As we head into the weekend, there’s plenty of movement-and anticipation-across the baseball landscape. From a major trade out of D.C. to a dwindling pool of available arms and a flurry of fan events (weather permitting), here are three storylines worth watching closely.
1. Are the Nationals just getting started?
The Nationals made waves this week by trading left-hander MacKenzie Gore to the Rangers in a five-prospect deal, headlined by infielder Gavin Fien, Texas’s 2025 first-round pick. It’s a clear signal from President of Baseball Operations Paul Toboni that the rebuild in Washington isn’t just ongoing-it might still be in its early stages.
Gore, once a key piece of the Nationals’ future, now becomes a part of the Rangers’ present. For Washington, the return wasn’t just about quantity-it was about timeline. By targeting a 2025 first-rounder and multiple prospects, Toboni is indicating that the team’s competitive window isn’t expected to open anytime soon.
And the Nats might not be done. Reports suggest they’ve been listening to offers on shortstop CJ Abrams and center fielder Jacob Young.
Abrams, with three years of team control remaining, and Young, with four, are both young, talented, and affordable-exactly the kind of players teams covet in trade talks. But if Toboni is serious about a deep rebuild, moving one or both could bring back even more long-term assets.
For Nationals fans, the next few weeks leading up to Opening Day could be telling. If players like Young are moved, it may be a sign that this front office is focused on building for 2027 and beyond-not just retooling for a quick turnaround.
2. What’s left on the trade market?
With MacKenzie Gore and Freddy Peralta both off the board, the starting pitching market has thinned out considerably. Teams still looking to bolster their rotations may need to get creative-or pivot to other needs.
There are still a few names floating around. The Royals could dangle Kris Bubic, and the Red Sox might be open to dealing from their depth, with Patrick Sandoval mentioned as a possibility. But the bulk of the trade chatter now seems to be shifting toward position players.
Brendan Donovan remains one of the most talked-about names. The Cardinals have been fielding calls, and with continued interest from teams like the Giants and Mariners, a deal before Spring Training still feels likely. Donovan’s versatility and on-base skills make him a fit just about anywhere, which is why the market for him remains hot.
Boston, meanwhile, still has a hole in its infield, and until that’s addressed, don’t expect the rumors connecting them to Isaac Paredes to die down. The Cubs are another team to watch-after bringing in Alex Bregman, they’ve suddenly got a crowded infield. Could that open the door for someone like Nico Hoerner or Matt Shaw to be moved?
Outfielders Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu have been in trade rumors for what feels like forever, and with Boston still reshaping its roster, their names aren’t likely to disappear from the rumor mill anytime soon.
The question now is: who’s next? With pitchers mostly off the table, the spotlight is shifting to bats-and there’s still plenty of intrigue left on that front.
3. Fan events roll on-weather permitting
Spring Training may still be a few weeks away, but teams are already warming things up with fan events across the country. This weekend, the Twins, Astros, Rockies, and Pirates are all hosting offseason gatherings to build momentum heading into 2026.
These events are a staple of the MLB offseason calendar-a chance for fans to meet players, get autographs, hear from team executives, and start dreaming about what the new season might bring.
But Mother Nature is doing her best to throw a wrench into the festivities. The Rangers have already canceled their event due to an inclement weather forecast, and the Orioles have scaled back their plans-Saturday’s events are canceled outright, and Friday’s activities have been trimmed down.
For fans planning to attend any of these events, it’s worth keeping a close eye on team websites and social media channels. Weather-related changes are always a possibility this time of year, and staying informed could save you a trip-or at least help you plan accordingly.
As the offseason winds down and teams gear up for Spring Training, the next few weeks promise to be full of movement, both on the field and off. Whether it’s blockbuster trades, roster shuffling, or fan-focused festivities, baseball’s winter isn’t cooling off just yet.