Josh Goldberg

The New York Yankees are engaged in discussions with free-agent first basemen Pete Alonso, Christian Walker, Carlos Santana, and Paul Goldschmidt, USA Today's Bob Nightengale reports.The Yankees have also been linked to Cubs first baseman/outfielder Cody Bellinger, but trade talks between New York and Chicago have hit a stalemate, adds Nightengale.The Bronx Bombers are currently projected to enter the 2025 campaign with Ben Rice at first base. Anthony Rizzo, last year's starter, is a free agent and isn't expected to return to the team.Yankees first basemen finished the 2024 season ranked 26th in home runs (17), 30th in OPS (.594), and 30th in wRC+ (71).General manager Brian Cashman has been aggressive in trying to improve the Yankees roster after star outfielder Juan Soto joined the New York Mets in free agency. The club signed Max Fried to an eight-year, $218-million contract and acquired All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers.

All-Star closer Devin Williams thought he was joining the Los Angeles Dodgers before the New York Yankees struck a deal to acquire him from the Milwaukee Brewers.The Dodgers were reportedly showing strong interest in the right-hander, but the Yankees "snuck in there under the table and got the deal done," Williams said, per MLB's Bryan Hoch.The Yankees traded left-hander Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin to the Brewers for Williams on Dec. 13.Williams is projected to earn $7.7 million in his final year of arbitration and is expected to become a free agent at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign. Williams said discussing a contract extension with the Yankees is “definitely an option” if it makes sense for both sides.— JackCurryYES (@JackCurryYES) December 17, 2024 The 30-year-old ranks among the league leaders for relief pitchers in ERA (1.70), K/9 (14.64), and fWAR since the start of the 2020 season. Williams put together another excellent season in 2024 after missing the first half with a back injury, posting a 1.25 ERA, 15.78 K/9, and 14 saves in 22 appearances."It's a tremendous honor to be able to play for this organization," Williams said of joining the Yankees, according to SNY. "There's no bigger team in baseball, so I'm very happy to be here."Williams will join 2024 breakout star Luke Weaver to form a strong duo at the back of the bullpen for the Yankees.

The Chicago White Sox and right-hander Bryse Wilson agreed to a one-year contract worth $1.05 million, a source told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal

St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado used his no-trade clause to block a trade to the Houston Astros, sources told MLB's Mark Feinsand, Brian McTaggart, and John Denton.More to come.

The first-base market has kicked into high gear with a handful of big names changing clubs via trade and free agency over the last 48 hours.

The Texas Rangers and veteran slugger Joc Pederson agreed to a two-year contract worth $37 million, ESPN's Buster Olney reports.

Pirates bring back McCutchen on reported 1-year, $5M deal

The devastating left knee injury Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell suffered Sunday involves a torn ACL, MCL, LCL, and meniscus damage, sources told Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2.Dell was hurt in Sunday's loss against the Kansas City Chiefs when he was hit while securing a touchdown catch. He also dislocated his entire knee, Wilson reports.This is the second straight year that Dell's suffered a season-ending left leg injury; he underwent surgery for a fractured fibula last December. His current injuries reportedly require multiple surgeries.The Texans claimed veteran wide receiver Diontae Johnson off waivers to bring in another option in the wake of Dell's injury. Johnson joins Nico Collins, John Metchie, Robert Woods, and Xavier Hutchinson on the Texans' wide receiver depth chart.

We're in the holiday spirit and ready to hand out one ideal gift for each MLB club heading into 2025. Let's reach into our bag of goodies and pick out what each team hopes to find under its tree.

Former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll is interested in becoming the next coach of the Chicago Bears, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter