Trade talks for this NL ace expected to pick up

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January 5th, 2026

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Jan. 5: Trade talks for Peralta expected to pick up again

Now that the holiday season is over and the new year has begun, trade talks about Brewers ace Freddy Peralta are expected to “resume in earnest,” according to a report from The Athletic (subscription required).

Per the report, the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Braves and Red Sox are among the clubs showing interest in the right-hander, who is signed for $8 million in 2026 -- a relative pittance compared to the going rate for a starter of his caliber in free agency.

Though Peralta has only one year of control remaining, the Brewers’ asking price remains high.

Jan. 5: Orioles 'strongly in' on LHP Suárez (report)

The Orioles have been extremely active in remaking their roster this offseason. Picking up an ace starter might be the final order of business for the O's, who have been connected throughout the winter to left-handed starters Framber Valdez and Ranger Suárez. But it appears they favor the latter over the former.

MLB Network Radio's Jim Bowden said during Monday's edition of Foul Territory that Baltimore is "strongly in" on Suárez and has been "very aggressive" in its pursuit of the 29-year-old.

"They haven't been able to close the deal [with Suárez], but they kind of feel like they have a chance," Bowden said.

The Orioles have already helped their rotation this winter by trading for Shane Baz and re-signing Zach Eflin. It sounds like they are aiming to complete an even higher-profile move for a starter before the end of the offseason.

Jan. 5: Astros likely to trade a position player

After bolstering their rotation with the additions of Tatsuya Imai, Mike Burrows and Ryan Weiss, the Astros’ top offseason priority is complete. However, the club still needs to sort out its starting lineup. The problem? Too many players, not enough spots.

With Yordan Alvarez expected to spend 2026 as Houston’s regular DH, the Astros currently don’t have room to give both Isaac Paredes and Christian Walker everyday playing time. As a result, it is becoming “increasingly likely” that the Astros will make a trade to alleviate the logjam, The Athletic (subscription required) reports.

Walker’s salary -- he has two years left on his three-year, $60 million deal -- and limited no-trade clause will make the first baseman more difficult to move, so Paredes seems more likely to go. His name has already surfaced in trade buzz, with the Red Sox reportedly showing interest in him.

Trading outfielder Jesús Sánchez is another option for Houston, but doing so wouldn’t address the team’s infield surplus, unless the club is open to the idea of Paredes playing the outfield.

Jan. 5: What's next for Blue Jays after Okamoto deal?

After adding pitchers Dylan Cease (seven years, $210 million), Cody Ponce (three years, $30 million) and Tyler Rogers (three years, $37 million) earlier this offseason, the Blue Jays made their first major offensive move of the winter on Saturday, reaching a four-year deal with Japanese third baseman Kazuma Okamoto.

The next question, of course, is how this impacts the Blue Jays’ pursuit of the other prominent free-agent bats they've been linked to: Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette and Alex Bregman.

It doesn't appear to have altered their plans much -- according to a report from USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the team's preference is to make Okamoto a super utility player. As a result, the Blue Jays "remain fully engaged" in discussions with Bichette and Bregman, Nightengale writes. Tucker remains a possibility as well.

Jan. 5: Pirates reportedly showing interest in Suárez

Although they’ve added Brandon Lowe, Ryan O’Hearn, Jhostynxon García and Jake Mangum this offseason, the Pirates are still hunting for another bat. Kazuma Okamoto was reportedly a prime target, but the Japanese slugger joined the Blue Jays on a four-year deal, becoming the latest free agent to spurn Pittsburgh after Kyle Schwarber, Josh Naylor and Jorge Polanco did the same.

With Okamoto off the board, the Pirates are expected to turn their focus to third baseman Eugenio Suárez, according to a report from Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Coming off a 49-homer season, Suárez is a logical fit for the Pirates, who finished last in MLB with 117 home runs and a .350 slugging percentage in 2025 and have an opening at third base after trading Ke’Bryan Hayes during the summer.

Jan. 4: Yankees discussing potential trades for Marlins' Cabrera, Brewers' Peralta (report)

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said at December's Winter Meetings that he'd "love" to add another starting pitcher, with Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón and Clarke Schmidt all slated to be unavailable at the start of the 2026 season.

To that end, the club is talking to the Marlins about a trade for Edward Cabrera, according to a report from The Athletic (subscription required). The Giants and Cubs are among the other teams believed to have interest in Cabrera, MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reports.

The Bronx Bombers are also continuing to discuss a deal for Brewers ace Freddy Peralta, per The Athletic's report. The Yankees were initially linked to Peralta during the Winter Meetings, along with a number of other clubs.

While signing one of the top free-agent starters would require a substantial financial commitment for the Yankees, swinging a trade for Cabrera or Peralta would not. Cabrera is in his first year of arbitration eligibility after earning $1.95 million in 2025. He's controllable for three more seasons. Peralta will earn $8 million in the final year of his contract, with free agency looming next offseason.

Injuries and walks have been a problem for Cabrera, but his talent is undeniable. The 27-year-old enjoyed a breakout season in 2025, recording a 3.53 ERA while posting personal highs in innings (137 2/3) and strikeouts (150) as well as a career-low 3.1 BB/9 -- down from 5.1 across '21-24.

Peralta is more established as a frontline arm, having reached the 200-strikeout plateau in each of the past three years with a collective 3.40 ERA in that span. The 29-year-old notched the best ERA (2.70) of his career in 2025.

Jan. 4: Cubs still in touch with top position players

The Cubs haven't yet made a big free agent splash this offseason, but they don't appear to be counting themselves out just yet. Per a Sunday evening report from MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, the club has "checked in" with Cody Bellinger, who spent the 2023-24 seasons in Chicago, and is still in touch with Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette.

That said, a potential reunion with Bellinger might be the most difficult to swing. In addition to the Cubs' typically tighter budget constraints and less focused interest, according to a report from Joel Sherman of the New York Post (subscription required), the 30-year-old also recently received a second offer from the Yankees. More >

Jan. 3: Phils in the mix to land Bichette?

It appears the market for Bo Bichette is widening, with MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reporting that the Phillies are also "among a number of big-market teams to have interest" in the star middle infielder. With Bichette, who has primarily played shortstop during his Major League career, reportedly willing to play second base on a full-time basis, it stands to reason that more clubs would be in the mix to sign him. More >

Jan. 2: Red Sox make 'aggressive offer' to Bregman (report)

Is Alex Bregman likely to return to the Red Sox? ESPN's Buster Olney thinks so. He said during Friday's edition of "First Up with Korolnek and Colaiacovo" in Toronto that he thinks a Red Sox-Bregman reunion will happen and then reported that Boston has made "an aggressive offer" to the star third baseman. More >

Jan. 1: Yanks listening on Chisholm? Cubs listening on Hoerner? Bichette implications?

According to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman in an article for the New York Post (subscription required), the Yankees are "fielding inquiries" on second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr., and the Cubs are doing the same regarding second baseman Nico Hoerner. Heyman further notes that both teams are showing interest in free-agent infielder Bo Bichette.

Should Chisholm and/or Hoerner be traded, that would open up a vacancy at second base for their respective clubs. With Bichette reportedly open to moving from shortstop to second, it appears his market is widening -- entering the new year, there are reportedly at least five clubs in the mix to land him.

Jan. 1: Imai joins Astros; what's next in the SP free-agent market?

Japanese ace Tatsuya Imai rang in the new year on Thursday by agreeing to a three-year deal with the Astros that includes opt-outs after each season. Imai had until Friday at 5 p.m. ET to work out a contract with an MLB team or else he would have had to return to Nippon Professional Baseball for the upcoming season, so it was always expected that he would find a landing spot on or around New Year's Day.

The big question now is that with Imai -- one of the top free-agent starters in the 2025-26 class -- off the board, will another marquee starting pitching signing soon follow? There are a lot of options still available in the SP market, with Framber Valdez and Ranger Suárez standing at the front of the pack.

Both left-handers have been linked to the Orioles, who have made it known that they would like to add an upper-tier starter. Valdez has met with the Giants and Mets as well, per MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi. The Cubs could also be a major player for a starting pitcher as they were in talks with Imai before the Astros struck, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman.

The Athletic's Will Sammon reported earlier this month (subscription required) that the Mets are reluctant to give a long-term contract to one of the top free-agent starting pitchers. But after Imai and Michael King both agreed to short-term deals with opt-outs, it's fair to wonder if Valdez and Suárez may take the same route. If so, that might expand their markets to include even more interested suitors.

Dec: 31: Angels expressing interest in Arenado (report)

The Cardinals have been among the most active teams on the trade market this offseason, shipping Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras to the Red Sox in separate deals. And they may not be done quite yet.

St. Louis remains inclined to move veteran third baseman Nolan Arenado, who is under contract for two more years. According to a report from Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (subscription required), the Angels have emerged as a possibility for Arenado, especially in the wake of a buyout agreement with Anthony Rendon. Arenado, 35, would have to waive his no-trade clause in any deal, though it’s worth noting that he grew up in Southern California.

Arenado's definitive trade market may not take shape until free-agent third basemen like Alex Bregman and Eugenio Suárez come off the board. Rosenthal notes that the Diamondbacks, who are interested in Bregman, could potentially pivot to Arenado as a fallback option.

The Cardinals also hold another attractive trade target in second baseman Brendan Donovan. According to The Athletic (subscription required), the Red Sox have discussed a potential trade for Donovan, with Boston looking to add another middle infielder. Already this offseason, Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom has negotiated two trades with his former team. But the Red Sox will face competition, with the Mariners, Giants, and Royals among the other teams that have been linked to Donovan over the past few weeks.

Dec. 30: Marte likely to stay put in Arizona, D-backs GM says

Ketel Marte has been one of the top trade candidates of the offseason. But with mere hours remaining in 2025, D-backs general manager Mike Hazen said Tuesday that time is running out to get a deal done.

"We're very likely to put an end to this shortly," Hazen said regarding Marte trade talks. "... We need to focus our offseason. Again, my gut this whole time was that [a trade of Marte] wasn't going to happen, and I think it seems likely that that's the case, and we want to focus on other things we need to do."

Hazen indicated at this month's Winter Meetings that Jan. 1 was a rough estimate for the end of trade discussions involving Marte. Hazen said he has let interested clubs know that while there isn't a firm deadline, there isn't much time left to work out a swap. He added that he hasn't received "anywhere near" what he would consider an acceptable return for the star second baseman. Marte has won a Silver Slugger in each of the past two seasons and is due $92 million through 2030. He carries a $11.5 million player option for 2031.

The Athletic reported earlier this month (subscription required) that there are five teams on Marte's partial no-trade list: the Athletics, Yankees, Pirates, Giants and Cardinals. He has been connected to the Red Sox and Rays in recent weeks.

Arizona has been aiming to get a significant amount of pitching in return for Marte. But even if he remains in the desert, there are trade and free-agent options out there for the D-backs to improve both their rotation and bullpen, per Hazen. The club would also like to augment its offense, specifically with a right-handed-hitting first base/DH type.

Dec. 29: Will busy O's make another major pitching move?

The Orioles stayed busy on Sunday night, re-signing right-hander Zach Eflin on a one-year Major League deal with a mutual option for 2027. The contract is worth a guaranteed $10 million, a source told MLB.com.

Baltimore has been baseball's most active club this offseason, upgrading its lineup (Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward), its bullpen (Ryan Helsley and Andrew Kittredge), its bench (Leody Taveras) and its rotation (Shane Baz and Eflin). Is this the end of the Orioles’ pursuit of starting pitching? Possibly not, writes MLB.com's Jake Rill.

The O’s have been linked to top free-agent starters such as left-handers Framber Valdez and Ranger Suárez, having reportedly met with the former at the GM Meetings in Las Vegas in mid-November. President of baseball operations Mike Elias has made it known he’d be shopping in the upper tiers of the free-agent pitching market.

Dec. 28: Who are the best free-agent relievers left on the market?

Teams in need of starting pitching help still have plenty of options to choose from, with Framber Valdez, Ranger Suárez, Zac Gallen, Lucas Giolito, Chris Bassitt, Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer among the arms still unsigned.

The pickings are much slimmer in the reliever market, with Pete Fairbanks the latest to reach a deal. Here's a look at the notable relievers who have come off the board, along with the best bullpen arms who remain unsigned.

Signed

Unsigned

  • David Robertson
  • Seranthony Domínguez
  • Liam Hendriks
  • Michael Kopech
  • Tommy Kahnle
  • Ryne Stanek
  • Jakob Junis
  • Danny Coulombe
  • Evan Phillips
  • Andrew Chafin
  • Tyler Kinley
  • Jalen Beeks
  • Scott Barlow
  • Taylor Rogers

Dec. 24: Yankees, Mets reportedly interested in OF Hays

While there hasn't been much buzz in recent days about the top outfielders on the free-agent market -- Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger -- one other outfielder seems to be very popular right now. MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reports that the Yankees as well as the Mets and Royals are interested in Austin Hays.

The 29-year-old Hays, who was an All-Star for the Orioles in 2023, hit 15 homers and logged a .768 OPS in just 103 games for the Reds this past season after signing a one-year, $5 million contract with them last January. Per Heyman, he could become a "more realistic" target for the Yanks if they can't re-sign Bellinger, who remains their top priority in free agency. Hays would also seem to fit the Mets' desire for an outfielder who bats from the right side and can be had on a short-term deal.

The Royals have addressed their underwhelming outfield by signing free agent Lane Thomas and trading with the Brewers for Isaac Collins. But their search for upgrades has continued, and they are reportedly interested in trading for the Red Sox's Jarren Duran, per The Athletic (subscription required).

Dec. 23: Mariners open to bringing back Eugenio Suárez

After playing with Seattle from 2021-22, Eugenio Suárez's reunion with the Mariners this past summer wasn't exactly a smashing success. While the club came within one win of an American League pennant, Suárez batted just .189 with a .683 OPS in 53 regular-season games after Seattle traded for him on July 31.

Still, Suárez remains a Mariners fan favorite, he hit 36 homers in 106 games with the D-backs before the trade last season, and general manager Justin Hollander said Sunday on MLB Network Radio that the club could bring Suárez back for a third stint in Seattle.

"Certainly a chance," Hollander said. "We've maintained contact with Geno's reps. We love Geno. Geno brings a ton, not just on the field -- the things that people see with the 49 homers, the big moments -- but off the field, his steady presence, great makeup. What he brings to a clubhouse every day, it's really hard to replicate. So we've maintained contact with Geno's reps all winter long."

As of now, the Mariners' 2026 third baseman looks to be either Ben Williamson or Colt Emerson, their No. 1 prospect per MLB Pipeline. However, Suárez could also fit at designated hitter.

The 34-year-old slugger has also been linked to the Red Sox, who want to continue bulking up their offense after acquiring Willson Contreras from the Cardinals on Monday.