After some headline-grabbing contracts at last week’s Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida, MLB’s hot stove action has cooled off. There are still many star players available for big deals, and top prospects have a long way to go to reach the league’s elite.
With the Winter Meetings behind us, let’s explore the key storylines that will shape the rest of the offseason. FOX Sports MLB reporters Disha Tosar and Rowan Kavner present 10 questions likely to reignite fan excitement.
1. Which team will sign Kyle Tucker?
Kyle Tucker, a young and versatile outfielder, may become the biggest beneficiary from the massive deals given to Kyle Schwarber and Pete Alonso, who secured a combined $305 million. Market action has paused as teams reassess their bids for Tucker, who was initially expected to command around $400 million, but now might fetch up to $425 million. Top contenders to land him remain the , Blue Jays, Yankees, and Mets, making his signing the biggest offseason storyline. — Tosar
2. How far will the Blue Jays go?
The starting pitcher market is quiet except for huge contracts. The Blue Jays, having narrowly missed winning their first World Series since 1993, are aggressively bolstering their pitching staff, signing players like Cody Ponce and Tyler Rodgers. Whether they re-sign Bo Bichette or pursue Kyle Tucker remains uncertain, but their commitment to contend in 2026 is clear. — Kavner
3. Will the Braves return to prominence?
If the 2026 season started now, the Braves would hold the second-highest payroll thanks to key signings like Robert Suarez, Raisel Iglesias, and Ha Sung Kim. They’ve addressed bullpen and shortstop needs and added depth with Mauricio Dubon and Mike Yastrzemski. The final piece is proven starting pitching to complement a strong rotation. With playoff disappointment last year, big moves might be coming. — Tosar
4. Where will top Japanese players sign?
Players from Japan have a 45-day negotiation window once joining MLB, after which they return to NPB if no deal is agreed. Despite upcoming deadlines for stars like Munetaka Murakami, Tatsuya Imai, and Kazuma Okamoto, there’s little buzz about their MLB destinations. Murakami’s power hitting and age make him an intriguing prospect despite some concerns. — Kavner
5. How will the AL East respond to the Jays and Orioles?
Baltimore has strengthened its lineup by acquiring Pete Alonso, Tyler Ward, and Ryan Helsley but still needs a frontline starter. Meanwhile, Toronto’s Bo Bichette is a key target in the free-agent market. Other divisional teams like the Red Sox and Yankees have yet to make significant moves, setting the stage for a heated offseason competition. — Tosar
6. Will Tarik Skubal or Ketel Marte be traded?
Trade rumors are strong, especially regarding Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, who is entering his final contract year. Detroit faces a decision on trading him or attempting to contend in a weak division. Meanwhile, switch-hitter Ketel Marte could move from the Diamondbacks, attracting interest from teams like the Mariners, Giants, and Red Sox. — Tosar
7. Where will Scott Boras’ top clients land?
Players like Pete Alonso, Alex Bregman, and Cody Bellinger missed out on long-term deals last offseason but have renewed chances this winter after opting out of contracts. Alongside Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette, they form the top tier of available position players, seeking big contracts. — Kavner
8. How will the Mets manage their offseason?
After losing fan favorites Alonso, Diaz, and Nimmo, Mets’ operations head David Stearns faces pressure to rebuild a playoff-contending team. Early moves include signing Jorge Polanco, with further additions needed in first base, outfield, and most crucially, starting pitching. — Tosar
9. Will small-market teams attract free agents?
Although Pete Alonso’s deal with Baltimore was a rare surprise, smaller-market teams like the Pirates, Reds, and Marlins have yet to secure top free agents. Generally, these frugal teams face challenges in competing for big-name players, especially with potential labor disputes looming. — Kavner
10. Will big moves for starting pitchers come via trade or free agency?
Following the Cease deal, another substantial contract for starting pitchers seems imminent, but the market remains slow. Teams might prefer trading for pitchers like Tarik Skubal, Freddy Peralta, and Mackenzie Gore, while pitchers such as Framber Valdez, Ranger Suarez, and Michael King are also available. — Kavner
Fan Take: This offseason is pivotal as teams balance blockbuster signings with trade strategies to build championship contenders. Baseball fans should stay tuned because the moves made now could reshape team dynamics and define the sport’s next era of stars and rivalries.
