The MLB offseason is finally starting to sizzle. After a slow start, we’ve seen some serious movement: Bo Bichette to the Mets, Alex Bregman heading to the Cubs, Ranger Suárez signing with the Red Sox, and Kyle Tucker joining the Dodgers.
Even Nolan Arenado found a new home in Arizona. But the stove isn’t done cooking yet.
There’s still plenty of intrigue surrounding some big-name free agents and potential late-offseason moves. Let’s dig into the latest buzz around the league.
Orioles Eyeing Verlander for Rotation Boost
The Orioles have their sights set on a familiar face - future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander. According to reports, Baltimore is among the clubs showing interest in the 43-year-old right-hander, who spent several seasons with Orioles president of baseball ops Mike Elias during their time together in Houston. That connection could be key if Baltimore decides to make a move.
Verlander may not be the flamethrowing ace he once was, but don’t let the age fool you - he can still get it done. In his final 13 starts last season with the Giants, he posted a 2.60 ERA and a 3.36 FIP, showing he’s still got the command, savvy, and competitiveness to help a contender. The O’s have already added Shane Baz and brought back Zach Eflin this offseason, but there’s room - and arguably a need - for another veteran presence in that rotation.
Baltimore’s interest in Verlander might signal they’re still looking for a high-upside arm, with Verlander serving as a potential fallback. Either way, adding a pitcher with his pedigree would bring a level of postseason experience and leadership that could be invaluable to a young, talented Orioles roster looking to take the next step.
Reds Tried to Lock Up De La Cruz Early
Here’s a big one out of Cincinnati: the Reds reportedly offered Elly De La Cruz what would’ve been the largest contract in franchise history last spring. That’s according to GM Nick Krall, who confirmed the club made the offer during 2025 spring training but didn’t get any traction after that.
That’s a bold move for a player with less than two years of service time, but it tells you everything you need to know about how the Reds view De La Cruz - not just as a star, but as the cornerstone of their future. For context, the biggest deal in Reds history is Joey Votto’s 10-year, $225 million extension from 2012. So whatever number the Reds put in front of De La Cruz, it had to be massive.
While the deal didn’t come together, it’s clear Cincinnati was willing to bet big on their electric young shortstop. De La Cruz, a Scott Boras client, won’t be eligible for free agency until after the 2029 season, so the Reds still have time. But this offer shows they were ready to commit long-term - and it’s going to be fascinating to see how this relationship evolves as he continues to develop into one of the league’s most dynamic players.
Diamondbacks Still Hunting for Bullpen Help
The Diamondbacks made a splash trading for Nolan Arenado, but they’re not done yet. GM Mike Hazen says the club is still looking to add a proven late-inning reliever - someone with real experience closing out games.
And they need it. Arizona’s bullpen struggled mightily in 2025, ranking 27th in ERA and 28th in WAR.
So far, the only notable additions are right-handers Taylor Clarke and Jonathan Loáisiga. The latter is coming off a flexor strain and might not be ready for Opening Day, which only adds to the urgency.
Right now, the late-inning mix includes Andrew Saalfrank from the left side, with Kevin Ginkel and Ryan Thompson from the right. That’s a group that showed flashes last year but lacks a true lockdown presence. Hazen acknowledged the challenge of landing a high-leverage arm this late in the offseason, but if Arizona wants to solidify its playoff hopes, this is a hole that still needs patching.
Canning Drawing Interest from Cardinals, Mets
Griffin Canning is quietly becoming one of the more intriguing names left on the market. The right-hander made 16 solid starts for the Mets last season before suffering a torn Achilles on an awkward step off the mound. Despite the injury, he’s expected to be ready around Opening Day - and teams are taking notice.
The Cardinals and Mets are both reportedly in the mix. For St.
Louis, which is early in a rebuild, Canning represents the kind of low-risk, high-upside arm that could eat innings now and potentially be flipped for prospects at the trade deadline. For the Mets, it’s more about depth.
They know Canning well and, even if he’s not a frontline guy, you can never have too much pitching - especially with how unpredictable rotations can be over a 162-game season.
Canning wasn’t ranked among the top 50 free agents this winter, but he’s exactly the kind of under-the-radar signing that can pay dividends if he bounces back healthy.
Final Thoughts
The offseason may have started slow, but things are picking up - and fast. From the Orioles looking to add a veteran anchor in Verlander, to the Reds trying to lock in their franchise star, to the D-backs hunting for bullpen reinforcements, there’s still plenty of movement left before pitchers and catchers report.
Keep an eye on the next few weeks. The stove’s heating up, and there are still a few big moves left to be made.