The MLB offseason’s getting wild as contenders scramble to retool their rosters, hunt for bullpen upgrades, and try to set themselves up for October. Houston’s poking around the KBO, while Toronto stockpiles arms and chases relief help—front offices are moving fast in a reliever-driven market where prices seem to jump every week.
Astros Turn to KBO Arm Ryan Weiss – And Face a 40-Man Roster Squeeze
The Astros plan to bring right-hander Ryan Weiss over from the Korea Baseball Organization. They need more pitching depth, and it’s clear MLB teams are starting to respect KBO arms more than ever.
But here’s the snag: Houston’s 40-man roster is packed. They’ll have to make a move before Weiss can officially join the big league club.
What Weiss Brings – And Who Might Be Squeezed Out
Weiss fits the Astros’ usual mold—a righty with interesting stuff and room to grow. Houston’s shown time and again they know how to turn live arms into real contributors. Weiss could end up as a multi-inning reliever or depth starter, bouncing between roles as needed.
But someone’s gotta go. With no room on the roster, the Astros will need to:
Trade talk has mostly circled around outfielders Jake Meyers and Jesus Sanchez. Meyers brings elite defense in center and a bat that appeals to teams heavy on analytics. Sanchez flashes left-handed power and potential, though he hasn’t quite put it all together yet.
If Houston moves one of them, they could shore up another need—maybe more bullpen depth or a controllable position player—and open a spot for Weiss to step into a useful pitching role.
Pete Fairbanks’ Surprising Free Agency Shakes Up the Reliever Market
On the bullpen front, the Tampa Bay Rays stunned everyone by declining their $11 million club option on right-hander Pete Fairbanks for 2026. Suddenly, he’s on the open market. In a winter where relievers are cashing in left and right, Fairbanks is now one of the most interesting arms out there.
Fairbanks Draws Heavy Interest in a Fast-Moving Relief Market
Teams like the Detroit Tigers, Miami Marlins, and Toronto Blue Jays are all reportedly in on Fairbanks as they look to beef up their bullpens. With so many top relievers already signed, the demand for a late-inning arm like Fairbanks is only climbing.
It’s not surprising, considering how the relief market’s gone:
These contracts have reset the market for everyone else. Fairbanks, with his late-inning experience and strikeout ability, stands to gain a lot—especially from teams that missed out on their top bullpen targets.
Blue Jays Stockpile Pitching and Hunt for High-Leverage Help
No team seems more obsessed with the “arms race” vibe than the Toronto Blue Jays right now. Toronto’s built one of the deepest pitching staffs in the American League, and honestly, they might not be finished.
Cody Ponce Joins an Already Loaded Rotation
The Blue Jays just agreed with right-hander Cody Ponce, adding even more depth to a rotation that’s already stacked. On paper, Toronto’s starters can go toe-to-toe with almost anyone:
Behind those guys, the Jays have built-in depth with Eric Lauer, Yariel Rodriguez, and Bowden Francis. Top prospect Trey Yesavage could make a splash by midseason. That kind of surplus usually means trades are coming, and Toronto’s in a great spot to flip extra pitching for whatever else they need.
Bo Bichette’s Status and Toronto’s Bullpen Priorities
Amid all the pitching maneuvering, one key storyline just won’t go away: Bo Bichette is still unsigned. His status keeps shortstop and the heart of Toronto’s lineup front and center in the team’s long-term plans, even while they tinker with the mound.
Right now, though, the spotlight’s on the bullpen. The Blue Jays are hunting for high-end relief arms, and Pete Fairbanks is definitely on their radar.
Adding a proven late-inning weapon to pair with their strong rotation would give them a real shot in October. Let’s be honest, sometimes it all comes down to whose bullpen holds up under the lights.
The Astros are recalibrating on the fly. Fairbanks seems to be setting the pace for reliever signings, and the Blue Jays are shopping with a bit of pitching surplus in their back pocket.
This offseason feels like a showcase in how modern contenders actually build—and weaponize—depth on the mound.
Here is the source article for this story: The Opener: Astros, Fairbanks, Blue Jays
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