As we turn the page into December, the MLB offseason is heating up - and it’s not just the usual suspects making waves. From a top-tier NPB arm entering the mix to big-name bullpen moves and front-office budget puzzles, here are three storylines to keep an eye on as the Hot Stove starts to simmer.
1. Tatsuya Imai Enters the MLB Free Agent Pool
The international market just got a whole lot more interesting.
Tatsuya Imai, a 28-year-old right-hander from Nippon Professional Baseball, is officially posted and on his way to the U.S. to meet with MLB teams. And make no mistake - this isn’t just another international flyer.
Imai is coming off a dominant season in Japan, where he posted a 1.92 ERA over 163 2/3 innings. That kind of production, paired with a lively fastball and a frame built for innings, puts him squarely in the conversation as one of the most intriguing starting pitchers available this winter.
What makes Imai particularly appealing is the combination of age, upside, and track record. He’s not a short-term, back-end option - he’s a potential mid-rotation anchor with room to grow. Teams looking to solidify their rotation without diving into the deep end of the free agent pool could find Imai’s profile very attractive.
He’s expected to begin meeting with clubs in early December, and while some NPB players wait until the end of their posting window to make a decision (his runs through Jan. 2), an early signing isn’t out of the question. For teams that want to get ahead of the market, this could be a rare opportunity to lock in a high-upside arm before the rest of the dominoes start to fall.
2. Orioles Make a Bullpen Splash - But What’s Next?
Baltimore didn’t waste any time addressing a major need in the bullpen.
With All-Star closer Félix Bautista set to miss 2026, the Orioles moved quickly to land Ryan Helsley on a two-year, $28 million deal. Helsley, who gets an opt-out after 2026, brings high-leverage experience and elite stuff to the back end of the O’s bullpen. He’ll take over closing duties, joining Andrew Kittredge and Keegan Akin in what’s shaping up to be a solid late-inning trio.
The move signals that Baltimore isn’t content to sit back this winter - but it also highlights what’s still missing.
The Orioles’ rotation struggled mightily last season without Corbin Burnes leading the charge. Kyle Bradish and Trevor Rogers give them a decent foundation, but if this team wants to make a serious push in 2026, they’ll need to add at least one more top-tier starter.
Whether that comes via free agency or trade remains to be seen, but the urgency is real. The bullpen is coming together.
Now it’s time to address the front of the rotation.
3. Red Sox Ambitions Meet Budget Reality
Boston’s offseason started with a splash when they added Sonny Gray to the rotation. That move signaled intent - the Red Sox want to compete. And based on the names they’ve been linked to - Kyle Schwarber, Pete Alonso, Alex Bregman - it’s clear they’re eyeing big bats to complement the pitching upgrade.
But there’s a catch.
Despite the aggressive rumors, recent reports suggest the Red Sox are keeping a close eye on their payroll. Specifically, they may be reluctant to push past the first luxury tax threshold, which would leave them with only about $21 million in wiggle room. That’s not nothing, but it’s also not quite enough to land multiple marquee hitters without some creative maneuvering.
So what does that mean for Boston’s path forward?
Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow may need to get resourceful. That could mean targeting lower-cost bats via trade, or shedding salary elsewhere to make room for one big signing.
Either way, the front office has some tough decisions ahead. The intent to improve is there - but the financial flexibility might not be.
Bottom Line
December is when the offseason really starts to take shape, and already we’re seeing key moves and major decisions on the horizon. Whether it’s Imai’s MLB arrival, the Orioles’ evolving roster, or the Red Sox trying to balance ambition with budget, the next few weeks will be pivotal. Buckle up - the Hot Stove is just getting started.