A decade ago, MLB’s offseason player transactions typically wrapped up by Christmas, but that’s no longer the case. As of December 23rd, some of the top free agents remain unsigned, including five of the top six and nine of the top fourteen. Many players linked to trade rumors are still part of their 2025 teams, making this traditionally slow Christmas period in MLB surprisingly active.
One notable move is the Pittsburgh Pirates signing Ryan O’Hearn, an All-Star hitter, to a two-year, $29 million deal. O’Hearn, a left-handed batter who hit .281 with 17 home runs and 63 RBIs last season between the Orioles and Padres, is expected to play mainly as a designated hitter. This marks the Pirates’ first multi-year free-agent signing since 2017. Additionally, they recently acquired Brandon Lowe from the Rays.
The New York Mets continue to be active, having traded for Jeff McNeil and focusing next on adding a right-handed hitter, preferably someone who can also play first base. Free agents Bo Bichette and Alex Bregman have been mentioned but are likely priced higher than the Mets want. They also need a left fielder and pitching help. The Mets are reportedly in discussions about free-agent left fielder Austin Hayes, who played 103 games for the Reds last year and was an All-Star with the Orioles in 2023.
Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals completed a trade sending Willson Contreras to Boston, with more potential deals under discussion, including for utility player Brendan Donovan and Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte. Donovan, set to remain with the Cardinals through 2027, had a solid season and could play second base for the Red Sox. Adding more offensive power remains a priority for Boston, with Alex Bregman still a potential target.
There are also rumors about the Red Sox possibly trading starting pitcher Brayan Bello, despite his solid contract and good recent performance. Should they move Bello, Boston would probably seek another starting pitcher in return, given the current rotation includes Garrett Crochet, Sonny Gray, Cutter Crawford, and Patrick Sandoval, with prospects like Kyle Harrison and Connelly Early waiting in the wings.
Fan Take: This flurry of offseason activity signals a shift in how MLB teams approach their rosters and timing, showing that the winter holiday period can be just as crucial for major moves as other times. Baseball fans should stay tuned, as these developments could reshape team dynamics and playoff races in the 2025 season.
