MLB Rumors: Aaron Nola connection
The Atlanta Braves are a team that is going to need some pitching reinforcements this offseason. With free agency about to heat up, the Braves appear to be in on two of the top available starting pitchers.
According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, Aaron Nola and Sonny Gray have "emerged as strong possibilities" for the Braves.
Nola had a bad regular season, posting an ERA of 4.46. But he returned to his old form in the postseason and helped guide the Philadelphia Phillies to the NLCS. Gray had the second-best ERA in the American League and is likely to finish second in the Cy Young voting.
But adding Nola would give the Braves an experienced postseason pitcher and one who fits the mold of the ace. Facing a rotation with Nola, Max Fried, Charlie Morton, Spencer Strider, and Bryce Elder would be a tall task for the rest of the National League.
The Braves won 104 games during the regular season, the most in all of baseball. However, they lost again to the Phillies in the NLDS and saw their season come to a screeching halt.
The addition of Nola would give them a chance to go deeper in October.
MLB Rumors: Mets Ohtani backup plan
The New York Mets have their eye on former Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani. However, Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY states that the Mets believe they have "no realistic chance" to sign to the two-way phenom.
However, in that case, the Mets could pivot to right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who might just be the top arm available this offseason.
New York traded away Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander at the deadline in August, losing two rotation stalwarts. However, they still have Kodai Senga and Jose Quintana in their major-league rotation. Senga had a strong rookie campaign, winning 12 games and posting a 2.98 ERA with 202 strikeouts in 166.3 innings of work.
A one-two punch of Yamamoto and Senga could ultimately have the Mets back in postseason contention much sooner than they originally anticipated. 2026 was the target for the Mets' return to contention, as was stated by Scherzer at the deadline. But their rotation could be truly scary if they make a move to sign Yamamoto.
The 25-year-old went 17-6 and posted a 1.16 ERA. He also recorded 176 strikeouts in 171 innings of work with the Orix Buffaloes.
MLB Rumors: Tim Anderson suitor
Recently, the Chicago White Sox officially cut ties with a franchise mainstay in shortstop Tim Anderson. The slugger had a club option for 2024 that the White Sox chose to decline, making him a free agent.
However, Bob Nightengale reports that the veteran shortstop already has a suitor, that being the Los Angeles Angels.
The Halos already have Zach Neto at shortstop, but Nightengale notes that they could move Anderson to second base if he is ultimately signed. Luis Rengifo is currently listed as their starting second baseman, but his defensive versatility could allow the Angels to move him elsewhere should they land Anderson.
The 30-year-old shortstop and former batting champion struggled in his final year with the White Sox, hitting just .245 and knocking in only 25 runs. He also had a WAR of -2.0.
A change of scenery could ultimately be beneficial for Anderson after a down year in 2023. The Angels don't appear to be on track to win in 2024, but Anderson could find his groove again if given a fresh start elsewhere.
In addition to his batting title, Anderson was a two-time All-Star during his time with the White Sox.
