MLBTR Happy New Year! Here are three things we’ll be watching for in baseball heading into 2025:
1. Thielbar’s terms to be announced:
Cubs end 2024 with final signing: Lefty Caleb Tirba One-year contract. Thielba, 38, who later this month posted a 5.32 ERA in 47 1/3 innings with the Twins last year, has pitched better in Minnesota from 2020 to 2023 Much more so, when he posted a 3.21 ERA (130+ ERA) and a 3.16 ERA. The left-hander figures prominently in Chicago’s middle-relief mix, joining other left-handed options such as Rob Zastrizny and Luke Little. It’s worth noting that the terms of Thielba’s deal with the Cubs have not yet been announced. Even if Thielba enters his age-38 season after a down season, given his past record of success, it wouldn’t be surprising if Thielba achieves results well above the major league minimum. . More information on the details of Thielba’s contract is likely to be released in the coming days.
2. Players stuck in DFA dilemma:
The timer for clubs to make decisions on players caught in DFA trouble was paused over the holidays, but will restart as 2025 begins. Multiple players including Phillies left-hander Tyler Gilbertastros infielder Gray Kessingerand Rangers catcher Sam Huff Having been facing an uncertain future, these questions will be resolved in the coming days. Over the next week, all players currently on DFA limbo will be waived or traded. Clubs will have the opportunity to strike out any player who is granted minor league waivers during this period, but players who have been previously struck or have at least three years of Major League Baseball service can decline that assignment in favor of free agency if they so choose.
3. Will these teams spend money in 2025?
As 2024 comes to a close, MLBTR’s Anthony Franco took a look yesterday at clubs’ spending so far in the offseason. Naturally, the Mets lead by a huge margin with $765MM in commitments. Juan Soto last month, but the other end of the list is more interesting. Five clubs have yet to spend a penny on free agents, though that number drops to four clubs if you factor in right-handers Michael Wacha Re-signing with the Royals in the days leading up to free agency was a new signing, not an extension. Along with the Royals, the lowest spenders are the Mariners, Twins, Padres and Cardinals. Every team finished above .500 last year, but at least Minnesota, San Diego and St. Louis all appear to be facing serious salary constraints this winter. Going into 2025, with just six weeks left before pitchers and catchers report to spring training, will these clubs become more active on the free agent market?
