As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, the baseball world is experiencing a lull in activity, but a few noteworthy moves have caught our attention. Here’s a roundup of the latest news and rumors:
Cardinals Secure Kyle Gibson:
Fresh off the recent acquisition of Lance Lynn, the Cardinals are further fortifying their pitching staff by signing veteran pitcher Kyle Gibson. The one-year deal, valued at $12 million with a 2025 option, adds depth to a rotation that struggled in the previous season. Gibson, 36, posted a 15-9 record with a 4.73 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in 2023, showcasing durability with 33 scheduled starts and over 190 innings pitched. While the Cardinals are addressing their pitching needs, the addition of Lynn and Gibson may not signal the end of their rotation-focused offseason strategy. The current rotation setup includes Miles Mikolas, Lance Lynn, Kyle Gibson, Steven Matz, and a choice between Zack Thompson or Matthew Liberatore.
White Sox Pursue Paul DeJong:
The Chicago White Sox, under new GM Chris Getz, are making moves to strengthen their shortstop position. The team is reportedly close to reaching a major-league contract agreement with Paul DeJong, formerly with the Cardinals. This move follows the recent acquisition of shortstops Nicky Lopez and Braden Shewmake in the Aaron Bummer trade. DeJong, 30, faced a journey through the Cardinals, Blue Jays, and Giants in the past season, displaying a .207/.258/.355 slash line with 14 home runs. Although not known for his offensive prowess, DeJong brings a valuable defensive skill set to the table. The White Sox’s decision to decline the $14 million club option for Tim Anderson has led them to explore options for a new shortstop, and DeJong appears to fit their defensive-focused strategy.
As Thanksgiving approaches, the baseball world may experience a brief respite, but the hot stove season is far from over, and more player movements are expected in the days to come.