The MLB offseason is heating up, and the rumor mill is churning! Teams are already making moves, and the Winter Meetings are just around the corner. Let's dive into the latest whispers from around the league, with a focus on potential trades and free agency targets. Buckle up, because things are about to get interesting!
Starting Pitching Market: Hotter Than Expected?
It's a seller's market for starting pitchers, even before free agency has truly begun. This is unusual, as teams often wait for free agency to address their pitching needs. Multiple executives have described the trade market as incredibly active, perhaps even more so than in the middle of the season. This high demand could lead to some surprising deals.
- MacKenzie Gore: More than half the league has reportedly checked in on Washington Nationals' left-handed starter MacKenzie Gore, who is under club control for the next two years. He could be a valuable asset for a team looking to bolster its rotation.
- Other Potential Trade Candidates: Keep an eye on Detroit Tigers' Tarik Skubal and Milwaukee Brewers' Freddy Peralta, though their teams' intentions remain unclear.
Miami Marlins: Open for Business?
The Miami Marlins, like the Pittsburgh Pirates, are reportedly open to trading starting pitchers. This could significantly reshape their roster.
- Key Players: Sandy Alcantara and Edward Cabrera are attracting significant interest from other teams. The Marlins are aiming to contend for the playoffs in 2026 and want to build a team for the long term. Trading a starter could help them acquire players to achieve these goals.
- Ryan Weathers: Multiple teams have expressed interest in acquiring Marlins lefty Ryan Weathers. A trade would depend on a team valuing him as a potential breakout starter. Weathers, who is three seasons away from free agency, was limited by injuries in 2025, but still posted a 3.99 ERA.
Bo Bichette to Boston?
The Boston Red Sox are looking for ways to improve their team, and one intriguing option is Bo Bichette. While retaining free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman is a priority, Bichette could be a compelling alternative.
- Bichette vs. Bregman: Bichette, who turns 28 in March, is four years younger than Bregman. His wRC+ (weighted Runs Created Plus) over the past six seasons is nearly identical to Bregman's, with Bichette at 21% above league average and Bregman at 24%.
- Potential Fit: Bichette has a strong track record at Fenway Park, batting .329 with a .907 OPS in 157 plate appearances. The Red Sox could use him at second base, a position he played in the World Series. If the Red Sox signed Bichette, Marcelo Mayer would likely play third base.
Controversy Alert: Bichette's defensive metrics at shortstop are among the worst in the majors, but some teams still see him as viable at the position. What do you think? Can Bichette improve his defense, or should he stick to second base?
Luis Arraez: Not a Fit for Texas?
Infielder Luis Arraez, a favorite of new Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker, might not be a good fit for the Rangers due to payroll constraints.
- Rangers' Priorities: The Rangers need a catcher, bullpen upgrades, and a starting pitcher. They are focused on reducing payroll, making a high-end contract for Arraez unlikely.
- Arraez's Strengths and Weaknesses: Arraez is an elite contact hitter but doesn't excel in other areas. He could DH against lefties, play first base against certain righties, and possibly fill in at second. Even at a bargain price, he might be too expensive for the Rangers.
Around the Horn:
- Orioles' New Facility: The Baltimore Orioles are completing a $21 million player development facility. They are also seeking an accomplished starter to complement Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish.
- Athletics' Plans: The Athletics are supposedly increasing payroll for their move to Las Vegas in 2028. They are not considering Bichette or a trade for Arizona’s Ketel Marte. They are showing little interest in trading Luis Severino unless they don’t have to give up talent in return.
What are your thoughts on these potential moves? Are there any trades you'd love to see happen? Share your predictions and opinions in the comments below!
