MLB Rumors: Pete Alonso has an 'interest' in staying with the Mets
Mets fans will want to hear this rumor. In a new report by ESPN's Jeff Passan, Pete Alonso reportedly has "expressed interest" in working out a contract extension with the Mets.
Alonso, who is entering the final year of his deal in 2024, has been rumored to be a top trade chip this winter if he and the Mets can't agree on a deal.
Passan noted that while Alonso is interested in staying in Queens, he also is heavily financially motivated.
"He wants big money -- much bigger than the top first-base contracts doled out in recent years -- and, accordingly, the Mets are willing to listen to other teams. They are not chasing a trade. Unless contract talks fall apart, they're unlikely to pursue one. But if a motivated team approaches the Mets, new president of baseball operations David Stearns will hear them out."
Nothing groundbreaking is revealed here, just the fact that Alonso is rumored to want to work things out in New York. If the two sides fall out, then a trade will be inevitable.
MLB Rumors: Brewers' Corbin Burnes may not end up getting traded this winter
Amid reports that Brewers ace Corbin Burnes is going to get dealt, Jeff Passan poured some cold water on those rumors.
Burnes, arguably the best starting pitcher on the Brewers, may have outpriced his stay in Milwaukee and could already be looking forward to seeing how much he'll command in free agency after 2024. Assuming the Brewers don't want to let him walk and want to recoup some talent for their star, Burnes is being floated as a hot name this winter. The 29-year-old went 10-8 this past season and recorded a 3.39 ERA in 32 starts; Burnes also led the NL with a 1.069 WHIP.
So, what's the counterargument to a potential Burnes trade? Passan said the Brewers may still have a win-now mentality and will want to hold onto their best players.
"The Brewers just lost their manager to their hated rival. What sort of message does it send to fans if they actively ship their best players out, too?"
"The Brewers are good. They won the NL Central this year. They can win it again next year, especially with Jackson Chourio, Tyler Black and Jacob Misiorowski arriving soon. If the Brewers falter, Burnes and Adames can make Milwaukee the belle of the ball at the trade deadline. Other teams aren't convinced a huge sale is coming."
The same goes for Willy Adames, the team's star shortstop who could also be lured away from Milwaukee this offseason.
MLB Rumors: Is Jackson Holliday ready for the big leagues?
Jackson Holliday, baseball's No. 1 ranked prospect, could finally be ready to shine.
In 2023, Holliday played at four different levels for the Orioles. The young shortstop played 22 total games for the Triple-A Norfolk Tides, where he hit .267 with a .796 OPS. He's without a doubt the Orioles' most prized possession going into 2024, but when will he join the major league roster?
That's a question many Orioles fans would like to know the answer to. Unfortunately for them, the Orioles' organization doesn't have a clear timeline for calling up Holliday.
In an interview with Orioles beat reporter Steve Melewski, general manager Mike Elias said, "Anyone who is playing well in Triple-A and that you like organizationally, that enters them into conversations on how to plan the 2024 major league roster."
So, theoretically, Holliday is in the "conversation" of making the majors next season.
Holliday himself spoke about his situation and what the future might bring: "It's definitely going to be a little different next year, having a chance to hopefully make the club out of spring is my goal. If that doesn't happen, whatever is the plan, I'll be ready for it."
