The annual Winter Meetings kick off Sunday in Orlando, marking one of the most eventful periods of the offseason filled with trades, free agent signings, and speculation. Here’s a roundup of some key rumors to get you ready for the upcoming week.
Are the Cubs set to be more aggressive? Despite playing in a major market, the Cubs’ payroll has been relatively modest, and they’ve avoided big free-agent splurges for nearly ten years. This season, however, reports from The Athletic suggest a shift as the team targets higher-end free agents, indicating a willingness to spend on select players. The Cubs were in discussions for Dylan Cease before he signed a massive deal with the Blue Jays and are negotiating with top-tier free agents like Alex Bregman, Michael King, and Tatsuya Imai. While it’s uncertain if the Cubs will land these talents, the rumors signify a notable change in their approach.
Several teams are eyeing Cardinals utility player Brendan Donovan, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Donavan, 29, has been a versatile leader for the Cardinals but doesn’t fit their rebuilding timeline as they make room for prospect JJ Weatherholt. Teams such as the Astros, , Guardians, Royals, and Yankees have expressed interest. Donovan is known for his contact hitting and defensive flexibility, excelling mainly at second base recently.
The Giants are reportedly open to discussing trade offers for top prospect Bryce Eldridge, as noted by the San Francisco Chronicle. Although not officially off limits, the Giants want the right deal for the 21-year-old first baseman and designated hitter, who struggled in his brief major league stint. With Rafael Devers locked in through 2033, Eldridge might be more valuable as a trade asset than as a long-term player at his natural positions, possibly even as a pitcher trade chip or second baseman.
Multiple teams, including the Rays, Red Sox, and Tigers, have reached out to the Diamondbacks about star second baseman Ketel Marte, USA Today reports. Marte has a no-trade list that will expand in 2026, conferring him full trade veto rights after five years with the same team. The Diamondbacks, needing both starters and relievers, see trading Marte as a way to bolster pitching depth. With a $102.5 million contract running through 2031, this offseason may be their last chance to trade Marte without restriction.
The Royals are keen to re-sign outfielder Mike Yastrzemski, reports the Kansas City Star. Acquired in a midseason trade from the Giants, Yastrzemski has been productive, batting .237 with a .339 on-base and .500 slugging over 50 games. The Royals desperately need to upgrade their outfield, as their current players posted poor offensive numbers in 2025, making Yastrzemski or another strong corner hitter a priority.
Michael King is attracting interest from multiple teams, including the Cubs, Mets, Red Sox, and Tigers, according to the New York Post. After overcoming injuries in 2025, the 30-year-old right-hander demonstrated top rotation potential in 2024 and also excels in relief roles. King declined a qualifying offer, meaning teams must forfeit a draft pick to sign him, but added pitching depth is valuable, especially for teams like Boston that are building a strong staff.
The Tampa Bay Rays may keep their highest-paid players, Yandy Diaz and Brandon Lowe, despite past trends of trading top earners each offseason, according to the Tampa Bay Times. The Rays declined closer Pete Fairbanks’ $11 million option due to lack of trade interest. With payroll expected to stay stable, the Rays continue searching for starting pitchers but may hold onto Diaz and Lowe to maintain competitiveness.
The Marlins plan to negotiate trades for all starting pitchers except Euri Perez, The Athletic reveals. This means stars like Sandy Alcantara, Edward Cabrera, and Ryan Weathers are on the trade block. Miami approached Perez early in the offseason for an extension but no deal has been reached. Alcantara remains valuable given his Cy Young-caliber potential despite a $17 million salary in 2026, and Cabrera still has three years under team control.
The and utility player Enrique Hernandez express mutual interest in reuniting, reports The Athletic. Hernandez, who recently had elbow surgery, is a versatile defender and clubhouse presence capable of playing every position except catcher, though his offensive production has room for improvement. Known for signing after spring training, Hernandez’s return to LA might not happen until February.
The Mariners are looking to bring back Mitch Garver after trading backup catcher Harry Ford, the Seattle Times reports. With Cal Lowry as the main catcher, Ford became expendable. Garver, who is turning 35, has served as a backup catcher and platoon designated hitter for Seattle, although his offensive numbers have been modest.
Fan Take: These offseason rumors highlight the strategic shifts teams are making, balancing between rebuilding and contending, while managing complex player contracts and development. For baseball fans, this period is thrilling as it shapes the rosters and potential storylines for the upcoming season, emphasizing the evolving business and competitive landscape of the sport.
