The MLB hot stove is already blazing this offseason. Starting pitching is driving a surprisingly aggressive trade market, and several franchises are shaking up their timelines.
The Boston Red Sox aren’t waiting around for free agency this winter. Instead, they’ve twice traded prospects for starting pitching before the Winter Meetings even started.
This approach suggests Boston—and maybe other teams—see trades as the best way to upgrade their rotations right now. The free agent market just isn’t the only game in town.
At the plate, Boston’s eyes are locked on third base. Their top priority is re-signing Alex Bregman, a proven postseason guy with the kind of plate discipline and power that just works in Fenway.
But there’s a twist: the Red Sox are also seriously considering Bo Bichette as an alternative. It’s a bit of a curveball, but it makes sense.
Bichette, at just 27, brings a similar offensive profile to Bregman and is four years younger. He’s played some second base in the World Series and has put up strong numbers at Fenway—honestly, that’s hard to ignore.
There are some issues, though. Bichette’s defense at shortstop isn’t great, and Boston is sticking with Trevor Story there.
If they chase Bichette, it’d probably be for second or third base. The real question: does his bat make up for the defensive question marks and whatever it’d cost in prospects or payroll?
Starting Pitching Trade Market Explodes
This winter, front offices are chasing starting pitching through trades instead of long-term free agent deals. Everyone wants cost-controlled arms, and it’s turning the market upside down.
MacKenzie Gore, Tarik Skubal, and Freddy Peralta Draw Heavy Interest
In Washington, MacKenzie Gore is suddenly the talk of the league. More than half the teams have checked in on the lefty, who’s under club control for two more years.
Gore’s got strikeout stuff and youth—exactly what teams want. He’s the model of today’s trade target: upside, control, and no massive contract attached.
Elsewhere, Detroit and Milwaukee are keeping everyone guessing:
Teams are just waiting to see where these arms land. It could set the tone for the rest of the offseason, especially if clubs decide to pay up in prospects or look elsewhere for pitching help.
Marlins Open for Business on Sandy Alcantara and Rotation Pieces
The Miami Marlins are in a tricky spot. They want to seriously contend by 2026, but also build a sustainable core for the long haul.
That’s led to a surprising move: Miami is open to trading starters, even though pitching has been their strength.
Alcantara, Cabrera, and Weathers on the Block
They’re listening on Sandy Alcantara, Edward Cabrera, and Ryan Weathers. Alcantara and Cabrera are drawing the most serious interest.
Alcantara, a former Cy Young winner, carries a club option of $21 million for 2027. For a workhorse with ace upside, that’s a big trade chip.
Cabrera comes with three more years of team control, which gives acquiring teams plenty of time to work with his electric, if sometimes inconsistent, arm.
Weathers is more of a depth or upside play. If Miami moves any of these guys, it could help them stockpile young bats and stay on track for a 2026 run.
Rangers, Orioles, and Athletics Navigate Payroll and Position Needs
Several contenders and rebuilders are quietly reshaping their rosters to fit financial realities and patch positional gaps. It’s not just about the headline pitchers.
Texas Rangers Eye Luis Arraez Amid Tight Payroll
The Texas Rangers, fresh off their playoff run, like the idea of adding Luis Arraez. He’s one of baseball’s best contact hitters and would balance out their power-heavy lineup.
But Texas is dealing with payroll limits and a few other priorities. They need to shore up:
Given those needs, Arraez feels more like a luxury than a must-have—unless they get creative with a trade.
Orioles Invest in Development, Seek Impact Bat
The Baltimore Orioles are doubling down on their youth movement. They’re pouring $21 million into a new player development complex, which should only strengthen an already loaded farm system.
At the major league level, Baltimore is interested in a premium bat like Kyle Tucker. Their infield is basically set, though first base stands out as a possible area for change.
Any big move would need to fit with their prospect pipeline and future arbitration costs. It’s a balancing act, but one that could pay off if they get it right.
Athletics Plan for Vegas While Managing the Present
The Oakland Athletics are in transition. They’re inching toward a planned move to Las Vegas in 2028.
For now, they’re cautiously increasing payroll. That’s a change from their historically frugal approach.
Their stated positional target is second base. They’re not pursuing Bo Bichette or Ketel Marte for that role, which hints they’re seeking value over splashy contracts during this awkward bridge period.
On the pitching side, they want to keep Luis Severino despite his sizable deal. They’re betting his upside can anchor the staff through the relocation years.
Here is the source article for this story: What we’re hearing: Marlins have pitching to deal; Bichette to Boston?
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