The MLB offseason is heating up as we hit mid-December, and while 21 of the top 50 free agents have already inked deals, there’s still plenty of movement on the horizon. With spring training just two months away, front offices are working the phones, weighing offers, and trying to strike the right balance between present competitiveness and long-term sustainability. Let’s break down the latest from the hot stove.
Rangers Holding Steady on Seager
Despite growing speculation and a few curious calls from contenders, the Texas Rangers are not actively shopping Corey Seager. That was the message from president of baseball operations Chris Young during a Sunday appearance on MLB Network Radio. Seager, who’s fresh off another strong season and remains one of the most consistent shortstops in the game, is under contract for six more years at $31 million annually.
Now, it’s worth noting that “not shopping” doesn’t necessarily mean “off the table.” In today’s MLB, every front office listens.
That’s just part of the job. But make no mistake - this isn’t a salary dump scenario.
Seager is a two-time World Series MVP and a cornerstone of the Rangers’ recent success. Unless a team comes in with an offer that blows Texas away, don’t expect him to be on the move.
Michael King Drawing AL East Interest
Michael King is no stranger to the AL East, and it looks like he might be heading back. The Orioles, Red Sox, and Yankees are all reportedly in the mix for the 30-year-old right-hander, who turned down a $22.025 million qualifying offer from the Padres earlier this offseason.
King had a breakout 2024 campaign, finishing seventh in NL Cy Young voting after being dealt to San Diego in the Juan Soto blockbuster. Injuries - a shoulder issue and a knee problem - limited him in 2025, but he’s still viewed as a high-upside arm who can either start or pitch multiple innings out of the bullpen. That versatility, combined with his familiarity with the division, makes him an intriguing buy-low option for contenders looking to solidify their pitching staff.
D-backs Reunite with Merrill Kelly
Arizona’s pitching search has led them back to a familiar name: Merrill Kelly. The veteran right-hander is returning to the desert on a two-year, $40 million deal after a brief stint with the Rangers. Kelly, 37, had been a fixture in the D-backs’ rotation since 2019 before being traded at the deadline for a package of prospects.
With Zac Gallen likely departing in free agency and Corbin Burnes sidelined until at least midseason following Tommy John surgery, Arizona needed someone who could provide stability and innings. Kelly fits that bill. He’ll slot into a rotation that now includes Michael Soroka, Ryne Nelson, Brandon Pfaadt, and Eduardo Rodriguez - a group that will need to punch above its weight if the D-backs want to stay in the NL West mix.
Giants, Mariners Eyeing Brendan Donovan
Utility man Brendan Donovan is drawing serious interest, and the Giants and Mariners have emerged as the frontrunners to land him. The Cardinals are looking to restock their farm system - especially on the pitching side - and Donovan, who’s two years away from free agency, doesn’t quite fit their current timeline.
Donovan is the kind of player every contending team wants: a reliable bat, defensive flexibility, and the ability to plug into multiple spots on the diamond. While second base is his best position, he’s played everywhere except catcher and center field in the big leagues.
With Jorge Polanco now in New York, the Mariners have a clear need at second. The Giants, too, have a hole at the keystone and could use Donovan’s versatility to keep their lineup fresh and balanced.
Luis Robert Jr. Drawing Trade Interest
The White Sox are fielding calls on center fielder Luis Robert Jr., and the Mets, Padres, and Pirates are among the teams showing interest. Chicago picked up Robert’s $20 million club option for 2026, signaling that they’re open to dealing him - but only if the return is right.
Robert hasn’t produced at the plate over the past two seasons the way he did during his 38-homer breakout, but his elite defense and speed still make him a valuable piece. In a league starved for quality center fielders, Robert remains a compelling trade chip.
The catch? That $20 million salary might need some trimming on the Sox’s end to get a deal done.
If they can’t find the right match this winter, don’t be surprised if this drags into July.
Yankees Interested in JoJo Romero
The Yankees are exploring ways to bolster their bullpen, and JoJo Romero is on their radar. The Cardinals lefty is a year away from free agency, and with St. Louis in asset-accumulation mode, he’s a logical trade candidate.
Romero, 29, is a sinker-heavy reliever who’s built a reputation for inducing ground balls and limiting damage late in games. He even stepped into the closer role at times last season. For the Yankees, who already have a ground-ball specialist in lefty Tim Hill, Romero would fit right into their late-inning blueprint - especially in an AL East loaded with dangerous left-handed bats like Gunnar Henderson, Jarren Duran, and Brandon Lowe.
The stove is still hot, and with several big names - both on the free-agent market and the trade block - still in play, the next few weeks promise to be busy. Whether teams are looking to make a splash or fill a key gap, the groundwork being laid now could define the 2026 season.