ET — Nats, multiple teams 'engaged' with free agent Christian Walker

As clubs scour the free-agent market for impact bats, there are "multiple teams, including the Nationals, engaged with free-agent first baseman Christian Walker," per Fansided's Robert Murray. The Tigers and Yankees have also been connected to Walker in recent days.

11:15 a.m. ET — Athletics were 'aggressive' in Fried sweepstakes

Ultimately, the Yankees landed left-hander starter Max Fried on a record deal, but somewhat surprisingly, the Athletics were named "one of the most aggressive teams" in trying to sign the former Brave, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale.

10 a.m. ET — Four teams seriously pursuing Astros' Kyle Tucker

Could the Yankees swing a trade for another star rental outfielder so soon after losing Juan Soto? The New York Post's Joel Sherman reports that New York is "among the teams most seriously pursuing the" Astros' Kyle Tucker. Joining them on that list are the Cubs, Giants and Phillies. Sherman says Houston is "prioritizing major league-ready corner infielders and starting pitching" in a potential deal.

Tuesday, Dec. 10

10:15 p.m. ET — Arenado would waive no-trade clause for six teams

According to MLB.com's John Denton, Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arendao has six teams on his "wish list" as St. Louis works to find a landing spot for the 10-time Gold Glover. The six are the Dodgers, Padres, Angels, Phillies, Mets and Red Sox.

8 p.m. ET — Mariners preparing 'full-fledged' pitch including Ichiro for Sasaki

The Mariners are set to give their best shot at recruiting Japanese ace Roki Sasaki, and they're calling on soon-to-be Hall of Famer Ichiro to be a part of their pitcher. The Seattle Times' Adam Jude reported that the team is preparing a "full-fledged recruiting pitch that is expected to include Ichiro." Seattle's president of baseball operations, Jerry Dipoto, called Sasaki “a priority” for the Mariners this off-season and hopes the organization's pitching development will be a positive in their recruitment.

7:30 p.m. ET — Red Sox turn attention to Burnes after missing out on Fried

After losing another bidding war, Boston has shifted its attention to right-hander Corbin Burnes. According to MassLive's Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam, "as of Tuesday afternoon, the Red Sox were readying an offer for Burnes." After the Fried deal was announced, Boston chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said, "Can’t get into specifics, but given our needs and what we intend to address this off-season, it’s safe to say we were, we are and we intend to remain on top rotation options."

2:30 p.m. ET — Fried nearing a decision with Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays in mix

The Max Fried sweepstakes are reportedly nearing an end — and it's three AL East teams in the mix for his services. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal wrote that Fried "is expected to choose his next team by Thursday" and that it appears the Yankees, Blue Jays and Red Sox are the likely landing spots for the southpaw.

Read more on the Blue Jays' pursuit of Fried from Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith here.

1:45 p.m. ET — Cardinals give Arenado's agent permission to help facilitate trade

Nolan Arenado and agent Joel Wolfe have been given permission by the Cardinals to help facilitate a trade for the 33-year-old. Arenado has a full no-trade clause, but Wolfe said the list of teams he's willing to be dealt to is "bigger than you would think," per USA Today's Bob Nightengale.

1:30 p.m. ET — Cubs inform Seiya Suzuki which teams are interested in trade

The Cubs informed Seiya Suzuki's agent, Joel Wolfe, which teams are interested in trading for the Japanese outfielder, according to ESPN's Jesse Rogers. Suzuki, 30, has a no-trade clause and reportedly does not want to be a designated hitter. "It's a small universe where Seiya would consider going," Wolfe said.

12:45 p.m. ET — Sasaki has paid attention to team success in MLB

As Roki Sasaki considers potential landing spots, he's entering negotiations with a good idea of how teams across MLB have done in recent years. Sasaki's agent, Joel Wolfe, said the right-hander "has paid attention to how teams have done as far as overall success both this year and in years past. He does watch a lot of major-league baseball," per Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith. Additionally, Nicholson-Smith reported that Sasaki has been asking questions about "weather, comfortability and pitching development."

11:40 a.m. ET — Angels 'appear close' to trade, could ship out Ward

MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reported that the Angels "appear to be close to trading an outfielder," adding that 30-year-old Taylor Ward has been generating "a lot of interest." Ward slashed .246/.323/.426 with 25 homers in 156 games for Los Angeles last season.

10 a.m. ET — Mariners, Red Sox had 'exploratory' trade talks

The Mariners are in desperate need of some offensive reinforcement this off-season, so it only makes sense that teams with hitters to spare would target their young, talented rotation. Ryan Divish and Adam Jude of the Seattle Times report that Seattle "had exploratory talks with the Red Sox about first baseman Triston Casas" earlier this off-season and that Boston asked for one of Bryce Miller and Bryan Woo. They added that Seattle is "disinclined" to trade either.

Monday, Dec. 9

11:45 p.m. ET — Brewers' Devin Williams attracting 'overwhelming' trade interest

Just one season away from free agent, Milwaukee closer Devin Williams has emerged as one of the top relievers potentially available via trade, and the 30-year-old right-hander is "attracting an overwhelming amount of interest," per a report from The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon. The report says it's possible the Brewers move Williams this week, but "a trade at some point later this winter is perhaps more likely." Rosenthal and Sammon list the Dodgers, Yankees, Royals, Tigers and Angels as teams that could be in play.

10 p.m. ET — Yankees, Mets among teams in on Garrett Crochet

Just more than 24 hours removed from battling it out for Juan Soto, the Yankees and Mets appear to be going toe to toe once again for another top player available this off-season. According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon, the two New York clubs are "the most aggressive suitors" for White Sox ace Garrett Crochet as of Monday night. The report also listed the Phillies and Red Sox as interested, but both are seen as less likely to be the final destination for the 25-year-old southpaw.

8:20 p.m. ET — Twins 'open to listening' on Correa trade ideas

One player who could receive some more interest on the trade market with Juan Soto off the board is Twins shortstop Carlos Correa, and Minnesota's president of baseball operations Derek Falvey "is open to listening to those ideas," according to The Athletic's Dan Hayes, but he "isn't looking to simply shed" the 30-year-old's salary. Even though they are operating from a difficult financial position this off-season, the Twins would demand a large price for Correa's services. "Obviously, you expect teams to call on players like that, especially with where we are and some of the conversations we’re having with other clubs," Falvey said. "But we want to win, so a high bar is set.”

7:15 p.m. ET — Blue Jays 'absolutely' interested in reunion with Teoscar Hernandez

In search of some power for their lineup, the Blue Jays could pursue a familiar face to fill that void. While speaking with reporters, Toronto GM Ross Atkins said the team is "absolutely" interested in trying to sign the slugging outfielder, per Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith. Hernandez played with the Blue Jays from 2017 to 2022 and hit 33 home runs for the World Series-champion Dodgers in 2024.

6:45 p.m. ET — Cardinals intend to trade Arenado

As St. Louis looks to shed payroll and prioritize youth this off-season, president of baseball operations John Mozeliak confirmed that third baseman Nolan Arenado is available via trade. According to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Mozeliak told reporters, "It is my intention to try" when asked about dealing the 33-year-old.

6:15 p.m. ET — Astros will 'listen on anybody,' including Tucker and Valdez

With Kyle Tucker and Framber Valdez one season from free agency, Houston general manager Dana Brown didn't rule out a possible trade for either while speaking to reporters. Per The Athletic's Chandler Rome, Brown replied, in part, that the Astros will "listen on anybody" when asked about fielding trade offers for the All-Star duo.

5:45 p.m. ET — Alex Bregman is Astros' 'No. 1 priority'

After nine years, two World Series titles and eight straight trips to the post-season, Houston manager Joe Espada wants to make sure Alex Bregman never wears an MLB jersey other than the Astros'. While speaking to MLB Network, Espada said that "(general manager) Dana Brown is doing everything in his power to get this guy across the finish line. This is our No. 1 priority."

4:45 p.m. ET — Shildt says Padres 'expect to be right in the mix' for Sasaki

With star Japanese right-hander Roki Sasaki's posting becoming official on Monday, the chase to add his services is officially on. While appearing on MLB Network Radio, Padres manager Mike Shildt was asked about Sasaki specifically. "We should be very legitimate contenders," he said. "We fully expect to be right in the mix and, at the end of the day, have Sasaki a Padre."

3:15 p.m. ET — Cubs trying to improve bullpen, have spoken to Finnegan

The Cubs have already traded for reliever Eli Morgan and signed starter Matthew Boyd this off-season, but their hunt for pitching help continues. ESPN's Jesse Rogers reported that Chicago is "still trying to improve" its bullpen and listed former Nationals closer Kyle Finnegan as an arm the team has spoken to.

3 p.m. ET — Dodgers still active in reliever market after bringing back Treinen

According to The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya, the Dodgers "seek at least one more reliever" after re-signing Blake Treinen on Sunday night. Ardaya writes that L.A. is looking at the top of the market, which includes interest in experienced closers Tanner Scott and Devin Williams.

2:45 p.m. ET — Yankees 'will consider' top-of-market starters

After falling short in the Juan Soto sweepstakes, the Yankees could pivot to "building a formidable rotation," ESPN's Buster Olney wrote. Olney said that the Bronx Bombers "will consider" the likes of Corbin Burnes, Max Fried and Walker Buehler for their rotation.

12:30 p.m. ET — Nathan Eovaldi a 'strong candidate' to sign at Winter Meetings

During an episode of The Baseball Insiders show on YouTube, Fansided's Robert Murray identified starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi as a 'strong candidate' to sign at this week's Winter Meetings, adding that the right-hander is drawing "pretty significant interest."

11 a.m. ET — Rosenthal expects Blue Jays 'to put together monster offer' for Corbin Burnes'

While appearing on the Fair Territory podcast Monday morning, The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal discussed the teams that missed out on Juan Soto and what could come next for the Yankees, Blue Jays, Red Sox and Dodgers. In his discussion of Toronto, Rosenthal said that he expects the Blue Jays "to put together a monster offer for Corbin Burnes. Burnes, the top starting pitcher available on the free-agent market, is coming off an All-Star season with the Baltimore Orioles, in which he posted a 2.92 ERA over 194.1 innings.

8 a.m. ET — Tigers have 'kicked the tires' on Christian Walker

After a second-half surge saw them find a way into the post-season, the Tigers have interest in multiple notable free agents, including first baseman Christian Walker. The Detroit Free Press' Evan Petzold reported that the team has interest in starting pitchers Walker Buehler, Andrew Heaney and Kyle Gibson and has "kicked the tires" on Walker, who has won three straight Gold Gloves and hit 95 homers since 2022.