In the off-season, several Major League Baseball (MLB) teams have been making strategic moves to bolster their rosters. Notably, free agent left-handed pitcher Kyle Hart has garnered significant interest from multiple teams after a stellar season in Korea. Additionally, various players across the American and National Leagues are preparing for new roles and focusing on improvements to enhance their performance in the upcoming 2025 season.

Hart's Return and MLB Interest

The return of Kyle Hart to North American baseball is generating buzz among fans and scouts alike. After an impressive stint with the NC Dinos in the Korean Baseball Organization, where he excelled with a 2.69 ERA and a potent slider, Hart is now attracting attention from several MLB teams. The Houston Astros, Milwaukee Brewers, Baltimore Orioles, Minnesota Twins, and New York Yankees are among those showing keen interest in his services.

Hart’s success in Korea, highlighted by winning the Dong-won Choi Award, comparable to the Cy Young Award, has placed him on the radar of many clubs. Despite concerns about the transition back to the majors, especially regarding his fastball speed and changeup effectiveness, Hart remains a valuable asset. Analysts project him as a potential fifth or sixth starter, recognizing his talent but acknowledging the adjustments needed for higher competition. Fangraphs ranked him 48th on their list of top 50 free agents, underscoring his potential impact on any team that signs him.

Team Preparations and Player Adjustments

Across both leagues, teams are fine-tuning their lineups and player development plans. In the American League, the Houston Astros are positioning Christian Walker and Isaac Paredes for prominent roles in their batting order, signaling confidence in their offensive capabilities. Meanwhile, Josh Hader of the Houston Astros is refining his pitching mechanics and expanding his arsenal to include a more robust changeup, aiming to reduce pitch tipping and improve overall effectiveness.

In the National League, Caleb Durbin of the Milwaukee Brewers is preparing to showcase his defensive versatility, ready to play either second or third base. The Los Angeles Dodgers are planning Dalton Rushing's role primarily as a catcher, while Andy Pages looks set to contribute as a backup outfielder. Clayton Kershaw's return to the Dodgers is also imminent, pending formalities related to the injured list. Other notable developments include Trevor Williams of the Washington Nationals securing a rotation spot and Jesús Luzardo of the Philadelphia Phillies feeling fully recovered from a previous back injury. Teams like the Mets are looking at prospects Jonathan Pintaro and Luis Moreno for immediate contributions, while the Phillies weigh options for outfield platoons involving Max Kepler and Brandon Marsh.