With spring training just three weeks away, the baseball offseason is beginning to ramp up with notable free agent signings and trades. Recent moves include key acquisitions such as Cody Bellinger, Bo Bichette, Ranger Suarez, and Kyle Tucker, alongside trades involving Nolan Arenado, Mackenzie Gore, Freddy Peralta, and Luis Robert Jr. More action is expected in the coming days, fueling excitement around the sport.
White Sox Bolster Bullpen with Dominguez Signing
The Chicago White Sox have secured right-handed reliever Seranthony Dominguez on a two-year, $20 million deal, according to ESPN. This signing aligns with Chicago’s strategy to save funds in 2026 by trading Luis Robert Jr. and redirecting those savings into strengthening their roster. Dominguez is anticipated to take the role of closer for the team.
Paired with righty Grant Taylor—who struck out over 30% of batters last year—and lefty Jordan Leasure, manager Will Venable now commands a strong late-inning relief core. While these three likely won’t all be on the roster by 2026, they provide the White Sox with the ability to secure leads after the mid-innings to close out games successfully.
Scherzer May Choose to Sign Midseason
Max Scherzer, a future Hall of Famer, might opt to wait until the season starts to sign a contract, reports a journalist from The Athletic. Although he is ready to sign now, Scherzer intends to hold off if suitable offers don’t come from his preferred teams, continuing to prepare until the right situation arises.
This approach is reminiscent of veteran pitchers like Roger Clemens (who joined the Yankees in 2007) and Pedro Martinez (who signed with the Phillies in 2009), both of whom secured deals midseason. Despite dealing with injuries, Scherzer, 41, still managed 17 starts last year and pitched effectively in the postseason, including an impressive performance in Game 7 of the World Series.
Nationals Explore Moves Involving Abrams and Young
Even prior to trading Mackenzie Gore, the Washington Nationals acquired shortstop CJ Abrams and center fielder Jacob Young this offseason, according to The Washington Post. Abrams, a 2024 All-Star, retains three years of team control and was part of the Juan Soto trade from the Padres along with Mackenzie Gore and James Wood before 2022’s deadline.
While Young, 26, isn’t known for his hitting, his defensive skills and highlight-worthy catches make him valuable, especially considering center field depth is limited across the league. A strong offensive lineup could find a role for Young at the bottom of the order, letting him showcase his defensive talents.
Tigers Target Veteran Starters Martinez and Quintana
Detroit is aiming to add experience to its starting rotation, showing interest in Nick Martinez and Jose Quintana, as reported by the Detroit Free Press. The Tigers’ rotation currently features two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal, plus Jack Flaherty and Casey Mize, with others like Drew Anderson, Troy Melton, and Reece Olson likely vying for the final spots.
Neither Martinez nor Quintana appeared in the offseason’s top 50 free agents rankings. At this stage of their careers, both pitchers are valued more for their durability over a full season rather than as October contenders. The Tigers seem focused on bolstering depth instead of adding game-changing stars for now.
Fan Take:
This flurry of moves highlights how teams are strategically balancing immediate competitiveness with long-term financial planning, underscoring the complexity of roster building in today’s game. For fans, these developments signal an exciting offseason filled with savvy deals and potential surprises that could reshape team fortunes and keep the sport dynamic.
