Takeaways from Game 4: Vegas one win away from title
The Stanley Cup Final heads back to Las Vegas with the Golden Knights one win away from lifting the trophy.
After jumping out to a commanding 3-0 advantage in Game 4, the Golden Knights held off the Florida Panthers to take a 3-1 series lead. Chandler Stephenson scored the game’s first two goals, with William Karlsson adding what ended up being the winner.
What did we learn in Game 4? Can the Panthers keep the series going or will Vegas close it out at home?
ESPN reporters Kristen Shilton, Ryan S. Clark, Greg Wyshynski and Emily Kaplan check in with their takeaways from Game 4:
Numbers don’t lie
The numbers already weren’t in the Panthers’ favor heading into Game 4. Teams that took a 2-0 series lead in the Stanley Cup Final won the championship in 48 out of 53 series. Teams that won the first two games at home in the Final won the Cup in 38 of 41 series.
Now, the picture’s even bleaker for the Cats. Teams up 3-1 in a best of seven Stanley Cup Final have won 36 of 37 series. The only team in NHL history to rally from that deficit was the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs, who came back from a 3-0 hole to defeat the Detroit Red Wings for the Cup.
This is the fourth straight Stanley Cup Final and the fifth in the past six years where a team went up 3-1 in the series. — Wyshynski
Stephenson’s star turn
0:23
Chandler Stephenson’s 2nd goal extends the Golden Knights’ lead
Chandler Stephenson finds the net for the second time in Game 4 as the Golden Knights lead 2-0.
Vegas has benefited from an abundance of scoring depth this postseason so it’s easy to forget how important Stephenson has been. He was ninth overall in NHL playoff scoring (with 17 points) entering Game 4 and padded those stats quickly Saturday. He added a ninth postseason goal less than two minutes into Game 4 to spot the Golden Knights a 1-0 lead and tallied Vegas’ second goal in the middle frame to put him in double-digits.
The fact that both scores came on 5-on-5 salvos was even better for Vegas after they were held off the scoresheet at even strength in the Game 3 loss. Contributions at 5-on-5 from the team’s best players, and not just the supporting cast, is what Vegas must do to match Florida’s potentially potent top-six attack from taking over in that category. Stephenson setting a tone there played right into the narrative Vegas was hoping to establish coming out of a loss and to carry forward into the rest of this series — Shilton
Tkachuk playing through something
Matthew Tkachuk isn’t right. The Panthers star winger has been the heartbeat of this Cinderella run to the Stanley Cup Final. But the hit from Keegan Kolesar early in Game 3 may have been a series changer. While coach Paul Maurice admitted that Tkachuk was pulled by the concussion spotter and had to clear protocol — later returning to the game — he hasn’t looked the same since, despite scoring the late equalizer in Game 3. In Game 4, Tkachuk was passing up shots he may usually take, taking slower velocity shots than we’d typically see, and perhaps most tellingly: shying away from some of the physical play we expect him to get involved in. He sat for most of the third period, despite sitting on the bench. There’s another upper body injury clearly at play, and unfortunately it may doom the Cats. –– Kaplan
Karlsson in Conn Smythe mix
0:46
William Karlsson shovels it in for a Vegas goal
William Karlsson collects the loose puck and shovels it in for the score as the Golden Knights pad their lead to 3-0.
So. That whole Karlsson for Conn Smythe campaign remains alive and well considering he scored the goal that gave the Golden Knights a 3-0 lead. Yes, Karlsson now has 11 postseason goals and that’s tied for third with Tkachuk. As mentioned in an earlier post, part of what has made the Golden Knights effective this postseason is their overall depth. It’s what also makes the discussion around who could win the Conn Smythe a rather challenging one.
Is it Jack Eichel? Is it Jonathan Marchessault? Could it be Mark Stone? Is Adin Hill the answer? Or could it be Karlsson? The fact he is a third-line center who has 11 goals adds to the discussion along with his defensive zone performances. Vegas went from having one of the more porous penalty killing units in the playoffs to one that entered Game 4 without giving up a power-play goal in its past 11 opportunities. Karlsson has been at the heart of that success by leading all Golden Knights forwards in short-handed ice time. Another detail to consider is that Karlsson has been an active part in how the Golden Knights have played the five players who led the Stanley Cup playoffs in points before the Cup Final started. He’s been central to performances that saw the Golden Knights have games in which they held Evan Bouchard, Leon Draisaitl, Roope Hintz and Matthew Tkachuk pointless or without a point in 5-on-5 play. — Clark
Bobrovsky doing his part
Watching Sergei Bobrovsky of late, it’s hard not to think back on Paul Maurice’s news conference ahead of Game 3. He was asked to confirm Bobrovsky as his starter after the netminder was (rightfully) pulled from a pitiable performance in Game 2. Maurice basically shook his head and lamented how Bobrovsky had gone from odds-on Conn Smythe winner to questionable No. 1 starter in a Cup Final game over the course of about 36 hours. Safe to say, Bobrovsky has been back to his old self making the critical saves Florida’s relied on throughout the postseason.
It’s dangerous, though, how often the Panthers hang their goalie out to dry. That happened often early in Game 4 thanks to a strong transition game by Vegas and a poor response to it by Florida. Yes, Bobrovsky is good — but he’s only one man, and the Panthers won’t reach their ultimate goal without giving him more help — Shilton
Hill making case for new deal in Vegas
Adin Hill now has the Golden Knights a win away from their first Stanley Cup. And with that comes a few questions: What will Hill’s next contract look like? And what will the Golden Knights look like in goal next season? Let’s start here. Hill, a pending unrestricted free agent, made 29 saves including a last-second stop in Game 4. It’s the latest chapter in what Hill has done in a postseason that has seen him take center stage.
It’s likely Hill will receive a pay bump from his current two-year, $2.175 million contract. But if the Golden Knights want to keep Hill, they could have a number of items they must address. The Golden Knights are among the teams that are using a tandem approach with their goalies. Robin Lehner and Logan Thompson are currently the NHL goalies the Golden Knights have under contract. Lehner has two years left at $5 million annually while Thompson also has two years left at $766,667 in each season. CapFriendly projects the Golden Knights will have $3.462 million in available cap space entering the offseason. Vegas has the bulk of its team under contract. It’s just that Hill and Ivan Barbashev are pending UFAs. Brett Howden, who has served in a second-line role in the playoffs, is a pending restricted free agent. It leaves Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon with a number of decisions to make when it comes to what could happen with Hill, among others. — Clark
Montour continues postseason run
0:34
Brandon Montour’s goal puts the Panthers on the board
Brandon Montour’s shot pinballs in for the score as the Panthers cut it to 3-1 in the second period.
Right now seems like the time to have the discussion about how valuable Brandon Montour has been to the Panthers this season. There’s the goal he had to cut the lead to 3-1 before setting up Aleksander Barkov less than four minutes into the third period to bring the Panthers within a goal. Montour’s goal was his eighth of the playoffs and his second in as many games after not recording a goal in his past 10 contests. In fact, Tkachuk is now the only Panthers player to score more goals than Montour this postseason.
As the TNT broadcast mentioned, Montour has the fourth-most goals by a defenseman in a single postseason since 1984. Paul Coffey has the most with 12. What Montour has done in the playoffs just adds to what has been a historic season as a whole. Florida opened the season with questions about how it would replace a puck mover like MacKenzie Weegar who was included in the trade to the Calgary Flames that landed them Tkachuk. Aaron Ekblad was always thought to be an answer to that question. It’s just that Montour responded by finishing the season with the most points by a defenseman in franchise history. Montour’s 16 goals were tied for the most by a Panthers’ defenseman in a single season, while his 57 assists are the most all-time. Or to view it another way: Montour scored as many points this season as he did in his last three seasons … combined. — Clark
Vegas block party
Once again, the Golden Knights did their best Dikembe Mutombo impression in blocking 30 shots against the Panthers. Vegas had a combined 67 blocked shots in the previous three games, including 31 blocks in Game 3. But a high amount of blocked shots means a high volume of shot attempts. I asked Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy whether he saw the blocks as a positive sign or an indication they had to tighten up defensively.
“There’s teams that just pound the puck from anywhere and there’s other teams that play for maybe a better look, right for high percentage shots. So I think we fall more into the latter and I think Florida’s in the former,” he said. “A lot of these do get blocked if we’re sort of on our toes and knowing what’s coming maybe before it actually arrives.”
But more than anything, the shot attempts meant the Panthers were winning the hustle game. “To me it’s more getting to the loose pucks, probably winning their races to get second and third attempts,” said Cassidy. The Golden Knights were a lot better in that area in Game 4. — Wyshynski
Just like that, the 2024-25 MLB hot stove has kicked off! We had a trade just one day after the Los Angeles Dodgers hoisted the World Series championship trophy.
All eyes this winter were on the top free agent, young slugger Juan Soto, who left the New York Yankees for a record contract with the New York Mets. But he’s not the only one who will make a splash in the market.
Which teams will go all-in to contend for a 2025 World Series title? Where will other top free agents such as Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman land? And who will make the trades and deals that have everyone buzzing?
Below is a running list of notable transactions and updates from throughout the MLB offseason.
Free agency, trade grades | Top 50 free agents | Fantasy spin
Notable MLB offseason transactions
Jan. 30
Blue Jays land Scherzer on one-year deal
Right-hander Max Scherzer and the Toronto Blue Jays are in agreement on a one-year, $15.5 million contract, sources told ESPN on Thursday. Story » | Grade »
Jan. 29
Reds trade for late-inning arm
The Cincinnati Reds are finalizing a trade to acquire left-handed reliever Taylor Rogers from the San Francisco Giants, sources tell ESPN. Story »
Rays land infielder Kim
Infielder Ha-Seong Kim and the Tampa Bay Rays are in agreement on a two-year, $29 million contract that includes an opt-out after the first season, sources tell ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Tigers further fortify bullpen with Kahnle
Right-handed reliever Tommy Kahnle and the Detroit Tigers are in agreement on a one-year, $7.75 million contract, pending physical, sources told ESPN. Story »
Mets add hard-throwing Stanek to pen
Right-hander Ryne Stanek and the New York Mets are in agreement on a one-year deal, a source told ESPN. Story »
Jan. 28
Dodgers sign All-Star reliever Yates
Right-handed reliever Kirby Yates and the Los Angeles Dodgers are in agreement on a one-year, $13 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Can get up to $14M with 55 games pitched. Story » | Grade »
Jan. 26
Cubs trade for veteran reliever Pressly
The Chicago Cubs are finalizing a trade to acquire closer Ryan Pressly from the Houston Astros, pending medical review, sources told ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Story » | Grade »
Jan. 23
Braves land All-Star outfielder in Profar
Outfielder Jurickson Profar and the Atlanta Braves are finalizing a three-year, $42 million contract, sources tell ESPN.
Jan. 20
Blue Jays add Santander to outfield
The Toronto Blue Jays and outfielder Anthony Santander are in agreement on a five-year contract worth $92.5 million, giving the team one of the best hitters available this offseason after failed attempts to land a marquee free agent in recent years. Story » | Grade »
Jan. 19
Dodgers nab Scott for bullpen
The Los Angeles Dodgers have added left-hander Tanner Scott, arguably the best relief pitcher on the free agent market, agreeing to terms on a four-year, $72 million contract, sources told ESPN on Sunday. Story » | Grade »
Jan. 17
Japanese ace Sasaki picks Dodgers
Roki Sasaki, the prized Japanese pitching prospect who has had scouts drooling over his potential since high school, has chosen the Los Angeles Dodgers as his major league team, he announced on Instagram on Friday. Story » | Grade »
Jan. 16
Winker returns to Mets on one-year deal
Outfielder Jesse Winker and the New York Mets have agreed on a one-year deal, a source confirmed to ESPN amid multiple reports Thursday. Story »
Jan. 10
Blue Jays sign top reliever Hoffman
The Toronto Blue Jays announced they have signed right-handed reliever Jeff Hoffman to a three-year, $33 million deal. Story » | Grade »
Jan. 7
Giants add Verlander on one-year deal
Right-hander Justin Verlander and the San Francisco Giants are in agreement on a one-year, $15 million contract, sources told ESPN on Tuesday, continuing the future Hall of Famer’s career at age 42 in one of the pitcher-friendliest stadiums in baseball. Story » | Grade »
Jan. 6
Reds acquire Lux in trade with Dodgers
The Cincinnati Reds acquired infielder Gavin Lux from the Los Angeles Dodgers for a draft pick and an outfield prospect, the teams announced Monday, adding another prime-age hitter to a team that hopes to ascend in the National League Central this season. Story » | Grades »
Royals bring back pitcher Lorenzen
Right-hander Michael Lorenzen and the Kansas City Royals agreed on a one-year, $7 million contract, sources told ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Jan. 3
Dodgers land star KBO infielder
The Los Angeles Dodgers are in agreement with Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim on a 3-year, $12.5 million contract, sources confirmed to ESPN on Friday. Story » | Grade »
Dec. 30
Nats sign Bell to one-year deal
The Washington Nationals have agreed to terms with first baseman Josh Bell on a one-year contract worth $6 million, according to multiple reports. Story »
Dec. 29
Cubs and Marlins swap infielders
The Chicago Cubs acquired utility man Vidal Bruján on Sunday, sending first baseman Matt Mervis to the Miami Marlins in a swap of former top-100 prospects. Story »
Dec. 28
Burnes joins D-backs on $210 million deal
Right-hander Corbin Burnes and the Arizona Diamondbacks are in agreement on a six-year, $210 million contract, sources confirmed to ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Dec. 27
Dodgers bring back All-Star outfielder Hernandez
Outfielder Teoscar Hernández and the Los Angeles Dodgers are in agreement on a three-year, $66 million contract, sources told ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Tigers add Torres to infield on one-year deal
Infielder Gleyber Torres and the Detroit Tigers are in agreement on a one-year, $15 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Dec. 23
McCutchen returns to the Pirates
Veteran slugger Andrew McCutchen is returning to the Pittsburgh Pirates, the team announced on social media. Story »
Buehler, Red Sox agree to 1-year deal
Right-hander Walker Buehler and the Boston Red Sox are in agreement on a one-year, $21.05 million contract, sources told ESPN, sending the pitcher who secured the final out of the World Series this year to a team loading up on starting pitching as it pivots toward contention. Story » | Grade »
Rangers add veteran bat Pederson
Outfielder Joc Pederson and the Texas Rangers are in agreement on a contract pending a physical, sources tell ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Manaea returns to Mets on three-year deal
Left-hander Sean Manaea and the New York Mets are in agreement on a three-year, $75 million contract, sources told ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Dec. 22
Phillies bolster rotation with trade for Luzardo
The Philadelphia Phillies have acquired left-handed starter Jesus Luzardo from the Miami Marlins for two prospects, sources familiar with the deal told ESPN. Story » | Grades »
Nationals land 1B Lowe in trade with Rangers
The Washington Nationals on Sunday acquired first baseman Nathaniel Lowe from the Texas Rangers in exchange for lefty reliever Robert Garcia. Story » | Grades »
Dec. 21
Guardians trade Naylor to D-backs, sign Santana
The Cleveland Guardians traded first baseman Josh Naylor to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday and quickly replaced him, with sources telling ESPN that they agreed to a one-year, $12 million contract with free agent Carlos Santana, bringing him back for his third stint with the team. Story » | Grades »
Goldschmidt, Yankees agree on 1-year deal
First baseman Paul Goldschmidt and the New York Yankees are in agreement on a one-year, $12.5 million contract, sources told ESPN, pairing the former National League MVP and seven-time All-Star with the American League champion in the midst of a significant overhaul. Story » | Grade »
Dec. 20
Astros bring Walker to Houston
The Houston Astros and free-agent first baseman Christian Walker have agreed to a three-year, $60 million contract, sources confirmed to ESPN amid multiple reports. Story » | Grade »
Yanks ship Trevino to Reds for Cruz, Jackson
The New York Yankees traded catcher Jose Trevino to the Cincinnati Reds for right-hander Fernando Cruz and catcher Alex Jackson, the teams announced Friday. Story »
Red Sox add rotation arm
Left-hander Patrick Sandoval and the Boston Red Sox are in agreement on a two-year, $18.25 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Story »
A’s land veteran infielder
Gio Urshela is in agreement with the Athletics on a major league contract, sources confirm to ESPN. Story »
Dec. 19
Phillies bolster outfield with Kepler
Outfielder Max Kepler and the Philadelphia Phillies are in agreement on a one-year, $10 million contract, pending a physical, sources tell ESPN. Story »
Dec. 17
Yankees land Bellinger in trade with Cubs
OF/1B Cody Bellinger has been traded from the Chicago Cubs to the New York Yankees for right-handed reliever Cody Poteet, sources tell ESPN. (New York will also receive cash considerations.) Story » | Grades »
Dec. 16
O’s, Sugano agree on 1-year, $13M deal
Right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano and the Baltimore Orioles have agreed to a contract, the team announced Monday night, uniting one of the most successful Japanese pitchers of his generation with a team in need of rotation help. The deal is for one year and $13 million, sources told ESPN. Story »
Dec. 14
A’s acquire lefty Springs from Rays
The Athletics are acquiring left-hander Jeffrey Springs in a six-player trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, the team announced Saturday, continuing their push toward contention with a significant increase in their payroll as they head into their first season in Sacramento. Story » | Grades »
Dec. 13
Cubs land three-time All-Star Tucker in deal with Astros
The Chicago Cubs are acquiring Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker in exchange for third baseman Isaac Paredes, pitcher Hayden Wesneski and prospect Cam Smith, sources told ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Story » | Grades »
Yankees get All-Star closer Williams from Milwaukee
The New York Yankees are acquiring closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for left-hander Nestor Cortes, infield prospect Caleb Durbin and cash considerations, sources told ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Story » | Grades »
Dec. 11
Loáisiga returns to Yankees
Right-handed pitcher Jonathan Loáisiga and the Yankees have agreed on a one-year contract with a team option for 2026, a source tells ESPN. Story »
Red Sox trading for Crochet
The Boston Red Sox are acquiring left-hander Garrett Crochet in a trade with the Chicago White Sox for four highly-regarded prospects, sources tell ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Story »
Dec. 10
Marlins, Rangers agree to trade for Jake Burger
The Texas Rangers have agreed to a trade for power-hitting corner infielder Jake Burger, sources told ESPN on Tuesday. In exchange, the Miami Marlins will receive two shortstop prospects, Echedry Vargas and Max Acosta, and a young left-handed starting pitcher in Brayan Mendoza. Story » | Grades »
Eovaldi returning to the Rangers
Right-hander Nathan Eovaldi and the Texas Rangers are in agreement on a three-year, $75 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Guardians and Blue Jays complete trade
The Toronto Blue Jays are finalizing a trade to acquire three-time Gold Glove-winning second baseman Andres Gimenez from the Cleveland Guardians, sources tell ESPN. Story » | Grades »
Yankees land Fried on $218 million contract
Left-hander Max Fried and the New York Yankees are in agreement on a eight-year, $218 million contract, pending physical, sources tell ESPN. It is the largest guarantee in baseball history for a left-handed pitcher. Story » | Grade »
Blue Jays sign pitcher Garcia
The Toronto Blue Jays and right-hander Yimi Garcia are in agreement on a two-year, $15 million contract, a source told ESPN on Tuesday. Story »
Dec. 9
Phillies add Romano to bullpen
Closer Jordan Romano and the Philadelphia Phillies are in agreement on a free agent contract, pending physical, sources tell ESPN. Romano was nontendered by Toronto earlier this offseason. Story » | Grade »
Dec. 8
Mets sign Soto for MLB record $765 million
Superstar outfielder Juan Soto and the New York Mets are in agreement on a 15-year, $765 million contract, sources tell ESPN. It is the largest deal in professional sports history. Story » | Grade »
Conforto joins Dodgers on $17 million deal
Outfielder Michael Conforto joined the Dodgers on a one-year deal. Story » | Grade »
Dec. 7
Giants, Adames agree on 7 years, $182M
Shortstop Willy Adames and the San Francisco Giants are in agreement on a seven-year, $182 million contract, the largest outlay in franchise history, sources told ESPN on Saturday. Story » | Grade »
O’s land O’Neill
Outfielder Tyler O’Neill and the Baltimore Orioles are in agreement on a three-year, $49.5 million contract, a source told ESPN, filling a void created by the free agency of slugging outfielder Anthony Santander. Story » | Grade »
Dec. 6
Mets sign Holmes … as a starter
Right-hander Clay Holmes and the New York Mets are in agreement on a three-year, $38 million contract with an opt-out after the second year, sources confirmed to ESPN’s Jeff Passan on Friday night. Story » | Grade »
Rays add catcher Jansen
Catcher Danny Jansen and the Tampa Bay Rays are in agreement on a one-year, $8.5 million contract that includes a mutual option for a second season, sources tell ESPN.
Dec. 5
A’s sign Severino to franchise-record contract
Right-hander Luis Severino and the Athletics are in agreement on a three-year, $67 million free agent contract that is the largest guarantee in the franchise’s history, sources told ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Dec. 3
Red Sox add Chapman to bullpen
Left-handed reliever Aroldis Chapman and the Boston Red Sox are in agreement on a one-year, $10.75 million contract, pending physical, sources tell ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Dec. 2
Cubs sign pitcher Boyd to two-year deal
The Chicago Cubs have added Matthew Boyd to their rotation in their first big offseason move, agreeing to a $29 million, two-year contract with the veteran left-hander, sources confirmed to ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Mets add to rotation with Montas signing
Right-hander Frankie Montas and the New York Mets are in agreement on a two-year, $34 million contract, sources told ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Nov. 26
Dodgers make splash with Snell signing
Left-hander Blake Snell and the Los Angeles Dodgers are in agreement on a five-year, $182 million contract, pending physical, sources tell ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Nov. 25
Angels add to rotation in yet another move
Left-handed starter Yusei Kikuchi is in agreement with the Los Angeles Angels on a three-year, $63 million contract, sources confirmed to ESPN on Monday. Story » | Grade »
Nov. 22
Royals trade for position players
The Kansas City Royals traded right-handed pitcher Brady Singer to the Cincinnati Reds for infielder Jonathan India and outfielder Joey Wiemer, the teams announced on Friday. Story » | Grades »
Nov. 20
Cubs add reliever in deal with Guardians
The Chicago Cubs are acquiring right-handed reliever Eli Morgan in a trade with the Cleveland Guardians, sources tell ESPN.
Nov. 19
Mets get outfield help in deal with Rays
The New York Mets have acquired outfielder Jose Siri from the Tampa Bay Rays for reliever Eric Orze. Story »
Nov. 18
Martinez accepts qualifying offer to stay with Reds
Right-hander Nick Martinez accepted the Cincinnati Reds‘ $21.05 million qualifying offer, multiple outlets reported Monday. Story »
Nov. 14
Angels sign infielder Newman to one-year deal
The Los Angeles Angels and infielder Kevin Newman agreed to a one-year $2.5 million contract with a club option for 2026, the team announced . Story »
Red Sox add reliever Wilson
Left-hander Justin Wilson and the Boston Red Sox have agreed to a $2.25 million, one-year contract, according to multiple reports. Story »
Nov. 12
Angels sign d’Arnaud to two-year deal
Catcher Travis d’Arnaud and the Los Angeles Angels are in agreement on a two-year, $12 million contract. Story » | Grade »
Nov. 6
Hedges returns to Guardians on one-year deal
Catcher Austin Hedges and the Cleveland Guardians are in agreement on a one-year contract, sources tell ESPN. Story »
Angels add veteran arm to rotation
Kyle Hendricks is in agreement with the Los Angeles Angels on a one-year, $2.5 million deal, sources tell ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Nov. 3
Royals re-sign Wacha to 3-year deal
Right-hander Michael Wacha and the Kansas City Royals are in agreement on a three-year, $51 million contract, sources tell ESPN. The deal includes a club option and can max out at four years, $72 million. Story » | Grade »
Oct. 31
Braves make first splash of offseason
The Atlanta Braves are trading outfielder Jorge Soler to the Los Angeles Angels and will receive right-hander Griffin Canning, sources tell ESPN. Story » | Grade »
Key MLB offseason dates
Dec. 9-12: Winter meetings in Dallas, Texas
Dec. 11: Rule 5 draft
Jan. 9: Deadline for teams and arbitration-eligible players to submit salary figures
End of January: Arbitration hearings begin
Feb. 22: Spring training games begin
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Alden Gonzalez
LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani said he was “on schedule” in his attempt to return as a two-way player this season, despite what he described as a “complicated surgery” to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
Ohtani, who spoke at the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ annual preseason fan event on Saturday at Dodger Stadium, initially injured his non-throwing shoulder while sliding in Game 2 of the World Series, then played the next three games and underwent surgery on Nov. 5, six days after helping to deliver a championship.
The torn labrum added another layer of complication to a pitching rehab that already consisted of a second repair of his ulnar collateral ligament, but the Dodgers expect Ohtani to hit by the start of the season — they’ll open in Japan on March 18 — and pitch in their rotation by May.
“And it might be earlier,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
Ohtani, who underwent his most recent elbow surgery in September 2023, threw multiple bullpen sessions before the Dodgers’ postseason run last fall and started playing catch again in December. But he has yet to get on a mound this offseason, which makes it difficult to pinpoint a return to pitching.
“I think the biggest determinant is going to be when I first pitch my bullpen,” Ohtani said through an interpreter. “Then I think we’re going to really get a feel for when I’ll be able to be on a big league mound.”
When he does, Ohtani will join arguably the deepest, most talented rotation in the sport. And before then, he’ll lead arguably the deepest, most talented lineup in the sport.
His presence now symbolizes the Dodgers’ elevation into another financial stratosphere.
Since signing Ohtani to a highly deferred 10-year, $700 million contract in December 2023, the Dodgers have added practically every player they’ve wanted. Two front-of-the-rotation starters, Tyler Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and a slugging corner outfielder, Teoscar Hernandez, joined within four weeks of Ohtani’s deal.
This offseason, after securing their first full-season title since 1988, the Dodgers signed starter Blake Snell, extended utility man Tommy Edman, brought back Hernandez, added outfielder Michael Conforto, struck a deal with infielder Hyeseong Kim, convinced pitching prodigy Roki Sasaki to join them and inked Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates to round out what was already a deep bullpen.
“The crazy part is you’re thinking like, once we sign someone, ‘OK, that’s it.’ Then we sign another guy and it’s like, ‘OK that’s it.’ And it just keeps going,” Snell said. “To see how invested they are in us winning, investing in the best team they can possibly assemble, it’s pretty special.”
A winter that saw the Dodgers splurge for more than $1.2 billion was followed by them committing nearly $450 million on seven players, with longtime ace Clayton Kershaw and popular utility man Enrique Hernandez still expected to be added at some point. Their 2025 competitive-balance-tax payroll projects to $380 million, according to Spotrac, well above the highest luxury tax threshold and roughly $80 million more than the second-place Philadelphia Phillies.
Glasnow likened the 2025 Dodgers to “The Avengers,” but baseball fans in other cities — and some executives of other teams — have come to view them more by the popular designation given to star-studded New York Yankees teams of the 2000s: “The Evil Empire.”
Roberts says he believes the proverbial villain role is one his players will have to “embrace,” but at this point, with only 10 days left before the start of spring training, it’s mostly just being dismissed.
“If any other teams or fan bases want to get upset, you know what to do — follow what the Dodgers are doing,” Snell said.
“It is what it is,” added Mookie Betts, who expects to transition full time to shortstop this season. “What are we supposed to do? We want to win. And as a player, of course we want all the best players.”
Any anger the Dodgers’ spending has triggered outside of L.A. has been met with fervent excitement from their own fans.
Saturday’s event offered another prominent example.
The Dodgers couldn’t host this year’s Fan Fest inside their ballpark due to a massive, ongoing renovation project that will enhance both clubhouse spaces. Instead, they hosted fans in various Dodger Stadium parking-lot areas and nonetheless drew a capacity crowd of about 25,000. At one point, Freddie Freeman signed an image of his iconic, walk-off World Series moment that was tattooed onto a man’s leg. It was at least the second time he’d come across that this offseason.
“It takes you back and makes you realize that sports means so much to people,” Freeman said. “You know when you’re out there playing and the fans are going nuts, you feel that. But then when you come into personal contact with these fans and they tell you how much it means to them, and then they show you how much it means to them, it’s actually really cool. And I think it’s so amazing that people would go through the pain of putting me on their body.”
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