The Chicago White Sox have bolstered their bullpen by signing right-handed reliever Seranthony Domínguez to a two-year, $20 million contract. This move comes after the team saved $20 million from trading Luis Robert Jr. and aims to strengthen their late-inning options. Domínguez is expected to serve as the closer for the team.
As spring training approaches just three weeks away, the MLB hot stove has heated up with several notable transactions. The White Sox's signing of Seranthony Domínguez, reported by ESPN, represents a key addition to their relief corps. The 30-year-old righty joins a group that includes right-hander Grant Taylor and left-hander Jordan Leasure, both of whom recorded strikeout rates exceeding 30% last season. Together, they form a formidable late-game trio under manager Will Venable.
Chicago's financial flexibility stems from the recent trade of outfielder Luis Robert Jr., which freed up $20 million for the 2026 season. The team plans to reinvest these savings into the roster, with Domínguez's deal marking an initial step. Although the White Sox are not favored to contend in 2026, this bullpen enhancement could help secure wins when holding leads after the fifth or sixth inning.
Domínguez was not ranked among the offseason's top 50 free agents by CBS Sports analysts. His addition addresses a need for reliable closing options in a rebuilding phase for the franchise.
While the White Sox focused on relief pitching, other rumors swirled around the league. Future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer, now 41, may wait until midseason to sign, according to The Athletic, following examples like Roger Clemens in 2007 and Pedro Martinez in 2009. Scherzer made 17 starts last season amid injuries and three postseason appearances for the Toronto Blue Jays, including a strong 4 1/3 innings of one-run ball in Game 7 of the World Series.
The Washington Nationals have been shopping shortstop CJ Abrams, an All-Star in 2024 with three years of team control, and center fielder Jacob Young, 26, known for his elite defense despite limited hitting. Abrams arrived in the 2022 Juan Soto trade from the Padres, alongside MacKenzie Gore and James Wood.
Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers are eyeing veterans Nick Martinez and Jose Quintana to deepen their rotation, per the Detroit Free Press. Detroit's top starters include two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty, and Casey Mize, with Drew Anderson, Troy Melton, and Reese Olson vying for the final spots after Olson's shoulder injury recovery. Neither Martinez nor Quintana ranked in the top 50 free agents and are viewed as reliable innings eaters rather than playoff aces.
