Major League Baseball is currently in its offseason, and the rumor mill is bustling with activity. CBS Sports has gathered the most notable trades and rumors from Tuesday for easy access.
The Toronto Blue Jays, fresh from winning the American League pennant, are seen as frontrunners to sign Kyle Tucker, who is considered the top free agent available, according to ESPN. However, many other teams are also expected to be interested. If Tucker goes for a short-term deal, the —who defeated the Blue Jays in the World Series—are likely contenders. Other possible destinations include the Phillies, Giants, Orioles, Yankees, and Mets. Interestingly, the Cubs, who traded for Tucker last winter, show little interest in retaining him.
Meanwhile, the New York Yankees still aim to bring back Cody Bellinger despite securing center fielder Trent Grisham through a qualifying offer. Bellinger had a strong previous season with a .272 batting average, 29 home runs, and 5.1 WAR, and the Yankees see room for him on their roster given uncertainties with other players like Jason Dominguez and Giancarlo Stanton.
Right-hander Tatsuya Imai’s negotiation window will open soon following his transfer from Japan’s Saitama Seibu Lions, with teams having until January 2 to reach a deal. Imai is ranked 12th among free agents this winter and is noted for his dominant season, mid-90s velocity, and pitching skills that suggest he could be a solid No. 3 starter.
The Pittsburgh Pirates plan to bolster their roster around ace Paul Skeens this offseason, reportedly preparing to offer first baseman Josh Naylor a record-setting 5-year, $92.5 million contract, more than doubling their previous free agent record. They are also considering giving top prospect Connor Griffin a shot at starting shortstop next spring, although concerns about potential work stoppages in 2027 are influencing their approach to Griffin’s development.
The Philadelphia Phillies are eager to re-sign DH Kyle Schwarber, who is highly sought after due to his batting performance and short contract length tied to age and position. Other teams interested include the Red Sox, Mets, Blue Jays, and Pirates. Schwarber has averaged 47 home runs over the past three seasons.
The Texas Rangers have discussed trading outfielder Adris Garcia and catcher Jonah Heim, with Heim possibly facing a non-tender. While the Rangers want to make roster cuts, a trade deal for Heim doesn’t seem imminent.
The New York Mets are open to trading some of their surplus hitters, such as Jeff McNeil, Brandon Nimmo, and young players Luis Angel Acuña, Mark Vientos, and Brett Batty. Nimmo’s contract and no-trade clause complicate the Mets’ efforts, as they will need to negotiate his agreement to any trade.
Fan Take: This offseason’s swirling rumors reflect the high stakes and strategic moves shaping the 2025 MLB season. From top free agents like Kyle Tucker and Kyle Schwarber to promising prospects like Connor Griffin, these developments can significantly alter team dynamics and fan excitement as baseball continues to evolve.
