Major League Baseball: Offseason News, Moves, and Rumors (January 2024)
The 2024 Major League Baseball offseason is heating up, with teams making significant moves, signing free agents, and trading players to bolster their rosters. Here’s a comprehensive look at the latest news, moves, and rumors that are shaking up the baseball world:
Angels Sign Aaron Hicks
The Los Angeles Angels have made a move to bolster their outfield, signing veteran outfielder Aaron Hicks to a major-league deal for the minimum salary. Hicks, who was released by the New York Yankees last year, will join the Angels on a one-year contract, with the Yankees continuing to cover the remaining portion of his contract, which extends through the 2025 season.
Hicks had a solid performance with the Baltimore Orioles in 2023, slashing .263/.342/.463 with 12 home runs and 34 RBIs in 65 games. He is expected to split time between left field and designated hitter in Anaheim, depending on the team’s roster decisions in the coming weeks.
Justin Turner’s Decision Imminent
Veteran designated hitter Justin Turner is reportedly closing in on a decision about his future, with several teams vying for his services. According to Jon Morosi of MLB.com, Turner is leaning towards joining a new team this week, with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Toronto Blue Jays, and New York Mets among the potential suitors.
Turner, 39, had a productive season with the Boston Red Sox in 2023, posting a .278/.361/.460 slash line with 25 home runs and 80 RBIs. While his defensive and baserunning abilities have diminished with age, Turner remains a potent force at the plate, known for his contact skills and ability to punish mistakes from opposing pitchers.
Texas Rangers Eyeing Brandon Belt
The Texas Rangers are reportedly in the mix to sign veteran designated hitter Brandon Belt, as reported by Buster Olney of ESPN. Belt, who spent the 2023 season with the Toronto Blue Jays, has a familiar connection to Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, having played under him during their time with the San Francisco Giants.
Belt had a productive season with the Blue Jays in 2023, slashing .265/.354/.486 with 18 home runs and 60 RBIs in 103 games. The Rangers are looking to fill the void left by Mitch Garver, who departed via free agency, and Belt could provide a solid option as a designated hitter and occasional first baseman.
Boston Red Sox Consider Garrett Cooper as Plan B
If the Boston Red Sox fail to re-sign outfielder Adam Duvall, they may turn to Garrett Cooper as an alternative option, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive. Cooper, who spent the 2023 season with the Miami Marlins, brings experience at both first base and the corner outfield positions, providing the Red Sox with some versatility.
While Cooper lacks Duvall’s defensive prowess, he offers a solid bat, having posted a .263/.347/.434 slash line with 14 home runs and 67 RBIs in 2023. CBS Sports recently highlighted Cooper as a potential candidate for a bounce-back season, citing his strong ball-tracking data and similarities to players like Luis Robert Jr., Jorge Polanco, and Zack Gelof, who had more successful seasons.
Conclusion
With the 2024 Major League Baseball season just a few months away, teams are making their final moves and decisions to shape their rosters. These recent signings and rumors are just a taste of the excitement and uncertainty that lies ahead as teams prepare for another thrilling season of baseball.