Here are three storylines to keep tabs on across the baseball world today - each with potential ripple effects as the offseason continues to unfold:
1. Giants facing 40-man roster crunch after adding Houser, Foley
The Giants made a pair of notable bullpen moves yesterday, signing right-handers Adrian Houser and Jason Foley to major league contracts. On paper, both pitchers bring value - Houser as a swingman with starting experience, and Foley as a hard-throwing reliever with closing potential. But with San Francisco’s 40-man roster already full, these additions come with an immediate consequence: two players need to come off.
The Giants now face a decision. They could go the straightforward route and designate a pair of players for assignment, but there’s also the possibility of a trade to clear space while recouping value. This is the kind of roster maneuvering that can fly under the radar in December but set the tone for spring - especially for a club looking to retool and stay competitive in a tough NL West.
Keep an eye on how the Giants navigate this. It’s not just about who gets cut - it’s about how they shape the margins of their roster heading into 2026.
2. Left-handed reliever market catching fire
For much of the offseason, the bullpen market has been active - but left-handed relievers had been moving at a slower pace. That changed in a hurry.
After Gregory Soto signed earlier, the dominoes started falling late last week with Hoby Milner and Tyler Alexander inking deals. Then came a flurry of activity yesterday: Caleb Thielbar rejoined the Cubs after a bounce-back campaign, Drew Pomeranz landed with the Angels, and the Reds added Caleb Ferguson.
With those arms off the board, the focus shifts to who’s left. Sean Newcomb, Taylor Rogers, Justin Wilson, and Danny Coulombe headline the remaining group of southpaws still available. Each brings something different to the table - Rogers with late-inning experience, Coulombe with crafty deception, Wilson with veteran presence, and Newcomb with upside if he can harness his stuff.
The lefty market may have taken its time, but it’s officially moving now - and with bullpen depth always in demand, don’t be surprised if the remaining names come off the board soon.
3. Posting deadlines loom for Song, Murakami
Two international players are nearing the end of their MLB posting windows - and the clock is ticking.
KBO infielder Sung Mun Song has until December 21 at 4 p.m. CT to sign with a big league club.
Song may not be a household name, but his numbers in Korea have been eye-opening: a .327/.397/.524 slash line over the past two seasons, with strong plate discipline and contact skills. He’s not flashy, but he’s productive - and that kind of bat could play in a number of MLB infields.
Then there’s Munetaka Murakami, the big-ticket slugger from Japan’s NPB. His posting window closes *December 22 at 4 p.m.
CT*, and while his camp has kept things quiet, there’s no doubt about the buzz surrounding him. Murakami is just 25, already a two-time MVP in Japan, and known for his raw power.
There are some concerns about swing-and-miss tendencies, but his upside is undeniable - and he’s expected to land a significant multi-year deal.
With both players’ windows set to expire in the coming days, we’ll soon find out whether they’ll be suiting up in MLB uniforms next season. For teams still looking to make a splash, these are two names worth watching - one a potential impact bat, the other a steady contributor with upside.
As the offseason picks up steam, these are the kinds of developments that shape rosters and storylines heading into spring. Whether it’s a roster crunch in San Francisco, a run on lefty relievers, or the final days of international signings, the hot stove is heating up - and the next few days could bring some pivotal moves.