The 2025-26 MLB offseason is still wide open. Major free agents haven’t signed, trade rumors keep popping up, and contenders are weighing bold moves before Opening Day hits in just three months.
From superstar hitters to front-line pitchers and some intriguing international names, baseball’s winter drama isn’t close to finished.
Star Hitters Drive the Market
This winter, offense has dominated the chatter. Elite bats are drawing heavy interest all over the league.
Teams on aggressive timelines want impact players who can flip a lineup fast.
Big Names, Big Decisions
Kyle Tucker, Cody Bellinger, and Francisco Lindor headline the position-player market. Multiple contenders are watching their availability closely.
Several American League East teams are reportedly in the mix. The Dodgers, as usual, are hovering as a possible landing spot.
Reunions could happen too. Players like Alex Bregman and J.T. Realmuto are drawing interest from former clubs looking for leadership and a bit of familiarity.
Pitching Market Moves at a Slower Pace
Fans usually expect ace pitchers to set the early offseason pace. This year, teams seem more cautious.
Front offices are weighing long-term commitments against risk and durability. Nobody wants to be stuck with an injured arm on a mega deal.
Rotation Help Still Needed
Arms like Luis Suárez and Framber Valdez haven’t gotten as much traction as expected. That could change in a hurry if the right team gets desperate.
The Baltimore Orioles have everyone’s attention. They’re openly shopping for top-of-the-rotation help to build on last year’s postseason run.
Just one big pitching addition might push Baltimore into real World Series territory.
Trades Are Already Shaping the Landscape
While free agency drags for some, the trade market has been busy. Several familiar faces are already wearing new uniforms.
More Blockbusters Could Be Coming
Players like Marcus Semien, Brandon Nimmo, Willson Contreras, and Jeff McNeil have already been traded. These deals are reshaping both contenders and rebuilding teams.
Executives are still watching the market for:
If any of these arms get moved, it could shake up the whole league.
International Market Adds Another Layer
The international scene is a key subplot this offseason. Tight posting deadlines in early January are making things tense.
Japanese Stars in Demand
Munetaka Murakami already landed with the Chicago White Sox. Other names like Kazuma Okamoto, Tatsuya Imai, and Kona Takahashi are still up for grabs.
Teams willing to move fast might find some real value overseas. Time’s ticking, and it’s anyone’s guess who’ll take the leap.
Big Spenders and Quiet Contenders
Not every team is attacking the offseason the same way. Some are splashing cash, others are barely making a ripple.
Who’s Making Noise — and Who Isn’t
The Blue Jays and Orioles are leading the financial charge. Toronto surprised everyone by signing Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million deal.
They’ve also added to the roster in other spots. Baltimore has retooled its lineup, bullpen, and rotation to support its young core.
Meanwhile, the Red Sox and Rockies have stayed mostly quiet in free agency. Boston has made a few trades and is still looking for infield help.
The Yankees, Giants, Reds, and Guardians haven’t done much either. Fans are left wondering about aging rosters and up-and-down offenses.
Veteran Stars Still Linger
Experience might end up being the final piece for teams as they round out their rosters in the coming weeks.
Late-Inning and Clubhouse Options
Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer are still free agents. Both might pitch in 2026 if the right reunion comes along.
There are also a handful of older, productive hitters out there. They could bring postseason experience and a steady presence in the clubhouse for teams that need a little extra depth.
Unresolved contracts and trade rumors keep swirling. The 2025-26 MLB offseason feels like it’s waiting for one last surprise.
Isn’t it funny how the biggest moves seem to drop out of nowhere? Decision-makers know time’s running out, and you can almost sense the tension building.
Here is the source article for this story: 7 offseason storylines to watch entering 2026
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