It’s been seven weeks since the World Series wrapped up, and the offseason has been relatively quiet so far. Only three of the top ten free agents have signed, and just two of the top 25 players available for trade have moved. However, activity picked up on Friday with trades involving three teams, possibly signaling the start of a busier period. Here are the latest rumors for Saturday.
The Phillies are actively looking into trading for a catcher after failing to make progress in bringing back free agent JT Realmuto. While a deal to reunite with Realmuto would be mutually beneficial and Philadelphia has an offer on the table, no agreement has been reached yet, so the team is exploring other options. Among free agent catchers, Victor Caratini is the top option after Realmuto, although he has recently been playing more first base and DH. In the trade market, Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers is a prime candidate, especially since he is one year away from free agency and the Twins shed many players at the trade deadline. Realmuto is ranked 13th among the best free agents available this offseason.
The Orioles have shown interest in Cardinals left-handed pitcher Jojo Romero, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Romero, who is one year from free agency, is an obvious trade target since the Cardinals are not focused on contending in 2026. Baltimore has already bolstered its bullpen with right-handers Ryan Helsley and Andrew Kittredge. Romero, 29, is a sinkerball specialist known for limiting home runs. The Orioles currently have two left-handed relievers, Keegan Akin and Dietrich Enns, but neither specializes in late-game situations. Having a quality lefty reliever is crucial in the American League East due to strong left-handed hitters like Roman Anthony, Jonathan Aranda, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Jalen Duran, Ben Rice, and Dalton Varsho.
Fan Take: This offseason’s slow start highlights how strategic and calculated teams are being with their moves, especially for key free agents and bullpen help. For baseball fans, the potential trades and signings like those involving Realmuto and Romero could significantly shape team dynamics and playoff races in the coming season, making every move worth watching closely.
