We're keeping track of all the latest free agent and trade rumors.
Feb. 13: How will SP market play out after Gallen's return to D-backs?
Right-hander Zac Gallen, who was the top remaining free agent per Mark Feinsand's initial Top 30 rankings, agreed Friday to a one-year, $22.025 million deal to return to the D-backs. With Gallen off the board, what's next for a starting pitching market that has seen its top nine arms now reach contracts with clubs?
Despite the lack of available top-of-the-rotation options, there is still plenty of value left among starters. Although only righty Lucas Giolito cracked Feinsand's Top 30, starters such as Max Scherzer, Zack Littell, Patrick Corbin and Griffin Canning are all still unsigned. Other available pitchers who could be in a similar price range include lefties Nestor Cortes and Tyler Anderson and righties Jon Gray, Frankie Montas, Walker Buehler and Alex Cobb.
Which teams might still be seeking starting pitching as the start of Spring Training games looms? Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said Monday his club will seek starting depth this spring, although the trade market could also be an option. The Padres and Cubs were interested in Gallen before he re-signed with Arizona, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, so they could pivot to another starting option. And the Braves, who will be without righty Spencer Schwellenbach for at least two months due to right elbow inflammation, might need another starter, too.
Feb. 9: 5 teams reportedly involved in Paredes trade discussions
The Astros have five infielders for four spots -- the math just doesn't work.
What the Astros will do about the surplus remains the question. According to a report from The Athletic (subscription required), the Astros discussed a trade with the Cardinals and Red Sox involving Brendan Donovan before the St. Louis second baseman was dealt to the Mariners. The discussed trade could have sent infielder Isaac Paredes from Houston to Boston.
Astros reporter Chandler Rome reported Sunday that Houston has been engaged with five teams regarding Paredes' availability, including the Red Sox and Pirates. Rome did not name the other three teams.
However, Boston is likely out of the running for Paredes after filling its need for a third baseman on Monday when it agreed to a trade with the Brewers that includes third basemen Caleb Durbin, a source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. The Pirates also added to their lineup Monday, agreeing to a one-year deal with designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, per a source.
The Red Sox were thought to be a good match for a trade with Houston because they have a glut of left-handed-hitting outfielders, which the Astros need. Boston seemingly spent the entire offseason looking for ways to upgrade its infield and remained interested in doing so even after acquiring first baseman Willson Contreras from the Cardinals in December. Boston tried to re-sign third baseman Alex Bregman until he struck a deal with the Cubs in January. The Red Sox subsequently spent $130 million on starting pitcher Ranger Suárez in a pivot move after losing Bregman.
The Ozuna deal continues a busy offseason for Pittsburgh, which also signed infielder/outfielder Ryan O'Hearn via free agency and traded for infielder Brandon Lowe and outfield prospect Jhostynxon Garcia.
Feb. 5: After winning arbitration case, will Skubal still be with Tigers come Opening Day?
Tigers ace Tarik Skubal won his arbitration hearing and was awarded $32 million, a source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand on Thursday. It's the largest salary awarded to any player via the arbitration process, besting Juan Soto's $31 million salary from 2024.
The news also comes one day after the Tigers agreed to a three-year, $115 million contract with free-agent left-hander Framber Valdez, per Feinsand. That contract, which has an opt-out after the 2027 season, carries the ninth-largest average annual value in MLB history.
Considering the size of that commitment to Valdez and the fact that Skubal will make $32 million before he is slated to reach free agency next winter, is it now more likely that Detroit will trade the reigning two-time American League Cy Young Award winner before Opening Day?
The answer is no, according to a report by The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal (subscription required).
"The Tigers have insisted all offseason they want to win in what could be their final season with [Skubal]," Rosenthal wrote. "And while plans in baseball are subject to change, the Tigers do not appear to be wavering."
If the Tigers stand pat, Skubal and Valdez will front a stellar rotation that also includes Jack Flaherty, Casey Mize, Reese Olson and KBO success story Drew Anderson. Detroit is looking to make the playoffs for a third consecutive season in 2026, something the franchise has accomplished just twice before: 2011-14 and 1907-09.
Jan. 31: Yankees reportedly seeking righty outfield bat
Even after re-signing Trent Grisham and Cody Bellinger, the Yankees are still on the hunt for outfield help. In particular, the club is searching the free-agent and trade markets for a right-handed bat to supplement a roster that skews left-handed, according to The Athletic's Brandon Kuty (subscription required), who mentions Randal Grichuk as one of many options New York is considering.
Kuty also hears that the Yankees made a Major League offer to Austin Slater earlier this offseason. Slater joined the Yankees at the Trade Deadline but got hurt shortly after joining the team.
Tommy Pham and Starling Marte are among the other righty-hitting outfielders still available. (Austin Hays came off the board on Saturday when he reached a one-year deal with the White Sox.)
The Yankees' current outfield depth consists of Jasson Domínguez, a switch-hitter who is better from the left side, and lefty-hitting prospect Spencer Jones. José Caballero has outfield experience, too, but he'll be needed at shortstop until Anthony Volpe returns from left shoulder surgery.