Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays successfully negotiated a one-year contract worth $28.5 million, avoiding a salary arbitration hearing. Guerrero had previously set a record with a $19.9 million salary last year. Houston's Framber Valdez secured an $18 million deal, while Kyle Tucker of the Chicago Cubs requested the highest figure among players negotiating at $17.5 million, but was offered $15 million.

Other players reaching agreements include San Diego's Luis Arraez at $14 million, Arizona's Zac Gallen at $13.5 million, among others. A total of 148 players finalized deals while 169 remain eligible for arbitration, with hearings set for late January through mid-February.

The Tampa Bay Rays are close to finalizing a trade that will send left-handed pitcher Jeffrey Springs to the Oakland Athletics. In return, the Rays will receive right-handed pitchers Joe Boyle and Jacob Watters, along with first baseman Will Simpson, plus a compensation A round draft pick.

Springs, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, had a solid four-year tenure with the Rays, posting an impressive 2.63 ERA. This trade marks a significant move for both teams as the Athletics look to bolster their rotation while the Rays continue to manage their pitching depth.

The Milwaukee Brewers have executed a significant trade, sending All-Star closer Devin Williams to the New York Yankees in exchange for utility player Caleb Durbin and veteran pitcher Nestor Cortés Jr. This move is part of Milwaukee's strategy to strengthen their roster as they aim for contention in 2025.

With Cortés joining the team, the Brewers' starting rotation is shaping up to include Freddy Peralta, Brandon Woodruff, Tobias Myers, Aaron Civale, and Cortés himself. Each pitcher brings unique strengths, with Peralta emerging as a reliable ace and Woodruff looking to bounce back from injury.

Milwaukee's pitching depth includes promising arms like DL Hall and Aaron Ashby, while the future of Robert Gasser remains uncertain due to injury. The Brewers are poised to compete in the NL Central, despite challenges from rivals like the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds.

Milwaukee Brewers' president of baseball operations, Matt Arnold, has been named Major League Baseball's executive of the year after leading the team to its second consecutive NL Central title, despite being in the smallest market.

The Brewers finished the season with a 93-69 record, winning the division by a significant margin. Arnold's strategic moves included promoting Pat Murphy to manager and signing promising young outfielder Jackson Chourio to a substantial contract.

Arnold's roster changes also involved trading Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes and bolstering the bullpen, showcasing his impactful leadership since taking over in 2022.

The Milwaukee Brewers are reportedly considering trading right-hander Aaron Civale, who was acquired earlier this year. With a projected salary of $8 million, Civale's solid performance, including a 3.53 ERA in 14 starts, makes him an attractive trade asset.

The Brewers are known for leveraging players' final seasons of club control to acquire young talent, and Civale could serve as a valuable trade chip. While the team is expected to remain active in the pitching market, no official moves have been confirmed yet.