MLB Insider: Jeff Hoffman almost landed with AL East rival before signing with the Blue Jays  —  On Friday, the Toronto Blue Jays announced the signing of free-agent pitcher Jeff Hoffman.  But only days earlier, the right-hander appeared headed for another American League East team.

MLB notes: A Pete Alonso contract prediction plus more players who could sign short-term deals  —  Now that first baseman Pete Alonso's camp has told the New York Mets he is willing to accept a three-year contract with opt-outs, other prominent free agents are contemplating whether to follow suit.

Yankees fans who mauled Mookie Betts at World Series banned from all MLB stadiums indefinitely  —  The two fans who grabbed Mookie Betts' wrist and tried to rip the ball out of his hand during Game 4 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium have been banned “indefinitely” from attending any MLB games, The Post has learned.

KC rewards No. 1 prospect Caglianone with Spring Training invite  —  This story was excerpted from Anne Rogers' Royals Beat newsletter.  To read the full newsletter, click here.  And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.  —  KANSAS CITY - Jac Caglianone, the top-ranked Royals prospect …

Kenneth fire erupts to nearly 800 acres in West Hills area  —  A new wildfire erupted near West Hills bordering Los Angeles and Ventura counties on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 9.  —  The Kenneth fire grew quickly to engulf 791 acres near Victory Boulevard west of Gilmore Street …

Roki Sasaki Chaos Has Already Begun In Advance Of International Signing Day  —  Roki Sasaki has not informed clubs which team he will choose, but the second order effects of his impending signing have begun.  —  In November, we wrote about how Sasaki being posted could create chaos throughout the international market.

Cubs To Sign Colin Rea  —  The Cubs are in agreement with Colin Rea on a one-year, $5MM guarantee.  Rea receives a $4.25MM salary for the upcoming season and is guaranteed a $750K buyout on a $6MM club option for 2026.  The right-hander is represented by Joe Speed.

Red Sox' Garrett Whitlock definitive on role as he starts his ‘year of health’  —  BOSTON — For years, Garrett Whitlock has said he'd take any role for the Red Sox as long as he got to keep a major league uniform.  Heading into 2025, things have changed.  —  Speaking at the club's Fenway …

New Yankees closer Devin Williams brings Airbender to Bronx  —  For years, teammates have asked Devin Williams to teach them his changeup, a pitch so unusual and dominant it has its own nickname.  Williams always helps.  They just never get “The Airbender” right.  —  “I haven't seen anyone replicate it,” Williams said.

Yankees' willingness to trade Marcus Stroman could help them land infielder  —  The Yankees are still trying to trade Marcus Stroman and are willing to pay down his $18M salary.  —  Should they save money there, the Yankees would have more to spend on an infielder — though don't expect Alex Bregman or Nolan Arenado.

2024-25 MLB offseason: Under-the-radar free agent fits  —  Conversations about the MLB offseason understandably focus on the biggest names.  With a number of major players off the board, the top three still available are Alex Bregman, Roki Sasaki and Pete Alonso, while Jack Flaherty …

Grading each MLB team's offseason so far: Bowden on signings, trades and key questions  —  There are still a number of difference-making free agents on the board and likely some significant trades still to come, but let's take stock of each team's offseason moves — or lack thereof.