In free agency, the Angels lost Shohei Ohtani to the Dodgers. Since then, they have added four pitchers (Robert Stephenson, Matt Moore, Zach Plesac, and Adam Cimber), but they haven’t contributed anything to their lineup. Instead, they are still looking for offensive targets. The name that just recently surfaced as a potential? Joey Votto from first base.

The Angels are among the teams expressing interest in the free-agent first baseman, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, who made the connection between the Halos and Votto during an interview on Bleacher Report on Wednesday.

Jan. 23: RHPs Lorenzen, Syndergaard drawing interest

FanSided’s Robert Murray reports that “about 16 teams” watched free-agent starters Michael Lorenzen and Noah Syndergaard throw bullpen sessions on Tuesday in California. Murray specifically mentions the Padres and Pirates as two clubs that are interested in Syndergaard.

Lorenzen, 32, was one of the better pitchers moved at last season’s Trade Deadline as the Phillies acquired him from the Tigers after he posted a 3.58 ERA in 18 starts. Lorenzen threw a no-hitter during his home debut in Philly, but he struggled after that special night, registering a 7.96 ERA with 14 strikeouts and eight home runs allowed through his next 26 innings. He finished the season in Philadelphia’s bullpen.

The 31-year-old Syndergaard is far removed from being the electrifying hurler known as Thor who overpowered hitters with his flamethrowing right arm from 2015-19. Last season, he had a 6.50 ERA, served up 22 homers and struck out only 56 batters in 88 2/3 innings split between the Dodgers and Guardians.

However, perhaps he is regaining a little bit of that lost velocity. Murray writes that Syndergaard consistently sat between 93-95 mph during the session. His four-seamer and two-seamer each averaged about 92 mph last year.

Jan. 22: Which top relievers could end up in NY?

The Mets and Yankees are both vying for some of the top relief pitchers left on the free-agent market. Here’s who could land in New York.

Both teams have had discussions with right-hander Hector Neris and left-hander Wandy Peralta, according to a report Monday from SNY’s Andy Martino. Neris, 34, had a 1.71 ERA and 77 strikeouts in 71 relief appearances for the Astros last season. He is a more likely fit for the Yankees than the Mets, per Martino.

Peralta registered a 2.83 ERA across 63 appearances (54 innings) with the Yanks last year. The 32-year-old has logged a 2.82 ERA in 153 innings since being acquired via a trade with San Francisco in April 2021. MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch reported last week on how the Yanks have maintained contact with Peralta.

The Mets could have a reunion of their own as Martino reports that Adam Ottavino is a possibility for them. The 38-year-old right-hander, who has spent the past two seasons with the club, had a 3.21 ERA and 62 strikeouts in 66 appearances in 2023.

The Mets also expressed interest in Aroldis Chapman, but the lefty flamethrower agreed to a one-year deal with the Pirates on Monday, a source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.

Jan. 22: Would Paxton complete Dodgers’ starting rotation?

The additions of Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow have undoubtedly upgraded the Dodgers’ starting staff. And yet, the club still has some question marks behind that duo in its rotation, so they could use another starter. It looks like they might land one soon.

The Dodgers are “getting close” to a one-year agreement with left-handed pitcher James Paxton, a source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. He adds that the deal would be worth roughly $12 million. Does he represent the last piece in the team’s 2023 rotation? More >

Jan. 20: With Hader joining Astros and Stephenson to the Angels, where does the reliever market stand?

The best free-agent relief pitcher finally came off the board Friday as Josh Hader agreed to a five-year, $95 million deal with the Astros, a source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. And another coveted reliever, right-hander Robert Stephenson, reportedly reached an agreement with the Angels.

Hader’s contract is among the richest for a relief pitcher in baseball history and sets the market for the relievers who remain available. There are a lot of good ones.

Feinsand reports that the Yankees have interest in Hector Neris, who had a career year with the Astros in 2023. His season included a 1.71 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP over 71 appearances. The Yanks are also open to a reunion with Wandy Peralta, who has been mentioned as a potential target for the Mets.

Ryan Brasier was just about untouchable once the Dodgers acquired him in June of last season. He allowed only six runs (three earned) in 38 2/3 innings and posted a 0.72 WHIP with Los Angeles. The 36-year-old right-hander has six teams vying for him, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman.

The Cubs are one of those clubs, and they were reportedly in on Hader as well. They could bulk up their bullpen via the trade market as they are interested in acquiring Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase, according to 670 The Score’s Bruce Levine.

Other quality bullpen arms remain in free agency, including David Robertson and Jakob Junis. Now that Hader is in Houston, perhaps a run of reliever signings is on the horizon.