Remembering Rickey Henderson, Buehler to Beantown, First Base Facelifts & More Offseason Moves | 49

Welcome to Episode 49 of TableSetters! Devin and Steve are back with all the latest MLB offseason news, from the loss of one of the game’s greatest players to significant trades and signings that are shaping the 2025 season. We begin by honoring the life and career of Rickey Henderson, the all-time stolen base king, who tragically passed away at the age of 65. Remembered for his incredible speed, plate discipline, and impact on the game, Henderson leaves behind a legacy that will never be forgotten. His longtime friend and teammate Dave Winfield confirmed the news, and we reflect on Rickey’s unparalleled contribution to the sport, from his historic career with the Athletics, Blue Jays, and others, to his iconic postseason moments. Turning our attention to the offseason, the Red Sox have made a big move, signing Walker Buehler to a one-year, $21.05 million contract. Buehler, whose career has been on a rollercoaster ride since undergoing Tommy John surgery, showed signs of his former dominance during the 2024 postseason, including 10 scoreless innings. If he can return to full form, he could be a game-changer for the Red Sox, who are still looking to add more pieces for their 2025 roster. Meanwhile, the Rangers have strengthened their lineup by signing Joc Pederson to a two-year, $37 million deal. Pederson’s left-handed power was a much-needed addition, addressing the team’s hole at designated hitter. With their recent additions, including Jake Burger and Kyle Higashioka, the Rangers are aiming for a more potent offense to complement their pitching staff. The Astros also made a significant move, signing Christian Walker to a three-year, $60 million contract. With first base an area of concern after a lackluster 2024 campaign from Jose Abreu and Jon Singleton, Walker brings defensive prowess and consistent offensive production. His arrival signals the Astros’ continued commitment to staying competitive as their payroll surpasses the luxury tax threshold for the second consecutive year. Elsewhere, the Phillies have bolstered their pitching staff by acquiring Jesús Luzardo from the Marlins in exchange for top prospects. Luzardo, now slotted as the No. 2 starter behind Zack Wheeler, adds much-needed depth to a Phillies rotation that’s hoping to contend for another postseason berth. Meanwhile, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is reportedly seeking a record-breaking contract extension from the Blue Jays, turning down their current $340 million offer in favor of a deal closer to the $500-$600 million range. This will undoubtedly be one of the offseason’s biggest storylines as the Jays are under increasing pressure to meet his demands or risk losing their superstar in the near future. As the offseason heats up, one of the most exciting international stories is Roki Sasaki, the Japanese pitching sensation drawing significant interest from MLB teams. Known for his perfect game in 2022 and his dominance in NPB, Sasaki is poised to make a big impact once he makes his MLB debut, and teams like the Rangers, Giants, Yankees, and Mets are all in the mix for his services. The Marlins are continuing their rebuild, focusing on player development and long-term sustainability. With moves like trading Luzardo to the Phillies, they’re looking to build a future that prioritizes young talent and a more stable payroll structure. In other news, the Rays have taken a low-risk gamble by signing Eloy Jimenez to a minor league deal. Despite his struggles in 2024, Jimenez’s potential bat could give the Rays an added offensive boost if he returns to form in 2025. We also take a look at the luxury tax picture, with nine MLB teams exceeding the $237 million threshold in 2024. This includes the Dodgers, Mets, and Yankees, who will face draft pick penalties and other financial consequences as a result. We break down what this means for the landscape of the offseason and how it could impact these teams’ future moves. Finally, we turn our attention to the Mets, who have been extremely active this offseason. After signing Juan Soto, the Mets are looking to further solidify their roster, with a potential trade for Pete Alonso still on the table. Their pitching staff has also seen some changes, with new additions like Sean Manaea, Frankie Montas, and Clay Holmes strengthening their rotation for 2025. Stay tuned for more offseason updates, predictions, and insights you won’t hear anywhere else. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Twitter for exclusive content!