Fan News

Despite graduating a host of players to the big leagues last season, the Boston Red Sox enter 2015 with one of the finest collections of talent in the sport thanks to an aggressive draft strategy and outstanding player development.

Of the attractive trade chips in the Philadelphia Phillies' collection, Cole Hamels is the Action Comics No. 1 of the bunch. He's the prized possession, and the one available for the highest price. 

Or so they think. But in reality, his trade value is...well, complicated.

Another unsuccessful bid for a World Series title in 2014 has again prompted an offseason of introspection for the Detroit Tigers. Tweaking their talented—albeit flawed—teams has kept them highly active on the hot stove in recent years. This winter has been no different.

Here's a reminder of what’s happened so far:

Let's be honest: New Year's resolutions almost never work out. Of course, that's no reason not to make them in the first place. 

Looking around the big leagues, there are resolutions—both big and small, bold and not so bold—that all 30 MLB clubs need to be making. 

Taken in isolation, the trade that landed Seth Smith on the Seattle Mariners won't rock the baseball world.

Taken in the context of Seattle's offseason outfield overhaul, however, it could shift the balance of power in the American League West.

2014 was an exciting year for a suddenly revitalized Seattle Mariners team.

Robinson Cano was brilliant in his first season in Seattle, and Felix Hernandez just missed out on a Cy Young award, leading the Mariners to within one game of a playoff spot after the franchise looked lost for the previous four years.

The San Diego Padres have agreed to a trade that will send outfielder Seth Smith to the Seattle Mariners for right-handed pitcher Brandon Maurer.   

Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com first reported the deal was done:

The Mariners would later confirm the trade. 

The 2014 Major League Baseball season has been over for two months, but San Francisco Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner is still reaping the rewards for his postseason heroics. On Tuesday, he was named the Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year.     

The Ben Zobrist bidding got a lot hotter Tuesday, and finding teams not interested in trading for the versatile veteran is a lot easier than determining who wants him. 

The Tampa Bay Rays may not be done making changes to their roster this offseason. This time, the focus of trade discussions appears to be super-utility player Ben Zobrist.

According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the Rays will at least listen to potential offers for Zobrist and Yunel Escobar: