After a slow-burning start to the 2025 MLB offseason, the stove is finally heating up-at least in San Diego. The Padres have made their first major move, locking in right-hander Michael King on a three-year, $75 million deal. With so many big-name free agents still on the board-Cody Bellinger, Kyle Tucker, and Ranger Suárez among them-this signing stands out as one of the more decisive moves in an otherwise quiet winter.
For San Diego, this is more than just a roster move-it’s a statement. After losing Dylan Cease to the Toronto Blue Jays, the Padres needed to stabilize their rotation.
King, who had been swirling in trade rumors for weeks, was a priority. Rather than let him test the open market or become another piece in a potential deal, the Padres stepped up and secured one of their most reliable arms.
King’s return gives the Padres a solid foundation heading into 2026. He’s not just a stopgap-he’s expected to be a central figure in a rotation that’s looking to take the next step. San Diego’s postseason run ended in the NLDS last year, and if they want to push deeper, King’s consistency and upside will be a big part of that equation.
Meanwhile, out in Los Angeles, the defending World Series champs aren’t sitting still. The Dodgers are reportedly eyeing St.
Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar as a potential trade target. Nootbaar isn’t just a solid left-handed bat with defensive versatility-he also shares a close friendship with Shohei Ohtani, a bond that dates back to their time together during the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
With Teoscar Hernández’s future in LA looking increasingly uncertain, the Dodgers could be looking to shore up their outfield depth. Nootbaar would bring a mix of energy, athleticism, and clubhouse chemistry-an underrated but valuable asset for a team aiming to repeat.
And then there’s Toronto. The Blue Jays have been the most aggressive team of the offseason so far, already landing several key signings and continuing to push for more. Kyle Tucker remains a top target, but they’re also reportedly keeping tabs on Phillies lefty reliever Matt Strahm.
Toronto’s bullpen, while solid, lacks left-handed depth. Strahm could be the piece that balances things out. According to reports, Philadelphia is open to moving him, and with the Jays looking to build a roster capable of contending deep into October next season, this could be a fit that makes sense for both sides.
So while the offseason started off slow, the gears are finally turning. San Diego made a statement.
LA is hunting for reinforcements. And Toronto?
They're going full throttle. The hot stove is warming up-and the next few weeks could get very interesting.