The MLB offseason is exploding with excitement, and the big moves teams are contemplating could completely reshape the landscape of America's pastime—get ready for a winter that's anything but quiet!
As baseball's hot stove season kicks off in full force, players are finally free to explore new opportunities with any team that catches their eye (free agency officially opens its doors on Thursday at 5 p.m. ET). To dive deep into the rumors and insider scoops, we turned to our team of MLB reporters who spent the 2025 World Series gathering intel from executives, agents, and industry insiders. What's the buzz on star outfielders Kyle Tucker and Kyle Schwarber? Could the Detroit Tigers shake things up by trading ace pitcher Tarik Skubal? How will the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers and the surprising Toronto Blue Jays navigate their post-World Series rosters? Which franchises are buzzing the most in baseball circles? And who might be packing their bags in a trade this winter?
Let's peel back the curtain on what's simmering as the offseason fire gets stoked.
First up, what's the initial chatter about top free-agent sluggers Kyle Tucker and Kyle Schwarber?
Jeff Passan shares his take: Tucker sits in a fascinating spot where he'll justifiably aim for a deal surpassing $300 million, but only a handful of teams have the deep pockets and willingness to go that route. The Dodgers and Giants seem like natural fits, along with the Phillies. Schwarber, however, should enjoy a wide-open marketplace.
Since he'll turn 33 right around Opening Day, Schwarber is eyeing a maximum of five years on any contract. Even if the annual value is hefty, the shorter timeframe keeps mid-tier teams in the conversation. Still, the serious bidding will probably land with the big-spending clubs, and he might end up commanding a higher per-year salary than Tucker due to that limited longevity.
Jesse Rogers adds: The Cubs are probably ready to let Tucker test the waters elsewhere, while the Phillies haven't ruled out bringing Schwarber back into the fold. Chicago faces tighter budget constraints than Philadelphia, so committing $35-$40 million to one player might not be on their agenda.
But here's where it gets controversial—someone will surely step up, especially if Tucker slots into a lineup that's already firing on all cylinders, like the Dodgers'. There were some intriguing whispers about him returning to his hometown Rays under fresh ownership, but a blockbuster deal from Tampa feels unlikely. Insiders often start their Tucker analysis with a caution: 'when he's healthy.' When he is, he's one of the best hitters in the game, but a pair of injuries in recent years have disrupted his performance and raised questions about his reliability.
As for Schwarber, he's one of those exceptional talents—like Marcus Semien—who could earn more in their mid-30s than earlier in their careers. He should ink a deal far exceeding the $79 million from his recent Phillies pact. Sources say the Phillies need him more than he needs them—after all, how do you replace 187 home runs over four seasons? It's nearly impossible. He could also provide the perfect balance to the Yankees' offense if Cody Bellinger departs, potentially turning the short right-field porch at Yankee Stadium into a home run haven that boosts his already impressive power numbers.
Both players share the same agent, Casey Close from Excel, but their distinct skills mean interested teams might not overlap much.
Now, shifting gears, what are industry insiders predicting for the Detroit Tigers and their star pitcher Tarik Skubal this offseason?
Buster Olney reports: Other franchises believe the Tigers are seriously weighing a trade for Skubal if it nets them the pieces they desire—and it's easy to see why, with a potential bidding frenzy expected for this standout who'll be free to sign anywhere after next season.
The Mariners are poised to pursue him, drawing him back to his college town. The Mets, desperate for a top starter after their late-season meltdown, have the young talent the Tigers might covet, such as Jonah Tong. The Red Sox could also jump in if they're inclined.
The one certainty? Skubal won't lock in a long-term extension with Detroit before testing free agency, which will heavily influence the Tigers' strategy.
Rogers offers a bit more nuance: Opinions on Skubal are split. Some think the Tigers can wring one more playoff run out of him before reassessing in what might be a new economic era for baseball. Others argue Tigers President Scott Harris is savvy enough not to let him slip away for just draft picks (under the current rules), hoping any return helps in 2026 rather than just the distant future.
And this is the part most people miss—some view Skubal's situation as a litmus test for owner Chris Ilitch. Will he splurge like his father Mike once did, or lean toward a more frugal path? It's a debate that could define the franchise's future direction.
Moving on, what can fans anticipate from the Dodgers and Blue Jays in the wake of their World Series clash?
Jorge Castillo on the Blue Jays: Against all odds, the Blue Jays exceeded expectations as underdogs and almost staged an epic upset in the Fall Classic. But don't mistake them for a budget squad—they're backed by Rogers Communications and a nation's fervor, pouring cash into stars like Vladimir Guerrero's $500 million deal and targeting heavy hitters such as Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto in past offseasons.
Starting pitching and bullpen reinforcements should top their priority list, but first, they'll need to decide on Bo Bichette's future. This homegrown talent bounced back strong in the regular season before battling a knee sprain to hit .348 with a .923 OPS in the Series. His defense at shortstop took a hit this year, possibly nudging teams to envision him at second or third base instead.
Toronto's already locked into around $850 million in commitments, and adding a huge contract for Bichette could push their 2026 payroll toward $200 million, with pitching gaps still gaping. Yet, after flirting with the luxury tax again in 2025, they have the resources to make it happen.
Alden Gonzalez weighs in on the Dodgers: L.A. has a glaring hole to fill—they desperately need a reliable closer, and more broadly, dependable late-game arms, especially right-handed ones. Current options like Brusdar Graterol (recovering from shoulder surgery), Blake Treinen (aging at 37 after a tough year), Edgardo Henriquez, and Will Klein (young guns with control challenges) all come with uncertainties. So, expect the Dodgers to pursue this aggressively through free agency, trades, or a mix.
But what will steal the headlines early? Their potential interest in Skubal and Tucker. They'll likely engage on both, simply because they have the means, though it might stay on the sidelines for now.
With both New York squads ending the season on sour notes, how proactive do insiders see the Yankees and Mets being this winter?
Castillo explains: The Mets seem poised for bigger action after their letdown. They need a premier starter, and Skubal rumors ignited the moment Detroit exited the playoffs. Landing the Cy Young winner might push GM David Stearns outside his usual boundaries. Plus, first baseman Pete Alonso enters free agency again, seeking a rich long-term pact after his resurgence. The Mets probably won't oblige, leaving first base wide open.
The Yankees have their own to-dos. Free agents Cody Bellinger, Trent Grisham, Devin Williams, and Luke Weaver are on the move. Re-signing Bellinger, who meshed perfectly in his Bronx stint, is key, but he'll attract suitors with deep wallets. They could also bolster the rotation, with Carlos Rodón, Gerrit Cole, and Clarke Schmidt sidelined early next year.
Between the two, the Mets—under owner Steve Cohen's quest for a title after five years—seem more likely to make splashy plays.
Olney adds perspective: Looking at their trade deadline maneuvers— the Yankees beefing up their bullpen and adding third baseman Ryan McMahon, while the Mets fortified theirs—both aim high: anything less than a World Series shot is failure. The Yankees will rebuild a stronger bullpen, replace Bellinger if needed with outfield help around Aaron Judge and Ben Rice, and add shortstop depth beyond Anthony Volpe, who's expected to start the 2026 season on the shelf.
For the Mets, that might mean chasing Skubal or free-agent signings, and settling Pete Alonso's status.
Which other team might steal the offseason spotlight?
Gonzalez points to the Mariners: Fresh off their deepest playoff push ever, nearly clinching their first World Series berth as the league's last holdout, Seattle's in focus. Free agents Eugenio Suarez and Josh Naylor (midseason lineup boosts) leave a huge offensive void for their elite pitching.
President Jerry Dipoto hinted payroll will hover around $165 million, with about $35 million freed up after expirations— all earmarked for bats. They'll likely charge into free agency but have the trade chips to swing big deals. Dipoto's known for seizing moments, so expect aggression.
Rogers nominates the Phillies: Chasing that elusive championship, GM Dave Dombrowski doesn't just tweak—he overhauls. Schwarber's fate will shape their path, but bolstering the bullpen and outfield is urgent. With Zack Wheeler rehabbing and Ranger Suarez free, more rotation help could be needed.
He won't panic after an NL East win and another postseason exit, but he will hedge bets with depth, mirroring the Dodgers' approach. That demands serious investment.
Finally, who are the top names rumored for trades this winter?
Olney notes: Due to potential labor issues, younger stars under control through 2027 before free agency might hit the market sooner.
Prime case: Joe Ryan, free after '27. Normally, the Twins could hold until next summer's deadline, but with fears of a shortened '27 season from labor talks, valuing trades gets tricky—teams may balk if games are lost. Moving him now could yield better returns.
Others in this boat: MacKenzie Gore (Nationals), Steven Kwan (Guardians), Lars Nootbaar (Cardinals), Adley Rutschman (Orioles). Without extensions, winter trades might maximize value.
Passan chimes in: Everyone craves Skubal, the back-to-back AL Cy Young ace, but Detroit's expected to keep him despite his impending free agency.
Other arms in question: Freddy Peralta ($8 million, free next winter) might move. Big names attracting looks are mostly pitchers—Joe Ryan and Pablo Lopez (Twins), MacKenzie Gore (Nationals), Sonny Gray (Cardinals).
Boston could deal outfielders Jarren Duran or Wilyer Abreu. And Nolan Arenado (Cardinals) is open to waiving his no-trade for a move.
What do you think—should teams like the Tigers hold onto stars like Skubal and risk losing them for nothing, or trade now and build around the future? Do you agree that Schwarber could thrive in places like Yankee Stadium, or is his value overstated? Share your hot takes in the comments below; we're dying to hear your thoughts!
