The 2025-26 MLB offseason is now underway, kicking off the usual buzz of free agent signings, trades, and rumors typical of baseball’s winter calendar. Here’s a look at some of the latest developments from Thursday.
The New York Yankees are reportedly interested in reuniting with right-handed reliever Devin Williams. Despite a challenging and inconsistent season in his first year with the Yankees, Williams, a two-time All-Star, still holds a solid track record. The Athletic reveals ongoing discussions between the Yankees and Williams’ agents about a possible contract extension that could keep him in New York through 2026 and possibly longer. At 31, Williams comes into next season with 86 career saves, a 172 ERA, and 465 strikeouts across nearly 300 innings pitched at the major league level.
In other news, MLB confirmed that the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball have posted first and third baseman Kazuma Okamoto, making him available to all 30 MLB clubs for a 45-day negotiation window. Okamoto, 29, boasts a .501 batting average and 277 homers over 11 seasons in Japan. CBS Sports recently ranked him as the third-best prospect from the NPB/KBO expected to transition successfully to MLB. Analysts note that Okamoto’s potential MLB success may hinge on his defense at third base, as well as the pressure on his offensive production.
Additionally, the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros completed a trade sending infielder Mauricio Dubon to Atlanta and Nick Allen to Houston. Dubon, 31, wrapped up the 2025 season with the Astros hitting .241/.289/.355 with seven homers in 133 games. A versatile defender and two-time Gold Glove winner, Dubon is anticipated to be Atlanta’s starting shortstop in 2026 and will be a free agent after that season. Allen, 27, has four MLB seasons under his belt mainly as a shortstop, with an OPS+ of 55, and is expected to take on a bench role with Houston.
Fan Take: The Yankees’ potential reunion with Devin Williams signals their desire to strengthen their bullpen with a proven talent despite past struggles, highlighting how teams value resilience and underlying ability. Meanwhile, the influx of international talent like Kazuma Okamoto and strategic trades such as Dubon for Allen exemplify MLB’s ongoing evolution and global talent integration, promising exciting shifts in team dynamics next season.
