With spring training just around the corner and just three weeks until pitchers and catchers report, MLB’s offseason is entering its final stretch. But don’t mistake the calendar for a slowdown-there’s still plenty of action on the transaction front.
Big names like Framber Valdez and Cody Bellinger remain unsigned, and teams are still reshaping their rosters. Let’s break down the latest moves and rumors making waves around the league.
Mets Land Luis Robert Jr., Eyeing More Moves
The Mets made a major splash Tuesday night, pulling off a three-player deal with the White Sox that brings All-Star outfielder Luis Robert Jr. to Queens. In return, Chicago receives utilityman Luisangel Acuña and right-handed pitching prospect Truman Pauley.
Robert adds a dynamic power-speed threat to the Mets’ outfield, a player capable of changing the game on both sides of the ball. He’s the kind of centerpiece talent that signals a team isn’t just rebuilding-they’re reloading.
But it doesn’t look like New York is done just yet. According to reports, the Mets are still exploring the market for another outfielder.
While a big-ticket name like Bellinger seems unlikely at this stage, a more affordable option-someone like Austin Hays-could be in play. Hays’ name has been mentioned in connection with multiple clubs this offseason (more on him in a moment), and his right-handed bat would bring balance to a lineup that’s seen major turnover.
The Mets could also look to bolster their rotation. Brewers right-hander Freddy Peralta is a name that’s surfaced as a potential trade target. On paper, he fits the mold: a controllable arm with swing-and-miss stuff who could slot into the middle of the rotation and eat valuable innings.
It’s been a transformative winter in Queens. Along with Robert, the Mets have added Bo Bichette, Marcus Semien, and Jorge Polanco, signaling a clear shift in direction.
At the same time, they’ve said goodbye to franchise fixtures like Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil, Brandon Nimmo, and Edwin Díaz. This isn’t a rebuild-it’s a bold reshaping of the roster, and the Mets aren’t afraid to make big moves to get where they want to go.
Cardinals Checking in on Austin Hays
Speaking of Hays, the veteran outfielder has drawn interest from several teams this offseason, and now the Cardinals are reportedly in the mix.
Hays, 30, spent last season with the Reds, where he slashed .266/.315/.453 with 15 homers and seven steals over 103 games. His offensive profile is solid, but where he really stands out is in his platoon splits. Against left-handed pitching, he’s posted an .819 OPS over his career-a significant jump from his .717 mark against righties.
That makes him a logical fit for a Cardinals roster that leans left-handed in the outfield. With players like Alec Burleson and Lars Nootbaar already in the mix, adding Hays would give manager Oliver Marmol a reliable right-handed option to mix and match, especially in late-game or high-leverage situations.
Beyond the Cardinals, Hays has also been linked to the Yankees, Mets, and other clubs. He may not be a marquee name, but he’s the kind of complementary piece that can quietly make a difference over a 162-game grind.
Twins, Red Sox Swing Minor Trade
In a more under-the-radar move, the Twins and Red Sox completed a trade Wednesday morning that sends infielder Tristan Gray to Minnesota in exchange for minor-league catcher Nate Baez.
Gray, 29, has seen limited big-league action-47 games total, including 30 with the Rays last season-but there’s some intrigue beneath the surface numbers. While his OPS+ sits at 77, his hard-hit rate tells a different story.
At 46.8%, he’s well above league average in making loud contact. That suggests there’s more potential in his bat than his traditional stats might show.
He’ll head into spring training with a chance to compete for infield reps in Minnesota.
As for Baez, the 24-year-old catcher had a solid campaign in 2025, hitting .278/.371/.423 across High-A and Double-A. A former 12th-round pick out of Arizona State, he gives Boston another developmental piece behind the plate-always a valuable commodity in today’s game.
Final Word
With just weeks to go before camps open, teams are still fine-tuning their rosters, and the hot stove hasn’t cooled off just yet. The Mets are pushing hard to reshape their identity, the Cardinals are looking for the right roster balance, and teams like the Twins and Red Sox are staying active on the margins. And with several high-profile free agents still unsigned, don’t be surprised if the next big domino falls sooner rather than later.