"The Yankees also checked in on reliever Michael Kopech and starter Nick Martinez, among others," Heyman writes. Kopech became a free agent at the end of the 2025 season and has gained interest from other teams throughout the offseason. The San Francisco Giants have also reportedly "been in touch" with Kopech. When Did Michael Kopech Join the Dodgers? Kopech joined the Dodgers at the 2024 trade deadline, when L.A. acquired the reliever in a three-team trade with the Chicago White Sox and St. Louis Cardinals.
It's not the same roster, Cashman said (h/t MLB.com). I disagree [that] it's the same team running it back Not afraid to run with the quality and talented roster of players that we do have. I think we've been consistent with that throughout the entire winter. I've been openly willing to challenge anybody that [says] we don't have a championship-caliber roster and team.
The Yankees announced that they have claimed right-hander Dom Hamel off waivers from the Rangers. They also designated left-hander Jayvien Sandridge and outfielder Marco Luciano for assignment. The two DFAs open roster spots for Hamel and for Cody Bellinger, whose five-year deal was made official yesterday. Texas designated Hamel for assignment a week ago when they signed Jakob Junis. More to come.
When it comes to a team like the Yankees potentially wanting Hoerner, they do not have many pieces that would make a trade worthwhile for the Cubs. Anyone the Cubs might want, such as Cam Schlittler or Ben Rice, is likely not available. The Yankees could really use Hoerner, but the Cubs have no need for the pieces Brian Cashman could offer in a potential deal.
The Knicks entered the 2024-25 season with lofty aspirations after blockbuster trades to acquire Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges. But nobody could have envisioned how their second-round playoff series against the defending champion Boston Celtics would play out. The Knicks overcame 20-point second-half deficits to win Games 1 and 2 in Boston, then erased a 14-point second-half deficit to win Game 4 at home. After the Knicks wrapped up the series with a 119-81 win in Game 6, thousands of reveling fans took over 7th Ave. and other streets surrounding Madison Square Garden for a raucous celebration. It marked the Knicks' first trip to the Eastern Conference Finals since 2000.
The Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees have emerged as the main finalists for starting pitcher Tatsuya Imai, with the Philadelphia Phillies also in the mix. His deadline to sign is January 2, which is rapidly approaching. Once Christmas has passed, all eyes will turn to the 27-year-old, who is represented by Scott Boras. Jack Curry of YES Network reported Tuesday evening that he doesn't believe Imai will end up in the Bronx.
The former MLB GM has elite closer Edwin Diaz staying in New York, but not with the Mets but joining the Yankees on a five-year, $88 million deal that could potentially be worth $100 million when all is said and done. If that indeed comes to fruition, that would be detrimental news to the Blue Jays in their search for significant bullpen help in the free agent market this offseason.
