In about a month, spring training camps will open across Arizona and Florida, and the first exhibition games are five weeks from this Friday. The World Baseball Classic begins two weeks after that. There are still a lot of trades and free-agent signings that must take place between now and then though. Here are Tuesday’s hot stove rumors.
Bichette’s meeting with Phillies goes well
The Phillies and free-agent infielder Bo Bichette met earlier this week and the meeting is said to have gone very well, reports the New York Post. New Phillies bench coach Don Mattingly was with Bichette in Toronto the last three years, and, like the Blue Jays, the Phillies offer Bichette a chance to stay near his Florida home in spring training.
Trea Turner is entrenched at shortstop, meaning Bichette would have to play second or third base for the Phillies. That would put Alec Bohm, who is a year away from free agency, more firmly on the trade block. It could also force the club to pivot away from J.T. Realmuto and go with a cheaper option behind the plate. We ranked Bichette as the offseason’s third-best free agent.
Yankees open to including opt outs for Bellinger
As the Yankees and free-agent outfielder Cody Bellinger continue their staredown, the team has shown a willingness to include opt-outs in their contract offer, according to The Athletic. New York is said to be offering five years and roughly $160 million. Bellinger and Scott Boras are reportedly looking for seven years. We ranked Bellinger as the offseason’s sixth-best free agent.
Now 30, Bellinger is coming off a three-year contract that included opt outs after each season. He declined to opt out after 2024 but did so after 2025. Opt outs have real value, though after his last trip through free agency, Bellinger is likely seeking the biggest payday possible, with or without opt outs. He may never be better positioned to cash in long-term than he is this winter.
Cardinals still prefer to trade Donovan
With spring training a month away, the Cardinals’ preference is still to trade second baseman Brendan Donovan, reports the Belleville News-Democrat. Doing so would net to the team more young talent, particularly on the mound, and also open a lineup spot for top prospect JJ Wetherholt. St. Louis has already dealt away Willson Contreras and Sonny Gray this offseason.
Donovan, 28, has two years of team control remaining, and his versatility makes him a fit for just about any contender. Second base and left field are his primary positions, though he has played every position in the big leagues except catcher and center field. The Giants, Mariners, Mets, Reds, Red Sox, and Royals all make sense for Donovan, among other teams.Â
Twins have interest in DomÃnguez
Seranthony DomÃnguez, perhaps the best available free-agent reliever, received interest from the Twins earlier this offseason, according to KSTP. Minnesota’s relief crew is single-ply thin at the moment. Righties Cole Sands and Justin Topa are the club’s most trusted late-inning options. DomÃnguez, 31, split last season between the Orioles and Blue Jays. He has closed and set up in the past. We did not rank DomÃnguez among the offseason’s top 50 free agents.Â
Collins attempting a comeback
Lefty Tim Collins, who last pitched in the majors with the Cubs in 2019, is attempting a comeback, reports The Athletic. He spent the last two years coaching in the Phillies’ system. Collins will throw for scouts Wednesday in Florida. Now 36, Collins had a 3.60 ERA in 242 â…“ innings with three teams from 2011-19, and he was as effective against righties as lefties. He was part of the Royals’ American League pennant team in 2014, though he missed their 2025 World Series run after Tommy John surgery.