Baseball’s annual Winter Meetings, often dubbed the busiest time of the offseason, will take place in Orlando next week. This event features intense activity including trades, free agent signings, and widespread rumors. Here are some notable stories from Thursday’s Hot Stove Rumors to keep fans engaged before the main events kick off.
The Chicago Cubs are looking to add Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai, as reported by 670 The Score. The Cubs had shown interest in high-profile pitcher Dylan Cease before he signed with the Blue Jays and are known to be willing to spend big. The submission window for Imai closes on January 2nd. The Cubs have also renewed their pursuit of All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman, who they missed out on last offseason. Bregman, who hit .273/.360/.462 and posted a 3.5 WAR for the Red Sox despite missing time due to injury, would strengthen the Cubs’ roster, especially given their young player Matt Shaw’s versatility in the infield and outfield.
Kyle Tucker, a top offseason free agent, recently visited the Blue Jays’ spring training facility in Florida. This visit signals mutual interest, although it’s a routine step in the recruiting process. Tucker hails from nearby Tampa and may explore other teams’ training sites, including the Phillies and Yankees. The Blue Jays, fresh off signing pitchers Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce, are hoping to re-sign shortstop Bo Bichette and see Tucker as a good fit for their balanced offensive and defensive strategy.
The New York Mets are reportedly interested in acquiring Twins pitcher Joe Ryan as they seek a top-tier starting pitcher. The Twins, having traded several players at the deadline, appear open to offers for Ryan. Meanwhile, the Mets also share outfielder Cody Bellinger as a target with their rivals, the Yankees, though Bellinger’s hitting style might suit Yankee Stadium more than Citi Field.
The Los Angeles have included outfielder Teoscar Hernandez in their trade discussions, although such a move is considered unlikely. Trading Hernandez would deepen their outfield needs but could allow the team to get younger and improve defensively. The are also pursuing free agent closer Robert Suarez for a short-term, high-value contract, prioritizing bullpen improvements after pitcher Tanner Scott’s disappointing season.
Boston Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow revealed that the team aims to add a middle-of-the-lineup hitter during the Winter Meetings, focusing on players who can be threats and lengthen their batting order. Their current lineup has fewer home runs and leans heavily left-handed. Players like Alex Bregman or Pete Alonso could be targets to boost both offensive power and infield defense.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have held talks with free agent closer Pete Fairbanks as they look to bolster their pitching staff. Their bullpen struggled greatly last season, and key relievers Justin Martinez and AJ Puk will miss the start of 2026 because of elbow surgeries. The Rays declined Fairbanks’ franchise option, making him available, and active interest in him signals he might sign soon.
Fan Take: These offseason developments highlight an exciting period of transformation as teams actively pursue key players to address weaknesses and build championship contenders. Baseball fans should pay close attention to these moves, as they could reshape team dynamics and competitive balance for the upcoming season.
