Major League Baseball’s offseason is expected to slow down over the next few days as league officials take a break for the holidays, but teams still have time to finalize remaining deals. Recently, the White Sox signed Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami, and the Red Sox acquired first baseman Willson Contreras through a four-player trade. Fans are now curious about Monday’s developments. CBS Sports has compiled all the latest updates for easy access.
The Cincinnati Enquirer revealed ongoing trade discussions between the Reds and White Sox involving center fielder Luis Robert Jr., with Chicago willing to cover part of his 2026 salary to make the deal happen. Despite a disappointing performance at the plate last year, Robert remains an excellent defender and runner, capable of hitting numerous home runs as a center fielder. Talks about trading Robert have occurred multiple times, including last offseason and at the trade deadline.
Rob Refsnyder has signed a one-year, $6.25 million contract with the Mariners. Refsnyder, 34, is known for his strong offensive production against left-handed pitchers and spent the last four years with the Red Sox. The Mariners currently have several right-handed outfielders, so Refsnyder is expected to split time between designated hitter and corner outfield positions alongside left-handed hitter Dominic Canzone.
The Red Sox are eager to reinforce their offense following the acquisition of Contreras, with plans to keep third baseman Alex Bregman a top priority. Bregman, 31, delivered strong performance last season and is expected to continue at third base, while the team evaluates its young infielders and considers the second base position. Other teams like the Diamondbacks, Blue Jays, Cubs, and Tigers are also interested in Bregman.
The Pirates, after adding second baseman Brandon Lowe, remain active in seeking additional batting talent. They have conducted virtual meetings with Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto, who is ranked 22nd among free agents this offseason. Okamoto posted impressive batting stats in Japan and may find a role in MLB, although there are concerns about his transition to higher-level pitching and his primary position as a right-handed first baseman. His deadline for submission is January 4th.
Fan Take: This flurry of trade talks and signings highlights the strategic moves teams are making to strengthen their rosters during the offseason, which can dramatically reshape the competitive landscape. For baseball fans, these developments signal an exciting path toward a fresh and unpredictable new season.
