Could Marte be moved as 2B market heats up?

We're keeping track of all the latest free agent and trade rumors.

Dec. 10: Market for D-backs' Marte, other top 2Bs heating up (report)

One month after D-backs general manager Mike Hazen indicated that he was willing to listen to trade inquiries for second baseman Ketel Marte, rumors continue to swirl around the three-time All-Star.

According to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, Marte's market is heating up. Heyman reports that the Red Sox, Blue Jays, Mariners, Rays and possibly the Phillies are potential suitors for the 32-year-old. The Reds are also considering a move for Marte, according to The Athletic (subscription required).

Marte was excellent yet again in 2025, hitting 28 home runs with an .893 OPS and 4.6 WAR (per FanGraphs) in 126 games. Since 2023, Marte is a top-15 player by both WAR (15.3) and wRC+ (140), with Marte winning a Silver Slugger Award and making the All-Star Game in each of the past two seasons.

Further adding to Marte's appeal is his affordable contract, which will pay him $91 million over the next five seasons, with an $11.5 million player option after the 2030 season. However, the D-backs are understandably seeking a big package in return for him.

There's another big name on the trade market, too. According to MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi, the chances of a swap involving Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe have increased during the Winter Meetings. In November, Tampa Bay picked up Lowe's $11.5 million club option; he will be a free agent after 2026. Cincinnati is reportedly interested in Lowe, and Morosi said on Wednesday that the Pirates have talked to Tampa Bay about a deal.

Teams that miss out on Marte and Lowe could pursue the Cardinals' Brendan Donovan, another popular trade target. Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (subscription required) reported that the Giants, Mariners, Royals and Pirates are interested in Donovan.

Dec. 10: Mets, Yankees among clubs in on Tucker (report)

Kyle Tucker is attracting "most all" big-market teams in free agency, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman. The Dodgers like the star outfielder, but only on a shorter-term deal, per The Athletic (subscription required). And the Blue Jays had an in-person meeting with Tucker last week.

Those teams, as well as the Orioles, have been joined in the hunt for this year's top free agent by the Mets and Yankees, per Heyman. More >

Dec. 10: Are Padres planning to make a massive trade?

Two years ago, Padres general manager A.J. Preller was at the center of one of the biggest trades completed during the Winter Meetings: Juan Soto and Trent Grisham to the Yankees for five players, including starting pitcher Michael King.

We won't see a trade that kind of headline-stealing trade go down during this week's Meetings in Orlando, right? Well, not so fast. According to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune (subscription required), Preller is "shooting big" in the trade market. Like, really big.

Acee reported on Monday that the Padres are "working multiple fronts" to consummate a deal that would rival that huge Soto swap. "Another source said Preller’s plans coming to fruition would make the deals he made at the past two Trade Deadlines pale in comparison," Acee wrote.

As a reminder, Preller has acquired top relievers such as Tanner Scott, Jason Adam and Mason Miller ahead of the past two Trade Deadlines. Miller and many of the Padres' other key relievers -- Adrian Morejon, Jeremiah Estrada and David Morgan -- have been the subject of some trade chatter, Acee reported on Tuesday (subscription required). However, he added that the Padres "do not seem inclined to deal from their strength."

San Diego is also listening to trade offers for ace starter Nick Pivetta and infielder Jake Cronenworth, per Dennis Lin of The Athletic (subscription required). However, Acee reports that a Pivetta trade "would only be executed if it were part of what one source termed a “blockbuster” that netted multiple Major League players."

Lin reported that executives around the sport believe that the Padres will eventually have to consider trading big-ticket players such as Fernando Tatis, Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts, who will combine to make more than $90 million in 2027. However, all three have full no-trade clauses, and the Padres are planning to hold onto them "for the foreseeable future," per Lin.

Dec. 10: Brenton Doyle drawing trade interest (report)

Rockies outfielder Brenton Doyle is drawing "widespread" trade interest, according to a report from Ari Alexander of WHDH 7News in Boston. Alexander notes that the Padres, Phillies, Mets, and Yankees are among the teams to have called Colorado about Doyle.

A two-time Gold Glove Award winner in center field, Doyle broke onto the scene in 2024. He hit 23 home runs with 30 stolen bases and was worth 3.6 WAR (per FanGraphs). While his defense remained elite in 2025, he took a step backwards at the plate, posting a 72 OPS+.

It's also notable that Doyle is a right-handed hitting outfielder, because, as MLB.com's Mike Petriello wrote earlier this week, it has never been harder to find a good right-handed hitting outfielder. Doyle fit that bill in 2024, and it's not unreasonable to expect a bounce-back season in 2026. He'll turn 28 years old in May.

Dec. 9: Orioles seeking big splash in free agency or trade after falling short on Schwarber

The Orioles are one of the most interesting teams to watch in the wake of Kyle Schwarber’s decision to return to the Phillies. According to a report from The Athletic (subscription required), the O’s offer to Schwarber matched the one he accepted from Philadelphia (five years, $150 million).

With money to spend and a desire to return to contention in a hurry after a disappointing 2025 season, Baltimore is expected to stay aggressive in the free-agent market.

Per The Athletic's report, the club has been “involved in discussions for virtually every player at the top of the market this offseason, other than infielders Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette, neither of whom would fill a need.”

Among the players the Orioles are reportedly considering in free agency: outfielder Kyle Tucker, first baseman Pete Alonso, starter Framber Valdez and closer Robert Suarez, according to The Athletic. There was also a report from MLB Network insider Jon Heyman tying Baltimore to starter Ranger Suárez on Monday.

The Orioles are also considered one of the teams interested in trading for Marlins starter Edward Cabrera, as reported by The Athletic (subscription required) on Tuesday. MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi reported that the O's have had "steady communication" with the Nationals about lefty starter MacKenzie Gore. Any deal for Gore would be the first trade between the two franchises since an October 2001 swap sending Hall of Famer Tim Raines to Baltimore from the Montreal Expos.

Baltimore has already been busy this offseason, trading for outfielder Taylor Ward and signing both reliever Ryan Helsley and outfielder Leody Taveras.

Dec. 9: Could Red Sox swing a deal for a star infielder?

The Red Sox are apparently leaving no stone unturned as they try to find ways to augment their offense. Already linked to free-agent sluggers Pete Alonso and Bo Bichette, Boston is one of the many clubs involved in trade talks for D-backs second baseman Ketel Marte. The Red Sox have also discussed trades for Rangers shortstop Corey Seager and Cardinals second baseman/outfielder Brendan Donovan, Tim Healey and Alex Speier of the Boston Globe reported (subscription required).

Seager, signed by the Rangers through 2031, does not seem like an especially likely trade candidate, but the five-time All-Star and two-time World Series MVP would be a huge addition to any lineup. A Donovan deal appears more plausible: At the Winter Meetings, Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom acknowledged St. Louis has been engaged in trade talks regarding Donovan.

Boston is also showing interest in a couple of third basemen -- free agent Eugenio Suárez and the Astros' Isaac Paredes. Speier reported on the Red Sox's connection to Suárez, and The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal (subscription required) wrote about Boston's interest in trading for Paredes. Although re-signing Alex Bregman remains the club's top priority, Suárez or Paredes could be a possible backup plan. And if Bregman does return, Boston could use either player at first base.

Rosenthal reports that the asking price for Paredes "likely would be steep." Houston, which is trying to acquire controllable starting pitchers, is specifically interested in one of the Red Sox’s two young left-handers, Payton Tolle or Connelly Early. Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said Monday that he is open to trading some of Boston's pitching depth to upgrade the team elsewhere.

“I think teams have recognized there’s appeal to controllable starting pitching," Breslow said. "If there are opportunities to use some of that depth in order to address other areas of the roster, we’d be willing to do it.”

Suárez, 34, launched 49 home runs split between the D-backs and Mariners in 2025, the fifth-most homers in MLB. He has hit at least 30 dingers in six of the past seven non-shortened seasons.

Paredes, who will be a free agent following the 2027 season, hit 20 homers and had a 123 OPS+ in 102 games with the Astros this past season. He missed almost all of the second half of the year after suffering a severe right hamstring strain in mid-July. But considering how often he pulls the ball in the air from the right side of the plate, the 26-year-old could be a good fit at Fenway Park.

Dec. 9: Will Dodgers go after Tucker? Don't rule it out (report)

Even after agreeing on a deal to add closer Edwin Díaz to their star-studded roster, the Dodgers might not be done chasing top-flight free agents. According to Ken Rosenthal and Katie Woo of The Athletic (subscription required), Los Angeles could still pursue outfielder Kyle Tucker, the offseason's top free agent.

Rosenthal and Woo reported that the Dodgers likely wouldn't offer Tucker a long-term deal for six or seven years, with a three- or four-year contract more of a possibility. Regardless, Los Angeles -- coming off back-to-back World Series titles -- doesn't seem to be content after signing Díaz to a three-year deal worth a reported $69 million.

Inking Tucker is far from a certainty (MLB.com's Mark Feinsand wrote that he would be “surprised” if either Tucker or Cody Bellinger signed with Los Angeles) but adding a top free-agent bat still appears to be a priority for the Dodgers. MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi reported on Tuesday morning -- before news of the Díaz deal broke -- that Los Angeles is among the clubs interested in shortstop Bo Bichette.

Dec. 9: Cubs had video meeting with Bregman (report)

The Cubs reportedly made a four-year offer to Alex Bregman last offseason before he ultimately signed with the Red Sox, and it seems they are back in the mix for the third baseman.

The Athletic (subscription required) recently reported that the North Siders were showing "renewed interest" in the three-time All-Star, and on Tuesday, FanSided's Robert Murray reported that the Cubs had a Zoom meeting with Bregman several weeks ago. Murray hears that Bregman has had "several" Zoom meetings with other teams. More >

Dec. 9: Trade talks for Edward Cabrera heating up (report)

There are plenty of quality starting pitchers available in free agency this offseason but the trade market could feature plenty of intriguing options, too.

One of those trade options is Marlins starter Edward Cabrera. According to a report by The Athletic (subscription required) on Tuesday, the Marlins are progressing in efforts to trade Cabrera, with the Orioles being one of the teams interested in the 27-year-old right-hander.

Cabrera had a 3.53 ERA and 150 strikeouts in 137 2/3 innings this past season for the Marlins. Cabrera is under club control for three more seasons, which would make him both a fascinating short- and long-term option for other teams. To that point, The Athletic reports that the asking price for Cabrera is high, with some teams believing it'll be too high for him to ultimately be traded.

If Cabrera is indeed available, there should be no shortage of interested suitors. Cabrera has struggled at times with inconsistency and injuries in the past, but the talent is off the chart and he's coming off his best season in the Majors.

Dec. 9: Mets may be hesitant to go more than 3 years for Alonso (sources)

The Mets were dealt multiple blows in free agency on Tuesday, with two of their reported targets -- designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (Phillies) and closer Edwin Díaz (Dodgers) -- heading elsewhere.

Although it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Mets zero in on Pete Alonso now that those other players are no longer in play, sources told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand that the team may be hesitant to go more than three years with the first baseman. More >

Dec. 9: Could Tigers go after this Gold Glove shortstop?

The Tigers have been linked to three-time All-Star Alex Bregman in free agency, but according to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, their interest in Bregman is currently "lukewarm." Rather than spend top dollar on Bregman, Detroit could pivot to another free-agent infielder: shortstop Ha-Seong Kim.

Petzold reported that the Tigers have expressed interest in Kim, who declined a $16 million player option with the Braves. The 2023 National League Gold Glove winner as a utility man, Kim signed a two-year, $29 million deal with the Rays before the 2025 season but was claimed off waivers by Atlanta on Sept. 1. Kim's decision to decline his option indicates he is interested in a multiyear deal, which the Tigers could offer if they choose not to pursue Bregman.

Trey Sweeney, Javier Báez and Zach McKinstry split time at shortstop for Detroit in 2025, with McKinstry serving as the Tigers' primary third baseman. Kim has spent the most time at shortstop in his career but is also capable of playing second or third base, although second baseman Gleyber Torres accepted the Tigers' qualifying offer for 2026.

Dec. 9: How will Schwarber's deal impact market?

The first big domino of the Winter Meetings has fallen, with Kyle Schwarber reaching a five-year, $150 million deal to return to the Phillies on Tuesday.

With Schwarber off the board, the focus now turns to the top position players left on the market -- Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette, Alex Bregman, Pete Alonso and Cody Bellinger -- not to mention some of the clubs that fell short in the Schwarber sweepstakes. The Mets, Reds, Red Sox, Pirates and Orioles were the other teams reported to be in the mix for Schwarber.

Read more on the potential impact of the Schwarber deal from MLB.com's Mark Feinsand here.

Dec. 9: What’s next for the relief market after Díaz joins LA?

The best pitcher in a stacked class of free-agent relievers has found a new home.

On Tuesday, closer Edwin Díaz agreed to a three-year, $69 million deal with the world champion Dodgers, a source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. While there are plenty of quality bullpen arms remaining, one stands out above the rest: Robert Suarez.

The former Padres closer had been linked to the Dodgers, but with Los Angeles now ostensibly out of the picture, two of his biggest suitors, per MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi, are Díaz’s former club (the Mets) and the American League champion Blue Jays. MLB.com's Mark Feinsand adds that the Braves are also pursuing Suarez aggressively.

Toronto, besides being in the market for Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker, has been on the hunt for bullpen upgrades and is also interested in Pete Fairbanks, who has spent the past seven seasons with the Rays. Fairbanks has a robust market right now, with the Marlins, D-backs, White Sox and Tigers all reportedly in the mix for him as well.

For the teams that miss out on Suarez and Fairbanks, the free-agent crop of relievers also includes closers such as Kenley Jansen, Tyler Rogers, Luke Weaver and more.

Dec. 9: Mets open to trading 2025 All-Star Peterson (report)

Teams are showing interest in Mets left-handed starter David Peterson, and New York is open to trading him if it can find the right fit, according to The Athletic (subscription required).

The Mets need a frontline starting pitcher, and although Peterson was a first-time All-Star this past season and their best starter for most of the year, he could help fill the Mets’ current holes in the outfield, at first base and in the bullpen. The 30-year-old southpaw is slated to be a free agent following the 2026 season.

After producing a 2.90 ERA over 21 starts in 2024, Peterson carried a 2.83 ERA and a 3.38 FIP through the first four months of the ‘25 campaign. He allowed 41 earned runs over his final 47 2/3 innings (10 starts), but that stretch also came with a 3.74 FIP, indicating that he might have been the victim of some bad luck.

Dec. 9: At least 5 clubs reportedly interested in Fairbanks

Pete Fairbanks isn’t the top closer available in free agency this year, but he may be the most popular late-inning reliever still on the market. Here’s a quick recap of the teams that have been connected to the right-hander, who turns 32 on Dec. 16.

– A source confirmed to MLB.com's Scott Merkin on Monday that the White Sox have "preliminary interest" in Fairbanks.

-- Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reported earlier this month that the D-backs and Fairbanks “have been engaged in discussions.”

-- The Marlins and Tigers are in on Fairbanks, according to MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi. The same goes for the Blue Jays, per The Athletic (subscription required).

In seven Major League seasons, Fairbanks owns a 3.19 ERA and a 30% strikeout rate, though the K rate has been down significantly the past two seasons. In 2025, the right-hander posted a 2.83 ERA with 27 saves for the Rays.

Dec. 9: After missing out on Schwarber, Pirates expected to make offer to Polanco (source)

The Pirates gave it a shot. They offered Kyle Schwarber a four-year, $125 million contract, a source told MLB.com's Alex Stumpf. But ultimately, Schwarber reunited with the Phillies on a five-year, $150 million pact.

So, the Bucs have to look elsewhere to accomplish their stated goal of improving their offense. One target is free-agent designated hitter/infielder Jorge Polanco. Per Stumpf, the Pirates are expected to make a contract offer to Polanco soon.

The switch-hitter is coming off a rebound season with the Mariners. After injuries hampered his production in 2024, Polanco hit 26 homers and had an .821 OPS over 471 at-bats in '25. A longtime middle infielder with Minnesota and Seattle, the 32-year-old Polanco spent 89 of his 138 games last season at DH.

Dec. 9: Longtime closer Jansen drawing interest from multiple teams (report)

Next season will be Kenley Jansen’s 17th in the Majors. He is 24 saves away from 500 and just three away from leaping over Lee Smith for third place on the all-time saves list. With which team might he reach those milestones in 2026?

According to Ari Alexander WHDH 7News in Boston, the Tigers are interested in the 38-year-old closer, and the Angels have “checked in” with him about a possible reunion.

Jansen spent the 2025 season with the Angels and recorded a 2.59 ERA and 29 saves in 30 opportunities. He has notched at least 25 saves in 13 of the past 14 seasons, with the only outlier being the shortened 2020 season, when he had 11 saves.

However, Jansen’s 24.4% strikeout rate last season was a career worst, and his 44.6% hard-hit rate was a career high. Jansen also benefited from an extremely low (and likely unrepeatable) .195 BABIP.

Dec. 8: Valdez met with Giants, Mets and Orioles at GM Meetings (report)

According MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi, the Giants, Mets and Orioles met with Framber Valdez at last month's GM Meetings. With Dylan Cease off the board after signing with the Blue Jays, Valdez -- who owns a career 3.36 ERA in 1,080 2/3 career innings -- has a good argument for being the top available starting pitcher.

In regards to San Francisco, there has been mixed reporting on whether the Giants will target high-level starters such as Valdez or if they will look for lower-priced free-agent options. Buster Olney of ESPN and Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic (subscription required) have each reported that San Francisco appears to be targeting lower-priced free-agent options rather than the likes of lefties Valdez and Ranger Suárez or Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai. Morosi, meanwhile, reported that the Giants are active on multiple free-agent starters and are "in a good position" to land an upper-tier free agent. The Giants could also be a player in the trade market, with top prospect Bryce Eldridge potentially being an option in a trade, according to Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle (subscription required).

It is also worth questioning whether the Mets will give Valdez -- or any of the top starting pitchers on the open market -- the type of deal they are searching for. Although a true ace is the Mets' biggest need entering this week's Winter Meetings, the team is reluctant to offer a long-term contract to any of this year's best free-agent starters, according to The Athletic's Will Sammon (subscription required). The Mets would reportedly prefer to add to their rotation with someone on a shorter-term contract.

Dec. 8: Cubs among teams showing interest in Japanese star Imai (report)

Could the Cubs add another Japanese star to a roster that already features slugger Seiya Suzuki and pitcher Shota Imanaga? It appears Chicago is going to try. According to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, the Cubs have expressed interest in pitcher Tatsuya Imai, one of the top starters available on the free-agent market.

Imai, 27, has until Jan. 2 to sign with a Major League club. His market appears to be wide open: The Orioles have reportedly shown interest in Imai, and teams like the Mets, Red Sox and Yankees have also been linked to the right-hander.

The Cubs have been linked to starters like Zac Gallen and Michael King, so it stands to reason they could be willing to pursue Imai, who is likely due for a contract over $100 million. Since outfielder Kyle Tucker "probably won't" return to Chicago, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, the North Siders have money to spend.

Dec. 8: Alonso to have in-person meetings with Red Sox, Orioles (source)

Much of the baseball world has gathered in Orlando for this week's Winter Meetings. Executives, managers, reporters, analysts -- they are all there. And soon, Pete Alonso will be, too.

Alonso will drive up from his residence in Tampa on Tuesday to hold in-person talks at the Meetings with interested suitors, a source told MLB.com's Anthony DiComo on Monday. That includes the Red Sox and the Orioles. More >

Dec. 8: King appears to be Mets’ top rotation target

The Mets recently met with free-agent right-hander Michael King via Zoom, a source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, who notes that King appears to be the Mets' top rotation target.

While the Mets already addressed the bullpen by signing Devin Williams to a three-year deal, they haven't yet done so with the starting rotation.

King missed significant time last season due to knee and shoulder injuries, but he has shown the ability to handle the spotlight in New York after spending five seasons with the Yankees and would likely be amenable to a shorter-term deal.

The latter point is especially important, as the Mets are said to be reluctant to offer a long-term contract to any of this year's best free-agent starters, The Athletic's Will Sammon (subscription required) reports. That could make them an unlikely fit for someone like Framber Valdez. The Mets did meet with Valdez at last month's GM Meetings, per MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi, but that may have just been the club doing its due diligence.

Dec. 8: Yankees showing interest in Gore, Keller, Megill (reports)

The Washington Post (subscription required) is reporting that the Yankees have shown interest in trading for Nationals left-hander MacKenzie Gore. And MLB Network insider Joel Sherman writes in an article for the New York Post (subscription required) that the Yanks are also interested in free-agent right-hander Brad Keller.

In another New York Post article, Sherman reports that the Yankees -- as well as the Mets and several other clubs -- are also looking at Brewers reliever Trevor Megill as a possible trade target to bolster the bullpen.

With ace Gerrit Cole and left-hander Carlos Rodón each recovering from elbow surgery, New York will need rotation reinforcements to open the season. And while they have David Bednar at the back end of the 'pen, the Yankees are also looking to add in the relief department.

Gore had a tremendous first half in 2025, posting a 3.02 ERA and 30.5% strikeout rate by the All-Star break. He struggled to a 6.75 ERA after the break, but his raw stuff -- particularly his slider -- and the fact that he's just 26 years old make him a very attractive trade candidate.

Keller, meanwhile, is coming off a breakout campaign with the Cubs. In 68 appearances (one start) for Chicago last season, the right-hander produced career bests in ERA (2.07) and strikeout rate (27.2%) before posting a 1.59 ERA over five postseason appearances.

Keller, 30, has experience both as a starter and a reliever, and Sherman reports that the Yankees are interested in him as a reliever. But given the projected early-season depth issues in the rotation, he could certainly fill in there before being moved to the bullpen.

Megill, who just turned 32, missed some time late last season with a right flexor strain, but overall he was good for Milwaukee, posting a 2.49 ERA with 30 saves in an All-Star campaign. He struck out 31.3% of the batters he faced and in eight career postseason outings, he owns a 1.23 ERA.

Dec. 8: Astros interested in Baz to bolster rotation (report)

According to a report by The Athletic (subscription required), the Astros are considering Houston native Shane Baz as a possible target to address their top priority -- pitching. Baz, 26, was a 12th overall pick by the Pirates in 2017, and made his Major League debut with the Rays in '21. He made only nine MLB starts from 2021-22, and he then underwent Tommy John surgery in September 2022.

After missing all of the 2023 campaign recovering, he made a successful return in '24, when he pitched to a 3.06 ERA over 14 starts for Tampa Bay. Last season, he took a step back, finishing with a 4.87 ERA over 31 starts. Still, he proved to be durable in 2025, and he is just one year removed from a strong performance.

According to the report, the Astros are looking to stay away from paying what it would take to secure a free-agent starter at the top of the market. Framber Valdez, who anchored Houston's rotation the past few seasons, is one of those high-priced free agents. His potential departure leaves a significant gap that needs to be filled, and it seems the Astros are keen on doing so via trade.

And there seems to be no shortage of potential trade partners. MLB.com's Brian McTaggart reports that with the Astros listening on center fielder Jake Meyers, teams including the Dodgers, Reds, Royals and White Sox are expressing interest.

Dec. 8: Nats SS Abrams receiving heavy trade interest (sources)

The Nationals, who traded relief pitcher Jose A. Ferrer to the Mariners on Saturday and have one of the offseason's most popular trade candidates in starter MacKenzie Gore, are "getting pushed aggressively" by teams in trade talks regarding star shortstop CJ Abrams, according to The Athletic's Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal (subscription required).

The Nationals are reportedly open to holding conversations on Abrams, but as with Gore, "the bar is high" for the club to deal the 25-year-old Abrams. Rival executives believe the left-handed ace is far more likely than the shortstop to be traded this offseason, sources told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand.

Abrams had 19 homers, 31 steals and 3.1 FanGraphs WAR this past season and has put up at least 18 homers and 30 steals in each of the past three years. Abrams, who has three years of club control remaining, could be especially attractive to shortstop-needy clubs in a year when that position is thin on game-changing free agents outside of Bo Bichette -- who might garner interest as a second baseman or a third baseman.

However, Abrams has graded out as one of the worst defensive players in baseball over the past three seasons, with a minus-37 OAA and a minus-31 fielding run value.

Dec. 8: Padres reportedly open to trade offers for RHP Pivetta

With Dylan Cease now on the Blue Jays and Michael King a free agent, the Padres' rotation looks pretty thin entering the Winter Meetings. Adding multiple starters is their biggest need this week. But San Diego could still subtract from its current starting staff in a pretty significant way.

According to Dennis Lin of The Athletic (subscription required), the Padres "have shown a willingness to entertain offers" for right-handed ace Nick Pivetta. Granted, a deal is not considered likely, and the team would require a lot in return for the 32-year-old, who had a career-best season in 2025.

Pivetta signed a four-year deal with San Diego prior to this past season, although he has an opt-out available in his contract after the 2026 and '27 campaigns. He ended up logging a 2.87 ERA over 181 2/3 innings. He ranked fifth in the league in pitching run value and finished sixth in the National League Cy Young voting -- his first time receiving votes in his nine years as a big leaguer.

Pivetta looks like San Diego's clear Opening Day starter for next season right now, with Joe Musgrove, Randy Vásquez, JP Sears and others slotting in behind him. However, Lin reports that the Padres could decide to move Pivetta in order to give themselves more payroll flexibility.

Dec. 8: Phillies, Giants, Royals considering OF Bader (reports)

Harrison Bader ended the 2025 season with a two-month stint as a Phillie and put up a strong .301/.361/.463 slash line while playing his characteristically stellar defense in the outfield. The 31-year-old is one of the better mid-range options available to teams looking for outfield help, and at least three clubs are reportedly interested in him: the Phillies, the Giants and Royals.

Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has expressed interest in bringing back Bader. The San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser reported Sunday (subscription required) that Bader “piques the Giants’ interest," while MLB Network insider Jon Heyman has reported on Kansas City's interest in Bader. Royals outfielders produced a 73 wRC+ this past season, the worst mark of any outfield group in MLB.

Kansas City is also going after free-agent outfielders Austin Hays and Mike Yastrzemski, per Heyman. Yastrzemski was acquired by the Royals from San Francisco at last season's Trade Deadline and recorded a 127 wRC+ with nine homers in 50 games.