MLB Offseason Buzz: Bregman to the Desert? Rays, Cardinals, Pirates in the Thick of the Action
The MLB offseason continues to heat up, and there’s no shortage of intrigue as teams position themselves for 2026. Let’s break down some of the biggest developments around the league - from potential blockbuster moves in Arizona to the Rays’ reshuffling and the Cardinals’ trade spree.
DBacks Dreaming Big with Bregman - But What About Marte?
There’s a scenario brewing in Arizona that could shake up the National League West: the Diamondbacks are exploring the possibility of signing free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman while also keeping star second baseman Ketel Marte. On paper, that’s a dream infield core. Add in Corbin Carroll in right field and Geraldo Perdomo at shortstop, and you’re talking about a quartet that could rival any lineup in baseball.
But here’s the catch - keeping Marte might not be feasible if Bregman lands in the desert.
Arizona owner Ken Kendrick has shown a willingness to stretch the payroll when he believes the team can contend. We’ve seen surprise free-agent splashes from the DBacks before.
But this one would come with a cost. Marte, still productive at 32, could be the trade chip Arizona uses to bolster its rotation - an area that still needs reinforcements if they want to go toe-to-toe with the Dodgers and Braves.
There’s also a timing element here. Marte is on the verge of earning full no-trade protection - that kicks in on the 10th day of the upcoming season, once he hits 10 years of MLB service time, including five straight with the same team.
For now, he only has a limited no-trade clause covering five teams: the A’s, Giants, Yankees, Pirates, and Cardinals. If Arizona wants to move him, this offseason is their window.
Rays Miss Out on Polanco, Pivot to Mullins and Matz
The Tampa Bay Rays made a push for Jorge Polanco, envisioning him as a versatile piece who could rotate between first, second, third, and DH. In classic Rays fashion, they were looking to squeeze maximum value out of every plate appearance - and with roughly 2,800 PAs to go around at those spots, Polanco could’ve been a key cog.
But the New York Mets swooped in with a two-year, $40 million offer that Tampa wasn’t willing to match. The Rays’ depth at those positions - Jonathan Aranda, Yandy Díaz, Brandon Lowe, and Junior Caminero - gives them some flexibility, especially with a mix of lefty and righty bats. Polanco, a switch-hitter, would’ve added another layer of versatility, especially if they moved one of those core guys (Caminero, who mashed 45 homers last season, isn’t going anywhere).
Meanwhile, Pete Fairbanks remains on the free-agent market, and that’s telling. The Rays declined his $11 million club option, opting instead to pay a $1 million buyout and get immediate payroll flexibility. Fairbanks is electric when healthy, but durability has been a concern - last season’s 60 1/3 innings were a career high by a wide margin.
Two other right-handed relievers - Brad Keller (Phillies) and Luke Weaver (Mets) - just signed two-year, $22 million deals, setting the market. Fairbanks, who just turned 32, might not reach the $11 million annual mark he was set to earn in Tampa. The Miami Marlins are reportedly still interested, but any deal will likely come in below that figure.
The Rays have already reallocated some of that payroll space, signing free-agent center fielder Cedric Mullins to a one-year, $7.5 million deal and lefty Steven Matz to a two-year, $15 million contract.
Cardinals Open for Business - and Business is Booming
No team is more active on the trade front right now than the St. Louis Cardinals. They’re fielding calls on a wide range of players, from versatile infielder/outfielder Brendan Donovan and outfielder Lars Nootbaar, to first baseman Willson Contreras, third baseman Nolan Arenado, and lefty reliever Jo Jo Romero.
The Seattle Mariners are reportedly leading the charge for Donovan, while the Los Angeles Dodgers are among the teams interested in Nootbaar.
As for Arenado, his name continues to surface in connection with the Los Angeles Angels, who are reportedly working on a buyout agreement with Anthony Rendon. No trade is imminent, but Arenado’s market will likely crystallize after Alex Bregman and Eugenio Suárez sign their free-agent deals.
Arenado, who turns 35 in April, is under contract for two more years. His former club, the Colorado Rockies, are still on the hook for $5 million of his 2026 salary, which includes $6 million in deferred money.
He’s also owed $15 million in 2027. So while he’s still a premier defender and a respected clubhouse presence, the financials could complicate things.
Kim Bets Big on Himself - Braves Land a Shortstop
Ha-Seong Kim made a bold move this offseason. He turned down a four-year, $48 million offer from the Oakland A’s to sign a one-year, $20 million deal with the Atlanta Braves.
The key factor? Atlanta offered him a shot to play shortstop - a position that typically commands more value in free agency than second base, which is where Oakland had him slotted.
Kim is betting that a strong season at shortstop with a contender like Atlanta will set him up for a bigger payday next winter. He’ll be 31 entering the 2026-27 offseason, and with J.P. Crawford (who’ll be 32) as his main competition at the position, Kim could be the top shortstop available.
Pirates Stay Busy, But Free Agents Keep Saying No
The Pittsburgh Pirates are casting a wide net this winter, looking for ways to inject life into their offense. They’ve explored everything from one-year trade targets like Brandon Lowe and Luis Robert Jr., to free-agent options including Ryan O’Hearn, Marcell Ozuna, and Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto.
But the free-agent market hasn’t been kind to Pittsburgh. Kyle Schwarber already turned them down, and there’s a growing sense that the Pirates may need to lean more heavily on trades - possibly flipping some of their young pitching depth - to land bats under multi-year control.
One insider even coined a term for the Pirates’ current offseason luck: “Pirates-maids” - always the bridesmaid, never the bride.
Final Word
From big swings in Arizona to the Rays’ classic roster chess, and the Cardinals’ trade block lighting up, this offseason has no shortage of storylines. Whether it’s high-stakes bets like Kim’s, or teams like the Pirates trying to break through the free-agent wall, the moves being made now could shape the playoff picture for years to come. Stay tuned - this hot stove isn’t cooling down anytime soon.