MLBTR Chats News & Rumors

Steve Adams

• It’s about what I expected. The Cardinals ate 70% of the money and got basically no return. Arenado at two years and $11MM is a fine value for the D-backs. It works for all parties.
• Also, not trying to disparage Jack Martinez there, but he was an eighth-round senior sign who took below slot value last summer in the draft. He’s not a big get for the Cardinals. Hopefully they can turn him into something, but this trade was about clearing as much cash as possible and putting Arenado in a spot that’s better for him, his family, and his career goals.

Jays Fan

• How much money do you think Jays would have to retain to move Berrios? 3/66 left but a 37 year old Merill Kelly just signed for 2/40. Guessing there’d be more interest near the end of spring when injuries start happening.

Steve Adams

• Kelly is just better than Berrios, period. Berrios is durable, but he’s had a K% under 20 in three of the past four seasons. His command is more good now than great like it once was. His average fastball last year was 93 mph — a career-low and a full mile drop from the prior season.I don’t think he’d get half what he’s making right now on the open market, but due to scarcity and the difficulty of winning a free agent bidding, maybe some team would take him if Toronto ate 50% of the contract. At that point, they might just be better off keeping him though. It’s not like they’re 12-deep in genuine rotation options or anything.
• For the record, my vote in that Tucker poll was also for the Jays
• So I am with the majority here, it seems.

Bader

• Am I good fit for the Dbacks or will they go with Alek Thomas in CF?

Steve Adams

• Good on-paper fit, sure, but the D-backs are within $20MM or so of last year’s payroll and still need multiple relievers — all while trying to scale back their spending. I don’t think Bader works there. He should get $10MM+ annually on a multi-year deal (at least in my view, though the market has thumbed its nose at him a bit in the past)

O’s Fan

• Is the hold up on Valdez and Suarez due to teams not being willing to get close to the Cease deal and agents like Scott Boras marketing their client as equal to Cease thus leading to a stallmate?

Steve Adams

• Boras doesn’t rep Valdez.He does rep Suarez, but he also has to know Ranger was never going to be as desirable as Cease.Holdup is more just about waiting for anyone to meet the asking price. In some cases, they might be told they need to wait to see how the Kyle Tucker/Bo Bichette etc markets play out, as those clubs could pivot to run prevention if they don’t get their guys.

  We’ve already seen some reports that the Red Sox might look back at pitching now that they missed on Bregman. But no way they were giving out 100+ for a starter while they were still trying to keep Bregman there.

Philly Billy

• Sign Bichette and trade Bohm to the Angels, unless Bichettes defense wouldn’t offset his offense.

Steve Adams

• This scenario makes perfect sense to me, and I think Bichette would be fine at either second base or third base (though for arm strength purposes, the former seems a better fit)
• Pirates make some sense for Bohm, too.

bmcferren

• Pirates are in on Lawler? Is he a better bet than Vientos?

Steve Adams

• Both seem like reasonable targets, although I will say, Lawlar does not seem like he’s going to be a capable 3B defender. That’s also probably true of Vientos, though.Both are more along the lines of the Jhostynxon Garcia addition — high-upside, limited/no MLB track record — than the type of more established bats the Pirates were hoping to acquire though.

JD

• Colby Thomas from the A’s for Alec Bohm, who says no?

Steve Adams

• I’m the perennial down guy on Bohm. I just wouldn’t trade much of value to get him. I think he’s a decent player who’s better utilized in a more selective role against LHP. Thomas wouldn’t be a big sacrifice, but I’d probably keep the optionable guy who can play multiple spots and has a big track record against minor league pitching. I’d rather just sign Moncada for the same $10MM Bohm is owed, honestly.

DiPoto

• Am I really going into the season with an infield of Ben Williamson/Colt Emerson at 3rd, JP at Short, and Young at 2nd?  Doesn’t bringing Suarez back on a 2 year, $45 mil deal (which seems gettable now) make sense to play some 3rd, DH, and backup 1st to Naylor?

Steve Adams

• I’d be shocked if the Mariners went into the season with that infield arrangement. There’s still a month before pitchers and catchers report. Seven weeks before spring games begin in earnest. They’ll make some changes.

Andrew Bernard

• Does Sal Stewart break camp with the Reds?

Steve Adams

• That’s my expectation

Rich

• Do you think a 2nd baseman deal is likely for SF?

Steve Adams

• They’ll get someone. Don’t think it needs to be Hoerner or Donovan specifically, despite Passan reporting recent/ongoing talks for both. Donovan is the far more likely of the two to be traded.Would be interesting to see if they throw their hat in the ring for Bryson Stott if the Phillies sign Bichette and put him at 2B.

Miami Steve

• Weren’t the Marlins going to spend some money to avoid angering the luxury tax payers?

Steve Adams

• Hey! They uh… signed… Pete Fairbanks… and Christopher Morel!…Yeah they haven’t lived up to that so far, haha. But still plenty of offseason left, and they could use another reliever, a veteran starter for some depth, maybe an infielder or catcher.

Chris

• Re: Nico Hoerner’s availability – would you expect it to cost the Yankees the same player cost as Bellinger last year?

Steve Adams

• No way. The Cubs were trying to dump Bellinger’s salary and took almost no return. Hoerner has immense surplus value and would cost immediate, meaningful major league help

Mets

• We keep hearing the Mets are focused more on the trade side for starting pitching.  Give me a few players besides Peralta that are legitimate options.

Steve Adams

• Freddy Peralta, MacKenzie Gore, Kris Bubic, Jose Berrios, Brady Singer, maybe Nick Pivetta. I could see one of Andrew Abbott or Nick Lodolo if they send the right bat back to Cincinnati. Mitch Keller. Kyle Freeland.Obviously not all great names, and the Mets probably aren’t interested in adding more back-of-the-rotation types, but just running through some names off the cuff. I’m sure with a big enough offer you could get the Twins to reconsider their “We’re not trading Joe Ryan or Pablo Lopez” stance.

Me

• Tigers in on … no one? “Win now mode”, my ummmmm.. fanny.  Harris gotta go..

Steve Adams

• Tigers are following up their “most disappointing trade deadline from a contender” award with a run at “most disappointing offseason from a contender” — though I do like both the Jansen and Finnegan deals, and Flaherty coming back seems fine. Still pretty underwhelming as a whole, though.

keith

• If the blue jays sign Tuckerdo you think they should trade Santander

Steve Adams

• Was never a big fan of the Santander signing in the first place, so sure, if you can fine a taker, by all means.

AbeFromanJr

• Does Lenyn Sosa fit as a 2B option for SF? Not good defender but seems like they could use the bat.

Steve Adams

• I don’t think he’s much of an upgrade over what they have in house. More power than Casey Schmitt, but Schmitt’s a better defender who probably ends up with comparable offensive value

My name

• Guards flip Logan Allen to Phil’s for Bohm ?

Steve Adams

• Cleveland wouldn’t do that.

Guardians

• Gaddis for Hoerner?

Steve Adams

• Cubs wouldn’t do that.

Louis

• Larger contract: Bichette this year or Chisholm Jr next year?

Steve Adams

• I’ll go Bo this year. Jazz is going to be a year older as a free agent and hasn’t been as consistently good with the bat as Bichette. He’s also had quite a few more injuries.

AA’s burner

• Is 1/$12 or 2/$20 enough to get Bassitt to join ATL?

Steve Adams

• If I’m Chris Bassitt, I look at Merrill Kelly’s 2/40 and say “I’m as good as he is.”

John

• Now that the Red Sox are in panic mode, who will the overpay for?

Steve Adams

• Probably no one? If they were willing to overpay, they wouldn’t be in panic mode. They’re here because they habitually refuse to sign guys in their 30s to long-term deals.

Terry

• When are the O’s going to trade Mayo and Mountcastle? Can they get a bucket of balls for them?

Steve Adams

• For Mayo, they can absolutely get a return. I’m still surprised they tendered a contract to Mountcastle.

LA fan

• Do you think Jack Leiter is a good breakout candidate?

Steve Adams

• He kind of already broke out in 2025, but I assume you mean elevating his status from “solid No. 3-4 guy” to a more clear cut playoff caliber starter. I do think that gear could still be in there. Command doesn’t seem like it’ll ever be great, but Leiter bumped his K%, SwStr% and other encouraging traits down the stretch last year. I don’t think he’s an ace, but a step forward from the 2-3 WAR, upper-3.00s ERA guy he finished the season as still feels possible.

Derek Falvey

• Why did I tender Trevor Larnach?

Steve Adams

• I don’t know. One of the more surprising players to be tendered a contract. I thought he was a surefire NT.

My name

• How does DD make the money work for Bo in Philly, thanks for taking my question.

Steve Adams

• I touched on this the other day when writing about their meeting. It’s not really that hard. It’d take a big hike in payroll for 2026, but you could backload the deal to offset some of that. By ’27, they only have $170MM-ish on the books and don’t have a particularly daunting arb class. By ’28, they’re down to Schwarber, Turner, Harper, Nola and Sanchez’s cheap extension on the books. Harper’s deal is already frontloaded; his salary will decrease within the next few years. Neither Turner nor Nola has a super-premium AAVV

mnfireman

• If I’m Chris Bassitt, I look at Merrill Kelly’s 2/40 and say “I’m as good as he is.”  – but younger

Steve Adams

• Not really. Kelly turned 37 a couple months ago. Bassitt turns 37 in Feb

Nats

• Nats shock everyone and sign Tucker to a 11 year deal, leading the rebuild – Jayson Werth 2.0!

Steve Adams

• Won’t happen, but as a perpetual advocate for unmitigated baseball chaos, let me go on record as saying “Yes please.”

Dave D.

• Bichette to Phillies serious or a negotiating tactic to make JT sign?

Steve Adams

• Serious

Bucco Basement

• If Skubal wins his arb case, this surely increases the likelihood that the Pirates trade Skenes this offseason, right? if the Pirates underperform this season, this bumps up even more to the trade deadline. there’s no way they start paying him $30M+ this early in his career.

Steve Adams

• I don’t think so. Skubal is only able to even attempt this “blow up the arb system” because he has 5+ years of service. Skenes will set records in arb but do so more incrementally. Pirates will probably still trade him at some point … but probably not for another three years.

FU Jobu

• Where do you see Daniel Espino contributing this year?

Steve Adams

• Would love that, but the kid has barely pitched in the past three years due to multiple surgeries. I wouldn’t be holding my breath.

CJ Red

• Have the Red Sox positioned themselves as a team no longer attractive to free agents?

Steve Adams

• No. They’ve just positioned themselves as a team that doesn’t like to outbid the field for free agents. If they’d matched Chicago’s offer, he’d be there.

Richard

• hey Steve, which of the ms pitchers do you see getting an extension? With Anderson, Sloan and Cijante coming up maybe this year what do they do with their starting rotation?

Steve Adams

• Woo is the only one who really seems like a prime candidate for me. Gilbert is only two years from free agency. Kirby doesn’t seem like he’d want to sell low on himself. Miller, I just wouldn’t extend after this year unless it was on really friendly terms (and, from his vantage point, why do that?)Injuries will probably sort a lot of that out organically, but none of those three prospects is ready for the majors or all that close right now. They all feel more like 2027 guys to me, and even if they push for the majors in ’26, the Mariners will probably have some starts available when the current quintet gets hurt. It’s all under the “good problem to have” cliche.

BeBopCola

• Your latest guess on who Peralta gets traded to or do you think he remains a brewer?

Steve Adams

• I lean toward him staying, but if I’m forced to pick a team that trades for him, I’d lean Mets.

Joey B

• Here’s an odd fit that could make sense: Verlander to the Yankees on a incentive-rich deal.  They need a veteran depth piece and he finished the season strong.  Yes/no/maybe?

Steve Adams

• I don’t think it’s an odd fit from a roster/team need perspective. But I also don’t see why he’s taking an incentive-laden deal. Verlander got $15MM guaranteed last year as a 42-year-old coming off a 5.48 ERA in 17 starts/90 innings. Yeah, he’s 43 now, but he made 29 starts, pitched 152 innings with a 3.85 ERA, and finished on absolute fire.Why’s he taking a pay cut?

Cute Lady

• Is it safe to say that William Contreras is upset with the Brewers for lowballing him?

Steve Adams

• No. This is just arbitration.

Brian Davis Christian

• Do you see the Tigers trading Skubal or riding the season out with him and ending up with a draft pick when he signs somewhere else

Steve Adams

• Have said for months now that while it’ll of course be talked about ad nauseum this winter, I see an almost 0% chance he’s traded. Still my mindset. They’ll either get a pick or re-sign him to a monster contract  next winter.

High Aav

• With Tucker now being open to a 3 year 40m AAV deal. Do you think its an overall league trend to do inflated AAV contracts instead of longer deals with multiple down years in late 30s

Steve Adams

• Just because that’s where the Mets’ offer is does not mean that he’s necessarily open to it. Plus, multiple reports during this chat have said that their offer is actually worth more than $50MM annually. Let’s get weird!

Ebbets Field.

• AAV for Bo?  My friend says $30+, I’m at $25

Steve Adams

• Depends entirely on the years. I’d be closer to 25, but if he ends up going for 7 or fewer years, then 30+, yeha.

Angels fan

• Angels are stuck in no-man’s land again. Is it too much to ask them to target Bohm in a trade after Bichette goes to Philly?

Steve Adams

• It’s not too much, no, but Alec Bohm isn’t moving the needle much for them.

Ketel Marte

• Does the addition of Arenado to the Diamondbacks put trading me back on the table?

Steve Adams

• No. They got Arenado for the price of basically a middle reliever.

TxDude

• Is a Castellanos trade still likely or no?

Steve Adams

• I have thought all offseason that he’ll just be released, and I still think that.

E. Suarez

• E.Suarez, in your mind: team, contract (Salary and Years)?

Steve Adams

• At this point I’d probably guess something like two years and $48MM. I was very much on board with our three-year prediction back in November, but I think that was only going to be there if someone made him a priority, which clearly hasn’t been the case.Not saying I’d be stunned if he signed for three years and $54-63MM total or anything, but I think two feels safer now.

Rick

• Rules question:  if the white sox signed Tucker would they lose the #1 pick?

Steve Adams

• Here you go:
  https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/10/each-teams-penalty-for-signing-…

Cool Mama Bell

• Tucker is not worth $50M AAV.

Steve Adams

• The Mets agree! They’d be paying a 110% tax on his contract’s AAV, so they think he’s worth $100MM+ annually.

JankyLeg

• The Rangers seem like they are one deGrom/Eovaldi/Seager major injury from falling off the map. With limited payroll, do you see them pivoting to a youth movement in short order if things don’t work out?

Steve Adams

• I can see that more in 2027 if things don’t work out in 2026.

Skubal

• What does a Free agent deal look for Tarik? Gotta assume it starts with at least a 3 and has a lot of zeros that follow.

Steve Adams

• Not convinced it starts with a 3.
• But that’s because I think it might start with a 4.
• I’ve got to call it for the week. I’m on X @Adams_Steve and Bluesky @adams-steve.bsky.social for more questions.We had 900+ people in here today, so no chance to get to all the questions, but thank you all for chatting and participating! If you want more opinions and analysis from the MLBTR team, plus ad-free viewing, exclusive articles and access to our tools (Contract Tracker, Agency Database, GM Tracker), you can check out our Front Office subscription package!

  Have a great week, everyone!

Framber & Ranger

• When and where are we finally going to sign?

Mark P

• This is a purely speculative pipe dream of mine, but I wonder if the Marlins could be a dark horse for either of these guys.  Miami can add another frontline starter to replace Cabrera, and boost the payroll enough to avoid an MLBPA grievance.

  But, in a more realistic world, the Orioles make a lot of sense for either guy.  Can’t rule out the Mets, maybe the Padres if they move some money, maybe even the Yankees or Red Sox.

Bo

• Bichette to Phillies seems like a SOLID fit

Mark P

• It’s not a perfect fit since it then essentially means the Phils have to move Bohm or Stott.  But, since Bichette is also way better than either of these guys, you’re right.

Enrico Pallazo

• With Ketel reportedly off the trading block, what do you think the timing and return of a Donovan trade would be?

Mark P

• Bregman’s signing might open things up for a Donovan trade in the next couple of weeks, since now you figure Boston might make a larger push (not that the Sox are the only Donovan suitor by a long shot).

  I also have my doubts that Marte is truly off the market.  That might be a little bit of gamesmanship from Mike Hazen to try and spur better offers.

Carl

• Who says no, Brendan Donovan for Bryce Eldridge?

Mark P

• Giants in a heartbeat. They’re not moving a top prospect for two years of Donovan.

Tony Fernandez

• Wouldn’t the jays be better off trying to get a deal done with Bo as opposed to Tucker?  Tucker is clearly the better player, but in addition to costing more his arrival would mean one of springer, varsho, Santander, okamoto or Barger would have to take a seat.  Bringing Bo back lets those big bats all stay in the line up and Clement moves to the bench…which also solves the jays need for a bench bat that can play SS and 2b

Mark P

• Toronto has enough multi-positional guys that they’d sign Tucker and let the rest figure itself out.  If that means keeping Santander as a very expensive part-timer, so be it.

John

• Followup – Bellinger to the Mets all but guaranteed now?

Mark P

• They seem to be a pretty interesting contender, since the rest of his public suitors (Cubs, Dodgers, Jays, Phillies, Giants) have either made other moves, are imperfect roster fits, or are the Angels (Angels).
• If this Yankees/Bellinger stalemate is for real and neither side is blinking, that opens the door for the Mets to perhaps swoop in on Bellinger, who checks a lot of boxes on that team.

  It also might free up the Yankees to spend their dollars on a Suarez or Valdez rather than on Bellinger.

Tim

• So the Tigers are just going to let Skubal walk after next season and take the pick?

Mark P

• Probably, unless the team isn’t in contention at the deadline and moves him then.

  But, I expect Detroit to contend for the AL Central again, and perhaps beyond.  If you’re a Tigers team trying to win, why not keep Skubal, since having arguably the best pitcher in the world on your team gets you a lot closer to a World Series

rockies

• the McCarthy trade means Doyle is gone? Or do they run it with Moniak, Veen, Doyle, Beck, Freeman, AND McCarthy?

Mark P

• There’s probably as much of a chance that the Rox move any of Moniak/Veen/Beck than they do Doyle.  Remember, DePodesta didn’t draft Veen or Beck, so if he doesn’t evaluate them highly, he might be more inclined to move them while they have some “top prospect” sheen.

Guest

• Do you see a chance the yanks get Bo to play 2nd and extend Jazz but move him to 3rd?

Mark P

• That creates the question of what’s to be done with Ryan McMahon.  Also, the Yankees generally don’t do extensions, as a franchise rule — I’d be stunned if they locked up Jazz or anyone to an extension.

Skubal arbitration

• Reports say Boras is going to use a seldom used clause that allows final arb eligible players to comp to free agent contracts. How much would Skubal get on a 1 year free agent contract? Do you think Skubal wins his arbitration hearing?

Mark P

• I think the Tigers win, just because I’m not sure the panel will want to give Skubal such a precedent-shattering salary.

  This is another reason why a Skubal trade might be unlikely, at least until the hearing is over.  It would be mighty awkward for a team to trade for Skubal, then immediately go into a contentious arbitration and arguing “well, he’s not THAT good…”

  If Skubal was magically a free agent now and was limited to one-year deals, he would also easily clear $32MM.

Your Average Terrified Mariner Fan

• How many mlb games do you think Colt Emerson plays next year?

Mark P

• I can see him being up pretty early in the season, if perhaps not by Opening Day.  Obviously this equation changes if the M’s bring in an everyday 2B/3B type to crowd up the infield picture.

  Maybe 81 games for Emerson?

Bob

• Who gets the better return? One year of Hoerner or two years of Donovan?

Mark P

• Donovan

Tim

• is Alec Burleson the Cardinals first baseman next year? Or did the Cardinals spend 5 to 6 million for rhys hoskins?

Mark P

• Burleson will get every opportunity for everyday at-bats.  St. Louis is in a rebuild and will prioritize giving their younger guys chances.
• Put another way, the Cards aren’t moving Contreras to open up first base just to sign someone like a Hoskins to cut into Burleson’s playing time

A.Judge

• Realistically how many solid years do I have left before my inevitable decline? One, maybe two?

Mark P

• Define “decline.”  Judge is one of the biggest multi-year heaters in baseball history.  If he drops back to being only (only!) the 155 wRC+ player he was from 2017-21, that’s both a decline on paper, and still numbers that put Judge into the MVP race.

  The point is, Judge is such a special hitter that he may be beyond the realm of normal aging curves.

David

• Why don’t the Dodgers just make Rushing the full-time LF and sign a true backup catcher?

Mark P

• Rushing played 31 minor league games in left field in 2024, and two in 2025.  It seems like the experiment is probably over, plus it’s asking a lot of Rushing to take on an everyday role at what is still a new position while he is still figuring out how to hit MLB pitching.

Beano

• What’s the latest on Louis Robert and K Tucker? I really thought the Sox would’ve move Robert by now and I certainly thought Tucker and Bellinger would have new homes by now?  I can’t recall – is it odd that the some of the  top names in the FA/to be traded group are still out there?

Mark P

• It’s not at all unusual, especially since Boras represents so many top guys and he is not shy about letting his clients’ markets play out deeper into the winter.  And even then, you saw Boras clients Cease and Alonso both sign relatively early.

Guardians

• What do you expect from Cleveland for the rest of the offseason?

Mark P

• One or two low-tier acquisitions, probably one for the lineup and for one for the rotation.

Chicago Fan

• Better chance of winning a championship in the year 2026: Cubs or Bears?

Mark P

• As a Packers fan, this question really made me grit my teeth.  My answer is the Cubs, since the Bears’ next opponent probably won’t decide to phone in a half of football.

Bendix

• What would you grade the Marlins in the Cabrera trade? Caissie seems like another young player to add to a nice young core.

Mark P

• I like the deal for Miami.  Caissie is the kind of blue-chip prospect you want to get back for a pitcher with Cabrera’s upside and years of team control.

Southside Sox Fan

• Good evening Mark, Go Bears first off.  I think the White Sox take a few steps forward this season and possibly (with some luck) challenge for a wild card entry in the playoffs. Do you see the White Sox winning 80+ games this season?

Mark P

• The Sox will need to do a lot more with their roster to get anywhere close to 80 wins.  This club still lost 102 games last year, don’t forget.

Dodger Dog

• Do you think transitioning Shohei to play 1st base when Freeman’s contract expires would work? It would free up a spot for another bat at DH, and he could still pitch.

Mark P

• Ohtani is a good enough athlete that he could probably adjust to 1B pretty easily (/insert Moneyball clip here), or play some outfield.  But, the Dodgers also aren’t going to do anything to overload Ohtani’s already-historically unusual workload

Nationals Fan

• There was a lot of buzz earlier this offseason that MacKenzie Gore would be traded, but there hasn’t been much news about it since. Do think it is still likely?

Mark P

• My stance on Gore hasn’t changed.  Washington isn’t going to move him unless they get the moon and stars in return, since the Nats have no immediate need to move him now.

Baffled by the Bay

• Darragh and Steve laughed about the Giants’ offseason during the most recent podcast.  Do you think they’ll do anything that isn’t laughable this offseason?

Mark P

• I find it hard to believe that the Giants won’t do anything kinda notable, but it has been an extremely quiet offseason.
• Maybe they’re lurking in the Bellinger (or even the Tucker?) markets. Acquiring a second baseman also suddenly makes their winter look at lot better.

WSoxFan

• Any chance the White Sox trade Robert before the season begins?  I’d really like Braden Montgomery to have a chance to break camp as the new Sox CF, but with Robert there is no need for the additional OF.

Mark P

• Montgomery has only 34 Double-A games under his belt, so bringing him right up to the Show by Opening Day seems aggressive.  As with the Rockies and Condon earlier, Chicago should be in no huge rush to get their top prospects in the majors in early 2026.

  If Robert is still the White Sox beyond the trade deadline, Montgomery could be called up to play another outfield spot, to ease him into the big leagues.  Or, Robert could be moved into a corner spot.

Teddy

• Christian Walker for catcher Keibert Ruiz and infielder Luis Garcia (INF)? Astros get luxury tax relief, a backup catcher and a solid bat. Nationals clear their books and make room for Harry Ford behind the plate.

Mark P

• Walker has $40MM left on his contract and Ruiz $35MM, so the Nationals wouldn’t be saving all that much money, even with Garcia added.  Also, the Nats have barely anything on the payroll ledger anyway, so it’s not like they need to clear salary space.

  The answer to the Ford/Ruiz situation will just be that Ford starts and Ruiz is (an overpaid) backup.  While the Nats do need a 1B, they’re more likely to pursue a Rhys Hoskins type as a stopgap.

• And, not to pile on, but another flaw in this proposal is that Garcia doesn’t have a place to play in Houston

Guest

• Do you think the Royals stand pat, or is there a legitimate trade partner for Kris Bubic or Noah Cameron?

Mark P

• Plenty of teams would or should be in on both pitchers.  It’s just a question of finding a match that also lines up with what KC wants (i.e. offensive help)

Arthur Rhodes

• Luis rengifo the perfect buy low for the M’s to help the young guys at 3rd and 2nd?

Mark P

• I may be the president of the Rengifo fan club, so I’d personally like that signing for the M’s.  Seattle fans may be underwhelmed considering the alternatives of Polanco, Donovan, Marte, etc., and I wonder if the Mariners’ own front office evaluates Rengifo highly enough to give him playing time over the in-house prospects

G

• Braves are going to get a SP right????? Who you got going to Atlanta for their staff?

Mark P

• At this rate, I think the Braves will simply sign every reliever in baseball, and solve their run-prevention issues that way.

Lylesbay

• whats the holdup with tucker, with soto last year it got done quickly, are teams mulling over tucker’s projection? it seems what reporters said about him has many gm’s scared, even his supposed $400M ask is slipping into $300’s

Mark P

• Soto has a much stronger track record than Tucker, plus several big-market teams involved in his bidding war.  This offseason, the Mets, Yankees, etc. aren’t as keen to spend big money, leaving Tucker’s market more than a little uncertain.

  For all of the reports that Toronto might be a frontrunner for Tucker, for instance, the Jays might not be willing to offer him a desired contract if they feel they’re bidding against themselves.

Johnny 5

• Shouldn’t the Rockies of all teams be the team willing to take on bad contracts for prospects? They have room and roster space. Take fliers to pick up lottery prospects and if any value is recouped flip the player?

Mark P

• Agreed.  Bryant/Tovar are the only players under contract beyond 2026, so the Rockies should be trying to get talent into the system even if it means eating some money.

  Like, the Phillies aren’t going to attach a top prospect to Castellanos or something, but for someone in their second or third tier of prospects? Sure.

Nick S

• Do you think the A’s will be able to sign one of Chris Bassitt or Lucas Giolito for their rotation?

Mark P

• I have trouble believing any pitchers with options elsewhere will sign with the A’s, barring a drastic overpay.

Patrick

• Are the Pirates done with adding to the lineup? I know it’s not great but it’s much improved especially considering they have the top offensive prospect in baseball. If money is tight, I’d rather add a veteran starter.

Mark P

• Cherington said the other day that the team is still looking for a third baseman or shortstop.  Adding such a player on a short-term deal could work, while still allowing for enough dollars to bring in a veteran arm. (Jose Quintana, come on down!)

Alec bohm

• What’s my trade value?

Mark P

• Not that much.  I even listed Bohm as a non-tender candidate back when I did the Phillies offseason outlook last fall, because just cutting him seemed like a better idea than struggling on the trade market or paying him $10.2MM

Green Monster

• Is Bregman’s signing with the Cubs at all a reflection of ownership cheapness or front office incompetence in Boston, or did the Cubs just overpower the Red Sox with a great offer?

Mark P

• According to reports, Boston’s offer also had a lot of deferred money but spread out over a much longer period of time.

  And, the lack of a no-trade clause seemed like an issue of Bregman.  This is speculative on my part, but I wonder if seeing what happened with Devers last year made Bregman wary about committing with the Sox unless they gave him no-trade protection.

Bloom

• Who’s taking jojo Romero off my hands?

Mark P

• Hard to say, since tons of teams could use a solid lefty reliever.

PhilsPhansince1965

• Has the JT Realmuto / Phillies standoff become a real concern, or is it still strictly business?

Mark P

• As noted in a recent chat, Realmuto’s last free agent deal with the Phillies wasn’t signed until late January 2021.  We’re still over a couple of weeks away even from that point, so I wouldn’t get too antsy about things yet.  Until Realmuto actually signs elsewhere or the Phils obtained another catcher, the greatest likelihood is that JTR will be back in Philly

Guards fan

• Guardians reporter for the Athletic, Meisel, has been linking Austin Hays to them as a right handed OF bat to try to help balance their lefty heavy lineup. Have you heard any thing about this or another right handed bat, perhaps?

Mark P

• Hays would be a really good fit to give the Guardians some cover in case the kids aren’t ready for the majors yet.

Larry Wayne

• AA has systematically addressed all the needs and the roster looks Opening Day ready. He has said he wants a little more starting pitcher depth but our starting 5 are really good IF they stay healthy (one of these years they have to, right?). We also have Holmes, Elder and about 10 minor league starters who could get a look and chance to stay. Some with big upside. Another experienced starter would be a luxury and not a necessity at this point. All of that being said, he will not sign anyone with a draft pick attached so give me a best shot FA name other than Bassit that could fit the mold.

Mark P

• I kinda joked about this earlier, but the Braves having such a deep bullpen now makes their need for a starter a little less glaring.  As you noted, Atlanta has a lot of rotation options at least from a pure depth perspective, even if obviously adding another proven starter would help alleviate the injury concerns over Sale, Lopez, etc.

  Bassitt would basically a perfect fit for Atlanta.  Verlander too.

WBC

• I know a lot of fans bellyache about the Classic but I really enjoy it and think it’s great for the game. What are your thoughts?

Mark P

• I’m a big fan of the WBC, and am eagerly looking forward to this year’s tournament

Mark P GM

• You need an ace-type SP.  Would you feel more comfortable signing Framber Valdez or Ranger Suarez if the contract were the same?

Mark P

• I’d prefer Suarez.
• Imagine a team of five Ranger Suarezes in the rotation and nine Luis Rengifos around the diamond. I’d never lose!

Guest

• Barger to the Pirates? Good move?  Or is Bohm more likely?

Mark P

• There is basically zero chance the Jays would trade Barger.  Bohm is vastly more likely, and while that’s technically an upgrade for Pittsburgh, I think they can do better.

Jh

• guardians picking bazzana first overall instead of nick kurtz has to get some ppl fired right?

Mark P

• Seems drastically early to be making that call

Cool

• Is it just a weird coincidence that the Red Sox have not signed a free agent to a major league deal, or is there something deeper there?

Mark P

• Boston has gotten weirdly conservative in free agency, but it’s not like they haven’t been actively making notable moves on the trade front.

  Tonight’s chat queue has plenty of “the Sox are doomed” types of messages, but I disagree.  Maybe this is 25 years of watching things just seem to work out for Boston sports teams, but the Red Sox are still a good team as presently constructed, and there’s still plenty of time left in the offseason to make a few moves.  Bregman leaving is hardly the end of the world.

Drew Rasmussen

• Will the rays let me throw more pitches this year? I’m sick of being pulled on low pitch counts.

Mark P

• “Twice through the order, then out” has become a common tactic throughout the sport, but in Rasmussen’s case, the Rays were naturally being cautious given his health history.  Rasmussen still tossed 150 innings last year, so if all goes well, he should be used somewhat more normally in 2026

Hunter Green

• Do I play for Cincy or somewhere else

Mark P

• Cincinnati. The Reds aren’t moving him unless they got an absolute haul in return.

Elias

• Why am I not adding more to the bullpen given all the other additions I’ve made?

Mark P

• Helsley and Kittredge are already notable additions.  Still plenty of time for the O’s to get after more relievers, if even some lower-cost types

Blue Heaven

• Was it the toughest PO lost for Packers, especially lost against Bears?

Mark P

• Green Bay’s season was over the moment Parsons got hurt, so I didn’t think they beating the Bears anyway.  It’s funny, people don’t usually mention the Packers when it comes to gut-wrenching playoff losses, but they’ve had some doozies in the last 20 years.  Granted, that one Super Bowl win eases the pain a bit…

AJ

• Who should I reasonably ask Breslow for Tatis?

Mark P

• 1. Tatis has a no-trade clause, which might turn off the Red Sox as much as Tatis himself might it use it to block any deals
  2. The Padres aren’t moving Tatis, as Preller said last month.
  3. The asking price would be so high that I don’t see the Sox meeting it, even if Preller threw in Yoshida/Hicks as salary offset.

Zach

• What kind of contract is Marcell Ozuna going to get?

Mark P

• If anything, a one-year deal worth maybe $8MM or so?
• Reflection of his age, down numbers in 2025, and lack of defensive value

Guest

• How come guardians and dodgers hardly do a deal together?

Mark P

• Because I’m a big baseball nerd, I’ve absolutely spent time on B-Ref’s baseball trade histories page, to idly check out which teams are or aren’t common trade partners.

  The Amed Rosario/Noah Syndergaard deal from 2023 is the only player-for-player swap between the two teams in the last 11 years, though they’ve had some cash considerations deals.  I can only assume the lack of action is lingering hate from the 1920 World Series.

Tony Vitello

• If the Giants signed Bichette would the talk of their poor offseason flip completely? Would that move be enough?

Mark P

• No question.  These chats all winter have been full of comments ripping on the Cubs for their lack of action, but unsurprisingly, those have dried up this week.

Mike Trout

• Doesn’t seem like we’ll be good anytime soon. Any other HOF caliber players to play on such bad teams their entire career?

Mark P

• Ernie Banks leaps to mind

Luis Arraez

• Am I still an option at 2B? While they should be concentrating on power, the Red Sox have a need at second base…

Mark P

• Arraez can play 2B, but he’s just not a good defender.  In addition to providing zero power and few walks, Arraez’s limited skillset makes him a tough sell

Angels Fan

• After restructuring the Rendon contract to pay out over five years and shedding Taylor Ward’s salary, Angels fans were hopeful Arte Moreno would sign an impact free agent. Instead, he has so far committed less than $15M in free agent spending this year. Perry Minasian refuses to discuss payroll or spending levels but it certainly seems the Angels are reducing payroll, possibly significantly. Am I right?

Mark P

• You’re right.

  I’d stated in the past that the Angels are in the position where they’d have to overpay a premium player to sign, since a premium player who has options elsewhere will or should naturally have misgivings about playing for a franchise that is stuck in such a rut.  And if you’re the Angels with their track record, “overpaying” for a free agent target is a particular risk.

  So now they’re in this limbo of not really wanting to pay big prices in the first place, but needing to in order to attract even second-tier free agents, let alone top-shelf guys.  And, the cupboard is pretty bare in terms of trade chips.  Tough situation for the Halos (and, even moreso, their fans)

• I lost track of time, and only just realized we’ve sailed over the two-hour mark.  Time to wrap things up for this week’s chat.  Thanks so much to everyone who sent in a question, it’s greatly appreciated!
• fyi, if you’re interested in more baseball Q&A, one of the many benefits of our Trade Rumors Front Office subscription is the exclusive weekly live chats. The more limited field means you’re about 10 times more likely to get a question answered, as opposed to battling for space with hundreds of other questions in today’s chat. For more on our memberships, check out this link:

  https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/membership?ref=chat-1-11-26

Steve Adams

• I’ve said repeatedly that I don’t think Marte will move — even if I am admittedly working on something regarding which teams are the best fits in a trade based on need/payroll/young pitching supply — and I’d be shocked if Donovan is a Cardinal on Opening Day
• On Marte: I don’t think it happens, but it’s obviously being discussed, and it’s of immense interest to our readers, so I think it’s worth looking at without overplaying the likelihood. There’s obviously a non-zero chance he goes … I just think it’s far likelier he stays put.

Cory

• So I assume a reliever or 2 on major league deals or trades, as well as at minimum a Trevor Larnach trade at some point. After that, what would you expect the Twins to do the rest of the offseason? For example, do you think they listen on someone like Wallner too? Thanks!

Steve Adams

• They have to sign (or trade for) at least two relievers. I don’t know who’s giving up anything for Larnach. I was surprised they tendered him a deal. Maybe someone sees an OF go down this spring and shows some interest.No reason they wouldn’t listen on Wallner, in my eyes.

Donnie

• If the Phillies dont bring back JT, Is Adley a reasonable fallback option?

Steve Adams

• Baltimore president Mike Elias has been pretty clear that he thinks having Rutschman and Basallo on the same roster is a strength. They’d be selling low on Adley, and Basallo hasn’t really proven himself as a major league catcher anyhow.I just don’t think a Rutschman trade is all that likely.

Reds

• Is Spencer Jones a legit ROY candidate and what are the chances he gets traded?

Steve Adams

• Yankee fans probably hate every time I take a Jones question, because I’m about as bearish on his outlook as anyone at MLBTR (and probably at other sites… FanGraphs, PitcherList, etc.)I just don’t see how someone who swings and misses THAT much in the minors can produce in the big leagues. The tools are huge, the physicality is impressive, all that … but he fanned in 37% of his AAA plate appearances. That’s Joey Gallo levels of minor league strikeouts.
• Obviously Gallo had a few really good years, so maybe that’s not an unrealistic outcome for Jones, but I just don’t think he’s going to be a star and think there’s a larger-than-usual chance (relative to other top prospects) that he just isn’t productive at all in the majors.

Dbacks Rotation

• Mike Hazen cannot be done adding can he?  Kelly, Nelson, Pfaadt, Rodriguez, and Soroka – I don’t see the quality or the quantity of innings.  Not a ton of help in the upper minors either.

Steve Adams

• No, I don’t think the Dbacks are done adding to the staff (or the roster as a whole)

Tim

• Any new rumors involving Skubal?

Steve Adams

• Probably shouldn’t be so down on the idea of trading Skubal … we’d draw in more traffic if we played it up and focused on it consistently haha. But everyone here has said since Day 1 of the offseason (beforehand, really) that we think the Skubal talk is overblown.I know people will keep writing about it until the season begins, but I’ve been of the “less than 1% chance this happens” mindset all winter

Jay

• Berrios, Schneider, and Adam Macko for Mason Miller.  Who says no?

Steve Adams

• If that were all it took to get Miller, he’d be a Blue Jay
• Actually, no, he’d be with another club, because another team would happily blow that package out of the water. It’s a nonstarter. Berrios has negative trade value. Schneider is a bench piece. Macko might be like a fourth or fifth piece in an actual Miller package, but this doesn’t even get the ball rolling.

Pirates

• Does Pittsburgh have a realistic shot at signing Geno? What other FAs/ trades could they pull off to field a competitive team while they still have Skenes?

Steve Adams

• Sure, I don’t think Suarez is unreasonable there. At this point, I’d take the under on our 3/63 prediction from November, and even if that were the stopping point, the Pirates could make that offer.

mike

• why is  Luis Arráez market so quiet??

Steve Adams

• Most front offices just don’t think he’s that good. He has an elite hit tool — probably the best in MLB — but zero power, declining OBP skills, poor speed and little to no defensive value. He’s a fun throwback, but it’s not a skill set that is valued in today’s game

Andujar

• Can’t wait until I am splitting time at DH and right field for Cleveland this year.

Steve Adams

• Hey we can mock the Guardians’ thrifty ways, but Andujar is probably going to be a nice bargain for someone as long as his new club uses him properly (minimal time in the field, more PAs versus LHP than RHP, etc.)

AstrosFAN

• 1 of 3 Christian Walker, Issac Paredes, and Jesus Sanchez is traded. I feel like 2 of 3 are traded, what do you see each fetching us?

Steve Adams

• I don’t actually think any of the three are traded. Dana Brown is about as candid and straight-shooting as a GM gets, and he’s openly said he doesn’t think he needs to trade anyone from the group. I tend to agree. I’d be looking to move Walker, but he doesn’t seem to want to eat half the contract and sell low, which is perfectly defensible.Paredes is the only one of the three with positive trade value, and he’s obviously the one they’d be least inclined to trade away.

Blue Jays

• Convince me that Cody Ponce is for real or one season wonder.

Steve Adams

• Velocity is up from his MLB days. Stuff is better in general. I was talking to a scout (not from the Jays) about Murakami, Imai, Okamoto, etc. prior to the offseason and he unprompted told me “You need to have Cody Ponce on your top 50 list, too. He’s going to make more than $20 million”He had real interest from several big-market teams. I’m not saying he’s an ace or anything, but I do think he’ll be a perfectly viable midrotation arm.

Ryan Ripken

• Coby Mayo + Povich = Gore?

Steve Adams

• If you could dial the calendar back to 2023, perhaps! Both guys’ stock is down too far for that to move the needle on Gore.

MarioSoto

• Am I wrong to be upset with the Reds penny pinching ways?

Steve Adams

• I’d be pissed off if I were a Reds fan. Plenty of offseason left, so maybe they pull a rabbit out of the hat, but this team’s rotation is off-the-charts talented, and they seem committed to just spending notable money on Emilio Pagan and taking a bargain-bin approach to the lineup… all coming off a postseason berth.Given the apparent lack of spending power this winter, I’m all the more perplexed as to why they acquired Ke’Bryan Hayes. Love the glove, of course, and there’s something to be said for bolstering run prevention when you already have such a talented pitching staff, but allotting $7.5MM annually to a glove-only third baseman is a weird move for a team in dire need of some real offensive help.

Mehts

• If offering some combo of Acuna/Mauricio/Vientos would MItch Keller be a logical trade target for Stearns to address SP?

Steve Adams

• Could see Vientos having some appeal, but I wouldn’t move Keller for him alone and don’t think the others have a ton of value right now.Also feel like if the Mets are trading for a starter, they should aim for more ceiling than Keller anyhow.

Buster Posey

• Out of Nico Hoerner, Brendan Donovan, or Bo Bichette, who is most likely to come over to the Giants? With the fact that we’re afraid to spend big on pitching, we’re poised to bring over a big bat… right?

Steve Adams

• I’d be so surprised if the Cubs trade Hoerner, and even more surprised if the Giants met Bichette’s asking price.Donovan seems realistic and attainable, so he’s the easy answer for me

Orioles

• What is the hold up with Ranger Suarez/ Framber Valdez? Are you still confident we get one of the two?

Steve Adams

• I think they’ll add another notable starter, whether it’s one of those two, Zac Gallen, or someone via trade (Edward Cabrera, MacKenzie Gore, etc.)

Ryan

• There have been reported offers for Donovan from the Giants being Whisenhunt, Kilen and a lottery ticket low A pitcher. Your thoughts on that as the return?

Steve Adams

• That’s not really what Katie Woo reported at The Athletic. She said Whisenhunt and Kilen had been discussed with the Giants — not necessarily in the same trade package.If the Giants offered both players and a lower-level prospect, I think it’d be a strong offer.

Tyler McDuffie

• Are the Angels serious about having Christian Moore play 3B even though he hasn’t had any reps there in his pro career?

Steve Adams

• I’ll be surprised if they don’t add a 3B from outside the org

Rowland

• None of the big free agent Japanese players got nearly the projected contracts expected. What happened?

Steve Adams

• Okamoto landed right where we thought he would.Murakami and Imai had notable flaws that were available in public scouting reports and that scouts expressed in private conversations. The general thought was that both are young enough and had appealing enough top tools (Murakami’s power, Imai’s velocity and K’s) that teams would overlook those concerns and go long-term.

  Some of the projections — certainly ours — were clouded by placing too much weight on the Dodgers’ Yamamoto signing. Yamamoto was essentially a flawless, perfect free agent. He didn’t have any of the red flags seen with Imai and Murakami.

  The market clearly had more prominent concerns about Murakami’s glove/strikeouts and Imai’s command and ability to miss bats with his secondaries

Camelback Ranch

• White Sox and Dodgers have a history of lining up on trades. Does a framework of Rushing and Treinen for Robert and Quero move the needle?

Steve Adams

• Not making that move if I’m the Dodgers

O’s Fan

• Assuming the same contract (unrealistic but bear with me), who would you rather have between Framber and Ranger if you’re the O’s?

Steve Adams

• Framber

Eugenio Suarez

• What sort of contract do you think he’ll get at this point, and is a reunion with Seattle still on the table?

Steve Adams

• We predicted 3/63 in November, and we had to talk Tim Dierkes into it since he wanted more like 2/50. In retrospect, I now prefer his prediction, but 3/60 doesn’t seem impossible to me. We’ll see where Bregman lands and how motivated some of the teams that miss on him are.

Dylan

• Are we getting a new podcast episode tomorrow? I love the show. Thank you for the content.

Steve Adams

• Darragh and I just recorded this morning! Kyle will edit tonight, and it’ll run tomorrow. Thanks for listening!

Kyle tucker

• where will he sign

Steve Adams

• I doubt Kyle himself knows the answer to this question right now!

Bob “Hammerin” Hamelin

• I keep reading reports that the Royals are still on some OF help.  I’ve heard Duran, but what other possibilities are out there for them, via trade?  They can’t roll out the current OF that they have.  Thanks!

Steve Adams

• Yeah they definitely need more help in the OF. Duran and Abreu from Boston make sense, of course, but other names I could realistically see on the market include Alec Burleson, Lars Nootbaar, Brenton Doyle, Mickey Moniak, Trevor Larnach, Matt Wallner, maybe one of Dylan Beavers/Colton Cowser (if the O’s are getting a quality starter back), Nathan Lukes, Jake Meyers, Teoscar Hernandez … plenty more I’m sure I’m spacing on.

Brady

• Do you buy the Phillies as real contenders for Bichette?

Steve Adams

• I buy them as a team hanging around the periphery — not so much an aggressive pursuer.

Samsung user

• Will MLBTR ever make an app for android??

Steve Adams

• We have an Android app and have had one for more than a decade. We’re in the process of redoing the app for both iOS and Android. The former is available for beta testing right now:
  https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/01/join-the-beta-test-for-the-new-…

Previous Dodger trade

• Wait wait wait. Why would you not make that trade if you are the Dodgers?

Steve Adams

• I don’t think Edgar Quero is going to be a catcher in the long run, and Robert would be a $22MM tax hit for a team that’s paying 110%, so he’d cost them $46.2MM in 2026. Even when subtracting the money owed to Treinen ($11MM AAV and a net $23.1MM expenditure), they’re still taking on an extra $23MM and giving up the much better all-around catching prospect — all to take on a center fielder who is immensely talented but even more injury-prone and with a pretty worrying recent track record of actual performance.

Sleepless in Milwaukee

• For a team that finished with the best record in baseball last year…what’s the catch?…trade away a versatile utility player who finished 4th in ROY voting and a leverage flamethrower arm…rumors swirling about moving our ace…help me make sense of this…

Steve Adams

• Standard operating procedure for the Brewers. They’re always going to be open to trading stars as they approach free agency. More often than not, they’ll probably do it. (Hader, Burnes, Williams, Lucroy) Sometimes they don’t (Adames)Collins was a great story in ’25 but a clear regression candidate at the plate (somewhat heavy BABIP, poor batted-ball metrics, etc.) They’ve liked Zerpa forever and clearly think they can make him a big weapon. I wouldn’t bet against Milwaukee’s pitching development (or player development in general)

  I’m sure there are some modest additions in the offing, but the Brewers are only rarely going to be a team to make a huge splash in free agency, and they sort of did that by making the QO to Woodruff and keeping him at $22.05MM.

Jays Fan

• Do you like Tucker or Bo better for the jays??

Steve Adams

• Sure. Or the Mets. Yankees. Lots of teams.

MLB is fun

• Are the Yankees concerned with Edward Cabrera’s medical, what’s the hold up with him?

Steve Adams

• I’m sure every team is mildly concerned about his medicals. He has a huge injury history. But there’s no agreement in place between the two teams, so there’s no “holdup” of which to speak. I suppose the “holdup” is that the Yankees haven’t offered enough for the Marlins to move him (nor has any other team)

Doodahman

• Are the Rays looking for an upgrade at catcher–Caritini or Heim ?

Steve Adams

• They should be! I don’t think Heim is a clear upgrade over either Fortes or Feduccia after the two seasons he’s had, but Caratini would be a nice, reasonably priced fit. He might be waiting on  Realmuto, though.

PLEASE

• Alcantara for Casas, straight up?? Who says no??

Steve Adams

• Marlins

Guest

• Should the reds trade elly in his last year?

Steve Adams

• He’s controlled for four more years.
• Unless you’re asking me if they should trade De La Cruz in like… the 2028-29 offseason. In which case, my answer is, “Who knows what the team, payroll, league, etc. will look like by then”

Chad

• Do you see the Cardinals making anymore moves?

Steve Adams

• They’ll trade Donovan and Romero at least.

redrum

• don’t you think Geno Suarez would be a perfect d.h. in Cincy?

Steve Adams

• He’d be a fine fit there. I doubt the Reds are spending at the necessary level to get him, but it’d be a perfectly sensible reunion, sure

Scoops McGee

• As a Rockies fan, give me something to be excited for in 2026

Steve Adams

• The team is finally overhauling the infrastructure of the entire operation! Welcome to the 21st century.
• Also, Brenton Doyle will be better than he was in 2025.

Wittman

• Possible fallback plans for the Pirates at 3B other than Suarez?

Steve Adams

• There’s just not a lot. Look to the Rangers and see if they’ll move Josh Jung? Try to pry Addison Barger out of Toronto?

Cardsfan1984

• I have seen reports the Cardinals may simply release Arenado if a trade is not worked out. Could you see them actually doing this?

Steve Adams

• Chaim Bloom has said definitively, on record, multiple times that releasing Arenado is not an option.
• I know Buster Olney wrote today that “it’ll be interesting to see if they do it.”They will not.
• I suppose if Arenado asks for his release so he can go sign somewhere else, maybe that changes things, but short of that, there’s no reason not to trust Bloom when he said it’s not a consideration.It’s so rare for a baseball ops leader to make a definitive statement like that on the record, and he’s done it multiple times now.

Rocky

• In your opinion, is Hunter Goodman’s emergence sustainable?

Steve Adams

• I buy the power but am skeptical, based on his chase rate and contact rate when he does chase, that he can keep the strikeouts down to a manageable level.He could still be a starter behind the plate even with more K’s and lower rate stats, though. So … buying it to an extent but expecting a downturn with the bat still.

Etrain

• What would a Severino trade bring back for the A’s

Steve Adams

• Some salary relief?

AstrosFAN

• What will Jesus Sanchez get us?

Steve Adams

• Don’t think he has any real trade value. I was surprised they tendered him a contract.

The Willies of SF

• Do Hayden Birdsong, Casey Schmitt and Erik Miller get (1-year rental) Nico Hoerner from the Cubs? Who says no?

Steve Adams

• Not taking that offer for Hoerner if I’m the Cubs

A.A

• Braves need a starter….. Trevor Bauer is out there.

Steve Adams

• We still doing this? He’s 35 and posted a 4.51 ERA with a below-average K% in Japan last year (at a time when NPB has been said to be using somewhat of a dead ball)

Top 5

• Who are your top five players whose injuries stopped them from being truly great?

Steve Adams

• Grady Sizemore immediately comes to mind
• Mark Prior
• Byron Buxton … still good, but imagine if he wasn’t on the IL for half the season every year
• Tons more, I’m sure. Just going off the cuff  here and focusing more on recent names than delving back into my childhood years in the 80s/90s

BrewCrew

• Freddy Peralta is pitching for what team by opening day?

Steve Adams

• The brewers

Yandy Diaz

• Am I a Ray on opening day, or am I more of a deadline deal?

Steve Adams

• Ray on Opening Day

Bosox Fan

• Am I the outcast Red Sox fan who likes the idea of Bichette over Bregman? Not from a leadership standpoint but they were both injured and Bichette offers higher upside at the plate.

Steve Adams

• Probably an outlier since Bregman has already endeared himself to fans while Bichette has been a rival player for the past seven or eight years. But I don’t think it’s crazy at all to prefer the 28-year-old to the 32-year-old, no.

Injured guys

• Justin Morneau? David Wright?

Steve Adams

• Two good ones — Wright more so than Morneau, but man, that season Morneau was having when he took that concussion at second base. Oof. Joe Mauer, too, if we’re talking about Twins from that era. Hell, throw Francisco Liriano in the mix.

CHISOX FAN

• Bo Jackson

Steve Adams

• Indeed
• Fun and useless fact — I went to college with Bo’s son! Bo was at my graduation from my tiny D-3 college in southern Minnesota. My then-brother-in-law almost passed out when he saw him.

Pat

• Should I be concerned that Ryan O’Hearn hasn’t officially signed yet?

Steve Adams

• Nah, deals struck around the holidays are always kind of wonky
• We’re still getting DFA resolutions for guys who were designated like three weeks ago. It’s the one time of the year where all rules regarding the timing of moves seems to go out the window

OHearn

• Ryan just had his first kid. He’s locked in

Steve Adams

• Oh there you go. I didn’t realize this. That certainly would help to explain the slower-than-expected timeline of his deal becoming official, too.
• And hey, good for him!

Blooming Chaim

• Which jersey will Arenado play his next game in?

Steve Adams

• Honestly, I’d guess the Cardinals first and foremost. I just don’t see any trade value. Angels probably next on the list, but St. Louis will need to be eating like $30MM of the $37MM they owe him.
• Going to wrap up here, but lots of good names from the crowd on some potential greats who were cut down by injuries

Eric Davis

• I could’ve been one of the best to ever do it.

Adam Steves

• Josh Hamilton

MoonBeamMcSwine

• Travis PRONK Hafner

Jim C

• JR Richard

AO

• Rocco Baldelli could’ve been great too if he wasn’t hurt all the time…

Jake

• Ben Sheets was incredible when he wasn’t injured, still one of the greatest curve balls I’ve ever seen. You knew it was coming and just couldn’t hit it.

Montana Illini

• Tony Conigliaro – for the injured list!

MKE Fan

• top 5 players injuries stopped from being great? PRINCE FIELDER?!

Steve Adams

• Alrighty. I’m on X @Adams_Steve and Bluesky @adams-steve.bsky.social for more questions. We’ve got 1200ish people in here right now, so no way I was getting to even a small fraction of all today’s questions! Thanks for chatting, though.If you want more opinions and analysis from the MLBTR team, plus ad-free viewing, exclusive articles and access to our tools (Contract Tracker, Agency Database, GM Tracker), you can check out our Front Office subscription package!

  Thanks and enjoy your week!

Curious George

• Who signs first? Framber or Ranger?

Mark P

• Who signs first?

  ---

  Ranger Suarez (51.3% | 641 votes)

  Framber Valdez (48.6% | 607 votes)

  ---

  Total Votes: 1248

secret souse

• What is the easiest path for Red Sox to dump money

Mark P

• Their projected payroll is $191.1MM, and their tax number is around $240MM.  Not huge figures considering this is the Red Sox we’re talking about, so my answer is “they don’t need to dump money to make any further notable moves.”

  However, it seems ownership feels differently.  The easiest path in terms of pure simplicity is to attach a prospect (either a pitcher or Casas) to Yoshida or Hicks, perhaps to a team like Colorado that needs all the young help it can get.  But, clubs are increasingly loath to give away young talent as sweeteners in salary dumps.

RedsHopeful

• What’s stopping the Reds from being in on Okamoto?  Seems like a great fit at 1B/DH along with Sal Stewart and have Steer as super utility again?

Mark P

• Good question. Maybe they are in on him, and this’ll be another outta-nowhere signing like Murakami to the ChiSox and Imai to Houston

Matt

• Okamoto going to sign during the chat?

Mark P

• Don’t jinx it!

Norbert

• Are you concerned with Ranger Suarez’s loss of velocity, or do you think he has the type of command that will allow him to continue getting weak contact for a few more years?

Mark P

• I think I’m higher on most on Suarez, since in my view, he was the clear choice as the best starter on this year’s FA market. He wasn’t exactly a high-velo guy to begin with, so a drop shouldn’t (in theory) impact his bread and butter abilities of generating grounders and soft contact.

Peralta

• The rumor mill quieted on Peralta. You think that picks back up now that the holidays are over or do you think the Brewers are more likely to give the season a go with him?

Mark P

• It always felt likelier that Milwaukee would just keep Peralta, since they’d need a ton in return to say yes to a trade.  It could be things get rolling a bit now that Imai is off the board, though it’s interesting to remember that the Astros were one of the teams reportedly interested in Peralta.  That may no longer be the case now that Imai and Burrows are on board.

Guest

• Why is no one talking about Okamoto to the Yankees?  He could platoon at 1st or 3rd and releve Domingues in rig,ht.

Mark P

• Okamoto himself probably wants to be more than a short-side platoon guy

Josh

• Do you see Ian Happ starting for the cubs this year?

Mark P

• Yes.  He had a no-trade clause, so he probably isn’t going anywhere.

NY Sports

• Any chance that a potential lockout for next year lowered the projected salary for Imai, Murakami and potentially Okamoto?

Mark P

• I don’t think it’s the looming lockout, necessarily, but more that this trio had more question marks than a lot of other premium players recently coming over from NPB.

Imai

• What are your thoughts on the Astros signing Imai? Was it a good signing to help fortify their rotation?

Mark P

• I like the deal a lot.  Potentially it’s a great bargain for the Astros, and if Imai pitches well, it’s just a one-year commitment since he would likely opt out next winter.

  Potentially, if Imai pitched well but not spectacularly well, he might also pass on his first opt-out just to avoid getting caught in limbo during a lockout

Ryan

• Is Emerson plus a lottery ticket for Donovan possible. Donovan is what the Mariners would hope Emerson could be.

Mark P

• Zero chance Emerson is traded.  He’s a top-10 prospect in baseball.

Josh

• Are the A’s contenders this year?

Mark P

• They need to do a lot more with their rotation before I can take them seriously as playoff candidates

Kyle

• Are you surprised that Gore hasn’t been traded? Will the Nats have to pair him with Abrams or Wood to get the sort of return they were hoping for?

Mark P

• Not terribly surprised.  This is another case where the Nationals don’t have to make a move right now, since Gore is controlled through 2028.  If another team stepped up with a huge offer, the Nats wouldn’t hesitate to deal Gore, but only in that circumstance.

  And Gore has more than enough value on his own that he wouldn’t need to be linked to another big trade chip.  And, needless to say, Wood isn’t going anywhere.

Alex

• Does Z Gallen fit into the braves “ace caliber” – final need?

Mark P

• Gallen’s rough 2025 season dips him out of the ace category, though he has shown ace-type stuff in the past.  That might be enough to get the Braves to roll the dice, especially if Gallen is open to a somewhat shorter-term deal to re-establish his market.

  Two more obstacles…..Gallen would cost Atlanta a draft pick, since he rejected a qualifying offer.  Gallen is also a Boras client, and Anthopoulos traditionally doesn’t do a lot of business with Boras.

Bob Nutting

• Are the Pirates wild card contenders if they get Okamoto or Suarez for 3B with that rotation?

Mark P

• I’d say so.  Their lineup would be a lot better and the pitching is still strong, so that might be enough for Pittsburgh to get over the playoff line amidst a number of NL teams with comparable weaknesses

Polar Bear

• The Mets are going to make some kind of move for a starting pitcher….right?

Mark P

• Sure, except it is becoming increasingly unclear if it’ll be the kind of frontline arm they need.

Pat

• Whether it be a trade forna player like Kwan or signing a big bat, do you think the Dodgers will add an OF before the season starts?

Mark P

• A trade (though probably not for Kwan specifically) is more likely than a big signing, but maybe I shouldn’t write that while Tucker is still available.

  Some level of longer-term outfield help might be less feasible since LA doesn’t want to block its younger outfielders on the way up.

Ateam

• Dodgers have a lot of young arms coming back from injury. What are the next steps? Stash them in the minors or trades?

Mark P

• Minor league stashing seems logical, as teams likely aren’t eager to give up a big return for pitchers just coming off long IL stints.  The Dodgers themselves probably want time to monitor these hurlers to evaluate their health, and to further gauge which ones they want to keep and which ones they might want to shop.
• Don’t forget, the Dodgers have needed all the rotation depth they can find over the last few years.  The team can also just stand pat.

Hot trade

• Gunnar Henderson for Joe Ryan.

Mark P

• That would indeed be hot, but the O’s are never trading Henderson for two years of Ryan

Ken

• Gore is only controlled through 2027.

Mark P

• Correct, that was a typo on my part.  But, two years of control is still a lot of time for Washington to explore trades.

Lance

• Hi Mark. Thanks for doing the chat today.

  Which free agent signed so far, do you believe, will have the most positive impact for their new team?

Mark P

• Since you specified ‘new’ team, does that mean you’re asking about just the free agents who went elsewhere?  That narrows the field by quite a bit, given how many FAs stayed put.

  Feels like Alonso will take to Camden Yards like a duck to water.  But, as a Jays fan, I’m hoping the answer is that Cease helps lead Toronto to a championship

Frustrated Nats Fan

• How long do we have to wait to become even a fringe contender?

Mark P

• I wouldn’t have been surprised if the Nationals had been borderline contenders in 2025, yet things obviously went in the exact opposite direction.

  Seems like it’ll be at least two more seasons in the wilderness, though stranger things have happened in terms of unexpected turn-arounds.

steve

• Kristin Campbell was the minor league player of the year .  If one looks at the list of players who have won previously –you see a very successful group.   Why has everyone given up on campbell.    Has Boston mismanaged him?

Mark P

• The Sox certainly aren’t giving up on a player they’ve already signed to a hefty extension.  Fans can be a little too fickle when top prospects struggle early, even though the majority of top prospects routinely look shaky in their first time at the MLB level.  It would surprise nobody if Campbell suddenly broke out in 2026.

RoyalsCenter2026

• The Royals have been super quiet after being involved in so many rumors? Will it heat back up and will they get a big of bat or are they done?

Mark P

• Doubt they’re done, since they need another good hitter in that lineup

Brockmire

• What’s your take on the looming CBA quagmire?

Mark P

• I think it’s a shame that a lockout seems to be a foregone conclusion, and that the two sides seem fine with things reaching that point.  In a perfect world, you’d have the two sides say “look, we’re both making a lot of money here, so let’s start figuring things out now to keep everyone happy.”

Carrie Halas

• Were the Phillies genuinely in on Imai? If they wanted rotation depth that badly, why not pivot to Ranger?

Mark P

• It’s possible they might indeed consider reuniting with Suarez now that Imai is off the board.

  That said, it’s a little telling that there has been virtually no buzz about Suarez re-signing in Philly.  The team was publicly open about their desire to being back Schwarber and Realmuto, yet it was little more than boilerplate stuff in regards to Suarez.

Brother

• James Wood looks like a bust and the Nationals should sell while his value is still high, any thoughts?

Mark P

• Wood strikes out way too much, and his bat really cooled off in the second half.

  He also has a 125 wRC+ and 40 homers in his first 1025 PA in the majors.  Wood isn’t going anywhere, and is still a huge building block for Washington

NY Sports

• Would you say the off season has been quiet so far? It seems like there’s still a lot of players unsigned with roughly 6 weeks before catchers and pitchers report to spring training.

Mark P

• Six weeks is a lot of time.  Looking MLBTR’s top 50 as a guide, 29 of those 50 free agents have already signed, so there’s been a fair bit of movement even if a few of those guys were early-offseason qualifying offer accepting-types.

JeffyM

• if the Jays are able to get Bo, Tucker or Bregman, do Straw or Lukes have any trade value or are they more DFA candidates?

Mark P

• If they get Tucker specifically, Lukes is probably traded.  Straw sticks around in any scenario as a backup OF.

CJ J

• The Cubs seem to be sniffing around INFs.  If they sign one, who is the odd man out?  I have terrible feeling it’s Hoerner, even though he brings elite contact to a lineup that needs it.  Any chance, if the Cubs sign a Bregman or whomever, that Shaw is the odd man out and they could trade him for pitching?

Mark P

• Nico makes a ton of contact but it isn’t exactly quality contact.  He is also a free agent after the season, so it would make sense that the Cubs are looking to deal him now if Nico isn’t part of their future plans.
• That either opens up 2B for an acquisition, or perhaps they get Bregman and move Shaw to 2B

Cris E

• Does COL burn things down this winter or get some front office stuff settled first and move the vets at the break?

Mark P

• The Rockies don’t have many veterans left, and not much left in general for a fire sale.  Hard to have a teardown when the house has already burned to the ground, as they say.  (Or did I make that saying up?)

  I suspect DePodesta is viewing 2026 as an evaluation year, though naturally he’ll be open to any and all trade offers in the name of bringing younger talent into the organization.

Guest

• Is Carson Benge the real deal and should he start opening day in center?

Mark P

• There’s a lot to like about Benge’s potential but breaking camp seems like a reach.  He has only 24 Triple-A games on his resume and he didn’t hit well in Syracuse, so it feels like some more seasoning is required.  However, he is a lock to make his MLB debut in 2026, and if he gets on an early tear in Triple-A, the Mets could make him a quick call-up

Daniel

• Why do players wait so long to sign. If it was me I’d sign as soon as possible to get acclimated with my new squad.

Mark P

• If the offers aren’t interesting, players aren’t just going to grab the least-uninteresting lowball offer just for the sake of signing

Dana Brown’s a rental

• Yordan Alvarez has a 1.046 career OPS as a LF (896 PAs) and .919 as a DH.  Why can’t the Astros just home Paredes the everyday DH and 1B/3B backup?

Mark P

• The issue isn’t whether or not Alvarez can hit as an outfielder, it’s whether he can stay healthy in regular outfield duty.  And, he isn’t a good defensive player.

Pete C

• How do forecast the 2026 season for Rangers OF Evan Carter

Mark P

• First things first, Carter has to stay healthy.  That gives the Rangers a clear chance to evaluate a player who can still be a huge part of their future.

Radhippo

• Okamoto and Gallen enough to get the Angels in the playoffs??

Mark P

• I’d take a lot more than that

Mr Red Leg

• What would the Reds have to give up for Yandy Diaz?  Chase Petty?

Mark P

• 2026 is Diaz’s final guaranteed year, plus there’s a club option for 2027.  So two seasons of Diaz for Petty probably isn’t something Cincinnati is open to doing, though these could be elements of a multi-player swap

Jake K

• Rockies need to make some movements…Coby Mayo seems like a perfect fit considering the surplus of infielders on the O’s and the power upside….would love to see him in Coors

Mark P

• That probably doesn’t happen outside of a three-team trade, since I don’t think the Orioles would be willing to move Mayo for anyone in the Rockies’ organization

Guest

• Is boras the major problem to why the market is being held up?

Mark P

• As much as Boras usually has his clients wait on the market, this isn’t an absolute rule.  This winter alone, Cease was off the board very quickly.

Blue Heaven

• Dodgers said Sasaki will be in rotation in 2026. But if Stone and/or River Ryan outperforms in ST, should they add one of them to rotation, and move Sasaki to BP at least for early in the season?

Mark P

• As noted earlier, the Dodgers’ rotation has been constantly racked by injuries. So it’s possible a logjam just never really develops because at least one pitcher or another is on the IL.

Pizza pizza

• Tigers look like they aren’t going to move the needle with the lineup with a signing/trade. McGonigle will be with the big club at some point this season. Why not look at signing him to a pre debut extension and then using what has the potential to be major savings if he turns out to be the player they hope on

Mark P

• McGonigle seems like a decent candidate for a pre-career extension.  We know these types of deals are in Scott Harris’ wheelhouse since Keith was already locked up before his first MLB game.

Mariners

• What has surprised you most this off-season?

Mark P

• About Seattle’s offseason specifically?  I guess I thought they would’ve gotten more for dealing Harry Ford, but Ferrer is a nice bullpen add

Hello

• How can the scouts all be so wrong about players like Jordan Walker, or Jo Adell since he HAS to be mentioned in every chat?

Mark P

• Scouting players and identifying future stars is incredibly hard.  Still plenty of time for Walker to get clicking at the MLB level, just as it took Adell several years to finally have a breakout

Philip rivers

• Which player do you think could come back and put up reasonable numbers 5 years after retirement ?

Mark P

• If Barry Bonds signed as a DH-only bat/pinch-hitting specialist, I think he’d hit at least 20 homers
• Maybe he should do this just to restart his HOF clock!

Curious A’s Fan

• When was the last time a team did a pre-career (or very early career) extension with a pitcher?

Mark P

• These don’t happen too often.  Ashby’s extension with Milwaukee is the most recent, after some brief checking on the MLB Contract Tracker

Maple

• Why do teams non-tender payers only to have them sign for more money in free agency? Moreover, why do other teams not make an offer (cash considerations) for that player before they hit the market? There are alot of teams that would now love to have Pete Fairbanks for his projected arbitration salary that must be kicking themselves.

Mark P

• The Rays surely tested the market for Fairbanks before non-tendering him, and the offers weren’t up to par.  So if the Rays perceived that they would have difficulty trading Fairbanks at fair value, they opted to just cut him entirely by declining the option.

Spencer Jones

• Is LF mine to lose if Belli signs elsewhere?

Mark P

• Dominguez will get first dibs on the job

Cubs

• Are the cubs involved for Okamoto?

Mark P

• They were mentioned as one of the teams in the hunt.  The depth of their interest isn’t known, however.

Phillies

• Any chance to move Nola then circle back on Ranger?

Mark P

• Nola’s trade value is pretty minimal considering his contract and his rough 2025

Spud

• The Brewers have no depth at shortstop, and a marginal hitter at best manning the position. What are you hearing about the Kiner-Filefa market, and is there a chance he could fall to the Brewers?

Mark P

• IKF should fall within the Brewers’ price range for bench depth

Baby Mets

• Am I the only one who thinks the Mets will not sign any big name Free Agents and will go instead with their young and promising minor league players this year?

Mark P

• Oops, I loaded that next question before finishing my point on the previous question.

  IKF raises the talent floor on the roster, but I’m not sure he’s a realistic candidate to actually take over at SS or anything

• Re: the Mets’ youth movement.

  That would be an awfully bold move by a team that still has a mega-payroll and should be in win-now mode. Seems hard to believe that the Mets wouldn’t still have a big move in them before the winter is out.

Win Now

• With the A’s offense, why wouldn’t a mature, win now pitcher, want to join the A’s?

Mark P

• It’s a very hitter-friendly park, and the pitcher’s numbers may very well suffer

  It is also a very hitter-friendly minor league park, and the pitcher may not want to deal with the extra complication of playing in such a facility

Overpay

• Clearly the blue jays over paid for cease (and Santander last year). Will that have negative impact in the next few years?

Mark P

• It’s only an overpay if they don’t play well, so Santander will have to pick it up in 2026.  The Jays also have a good deal of money coming off the books after the 2026 season.
• That’s almost two hours of chattin’, so it’s time to wrap things up.  Thanks to everyone for their questions, and I’ll have more chatty goodness next weekend!
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