For those who do not know what the Hot Stove League, as it is called, is about, it is the discussion about the off-season trade and free agent signing possibilities, mostly through the press and mostly about Major League Baseball. The league (not actually a league) is starting to heat up with the New York Mets signing Juan Soto, formerly of their cross-town rival, New York Yankees, in a free agent move. The Boston Red Sox were in the bidding war with the Mets and other teams but paying Soto nearly $765 million for 15 years was not what the Sox bid – and to me, it is ridiculous to pay any player that much money.

So what are the Red Sox going to do to improve in 2025? It remains to be seen but all the Hot Stove chatter seems to indicate that they want to sign a slugger, improve their starting pitching and bolster their bullpen corps. After six years of being mediocre in the American League East (and a couple of years in the basement), it is time to get the fans something to cheer about.

On to the weather! Looks like winter has arrived and perhaps we’ll have a white Christmas. Schools have already canceled or delayed classes, the high school basketball schedules are being reworked due to the snow and ice, and I’ve already shoveled twice since Thanksgiving.

Congratulations to those who held holiday festivities this past Saturday. The cold air didn’t deter people from enjoying the Christmas cheer.

In two-plus weeks, we say good-bye to 2024. Hope your 2025 is better.