MLB rumor mill: What we're hearing from GMs with Juan Soto contract looming large  —  The hot-stove season has been frigid once again, unless you're fascinated by minor-league signings, the non-tender deadline and reports about free agent Juan Soto's favorite dining spots in Southern California.

Rays will play 47 of first 59 at home, then 69 of last 103 on road  —  NEW YORK — Major League Baseball switched a pair of series involving the Tampa Bay Rays to the first two months of the season in an attempt to avoid summer rain at open-air Steinbrenner Field, their temporary home following damage to Tropicana Field.

Red Sox pushing hard for Juan Soto in rising Yankees threat  —  For the Yankees, it is not just a regional rival but a blood rival that looms as a serious threat in the Juan Soto derby.  —  The Red Sox are increasingly seen as a legitimate contender in the sweepstakes for the generational slugger …

Edgar in expanded role, Seitzer to be named hitting coach for '25 (sources)  —  SEATTLE — The Mariners are expected to formally announce their 2025 coaching staff in the coming days, potentially as soon as Tuesday, and Edgar Martinez will indeed return but in a broader role …

Juan Soto has offers from Yankees, Mets, 3 others  —  The Juan Soto sweepstakes is down to five teams that have offers on the table to the Yankees' free agent outfielder, a person with knowledge of the situation told NJ Advance Media on Monday.  —  The Yankees, Mets, Red Sox …

Blake Snell and Dodgers reportedly agree to $182 million, 5-year contract  —  Snell would join two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani in a star-studded rotation, giving the Dodgers the first mega deal of this offseason following Ohtani's $700 million, 10-year contract last winter.

Padres Predicted to Sign Top Free Agent Starting Pitcher Over Dodgers  —  If he can't beat them, join them.  —  That could be the future of lefty Max Fried who has been drawing attention from the San Diego Padres who happened to be the team that eliminated the Atlanta Braves in the National League Wild Card Series.

Sources: Yusei Kikuchi agrees to 3-year, $63M deal with Angels  —  Left-handed starter Yusei Kikuchi is in agreement with the Los Angeles Angels on a three-year, $63 million contract, sources confirmed to ESPN on Monday.  —  Kikuchi, 33, had a great second half to his season last year …