As the holiday season unfolds, MLB trade discussions remain active despite the usual slowdown. With teams gearing up for 2025, here’s a roundup of the latest hot stove rumors.
Marlins Considering Trade Options for Sandy Alcantara
The Miami Marlins are not ruling out the possibility of trading former Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara. Following the trade of Jesús Luzardo, Marlins president of baseball operations Peter Bendix left the door open for potential moves.
“We never rule out anything. We listen to all offers. Sandy is a crucial part of our team, and I’m excited to see him pitch on Opening Day,” Bendix told the Miami Herald.
Alcantara, 29, missed the 2024 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Despite his injury, teams would eagerly pursue him given his affordable contract. He is set to earn $17 million in both 2025 and 2026, with a $21 million club option for 2027. The real question isn’t if the Marlins will trade him, but when.
Rangers Show Interest in Chris Martin
The Texas Rangers are exploring bullpen upgrades and have their sights on free-agent right-hander Chris Martin, according to the Dallas Morning News. A native of Arlington, Martin rejoined MLB with Texas in 2018 after a stint in Japan. The 38-year-old has since been a reliable setup man, boasting a 2.16 ERA across 95 2/3 innings with the Red Sox from 2023 to 2024.
The Rangers lost key relievers David Robertson, José Leclerc, and Kirby Yates to free agency. While they have bolstered their bullpen by acquiring Robert Garcia in the Nathaniel Lowe trade and signing Shawn Armstrong, Hoby Milner, and Jacob Webb, they still need a proven late-game arm. Martin could be the answer.
Yankees Targeting Lefty Reliever Tim Hill
The New York Yankees are looking to bring back left-handed reliever Tim Hill, as reported by the New York Post. Hill, who was released by the White Sox midseason, found success with the Yankees, posting a 2.05 ERA over 44 innings after struggling with a 5.87 ERA in 23 innings with Chicago.
At 35 years old, Hill led the league in ground ball rate but had one of the lowest strikeout rates in 2024. With recent bullpen additions Devin Williams and Fernando Cruz, the Yankees still lack a lefty reliever on their 40-man roster. Hill’s ground-ball-heavy approach could replace what they lost when Clay Holmes departed in free agency. A reunion seems like a natural fit for both sides.
Source: CBS Sports
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