As the MLB offseason rolls into the holiday stretch, front offices are starting to wind down-but that doesn’t mean the stove’s gone cold just yet. There’s still time for a few last-minute moves before executives trade spreadsheets for stockings. Here’s where things stand across the league, with several big names still in play and a few clubs looking to make a splash before the calendar flips.
Bregman and Bellinger Eyeing Long-Term Paydays
Two of the biggest bats left on the market-Alex Bregman and Cody Bellinger-aren’t looking to settle this time around. After navigating shorter deals in past free agencies, both players are reportedly seeking long-term contracts. Bregman is aiming for a six-year pact, while Bellinger could be pushing for even more.
Bregman, who will turn 32 in March, is coming off a strong year in Boston. Though his deal with the Red Sox was technically a three-year contract, it included opt-outs after each season, giving him flexibility-and he’s using it. Ranked as the No. 2 free agent this winter (trailing only Kyle Tucker), Bregman brings veteran leadership, postseason experience, and a bat that still plays.
Then there’s Bellinger. At 30, he’s put the struggles of his post-MVP years behind him.
After being non-tendered by the Dodgers, he’s bounced back with three straight seasons of above-average production. Last year was his best since that electric 2019 campaign, and he’s now positioned to cash in on his resurgence.
Could the D-backs Land Bregman-and Keep Marte?
The Arizona Diamondbacks are one of the clubs in the mix for Bregman, and the early assumption was that if they landed him, Ketel Marte would be on the move-likely flipped for pitching help. But that might not be the case.
According to reports, Arizona could look to add Bregman without subtracting Marte. That would give them one of the most dynamic infields in the National League and a serious offensive boost as they try to close the gap on the Dodgers in the NL West.
It’s worth noting that the D-backs made a bold move around this time last year by signing Corbin Burnes, a surprise addition that signaled their intent to contend. Unfortunately, Burnes didn’t pitch after June 1 and later underwent Tommy John surgery, putting most-if not all-of his 2026 season in jeopardy. Still, Arizona’s willingness to go big hasn’t changed.
Starting Pitching Market on the Verge of Movement
While the Blue Jays made an early splash by signing Dylan Cease, the rest of the top-tier starting pitching market has been surprisingly quiet. But that silence may not last much longer.
Several high-profile arms are still available, including left-handers Framber Valdez and Ranger Suárez, as well as right-handers Michael King and Tatsuya Imai. According to league chatter, movement could come soon.
Teams reportedly in the mix for frontline starters include the Orioles, Mets, Astros, Yankees, Angels, Padres, and Cubs. The Mets, in particular, are said to be looking at short-term deals, while also shopping Kodai Senga and David Peterson. San Diego is reportedly open to moving Nick Pivetta, likely to create some payroll flexibility.
So while the market has been slow, the demand is very real-and once one domino falls, it could trigger a wave of signings.
What’s Next for Munetaka Murakami?
One of the more intriguing names still unsigned is Munetaka Murakami, the 25-year-old slugger from Japan who set the baseball world ablaze in 2022 when he crushed 56 home runs-breaking Sadaharu Oh’s single-season record for a Japanese-born player in Nippon Professional Baseball.
Since then, Murakami’s performance has dipped a bit. His raw power is undeniable, but swing-and-miss issues have crept in.
He’s posted a strikeout rate north of 28% in three straight seasons-an unusually high number in NPB, where K-rates remain relatively modest. There are also questions about his long-term defensive home.
While he’s played third base, most evaluators see him eventually shifting to first.
Still, his youth and power potential make him one of the most fascinating bets of this free-agent class. Some insiders have floated the idea that Murakami could settle for a short-term deal-perhaps to prove himself at the MLB level before re-entering the market.
Nothing is set in stone, but with his signing deadline looming on December 22 at 5 p.m. ET, a decision is coming soon.
Murakami isn’t the only overseas talent drawing attention this winter. Tatsuya Imai, the right-hander also making the jump from Japan, is another name to watch as teams search for rotation upgrades.
Final Thoughts
There may be fewer headlines this week as teams take a breather for the holidays, but make no mistake-there’s still plenty of action simmering beneath the surface. Between big bats like Bregman and Bellinger, international intrigue with Murakami, and a pitching market ready to burst, the pieces are in place for a busy stretch once the league gets back to business.
Stay tuned. The offseason may be slowing down, but it’s far from over.