As the 2025-26 Major League Baseball offseason is underway with the winter meetings concluded, the buzz around free agent signings and trades continues. Here’s a breakdown of the latest developments:
The Atlanta Braves have secured a three-year, $45 million deal with free agent closer Robert Suarez. Suarez, known for his reliance on a strong fastball and increased use of his changeup, has shown effectiveness over the past three seasons, surpassing some perceived more dependable pitchers. The 34-year-old led the National League with 40 saves in 2025, maintaining a career ERA+ of 141 and a 3.36 FIP. While Raisel Iglesias is expected to handle most save opportunities in Atlanta, Suarez will mainly take on a high-pressure setup role.
Tariq Skubal of the Detroit Tigers, a back-to-back American League Cy Young winner, is rumored to be on the trading block as talks for a contract extension have stalled. The 29-year-old left-hander’s dominance makes him a highly valuable asset for any team hunting a championship in 2026. Detroit’s executive Scott Harris might prefer trading Skubal now instead of risking losing him for nothing in free agency.
The Chicago Cubs seem intent on contending in 2026 and likely want to keep star second baseman Nico Hoerner, who is only 28 and under contract through next season at a reasonable rate. Despite this, Hoerner’s name has popped up in trade discussions, possibly as part of a strategy to address other team weaknesses.
The New York Yankees have engaged in talks about the trade status of infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr., a key player who posted an OPS+ of 125 and WAR of 4.2 last year. While salary isn’t an issue for the Yankees, ownership’s cautious spending approach might prompt trade talks to offset future expenses.
Agent Scott Boras is actively promoting Alex Bregman, a three-time All-Star free agent third baseman, to the Seattle Mariners among others. Bregman’s strong performance and experience would significantly bolster Seattle’s roster for 2026 and beyond, although the Mariners may still pursue internal solutions or other infield trades.
Fan Take: These offseason moves and rumors highlight how teams are strategically positioning themselves for success in 2026, balancing star player retention with high-stakes trades. For baseball fans, the reshuffling promises an exciting upcoming season, full of fresh dynamics that could redefine the competitive landscape.
