As MLB free agency begins to wind down, several prominent players have found new homes, including Pete Alonso returning to the New York Mets and Clayton Kershaw sticking with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Among the key figures still available is outfielder Alex Verdugo, who stands out as the top position player left on the market. Verdugo had a lackluster 2024 season with the New York Yankees, hitting .233 with 13 homers and 61 RBIs, leading to speculation about his next landing spot.

Potential suitors for Verdugo include the Kansas City Royals, who have been identified as a solid fit due to their underwhelming outfield performance last season. The Royals may consider a one-year, $6 million deal for the 29-year-old, who has considerable upside compared to older free agents like J.D. Martinez and Anthony Rizzo. Additionally, teams such as the Houston Astros, Toronto Blue Jays, and Pittsburgh Pirates had previously been linked to Verdugo, but they have since signed other outfielders.

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred is optimistic about the Oakland Athletics' future, emphasizing the team's upcoming move to Las Vegas, with a new stadium projected to open in 2028. Manfred recently visited the Athletics' temporary home at a minor league facility in West Sacramento, California, praising the experience provided to players. The A’s, who left the Oakland Coliseum after the 2023 season, are on track to establish a $1.75 billion stadium, with public funding and private investment to support the project. Meanwhile, the league anticipates a rise in attendance, driven by a new generation of talented players and improvements in game quality. However, concerns remain about the financial disparities in the league, particularly regarding the Los Angeles Dodgers' significant payroll compared to teams like the Athletics.

The official start of the MLB exhibition season marks a significant shift from the offseason, with franchises like the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets making headlines in the free-agent market. Brewers owner Mark Attanasio expressed concerns about financial sustainability in MLB, questioning whether the focus should be on winning championships or providing entertainment for fans. This sentiment echoes broader frustrations among fans regarding team quality and investment. While the Brewers have performed well in recent years, their payroll remains low, fueling debate on the balance between profitability and competitiveness.