The World Series wrapped up 18 days ago, and the baseball offseason has kicked into high gear. Recently, we’ve seen the first major free agent signings, such as Josh Naylor returning to the Mariners, and trades like the ones involving Taylor Ward and Grayson Rodriguez, with more moves expected soon. Here are some key updates from Wednesday’s Hot Stove:
The Atlanta Braves have secured reliever Raisel Iglesias for another year with a $16 million contract. Iglesias, 35, is coming back for his fifth season with the team after posting a 3.21 ERA and a 4.56 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 67 innings last year. Though he contributed about 1.3 wins above replacement according to FanGraphs, he had 11 rough outings. Iglesias is set to continue in a late-inning bullpen role alongside returning arms Joe Jimenez and Aaron Bummer.
The New York Yankees appear focused on retaining Cody Bellinger, considered the front-runners to sign him according to MLB.com. Despite offering Trent Grisham a $22.025 million qualifying offer that he has until Tuesday’s deadline to accept, GM Brian Cashman remains committed to pursuing Bellinger, citing a shallow outfield market. Grisham played a key role in the Yankees’ success last year, and the outfield lineup will likely rotate around Grisham, American League MVP Aaron Judge, and promising prospect Jasson Dominguez, who could also be traded if Bellinger returns. Bellinger ranks as the sixth-best free agent this offseason.
The Milwaukee Brewers, champions of the NL Central, are not firmly set on trading Freddy Peralta. Despite missing Brandon Woodruff, who accepted a qualifying offer and will earn a franchise record $22.025 million in 2026, owner Mark Attanasio conveyed confidence in the team’s rotation. Peralta, 29 and one year away from free agency, is typically the kind of player Milwaukee might move, as they’ve done in the past with stars like Corbin Burnes. However, the Brewers held onto Willie Adames through his last year before trading him for a draft pick. Peralta remains one of the top trade candidates this winter.
Fan Take: These moves highlight how teams are balancing loyalty and strategy, whether it’s re-signing key bullpen arms, targeting high-profile free agents, or weighing trades of core players. For fans, this offseason is a thrilling glimpse into how rosters are shaping up and which teams might emerge as contenders next season.
