The 2024-25 MLB offseason is in full swing. Players without 2025 contracts are officially free agents and we’ve already seen the first flurry of moves over the first week. Additionally, we also received word that several stars will (or may) be moving to new positions next season. Here’s a look at some of the information we learned in the offseason thus far.
Mookie Back to the Infield
One of the big stories of the past week was that several players will be moving to different positions next season. Or in the case of Mookie Betts, back to a position he’s familiar with.
Dodgers brass confirmed during the GM Meetings that Mookie Betts is set to move back to the infield for 2025. Betts played right field for the later parts of the year after a fractured left hand. However, he spent a good chunk of the season playing between second and short, after the Dodgers stated last winter Betts would be their regular second baseman in 2024.
The Dodgers don’t have a clear shortstop heading into the season. Los Angeles tried to give that role to Gavin Lux but his arm isn’t exactly an asset at the position. Betts, who’s got a stronger arm, could play there again in 2025.
It’s also possible Tommy Edman, who played short during the playoffs, could also be an option there in spurts. His arm strength (33rd percentile per Statcast) isn’t great and would be a better fit either at second or center field. But, Edman was servicable at short during the 2024 Postseason.
It was one of two notable pieces of info regarding the Dodgers. Shohei Ohtani, who sustained a shoulder injury during the World Series, recently underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum. He’s not expected to pitch at the beginning of the year.
Bregman May Be on the Move, As Well
One of the big names on the free agent board this winter is Alex Bregman. Bregman just won his first AL Gold Glove at third base in 2024. But, he could have a new defensive home next season and beyond. Bregman’s agent Scott Boras stated teams have asked whether he would be willing to move to second, which Boras added he would be.
Statistically, Bregman’s been fine range-wise at third base. He posted a +16 Outs Above Average from 2022-24. At the same time, his arm strength (26th percentile) has never been an asset for Bregman.
The arm strength issue would be less of a problem for Bregman at second, for obvious reasons. It could also open up possibilites for teams who are concerned about Bregman’s ability to hold down third long-term or teams that have third base held down but want a bat.
The Giants, a team that tried to woo big-name free agents in the past (i.e. Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani) and now have a new president of baseball operations, is one team in mind. San Francisco has a Gold Glove third baseman in Matt Chapman in place for the long haul.
Contreras Goes to First
The Cardinals will have a new first baseman in 2025 with Paul Goldschmidt heading to free agency. Turns out, it will be an in-house name. St. Louis confirmed that Willson Contreras will move from catcher to a first base/DH role full-time. It’s a move that Cardinals brass stated is one to keep him healthy.
Contreras played 11 games (four starts) at first with the Cubs.
Contreras’ fielding has been under question for some time. He’s not a great framer (35th percentile) and this isn’t the first time Contreras has been considered to move off the position. As a matter of fact, the Cardinals attempted to convert Contreras into an outfielder after his first month with the team. St. Louis ultimately killed that plan without him playing a game in the field.
The Cardinals have two young catchers, Pedro Pages and Ivan Herrera, on their roster. Herrera is a former top prospect who hit .301/.372/.428 with 18 extra-base hits over 72 games last year. Pages, meanwhile, is a former sixth-round pick who profiles as a backup catcher.
The Braves Will Be Without Two Stars (To Start)
Atlanta confirmed that neither Spencer Strider or Ronald Acuna Jr. will be ready to start the 2025 season.
The Braves will have to live without the two to start next season after being without both for much of 2024. Strider underwent an internal brace last year after a UCL injury, while Acuna Jr. tore an ACL in his left knee in May. Acuna Jr., per the Braves front office, may be not be ready until a month or two after the start of the year.
Atlanta’s team will look quite different next season. Aside from no Acuna Jr. or Strider to start, the Braves moved Jorge Soler to the Angels and it’s likely Max Fried will not be in town next year. Fried became a free agent and was tendered a qualifying offer.
First Signings Take Place
We’ve already seen some action on the free agent market over the first week.
Cleveland brought back catcher Austin Hedges for 2025 on a one-year deal. Hedges has long been a great defensive catcher, dating back to his prospect days. However, Hedges doesn’t offer much in the way of offensive production. The 32-year-old owns a career OPS of .558.
The Angels, meanwhile, signed right-hander Kyle Hendricks to a one-year deal. Hendricks, a master of pitch movement and command during his prime, posted the worst Whiff% (18.7%) and BB% (7.6%) of his MLB career last season. He did, however, post a strong Hard Hit% (33.4%), despite the 1.45 WHIP and 5.92 ERA.
Hendricks, for the first time in his MLB career, will pitch for a team not named the Cubs.
It continues what has been already a busy offseason for the Angels. Los Angeles swung a minor trade for ex-Phillie Scott Kingery and moved Griffin Canning to the Braves for OF/DH Jorge Soler.