Overview
- Boston continues to prioritize adding an infield bat, with Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette identified as primary targets alongside trade options Ketel Marte, Isaac Paredes and Brendan Donovan.
- Detroit’s interest in Bregman is described as lukewarm with no new movement, though reporting suggests the Tigers could re-enter only if his market softens in mid-January.
- The Blue Jays, Cubs and Diamondbacks are active in the Bregman sweepstakes with Toronto seen as well positioned to push if it chooses, while Chicago and Boston are not viewed as eager to offer a long-term deal.
- League reporting says the Cardinals’ decision on Brendan Donovan is holding up broader infield movement because his cost-controlled versatility offers a lower-risk alternative to big free-agent commitments.
- Kyle Tucker remains unsigned as he seeks a very large contract, prompting suitors to weigh fallback plans, and Yankees GM Brian Cashman’s characterization of a slow market has amplified criticism of New York’s cautious approach.