The MLB offseason is rolling along, and while the Winter Meetings are in the rearview mirror, the rumor mill is still spinning at full speed. From big-name free agents to potential trades that could shake up rosters, there’s plenty to keep an eye on. Let’s break down the latest buzz from around the league.
Are the Diamondbacks circling Alex Bregman?
The Arizona Diamondbacks are reportedly doing their homework on free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman. That’s notable on its own, but it gets more interesting when you consider the rumors swirling around Ketel Marte and a potential trade.
Marte, the D-backs’ versatile second baseman, has five years and $91 million left on a team-friendly deal. Yet despite that long-term commitment, there’s been chatter - dating back to late summer - about internal friction that could lead to a move. If Arizona does decide to part ways with Marte, Bregman could slide in as a cornerstone in the infield.
Now, Bregman and Marte don’t play the same position - Bregman is a third baseman, while Marte is primarily a second baseman - but Arizona has options. Top infield prospect Jordan Lawlar has experience at both second and third, which gives the front office some flexibility to make the pieces fit.
It’s not a sure thing, but if the D-backs are looking to retool without taking a step back in the NL West, Bregman could be a high-upside answer.
Tatsuya Imai's decision looms
Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai is one of the most intriguing arms on the market this winter. With a January 2 deadline to sign under the posting system, the clock is ticking - and several contenders are making their push.
According to reports, Imai has ruled out the Dodgers, but the Yankees, Cubs, and Phillies are still very much in the hunt. All three clubs are looking to bolster their rotations, and Imai’s profile has front offices intrigued.
He’s coming off a dominant season in Japan, where he posted a 1.92 ERA across 163 innings and showed improved command - a key development after years of control issues. Imai brings mid-90s velocity and a nasty, forkball-like slider from a low release point. That kind of stuff plays, and if his strike-throwing continues to trend in the right direction, he could slot in as a No. 3 starter right out of the gate.
Michael King could be next to sign
Michael King’s transition from reliever to starter over the past two seasons has turned him into one of the more valuable arms on the market. Now, it looks like he may be close to choosing his next team.
The Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs, Orioles, and Mets are reportedly in the mix, and all of them could use a reliable arm like King’s. Since moving into a starting role with the Padres, he’s delivered - putting up a 134 ERA+ and a 3.65 FIP over 45 starts and one relief outing.
At 30 years old, King has shown he can handle a starter’s workload and be effective doing it. If he can stay healthy, he offers mid-rotation upside with the potential for even more.
Mets still wheeling and dealing?
The Mets have already made some major moves this offseason - out go Pete Alonso, Edwin Díaz, and Brandon Nimmo; in come Jorge Polanco, Devin Williams, and Marcus Semien. But it doesn’t sound like David Stearns is finished reshaping this roster.
Reports suggest the Mets are exploring more trade possibilities, particularly in the starting rotation. David Peterson and Kodai Senga are both said to be available in contract-for-contract swaps, with the goal of landing a frontline starter to pair with promising young arm Nolan McLean.
The Mets’ rotation remains a work in progress, and with the NL East as competitive as ever, upgrading the staff is likely priority No. 1 as the offseason continues.
Yankees interested in Luke Weaver reunion
The Yankees have already lost a key bullpen piece in Devin Williams, who signed with the Mets, and now they’re looking to shore up the back end of their relief corps. One name on the radar? Luke Weaver.
Weaver, 32, has quietly become a reliable bullpen option over the past two-plus seasons in New York. Now a free agent, there’s reportedly mutual interest in a reunion - and it makes sense. With Williams gone, bringing back a known quantity like Weaver could help stabilize the pen heading into 2026.
Giants lock up Adrian Houser
The San Francisco Giants have added some depth to their rotation, agreeing to a two-year, $22 million deal with right-hander Adrian Houser. The contract includes a club option for a third year.
Houser, 32, has bounced between the rotation and bullpen throughout his career, but he found success as a starter last season. He was lights-out in 11 starts for the White Sox, going 6-2 with a 2.10 ERA and a 3.0 WAR before being dealt to the Rays. Things were a bit rockier in Tampa Bay, where he posted a 4.79 ERA in 10 starts.
Still, he brings experience and versatility to a Giants rotation that already features All-Stars Logan Webb and Robbie Ray. Behind them, there’s a mix of young arms vying for spots - Landen Roupp, Hayden Birdsong, Kai-Wei Teng, Carson Whisenhunt, and Trevor McDonald among them. Houser should be right in the thick of that competition.
Reds add lefty Caleb Ferguson
The Reds have added a veteran left-handed arm to their bullpen, signing Caleb Ferguson to a one-year deal. Ferguson, 29, has been something of a journeyman in recent seasons, pitching for the Yankees, Astros, Pirates, and Mariners after starting his career with the Dodgers.
In 2025, he made 70 appearances, posting a 3.58 ERA and 1.16 WHIP with 51 strikeouts over 65 ⅓ innings. He also pitched in the postseason for the Mariners, making three appearances.
For a Reds team looking to solidify its bullpen, Ferguson brings experience and a proven track record of getting outs in high-leverage spots.
The offseason is far from over, and with several big names still on the board - and teams clearly willing to get creative - don’t be surprised if the hot stove stays red-hot all the way into January.