The Latest MLB News and Rumors: Paxton Joins the Dodgers, Veteran Starters Impress, Sano Signs with Angels, Astros Seek Lefty Bat, and Gallo Heads to Washington
Dodgers Bolster Rotation with James Paxton
The Los Angeles Dodgers, renowned for their aggressive offseason moves, have added another notable name to their already star-studded roster. They have inked veteran left-handed starter James Paxton to bolster the back-end of their rotation.
Paxton, 35, had a solid campaign with the Boston Red Sox in 2023, making 19 starts and pitching 96 innings. Despite injury concerns throughout his career, Paxton has shown flashes of brilliance when healthy. His fastball still sits in the mid-90s, and he possesses effective secondary offerings.
With Shohei Ohtani not pitching this year, Yoshinobu Yamamoto making his MLB debut, Tyler Glasnow’s injury history, and Walker Buehler returning from Tommy John surgery, the Dodgers needed additional depth in their rotation. Paxton’s addition alleviates some of those concerns, providing a reliable arm to support the young and unproven starters Bobby Miller and Emmet Sheehan.
Lorenzen and Syndergaard Impress in Workouts
Right-handers Michael Lorenzen and Noah Syndergaard showcased their talents in front of approximately 16 MLB teams during a workout session. Lorenzen, 32, is coming off an All-Star season with a 105 ERA+ and an impressive strikeout-to-walk ratio. However, his performance declined after a trade to the Philadelphia Phillies, raising some concerns.
Syndergaard, 31, had a challenging year in 2023, struggling with inconsistency and injuries. Despite trying various adjustments to his arsenal, he failed to regain his previous form. Nevertheless, his potential and past successes have garnered interest from multiple teams.
Miguel Sano Finds a New Home with the Angels
The Los Angeles Angels have reached a minor-league agreement with former All-Star infielder Miguel Sano. Sano, who did not play in MLB last season, spent eight seasons with the Minnesota Twins, showcasing his power with 162 home runs and a 116 OPS+. He also made an All-Star Game appearance and finished third in Rookie of the Year Award voting in 2015.
Sano’s signing adds depth to the Angels’ infield, providing a veteran presence and a potential source of power. His experience and leadership could be valuable to a young team looking to make a playoff push.
Astros Seek a Lefty Outfielder
The Houston Astros, after acquiring closer Josh Hader and catcher Victor Caratini, are now seeking a left-handed outfielder to bolster their lineup. With the recent retirement of Michael Brantley, the Astros have an opening in center field.
General manager Dana Brown expressed the team’s desire for a lefty bat to complement righty-swinging Jake Meyers in a platoon arrangement. Top free agent Cody Bellinger would be an ideal fit, but the Astros are unlikely to meet his salary demands.
Joey Gallo Signs with the Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals have agreed to a one-year, $5 million contract with free-agent outfielder Joey Gallo, pending a physical. Gallo, 30, had a challenging season with the Minnesota Twins in 2023, batting .177 with 21 home runs.
Despite his struggles, Gallo possesses undeniable power and has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career. He provides the Nationals with a left-handed bat and could see regular playing time in the outfield.
Conclusion
As the 2024 MLB season approaches, teams continue to make moves to improve their rosters. Notable free agents and potential trade targets remain available, setting the stage for further rumors and transactions. With several teams still looking to fill gaps and strengthen their lineups, the offseason remains active, promising more exciting developments in the coming weeks.