Clayton Kershaw's return for his 18th season with the Dodgers is generating both excitement and cautious optimism. After undergoing surgeries on his left toe and knee, concerns linger about his ability to bounce back. Nonetheless, he's expected to contribute quality innings. Meanwhile, Kik Hernandez's return on a one-year deal shows his value to the Dodgers, especially after he regained form following vision improvement last season. Evan Phillips's injury news regarding a torn rotator cuff raises questions about the bullpen depth early in the season. The Dodgers' depth in starting pitching is under scrutiny, especially with the potential for a six-man rotation featuring stars like Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki alongside Kershaw. Advanced metrics and injury histories suggest a complex year ahead for the Dodgers as they navigate spring training.

The latest episode of the ‘Why Am I A Mets Fan’ podcast discusses the New York Mets' pursuit of superstar Juan Soto as they gear up for the offseason. Bob Nightingale's report positions the Mets as frontrunners for Soto's services, supported by owner Steve Cohen's willingness to outbid any competition. The Yankees, Blue Jays, and Red Sox are also in the mix, but the podcast hosts express confidence that the Mets will secure Soto's signature due to their financial power.

They explore Aaron Judge's recent comments about giving free agents space, interpreting it as a sign that the Yankees may not be as aggressive, possibly opening the door for the Mets. As the hosts reflect on the MVP awards won by Shohei Ohtani and Judge, they also touch on the upcoming winter meetings, which they believe will be crucial for Soto's potential signing. Other notable topics include the Angels' signing of pitcher Yusei Kikuchi and the surprising second-place finish of Francisco Lindor in the MVP voting.