The MLB offseason is heating up, and as we roll into mid-December, the Hot Stove is officially cooking. Six weeks in, we’ve already seen 22 of the top 50 free agents find new homes, and the top trade chip has been moved.
But with spring training still two months out, there’s plenty more movement on the horizon. Let’s break down Wednesday’s biggest developments across the league.
Bo Bichette Opens the Door to Second Base
Bo Bichette is making a move - not to a new team just yet, but potentially to a new position. According to reports, the free-agent shortstop has told teams he’s open to playing second base. That’s a notable shift for a player who’s been entrenched at shortstop his entire MLB career, but it’s not coming out of nowhere.
Bichette played second base during the World Series - his first time doing so at the big-league level - and held his own, especially considering he was still recovering from a knee injury. It wasn’t flashy, but it was functional. And for a player whose defensive metrics at shortstop have dipped in recent seasons, this could be a smart pivot.
Still just 27, Bichette’s value is largely tied to his bat. He’s one of the more consistent offensive producers at his position, and his willingness to shift to second could open up more suitors - especially teams with an established shortstop already in place. It’s not a full reinvention, but it’s a savvy move that could broaden his market in a meaningful way.
NL East Rivals Bolster Bullpens
The Mets and Phillies both made bullpen moves on Wednesday, each landing a right-hander on a two-year, $22 million deal. Luke Weaver heads to Queens, while Brad Keller is heading to Philly.
Weaver, who ranked as the No. 20 free agent this offseason, had a strong two-year run with the Yankees before fading late in 2025. The Mets are betting that dip was more fatigue than regression. When he’s right, Weaver brings mid-90s heat and a slider that misses bats - exactly what New York’s pen needs.
Keller, ranked No. 35, is coming off a breakout year with the Cubs - his first full season as a reliever and his healthiest in years. The results were impressive, and the Phillies clearly believe he’s just scratching the surface. His addition gives Philadelphia another high-leverage option to pair with their already strong late-inning crew.
These are two savvy signings by division rivals who know every edge matters in the NL East arms race.
Mariners Eyeing Marte, Donovan to Fill Second Base Void
With Jorge Polanco departing in free agency, the Mariners are actively exploring second base options - and they’re aiming high. Per reports, Seattle is pursuing trades for Arizona’s Ketel Marte and St. Louis’ Brendan Donovan, two All-Stars from this past season.
Marte is the headline here. He’s one of the most dynamic second basemen in the game, and his bat would be a major upgrade in the middle of the Mariners' lineup. Seattle is coming off a deep postseason run that ended in Game 7 of the ALCS, and with a rotation that stacks up against anyone - plus stars like Julio Rodríguez and Cal Raleigh entering their primes - this is a team with a clear World Series window.
Donovan is no slouch either. He brings elite versatility, including recent experience in the outfield, and could be a perfect fit for a roster that’s brimming with infield prospects like Colt Emerson. Either player would be a strong addition, but Marte would be a statement move - the kind that signals Seattle is going all-in.
Rangers Still Looking to Fortify Rotation
The defending champs aren’t standing pat. The Rangers are reportedly in the market for starting pitching, even after a busy offseason that’s already seen them swap Marcus Semien for Brandon Nimmo, re-sign reliever Chris Martin, and add depth pieces like Tyler Alexander, Alexis Díaz, and Danny Jansen.
Texas has a formidable top of the rotation in Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi, and Jack Leiter took a big step forward in the second half of 2025. But behind them, things get murky. Kumar Rocker and Jacob Latz are next up, and while both have upside, there’s a clear need for a more proven arm.
The Rangers know what it takes to make a deep run - and they know how quickly a rotation can get thin over a 162-game grind. Whether it’s a mid-tier innings-eater or a splashier name, expect them to make a move before camp opens.
Angels Add Pomeranz, Romano to Bullpen Mix
The Angels continue to overhaul their bullpen, adding lefty Drew Pomeranz and righty Jordan Romano on one-year deals worth $4 million and $2 million, respectively. They’ll join Robert Stephenson in what’s shaping up to be a revamped late-inning group under new manager Kurt Suzuki.
Pomeranz is coming off a resurgent season with the Cubs, showing he still has swing-and-miss stuff from the left side. Romano, meanwhile, fits the Angels’ recent trend of targeting recognizable names looking for bounce-back seasons. It’s a low-risk move with upside if he returns to form.
Los Angeles had one of the league’s worst bullpens in 2025, ranking 28th in ERA and 27th in WAR - and that was with Kenley Jansen anchoring the ninth inning. Clearly, the front office is trying to give Suzuki more reliable options.
These bullpen additions follow earlier offseason pickups like Vaughn Grissom, Alek Manoah, and Grayson Rodriguez - all players with talent and something to prove. It’s a strategy that could pay off if even a few of them hit.
The offseason is far from over, but the pieces are starting to move. With big names still on the board and several contenders hunting for that final piece, expect the next few weeks to bring more fireworks. Stay tuned - this stove is just getting started.