Major League Baseball’s offseason is expected to slow down as the holidays approach, but teams still have some time to make key acquisitions before Thanksgiving. CBS Sports has compiled Sunday’s top rumors and deals in one easy-to-access update.
The Detroit Tigers, among other teams, are interested in signing reliever Ryan Helsley and transitioning him into a starting pitcher, according to The Athletic. Helsley, 31, has never started in the majors and hasn’t made a professional start since 2018. However, the Tigers hope he can emulate pitchers like Reynaldo López, Michael King, and Clay Holmes by moving into the starting rotation. Last season, Helsley played in 58 games with the Cardinals and Mets, recording a 4.50 ERA and a 2.52 strikeout-to-walk ratio, though his control has been inconsistent, averaging nearly four walks per nine innings. He has a fastball plus two breaking pitches, rarely using his curveball. The Tigers are determined to add a starting pitcher, especially since ace Tarik Skubal is set to become a free agent after next season.
Meanwhile, the San Francisco Giants are among the teams pursuing Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai, who was recently posted by the Saitama Seibu Lions for MLB consideration. At 27, Imai boasts a dominant track record, with 163 innings pitched last season, a 1.92 ERA, and a 3.96 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Known for his mid-90s fastball and forkball-like slider, he is seen as a potential top-three starter for the Giants as early as next year. The Giants face stiff competition from other big-market teams like the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, and Cubs. Since appointing former catcher Buster Posey as a top executive, the Giants have been active in reshaping their roster, including signing shortstop Willie Adames and acquiring Tony Vitello as their new manager.
The Chicago Cubs have bolstered their pitching staff this offseason by re-signing left-hander Shota Imanaga and acquiring reliever Phil Maton. Despite these additions, the Cubs are still hunting for a frontline starting pitcher, with potential targets including Framber Valdez, Dylan Cease, Michael King, Ranger Suarez, and Zac Gallen. Trade options remain on the table as well, with Miami Marlins right-hander Edward Cabrera mentioned as a possibility. The Cubs’ rotation currently features Imanaga, Drew Horton, Jameson Taillon, Matthew Boyd, and either Colin Rea or Javier Assad, with Justin Steele expected to return from elbow surgery mid-season.
Fan Take: These offseason moves highlight the ongoing efforts of MLB teams to strengthen their pitching staffs, which is crucial in a game increasingly dominated by dominant arms. The interest in versatile pitchers like Helsley and promising international talent like Imai shows the evolving strategies teams are adopting to gain a competitive edge and excite fans with fresh talent.
