The 2025-26 Major League Baseball offseason is still underway, and as the winter meetings fade, we’re taking a closer look at the ongoing offseason activities. Winter in baseball often brings a surge of rumors about free agent signings, trades, and other moves, with Tuesday’s summary provided below.
Regarding the Diamondbacks, there have been ongoing talks about trading for second baseman Ketel Marte, despite Arizona’s competitive stance in the tough National League West. If they do acquire Marte, the team plans to rely heavily on free agent third baseman Alex Bregman, who USA Today says is a key commitment for the Diamondbacks. Some roster adjustments will be necessary, but this could work well since Bregman would take over third base while Marte plays second. Additionally, infield prospect Jordan Lawler is versatile, having experience at both positions. Marte’s situation is complicated because he has been suspended for a lengthy period and rumors of clubhouse issues have circulated since late summer.
Pitcher Tatsuya Imai is one of the top available starters this offseason and is expected to decide on an MLB team soon, with a January 2 contract deadline due to the posting system. Imai has made it clear he does not want to sign with the , and reports from the Wall Street Journal indicate the Yankees, Cubs, and Phillies are frontrunners for his services. CBS Sports ranked Imai as the No. 12 free agent this offseason, praising his impressive 163 innings pitched with a 1.92 ERA and strong strikeout-to-walk ratio last season. He features mid-90s velocity and a unique slider, and teams confident in his control view him as a potential No. 3 starter right away.
Michael King, a 30-year-old pitcher, has shown in his two seasons with San Diego that he can be a frontline starter if healthy, making him a highly sought free agent. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reports King might soon make his decision, with the Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs, Orioles, and Mets showing the most interest. King transitioned from reliever to starter after the Padres acquired him from the Yankees, starting over 45 games and posting strong pitching metrics.
The Mets are actively looking to reshape their roster this winter. Outgoing players include Pete Alonso, Edwin Diaz, and Brandon Nimmo, while incoming players are Jorge Polanco, Devin Williams, and Marcus Semien. ESPN’s Jorge Castillo reveals that pitchers David Peterson and Kouhiro Chiga are available for trade as the Mets look to strengthen their starting rotation alongside promising prospect Nolan McLean. This rotation upgrade is a top offseason priority.
Luke Weaver, a 32-year-old right-handed pitcher, has become a reliable bullpen presence for the Yankees over the past two seasons and is currently a free agent. According to The Athletic, there is mutual interest between Weaver and the Yankees for a reunion. Following the loss of Devin Williams to the Mets, the Yankees might prioritize bringing Weaver back to bolster their bullpen.
The Giants have agreed to a two-year, $22 million deal with right-handed pitcher Adrian Hauser, with a club option for a third year, as reported by ESPN. Hauser, 32, has mainly been a starter but also has relief experience. Last season he had an impressive run with the White Sox before being traded to the Rays. The Giants’ rotation, led by All-Stars Logan Webb and Robbie Ray, now features Hauser as they compete for rotation spots with other young pitchers.
The Reds have signed left-hander Caleb Ferguson to a one-year contract, says the Cincinnati Enquirer. Ferguson, 29, began his career with the and has recently pitched for teams including the Yankees, Astros, Pirates, and Mariners. In the last season, he appeared in 70 games with a 3.58 ERA and 51 strikeouts in over 65 innings, also taking part in three playoff games with the Mariners.
Fan Take: This flurry of offseason moves highlights how teams are aggressively reshaping their rosters, focusing on pitching depth and versatile players. For fans, these developments promise an exciting and competitive 2026 season with fresh dynamics and star power potentially shifting across the league.
