With the New York Yankees failing to re-sign superstar outfielder Juan Soto, they have renewed contract negotiations with free-agent first baseman Christian Walker, according to sources. In addition to Walker, the Yankees are multi-tasking on pitchers and hitters as they look to make a big splash to try and replace some of Soto's production. If the 2025 season began today, Ben Rice would be New York's starting first baseman. But if the Yankees sign Walker, it could allow them to dangle Rice in a trade for a pitcher such as Chicago White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet. Walker turns 34 in March and is likely to receive no less than a three-year deal. The Yankees would prefer if he were left-handed, but he's been a consistent power threat over the last few seasons and has won the last three National League Gold Gloves at first base. A move to the Bronx would give Walker even more fantasy upside.

Minneapolis Star Tribune's Bobby Nightengale reports that the Minnesota Twins have received calls from teams interested in trading for shortstop Carlos Correa. The veteran shortstop is owed over $120 million over the next four seasons and has been limited to 221 games in the last two seasons due to various injuries, most notably with his feet. The 30-year-old Puerto Rican and three-time All-Star played in only 86 games in 2024 but swung the bat well when healthy, slashing .310/.388/.517 with a .905 OPS, 14 home runs, 54 RBI and 55 runs scored. Correa is recovering nicely in the offseason and should be ready for next year. He showed that he still has above-average power, but because of durability issues with his feet, interested teams aren't likely to offer much to Minnesota. There are also long-term concerns about his ankle, making him a pretty big risk in real life and in fantasy in 2025 and beyond.

St. Louis Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak acknowledged at this week's winter meetings that the team is interested in trading third baseman Nolan Arenado this offseason. "Ultimately, he's not demanding a trade. He's not telling me I have to do it," Mozeliak said. "But I think in the best interest of both sides, I'd like to find him someplace." However, Arenado has a limited list of teams the Cardinals can trade him to as they look to prioritize playing time for their younger players in 2025. Arenado, though, is open to the idea of joining a contender and is even willing to shift to first base to facilitate a deal. The 34-year-old eight-time All-Star is still one of the best defensive third baseman in the game, but he had a career-worst .719 OPS with 16 homers and 71 RBI in his fourth year in St. Louis. Arenado has been trending down offensively the last three years, but a change of scenery could be good for him.

The Detroit Tigers are showing interest in free-agent first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, according to sources. The 37-year-old veteran right-handed slugger is only two years removed from winning the National League MVP award. However, his offensive prowess dropped considerably in a disappointing 2024 campaign in which he hit 22 home runs with a .716 OPS in 154 games for the St. Louis Cardinals. Because of his rapid decline at the plate, the Cardinals didn't even offer him a one-year qualifying offer, so Detroit wouldn't have to send draft compensation St. Louis' way if the were to sign Goldy. With the Cards looking to get younger in 2025, they aren't expected to pursue re-signing him. A move to Detroit wouldn't be a great landing spot from a fantasy perspective after Goldschmidt posted career-worsts in strikeout rate (26.5%) and walk rate (7.2%).

Free-agent left-hander Max Fried, the top remaining lefty starter on the open market this offseason, is expected to choose his next team by this Thursday, according to major-league sources briefed on the talks. The finalists for Fried's services figures to be the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays out of the American League East. Those three teams are also believed to be going after free-agent right-hander Corbin Burnes. The Texas Rangers are also in on Fried, but it's uncertain if they have the ability to invest heavily. Fried, a two-time All-Star, three-time Gold Glove winner and former World Series champion, is expected to command a deal for five to six years at 30 years old. The Yankees are "all over" Fried after failing to re-sign outfielder Juan Soto, according to one source with knowledge of the talks. If healthy, Fried has the ability to be a fantasy ace, although a move to the AL East could be tough.