ESPN: Juan Soto Bidding Begins on a high frequency
This week, teams are anticipated to make Soto their first offers; Tanaka on the move; Bombers considering a reunion with Loáisiga
Reported MLB Trades | Nick Deeds: Over the past two weeks, Juan Soto and his squad have been meeting with clubs in southern California, and it appears that they are finally prepared to accept early offers from his long list of fans. In addition to the Giants, Rays, and Royals signing preliminary contracts, the Yankees, Mets, Blue Jays, Red Sox, Dodgers, and Phillies have met with the free agency class’s gem and third-place MVP finisher. Soto’s final salary may surpass the record-breaking $700 million deal Shohei Ohtani received with the Dodgers last winter if there are that many bidders. The signing process may quicken if bids come in; according to some sources, Soto may sign at the Winter Meetings, which take place from December 9 to December 12.
Post of New York | Mark W. Sanchez: After undergoing surgery to remove bone chips from his elbow and then a second UCL repair procedure that lost him the most of 2023 and 2024, Jonathan Loáisiga has been plagued by ailments for the past several years. Over the past two seasons, he has only made 20 appearances and pitched 21.2 innings with a 2.49 ERA. Having said that, he is one of the league’s most effective relievers when healthy, so it is not shocking to learn that the Yankees are interested in re-hiring him. He anticipates starting bullpen sessions in January and celebrated his 30th birthday earlier this month. Given the lack of arms in the bullpen and Loáisiga’s anticipated low cost due to his injury history, the Yankees are the team who know the flame-throwing reliever the best, so this reunion may be ideal.
Jason Coskrey | The Japan Times: Masahiro Tanaka, an old acquaintance, is now again a free agent after spending four seasons pitching for the NPB’s Tokohu Rakuten Golden Eagles in Japan. After his old organization refused to add him to their roster of players eligible for contracts for the upcoming season, the righty quit the squad. Tanaka battled with fitness in 2024 and made just one appearance for the Golden Eagles’ big league team, giving up four runs in five innings while pitching to a 3.74 ERA in four seasons during his second tenure in the NPB. During his seven seasons with the Yankees, Tanaka was a fan favorite. He recorded a 3.74 ERA in 173 starts and was dubbed “Playoff Tanaka” because of his outstanding playoff play.
Tanaka, who left the Yankees after the 2020 season, is only three wins away from reaching 200 career victories in both the NPB and MLB. However, he appears to be a shadow of the Top 100 pitcher. But nothing can alter those happy recollections!
