Veteran free-agent outfielder Kevin Pillar (thumb) has changed his mind and is now keeping the door open to playing in 2025. "I've just had some time to reflect...I still enjoy doing it. I'm pretty sure I still want to play," Pillar said. He will be at the upcoming winter meetings in Dallas to look for a new team. The 35-year-old said back in the summer that he was pretty certain that the 2024 campaign would be his last in the big leagues, but he's had a change of heart since the season ended and he's had time to reflect on his career. If Pillar does play next season, he'll likely have to settle for a minor-league deal somewhere as he tries to make the Opening Day roster out of spring training as outfield depth. Having surgery on his left thumb early in the offseason won't help his cause. Pillar hit only .229 with eight homers, 45 RBI and 12 steals for the White Sox and Angels in 2024, but he excelled against left-handed pitching.

Free-agent outfielder Cal Mitchell and the Chicago White Sox agreed to a minor-league deal on Sunday that includes an invite to major-league spring training, according to sources. The 25-year-old outfielder has a .627 career OPS in 71 career big-league games with the Pittsburgh Pirates but did hit an impressive .277/.359/.512 with an .871 OPS, a career-high 22 home runs, 70 RBI, 12 stolen bases and 69 runs scored in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League for Triple-A El Paso in the San Diego Padres organization in 122 games this past season. Mitchell went hitless in five plate appearances over two games for Pittsburgh in 2023 and batted .226 (48-for-212) with five homers and 17 RBI in 69 games in his rookie season with the Bucs back in 2022. He'll have a better chance to make an impact again at the major-league level in 2025 with the White Sox as a reserve outfielder.

The New York Mets re-signed outfielder Alex Ramirez to a minor-league deal on Monday, according to a league source. Once considered a top prospect in the organization, Ramirez's development with the bat has stalled at the Double-A level, but they will keep him around for another year. Despite his offensive struggles, Ramirez had a strong market as a free agent. The 21-year-old Dominican spent all of this past season with Double-A Binghamton, slashing .210/.291/.299 with a career-low .590 OPS, five home runs, 46 RBI, a career-high 40 stolen bases and 62 runs scored in 542 trips to the plate over 123 ballgames. Ramirez's offensive decline has been a disappointment, but the Mets will take another chance on him as he heads into his age-22 season. His speed on the basepaths certainly gives him a higher floor if his bat continues to struggle in 2025.

Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said that free-agent reliever Jordan Romano (elbow) should be ready for the start of the 2025 season. Atkins said that Romano "will be back physically... We have no medical concerns." However, after being non-tendered by Toronto, Romano is a free agent this winter and will explore the open market. The Blue Jays have a lot of interest in a reunion, though. The 31-year-old right-handed veteran missed four months of the 2024 season due to right-elbow issues, but if he's healthy heading into next season, he should garner plenty of attention in free agency as a late-inning, high-leverage arm. Romano's 2025 fantasy value will largely depend on where he's pitching and whether he's given closing duties. In three seasons in Toronto before 2024, Romano was one of the best closers in baseball with 95 saves, a 2.37 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 230 K's in 186 innings pitched.

Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said on Tuesday that shortstop Bo Bichette (finger) is on track to be ready for Opening Day in 2025. Bichette had season-ending surgery in late September to have a pin inserted into his fractured right middle finger. The 26-year-old had an awful 2024 season between poor performance and injuries and was limited to 81 games for the Blue Jays. Barring a setback during his offseason workouts, though, Bichette should be ready to play in spring training and for Opening Day as he looks for a bounce-back campaign in what could be his final season in Toronto. He hit .225 on the year after never hitting blow .275 at any professional level of his career. Yes, he was a massive fantasy bust. Despite the terrible year, with good health, Bichette can absolutely rebound and could come at a nice value in spring drafts.