We’re now six weeks into the 2025-26 MLB offseason. So far, 21 of the top 50 free agents have signed, and the leading trade candidate has already been dealt. With just two months remaining until spring training, there’s still plenty of player movement happening. Here’s a rundown of the key developments from Sunday’s Hot Stove.
The Texas Rangers’ President of Baseball Operations, Chris Young, made it clear on MLB Network Radio that the team is not actively looking to trade Corey Seager. Despite interest from several teams, the Rangers are expected to either cut costs or maintain the current payroll. Seager, 31, a two-time World Series MVP, carries a $31 million annual salary for the next six years. It’s important to note that “not shopping” Seager doesn’t equate to “not trading” him, as teams always listen to offers during the offseason, though the Rangers are not eager to move him.
In the American League East, a group of teams are pursuing free-agent right-hander Michael King. According to the Boston Globe, the Orioles, Red Sox, and Yankees are all interested. King declined a $22,025,000 qualifying offer from the Padres earlier in the offseason, which could affect his market due to draft pick compensation. Ranked 17th among free agents this winter, King, aged 30, is familiar with the AL East from his tenure with the Yankees before being traded to San Diego in the Juan Soto deal. Though injuries hampered his 2025 season, King is seen as a valuable buy candidate as a starter or multi-inning setup man.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are reconnecting with veteran pitcher Merrill Kelly on a two-year contract worth $40 million, per The Athletic. Kelly, 37, who has been with Arizona since 2019, was traded to the Rangers at this past summer’s deadline. With Zac Gallen unlikely to re-sign and Corbin Burnes out for a lengthy recovery following Tommy John surgery, Kelly will bolster a rotation that also includes Michael Soroka, Ryne Nelson, Brandon Furth, and Eduardo Rodriguez. Kelly was ranked 27th among available free agents this offseason.
The Giants and Mariners have surfaced as frontrunners for Cardinals utility player Brendan Donovan, The Athletic reports. St. Louis aims to receive multiple prospects in exchange, likely focusing on pitching prospects due to team needs. Donovan, 28, with two years remaining before free agency, doesn’t fit into the Cardinals’ long-term competitive strategy. Known primarily for playing second base, Donovan’s versatility—covering every position except catcher and center field—and consistent offense make him a valuable trade target. Both potential suitors have second base needs.
Several teams, including the Mets, Padres, and Pirates, have shown interest in White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr., according to Francis Romero. Chicago opted not to trade Robert at the deadline, instead picking up his $20 million club option for 2026 to potentially get better offseason trade offers. Robert, 28, has struggled offensively over the past two seasons but remains an elite defensive outfielder with strong speed. Given the scarcity of quality center fielders, taking a chance on him could prove worthwhile. If no satisfactory deal emerges this winter, the White Sox may retain him and revisit trade talks at the deadline.
The Yankees are among the teams interested in Cardinals left-handed reliever Jojo Romero, per the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Romero, 29, is one year from free agency, and St. Louis appears ready to move him. A sinker specialist known for an above-average ground ball rate, Romero had some dominant stretches last season. The Yankees already have lefty Tim Hill, but they seek Romero to help limit late-inning home runs and ground balls in the tough AL East, where left-handed hitters abound.
Fan Take: This offseason’s early player movements highlight the strategic balancing act teams face between managing large contracts and addressing roster needs. Fans should keep a close eye on versatile players like Brendan Donovan and impactful pitchers like Michael King and Merrill Kelly, as their moves could significantly reshape playoff contenders and the future landscape of baseball.
