The MLB winter conferences are underway in Orlando, Florida, with the baseball trade gathering for an action-packed week of rumors, signings and trades — together with huge splashes by high NL powerhouses with the Philadelphia Phillies bringing again Kyle Schwarber and the Los Angeles Dodgers including high nearer Edwin Diaz.
We have got all of it coated for you, from our predictions going into the conferences to the most recent updates and evaluation because the strikes go down.
Which huge free brokers will choose a workforce? Who can be talked about in blockbuster commerce dialogue? And what rumors will rule the week? Try our predictions and refresh usually for the most recent intel and response because the week unfolds.
Key hyperlinks: Olney, Passan: Newest intel | Each workforce’s plan | FA tracker | Grades
Winter conferences information and rumors
Dec. 9 buzz
Why Marlins, Orioles might be a commerce match
The Marlins are lively in commerce talks with a number of groups for Edward Cabrera, a 27-year-old right-hander who has been thought of the most definitely amongst their controllable starters to be moved, a supply accustomed to the state of affairs stated. At this level, the Orioles are essentially the most superior in these talks, as first reported by The Athletic. If accomplished, it is a super match. The Orioles are in want of a top-of-the-rotation starter and the Marlins are searching for controllable offensive items. — Alden Gonzalez
Will Dodgers make one other free company splash for a star outfielder?
Now that the Dodgers have solved their obtrusive ninth-inning drawback, agreeing to a three-year, $69 million contract with Edwin Diaz, they will shift their focus to including an outfielder. And till he comes off the board, they’re going to proceed to be linked to high free agent Kyle Tucker.
The Dodgers aren’t anticipated to get into the $400 million vary on a long-term deal, however like with Diaz, they’re going to stay on the periphery in case a short-term, high-AAV deal is smart. Which may not be the case for Tucker, who’s 28 and extensively thought of the most effective free agent out there. Another choice is Cody Bellinger, although it stays to be seen whether or not each side are really considering a reunion. Of word: Each of these gamers are hooked up to a qualifying supply, as was Diaz.
Requested Tuesday evening if he might see himself making one other huge free agent signing, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman stated: “I’d say we undoubtedly can. Whether or not that makes essentially the most sense inside the timing of our roster — there’s so many elements that go into it, and any determination you make has a future price. … So, sure we are able to. How probably it’s might be one other query.” — Gonzalez
Why extensions might be coming for A’s core hitters
The Athletics nonetheless have to construct out some depths of their beginning pitching as they intention to develop into sustainable contenders within the leadup to their transfer to Las Vegas, however there’s little doubt they’ve constructed a formidable core of place gamers — and a part of the main target this offseason, along with including dependable arms all through their pitching workers, is holding that core intact.
The A’s prolonged Brent Rooker and Lawrence Butler final offseason, and now they’d like to discover a solution to lock up the likes of Nick Kurtz, Jacob Wilson and Shea Langeliers.
“There is a huge effort there to maintain this group collectively,” A’s supervisor Mark Kotsay stated. “If we have a look at the group previous to this, that you may establish as a bunch that you’d have wished to maneuver ahead with, a bunch that got here collectively in ’17 and ’18 and ’19 — the assets weren’t there to afford to maintain that group collectively. I feel there is a imaginative and prescient and a future right here going ahead with this group that we had been capable of a minimum of get these alternatives out in entrance of those gamers.” — Gonzalez
Will D-backs get sufficient to maneuver Marte?
All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte continues to be the speak of this 12 months’s winter conferences, however the Arizona Diamondbacks are asking a excessive return for the time being, sources accustomed to the market informed ESPN, which falls consistent with what normal supervisor Mike Hazen has communicated publicly — that he is not required to commerce Marte, however he will certainly take into account the precise deal.
The Seattle Mariners, Pittsburgh Pirates, Detroit Tigers, Boston Pink Sox and Toronto Blue Jays are amongst those that have been linked to Marte, although others are certainly concerned. Plenty of groups have proven curiosity, however talks have but to get severe.
The D-backs would ideally land a higher-end beginning pitcher in return — a significant want with Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly most likely departing through free company, and Corbin Burnes spending a minimum of the vast majority of 2026 recovering from Tommy John surgical procedure — and would require main league-ready expertise as a part of any package deal, a supply stated. Provided that his 10-and-5 rights kick in in April, there’s a minimum of some urgency to commerce him this offseason.
D-backs supervisor Torey Lovullo stated he has been in contact with Marte over the offseason and that the point out of his identify so aggressively in rumors “may need caught him unexpectedly a bit bit.”
“However I feel he will get it,” Lovullo added. “I informed him simply what I informed you guys — groups are good. They need actually good gamers. He is among the finest within the Nationwide League. I perceive why groups are making telephone calls on him. He will get that.” — Gonzalez
White Sox have excessive bar for dealing Robert
In his first 31 video games after the All-Star break, Luis Robert Jr. demonstrated what sort of influence he might have, batting to a .298/.352/.456 slash line, clubbing 5 homers and stealing 5 bases. All through Robert’s profession, the speak has been about his doable influence if he ever remained injury-free and within the lineup, and this was an instance of that.
However then Robert received harm, once more, and the Chicago White Sox — with little or no future payroll obligation — picked up his $20 million choice for 2026, within the hope that he might hit that ceiling for an prolonged interval. The White Sox do not intend to commerce Robert till some workforce is prepared to pay for the worth of what he might be at his greatest, reasonably than for a discount value. Some groups have checked on Roberts’ availability, however to this point, no workforce has met Chicago’s excessive bar for a commerce return.
In need of that, the White Sox are prone to preserve Robert into the ’26 season, and possibly past. The workforce holds one other $20 million choice for the ’27 season, a 12 months of membership management that would make Robert look much more engaging in commerce if the 28-year-old is ready to keep on the sector and generate the sort of high-end manufacturing the White Sox loved final summer season. — Buster Olney
Fairbanks drawing a number of curiosity
Pete Fairbanks is a highly regarded participant this offseason. The best-handed reliever has obtained curiosity from a number of golf equipment, together with the Marlins and Blue Jays, sources informed ESPN. Fairbanks, 31, recorded a 2.83 ERA in 61 appearances for the Rays final season. He reached free company after Tampa Bay, in a cost-cutting measure, didn’t choose up his $11 million choice. His damage historical past might be a priority for groups, however he is anticipated to land a two- or three-year deal. — Jorge Castillo
Three groups to observe in commerce talks
Free agent splashes dominated the winter conferences highlight Tuesday morning, however commerce winds proceed to swirl in Orlando. The Boston Pink Sox, Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres are all developing usually as groups that would make a deal quickly. — Jesse Rogers
Might the Blue Jays make one other splash?
The reigning AL champions are nonetheless seeking to spend after a powerful begin to the offseason and will go away the winter conferences with a brand new nearer. Pete Fairbanks and Robert Suarez are two names to observe in Toronto’s reliever search — Rogers
Do not count on a Valdez deal quickly
The highest nearer and one of many high hitters on this free agent class agreed to offers Tuesday, however do not count on to see the most effective out there beginning pitcher come off the board subsequent. The marketplace for right-hander Framber Valdez remains to be growing and he will not be signing with a workforce for some time. — Rogers
Diaz’s take care of Dodgers spices up conferences
Moments after information broke of Kyle Schwarber‘s return to the Phillies, the Los Angeles Dodgers made a significant transfer of their very own in signing high free agent nearer Edwin Diaz. In keeping with ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the deal is for 3 years and $69 million — which units an AAV file for relievers.
The Dodgers had a transparent want within the ninth going into the offseason, irrespective of how a lot they overrated their depth publicly. However many doubted they’d go long run for the highest man in Diaz. A shorter, higher-AAV deal falls proper consistent with their choice. — Gonzalez
Will Schwarber’s return to Phillies warmth up winter conferences?
Slugger Kyle Schwarber and the Philadelphia Phillies are in settlement on a five-year, $150 million contract, sources informed ESPN. Schwarber’s return to Philly takes one of the coveted free brokers of this winter off the board and might be the transfer that sparks a run of motion because the winter conferences roll on.
Dec. 8 buzz
Dodgers eyeing trades — however say Teoscar Hernandez will not be dealt
The Los Angeles Dodgers aren’t anticipated to make main free agent strikes this winter — a minimum of to not the extent of the previous two offseasons — they usually’re definitely speaking like a workforce content material with the place issues stand.
Dodgers normal supervisor Brandon Gomes stated Monday that “there’s not as many clear paths to make the workforce meaningfully higher.”
Earlier, Dodgers supervisor Dave Roberts — acknowledging the workforce’s philosophy final 12 months, that injecting new blood into the roster could be a great way to take care of an edge — stated, “There’s actually no huge splash we really feel must be made, as a result of this workforce remains to be targeted, and there is some discuss a three-peat.”
Nonetheless, sources have stated, the Dodgers will proceed to search for methods to improve their outfield and fortify the again finish of their bullpen, with the commerce market the perfect path. A middle fielder can be supreme for the Dodgers due to how it will fortify the complete outfield’s protection, prompting Andy Pages and his plus arm to maneuver to proper discipline whereas Teoscar Hernandez and his shoddy protection transition to left.
However Gomes praised Pages’ center-field protection, including that it permits the workforce the pliability to pursue any outfielder. Gomes additionally shot down rumors of Hernandez doubtlessly being traded.
“That does not really feel probably,” Gomes stated. “Clearly, you possibly can by no means say by no means on these varieties of issues, however Teo, I do know that is come up. That is not one thing we anticipate in any respect.” — Gonzalez
Groups checking in on former All-Star Willi Castro
The Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates and Colorado Rockies are among the many groups considering signing utility man Willi Castro, sources informed ESPN. Castro, 28, was an All-Star in 2024 after a powerful first half with the Minnesota Twins, however he regressed by the second half and into the 2025 season.
The switch-hitter slashed .245/.335/.407 with the Twins in 2025 earlier than he was despatched to the Chicago Cubs on the commerce deadline. He struggled in Chicago, batting simply .170 with one house run and a .485 OPS in 34 video games and didn’t have a plate look within the postseason.
Superior metrics point out Castro additionally regressed defensively in 2025, dropping from 0 to minus-9 outs above common, however he is a flexible defender who performed second base, third base, shortstop and all three outfield spots. — Castillo
Padres holding trio in bullpen, want beginning pitchers
In his winter conferences availability, San Diego Padres supervisor Craig Stammen stated the workforce will preserve Mason Miller, Adrian Morejon and David Morgan within the bullpen reasonably than changing them to starters.
“It is a dangerous proposition health-wise and performance-wise,” Stammen stated.
So, the Padres are very a lot out there for starters. — Gonzalez
What is going to Tigers do with Skubal?
The Detroit Tigers proceed to have commerce dialogue with different groups about two-time American League Cy Younger winner Tarik Skubal. At its coronary heart, Detroit’s alternative about whether or not to swap Skubal now — earlier than he reaches free company subsequent fall — comes right down to this query: Will proprietor Chris Ilitch and the workforce’s entrance workplace place extra on the chance to win in 2026, or will they place a better worth on the extraordinary assortment of younger gamers they’d presumably purchase in a Skubal deal?
What complicates this determination is that the Tigers reside within the extremely winnable AL Central. The theoretical path to the World Sequence might be simpler than it will be to return out of the AL East, with all of its monetary monsters, or the AL West, the place the Mariners are poised to be a formidable drive for years to return. Regardless of a late-season collapse, the Tigers had been nonetheless only a run away from taking part in for the AL championship two months in the past.
If the Tigers determine to maintain Skubal, they must be at peace with the truth that they’re going to recoup only a fraction of Skubal’s present worth when and if he departs as a free agent — by draft choose compensation. That is the a part of the market equation that has compelled the Guardians to flip the likes of CC Sabathia, Cliff Lee or Francisco Lindor in previous trades, and why the Brewers dealt Corbin Burnes earlier than the 2024 season. — Olney
Which Marlins beginning pitcher can be traded?
Sandy Alcantara is an extended shot to be traded at this level, as is teammate Eury Perez, the 22-year-old right-hander whom Miami Marlins would like to signal to an extension. The most definitely Marlins starter to get traded, a supply accustomed to the workforce’s pondering stated, is Edward Cabrera, who’s out of choices and can be controllable for 3 years.
Cabrera, 27, posted a 3.53 ERA with 150 strikeouts and 48 walks in 137⅔ innings in 2025. The Marlins would love to make use of Cabrera — and doubtlessly fellow starter Ryan Weathers, who’s coming off an damage plagued season — to deal with their offensive wants, primarily at first base.
Cabrera, although, is amongst a deep crop of obtainable beginning pitchers this offseason, alongside the likes of Freddy Peralta, Kris Bubic, Mitch Keller, Joe Ryan, Hunter Greene and, most notably, Tarik Skubal. Peralta, Ryan, Greene and Skubal will most definitely keep put, however they’re nonetheless in commerce talks. — Gonzalez
How far will the Phillies go to maintain Schwarber?
Plenty of the trade is ready on Kyle Schwarber‘s free agent determination. He has each huge and small market groups chasing him however most essential can be what he hears from the Philadelphia Phillies, and that may come as quickly as Monday or Tuesday. Will they match any supply? Will Schwarber take rather less to remain in Philadelphia? These questions ought to be answered quickly. — Rogers
King’s suitors beginning to take form
Free agent pitcher Michael King has a half dozen suitors, together with the New York Yankees, Boston Pink Sox, New York Mets and Chicago Cubs, however his market hasn’t fully materialized but. — Rogers
Polanco might decide quickly
Free agent second baseman Jorge Polanco, coming off a powerful 2025 season with the Seattle Mariners, is anticipated to signal with a workforce throughout the winter conferences. — Rogers
Winter conferences predictions
Who would be the greatest identify to signal (or get traded) in Orlando?
Jorge Castillo: I root for motion on the winter conferences, so let’s choose the most important identify on the free agent market: Kyle Tucker. There aren’t many suitors that, whether or not it is for match or monetary causes, are within the combine, however there’s nonetheless curiosity for an ultra-talented participant who can alter the championship panorama. And it begins with Toronto.
The Blue Jays whiffed on the brightest stars of the previous two free agent courses — Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto — and Rogers Communications nonetheless has cash to spend after investing $500 million in Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in April and one other $210 million lately in free agent starter Dylan Stop. Tucker visited the Blue Jays’ facility in Florida final week. Pairing the left-handed-hitting outfielder with the right-handed-hitting Guerrero would give Toronto a scary tandem for years.
Bradford Doolittle: The inclusion of Byron Buxton on our commerce candidates rating took me aback, principally as a result of Buxton has been insistent that he’ll stay a Twin. It is stunning that he is prepared to waive his no-trade clause, however Buxton is 31, and the Twins do not appear all-in on profitable. A number of main contenders might use a bump in heart discipline — the Houston Astros and New York Mets soar out as clear suits — and if the Twins are heading down this highway, dealing Buxton quickly would begin these dominoes to fall.
Alden Gonzalez: A recreation of hen could be brewing for the time being. On one aspect it is Cody Bellinger, represented by the Boras Company. On the opposite it is Tucker, whose free company is overseen by Excel Sports activities Administration. They’re arguably the 2 greatest names out there, each of them versatile, multi-dimensional, dynamic outfielders, their markets naturally intertwined. And I feel Bellinger goes first.
His value level — ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel predicts a six-year, $165 million contract — is extra cheap, and his listing of suitors is seemingly extra strong due to it. The New York Yankees need him again. The Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets are all a match, to various levels. Given Bellinger’s means to additionally play first base, different groups will undoubtedly emerge. Leaping on Bellinger earlier than Tucker comes off the board and additional inflates his market can be good. And one workforce will achieve this this week.
Jesse Rogers: Ranger Suarez. Scott Boras purchasers often take longer to return off the board, however not all of them can wait till the brand new 12 months. Suarez is not observing a megadeal, so checking him off the free agent listing by late subsequent week appears greater than believable.
The chatter surrounding the left-hander’s free company from potential suitors such because the Astros, Mets, Orioles and others is selecting up. He is in line for a minimum of a strong four-year deal — and if a workforce affords 5 and even six, it will probably land him.
What’s one transfer followers won’t count on you to foretell will go down this week?
Castillo: Pete Alonso will most likely wait till Kyle Schwarber decides on his vacation spot, however I predict Alonso will signal with the Pink Sox. Craig Breslow, Boston’s chief baseball officer, has been clear about his want to amass a right-handed slugger for the center of the order. Not many gamers are higher certified for that position than the right-handed-hitting Alonso, whose 264 house runs since his debut in 2019 are the third most in baseball behind Aaron Choose and Schwarber.
Alonso is coming off a rebound All-Star season by which he clubbed 38 house runs with 126 RBIs, an NL-leading 41 doubles and an .871 OPS for the Mets. Defensively, Alonso is under common, however he might cut up time with Triston Casas at first base and designated hitter.
The Mets, then again, are decided to enhance their protection and would seemingly be in play for Alonso provided that his market collapses for the second straight offseason.
Doolittle: Perhaps it is as a result of I’m overly prone to rumors that tickle my penchant for anti-Wolfean narratives, however I will say Schwarber will signal along with his hometown Cincinnati Reds. It is such an ideal match, and never simply due to Schwarber’s ties to Cincinnati. The Reds have an actual probability to contend within the NL Central with the precise improve on offense. And what an improve — Schwarber’s swing is ideal for Nice American Ballpark, which has featured extra homers from visiting lefty hitters over the previous 5 years than every other venue (together with 96 greater than Residents Financial institution Park). Even at 32, give Schwarber 5 wholesome seasons at that park and he’ll attain 500 profession bombs.
Gonzalez: This 12 months’s market appears particularly ripe for trades, and I feel we’ll see some big-name beginning pitchers dealt throughout the winter conferences. Who, precisely, is anyone’s guess at this level, however there are a bevy of names to select from, whether or not it is two of the Miami Marlins‘ frontline guys (Sandy Alcantara and Edward Cabrera), three regular veterans (Freddy Peralta, Luis Castillo and Pablo Lopez), two budding aces (Joe Ryan and MacKenzie Gore) or two Cy Younger-caliber arms who’re unlikely to maneuver however are fascinating nonetheless (Tarik Skubal and Hunter Greene). All eyes can be on the massive free brokers this week, however the commerce market will dominate. And the beginning pitchers can be featured in it.
Rogers: How a couple of daring one: Nick Castellanos will get traded. Maybe it will not land as the most important of surprises, contemplating how issues went down in Philadelphia final 12 months, however a deal would additional present that the Phillies are turning issues over a bit as they proceed to chase a hoop.
Castellanos might be the proper match for Pittsburgh, which is determined for hitting. In a latest interview on MLB Community, Castellanos mentioned the concept of taking part in first base. That opens the door to much more prospects outdoors of Philadelphia.
What’s the one rumor that can dominate the week?
Castillo: Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte, if moved, can be the most effective place participant to maneuver this offseason — Tucker and Schwarber included. So the truth that he’s out there will undoubtedly generate rumors all week.
First, Marte produces. His 15.3 WAR over the previous three seasons is thirteenth within the majors. He has made the NL All-Star workforce every of the previous two seasons. He completed third within the NL MVP race in 2024. He owns a .289/.363/.510 slash line since 2019. Second, his economical contract — he has 5 years and $91 million plus a sixth-year participant choice at $11.5 million remaining — solely provides to the attract and makes him palpable for a number of golf equipment. Marte is 32 and drew nameless criticism from teammates for his conduct final season, however a participant of his caliber will draw substantial curiosity.
Doolittle: One thing about Tucker? It would not really feel like there have been many concrete reviews concerning Tucker’s doable vacation spot, however he is the highest free agent, so the rumor mill is extra prone to deal with his wanderings than anybody else till he indicators. Information about him will choose up in Orlando.
Gonzalez: There isn’t a greater identify on the commerce market than Skubal. On one finish, he’s beloved in Detroit, the place he has established himself as the kind of cornerstone who ought to by no means pitch wherever else. On the opposite is the chilly actuality — that he’s a Boras consumer who would command the varieties of sums within the open market that the Tigers are both unwilling or unable to pay him. And although the Tigers intend to contend in 2026 and would undoubtedly have a greater probability of doing so with Skubal fronting their rotation, it will be silly to not a minimum of discover a commerce and try to get main expertise again in return. It is the accountable factor to do — and but Tigers followers have each proper to be enraged about this even being a chance.
Rogers: The place Kyle Schwarber will play in 2026 and past. His subsequent contract ought to be within the $150 million vary, although if a brand new workforce steps up and is prepared to pay huge time for not solely his energy however his management, then all bets are off. However as intriguing as a smaller market could be, the Phillies want him as a lot as anybody throughout their present window to win. His return there is not a assure, however it nonetheless makes essentially the most sense.
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