With one notable free agent signing already in the books this morning, here are three key storylines we’re tracking across MLB as the offseason market starts to stir.
1. Starting pitching market finally showing signs of life
After weeks of relative quiet, the starting pitching market is beginning to thaw. Over the weekend, we saw two moves that could kickstart a broader wave of activity: Dustin May landed a one-year deal with the Cardinals, and the Diamondbacks brought back Merrill Kelly on a two-year, $40 million pact. These aren’t blockbuster moves, but they’re meaningful signals that clubs are ready to get serious about filling out their rotations.
The top of the rotation market still has plenty of firepower left-Framber Valdez, Tatsuya Imai, and Ranger Suárez are among the biggest names still available. Dylan Cease has already been scooped up, but otherwise, the elite tier remains mostly untouched. That’s keeping the door wide open for teams still looking to add a frontline starter.
Interestingly, the middle tier appears to be moving faster. With Kelly now off the board and buzz surrounding arms like Zac Gallen and Michael King, we could see more dominoes fall in the coming days.
There’s a deep pool of quality starters available, and once a few more names sign, the pace could accelerate quickly. Teams that wait too long may find themselves picking from the leftovers.
2. Relief market getting picked clean
If you blinked, you might’ve missed the bullpen market flying off the shelves. The relief pitching scene has been the busiest segment of the offseason so far, and this weekend only added to the frenzy.
Kenley Jansen signed a one-year deal with the Tigers, while Tyler Rogers inked a three-year contract with the Blue Jays. Both are dependable arms with proven late-inning experience, and their signings further shrink what’s left of the high-leverage pool.
At this point, there aren’t many premium relievers left. Brad Keller and Pete Fairbanks stand out as two of the best still available, but the list is thinning fast. For teams hoping to bolster the back end of their bullpen, the clock is ticking.
That said, there are still some intriguing one-year options out there-especially among veteran arms who bring experience and leadership, even if their peak velocity days are behind them. One name to watch: Chris Martin, who reportedly plans to pitch in 2026, even as he approaches his age-40 season. For contenders looking for stability and savvy, Martin could be a sneaky value add.
3. Mets pivot at first base-what’s next?
Losing Pete Alonso was a gut punch for the Mets and their fans. The slugger’s move to the Orioles during the Winter Meetings left a gaping hole in the heart of the lineup-and in the clubhouse. But give credit to president of baseball operations David Stearns: he didn’t waste time finding a new piece to plug into the mix.
New York reached a two-year deal with veteran switch-hitter Jorge Polanco over the weekend. While Polanco has spent most of his career at second base, the Mets reportedly plan to use him primarily at first base and designated hitter. It’s an unconventional move, but it gives the Mets flexibility and a solid bat from both sides of the plate.
Still, Polanco isn’t Alonso. He brings contact ability and veteran presence, but he doesn’t offer the same kind of consistent, game-changing power. That raises the question: how will the Mets replace Alonso’s thump in the lineup?
One possibility is a big bat in the outfield or at third base-positions where the Mets could still make a splash. Another is a major move on the pitching side, where the rotation and bullpen both have room for upgrades.
Either way, it feels like Stearns isn’t done. The Polanco signing might be the first step in a broader reshaping of the roster.
As the offseason continues to unfold, keep an eye on these three storylines. The rotation market is waking up, the bullpen market is nearly tapped out, and the Mets are clearly not standing still. The Hot Stove is heating up-and we’re just getting started.