The MLB offseason is heating up in a big way, and while the spotlight often shines brightest on the big-name bats and frontline starters, it’s the bullpen arms making some of the biggest noise so far. From high-leverage relievers finding new homes to international signings shaking up the landscape, front offices are clearly wasting no time reshaping their rosters for 2026. Let’s break down the latest moves making waves across the league.
Royals Land Matt Strahm in Quietly Bold Move
One of the more intriguing developments came out of Kansas City, where the Royals struck a deal with the Phillies to acquire left-handed reliever Matt Strahm. Strahm, who posted a strong 2.74 ERA in 2025, had been linked to the Blue Jays in recent days. But it was the Royals who made the decisive move, sending right-hander Jonathan Bowlan to Philadelphia in return.
This is a savvy pickup for Kansas City. Strahm’s ability to handle both lefties and righties, combined with his postseason experience, gives the Royals a reliable late-inning option.
For a team that’s been quietly putting pieces together, this move signals a clear intent to compete. And with rumors swirling that they may not be done-potentially eyeing a bat like Harrison Bader-the Royals are positioning themselves as a team to watch heading into Spring Training.
As for the Phillies, moving Strahm was a calculated risk. They’re not punting on 2026 by any means-this is a team with postseason aspirations-but flipping a proven arm for a controllable pitcher like Bowlan gives them some long-term flexibility. Bowlan, who has shown flashes in the minors, will look to carve out a role in a Phillies rotation that could use some depth.
Padres Pivot with Sung-Mun Song Signing
Down in San Diego, the Padres are undergoing a bit of a roster reset. After locking in Michael King as part of their pitching plans, many expected them to chase another established arm-especially after missing out on Dylan Cease. Instead, they went a different route, bringing in Korean infielder Sung-Mun Song on a three-year deal reportedly worth around $13 million.
Song, a standout in the KBO, brings versatility and a solid bat to the infield. While he might not have the name recognition of some of the other free agents on the market, this is the kind of move that could pay off in a big way. The Padres are clearly betting on upside and international scouting here, and if Song can adjust to MLB pitching, he could become a key piece in San Diego’s retooled lineup.
The move also signals a philosophical shift for the Padres. Rather than chasing only big-ticket names, they’re looking for value and fit-and Song checks both boxes. With a roster that still has holes, especially in the rotation, it’ll be interesting to see how they round things out in the coming weeks.
Wandy Asigen Flips from Yankees to Mets in International Shakeup
In a dramatic twist on the international front, top Dominican shortstop Wandy Asigen has flipped his commitment from the Yankees to the Mets. The highly regarded prospect had previously given a verbal agreement to the Yankees, but after the team parted ways with longtime international scouting director Donny Rowland, things shifted quickly.
The Yankees reportedly declined to meet Asigen’s new asking price, opening the door for the Mets to swoop in. They did just that, securing the infielder with a reported $3.8 million deal. It’s a bold swing by the Mets, who have been increasingly aggressive on the international market in recent years-adding names like Clay Holmes, Devin Williams, and Luke Weaver to their roster, often at the expense of their crosstown rivals.
For the Yankees, losing out on Asigen stings. He was viewed as a potential cornerstone in their next wave of international talent.
But for the Mets, this is a major win-both in terms of talent acquisition and sending a message about their intentions moving forward. Asigen won’t be in the big leagues tomorrow, but he’s a name fans should keep tabs on as he develops in the system.
What’s Next?
While several key relievers and international players have found homes, many of the offseason’s biggest free agents are still on the board. That means the next few weeks could bring even more shakeups as teams jockey for position heading into 2026. If the early moves are any indication, front offices are pulling out all the stops to get ahead-and no team wants to be left behind.