Major League Baseball usually experiences a quiet stretch for transactions between Christmas and the New Year, though unexpected moves can still occur. Recent offseasons have been notably slow, with many key free agents yet to find new teams (see the free agent tracker for updates).
Here’s a summary of the latest rumors as of December 27:
The Chicago Cubs are among the teams interested in Alex Bregman, according to Chicago’s 670 The Score, which reports multiple discussions between the Cubs and Scott Boras, Bregman’s agent. The Toronto Blue Jays and Arizona Diamondbacks are also in talks with Bregman. A three-time All-Star, Bregman opted out of his Red Sox contract this offseason and posted a solid 2024 season batting .273/.360/.462 with 18 home runs, 62 RBIs, and a 3.5 WAR over 114 games. Other teams, including the Red Sox, have shown interest in re-signing him. For the Blue Jays, Bregman’s signing might depend on their ability to retain Bo Bichette or sign outfielder Kyle Tucker. The Cubs have Matt Shaw, their No. 3 prospect, who might either be traded or serve as a utility player. The Diamondbacks could be looking to trade Ketel Marte and adjust their infield to accommodate Bregman.
Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Reds have agreed to a deal with outfielder JJ Breday, per multiple reports including MLB.com. Breday, 28, is a versatile left-handed outfielder who had a strong 2024 campaign with a .243/.324/.437 line, 20 home runs, and 2.1 WAR, although his previous season was less impressive. The Reds currently have TJ Freidl as their center fielder and Noelvi Marte in right, with Brady, Will Benson, and Blake Dunn as options for left field, but things could still change before the new year.
Fan Take: This news is significant because landing a player like Alex Bregman could dramatically shift the competitive landscape for the Cubs and other contenders, affecting playoff races and fan excitement. Additionally, the Reds signing JJ Breday highlights how teams continue to seek fresh talent to bolster their lineups, showing that offseason moves, even in slower periods, can have a substantial impact on the upcoming season.
