As the international signing period approaches, the fate of Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki is becoming clearer, with multiple MLB teams expressing interest in the young ace. The San Diego Padres have emerged as a frontrunner, highlighting their need for Sasaki's talents in their pitching rotation.

In a recent episode of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast, hosts Jordan Shusterman and Kiley McDaniel discussed the latest developments regarding Sasaki, including which teams are pursuing him and the reasons behind the varying levels of interest. The conversation also touched on the offseason activities of the Boston Red Sox, their upcoming rotation, and the prospects to watch for in 2025.

The Chicago Cubs have significantly revamped their outfield this offseason, highlighted by the acquisition of Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros. Tucker is viewed as an instant MVP candidate, bringing both offensive prowess and defensive reliability to the team. His addition allowed the Cubs to part ways with Cody Bellinger, who was traded to the New York Yankees.

Looking ahead to 2025, the Cubs' outfield is shaping up to be a formidable unit. Ian Happ will likely occupy left field, known for his consistent slugging ability and a respectable .245/.351/.436 slash line over the past two seasons. Center field will be manned by Pete Crow-Armstrong, who has shown improvement at the plate, particularly with a strong performance in August, boasting a .314/.375/.558 line. If he continues to develop, he could emerge as a significant contributor.

In right field, Tucker is expected to shine, despite having missed a substantial part of the previous season due to injury. His impressive performance when healthy, including a .289/.408/.585 slash line with 23 home runs, underscores his potential impact. The Cubs also have a bench that includes Vidal Brujan and Alexander Canario, both of whom have shown flashes of promise, albeit with limited major league experience.

The Chicago Cubs are actively reshaping their roster, particularly with the addition of super utility man Vidal Brujan, who was acquired in a trade that sent former top prospect Matt Mervis away. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance their lineup as top prospects, including Matt Shaw, are poised to contribute significantly to the team. While Shaw is favored to start at third base on Opening Day, the Cubs are being cautious in fully committing to his role just yet.

Despite the recent trade, the Cubs have made it clear that their primary focus remains on bolstering their pitching staff. They are particularly interested in Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki, who could provide much-needed rotation depth not only for the upcoming season but also for the future, as several key pitchers on their roster are nearing free agency. The Cubs have a history of successfully recruiting Japanese talent, having previously signed players like Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga, which could give them an edge in their pursuit of Sasaki.

With their recent efforts to create a welcoming environment for Japanese players, the Cubs are in a strong position to potentially land Sasaki, who could become a cornerstone of their pitching rotation for years to come. As they continue to explore their options this offseason, the Cubs are determined to make significant strides in both their lineup and pitching depth.

The Miami Marlins have made a notable move by acquiring first baseman Matt Mervis from the Chicago Cubs, along with cash, in exchange for infielder Vidal Bruján. This transaction marks a significant shift for both players as they look to redefine their careers in new environments.

Matt Mervis, 26, was considered the Cubs' No. 15 prospect at the start of the 2024 season, showcasing a promising yet inconsistent performance in the minors. He recorded a batting average of .235, hitting 15 doubles and 15 home runs while driving in 43 runs during his time with Triple-A Iowa. However, his brief stint with the Cubs last season was challenging, as he managed only a .115 batting average over nine games, with just one double and three RBIs to show for it.

On the other hand, Vidal Bruján, who played a pivotal role for the Marlins last season, was designated for assignment prior to the trade. He had a productive year, participating in a career-high 102 games and achieving a .222 batting average. Bruján's season highlights included setting personal bests in various categories, including runs, hits, doubles, and triples, alongside his contribution of five stolen bases.

The Miami Marlins have made a strategic move by acquiring first baseman Matt Mervis from the Chicago Cubs, along with cash, in exchange for infielder Vidal Bruján. Mervis, who is 26 years old, was ranked as the Cubs' No. 15 prospect heading into the 2024 season according to MLB Pipeline. His performance at Triple-A Iowa showcased his potential, where he recorded a batting average of .235, hitting 15 doubles and 15 home runs, along with 43 RBIs. However, his time in the majors has been less impressive; he batted only .115 in nine games with the Cubs last season, with just one double and three RBIs to show for it.

Born in Washington, D.C., Mervis made his major league debut on May 5, 2023, against the Marlins. In his initial major league stint, he played 27 games but struggled, managing a batting average of .167. On the other hand, Vidal Bruján has seen a more consistent role with Miami, appearing in a career-high 102 games last season, where he batted .222 and stole five bases. Bruján's season included career highs in runs scored (32), hits (55), doubles (14), triples (2), and walks (2), while tying his career high with 16 RBIs. The trade reflects the Marlins' efforts to bolster their lineup as they look to improve their performance in the upcoming season.