The 2026-27 MLB offseason is less than a week old and trade rumors are already heating up. The New York Yankees are considering a pursuit of free-agent left-hander Tarik Skubal, who posted a 2.72 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 186 strikeouts over 158.2 innings in 2026. Because the Yankees' rotation is already deep — featuring Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Max Fried, Clarke Schmidt (returning from UCL surgery), Will Warren, Ryan Weathers, Cam Schlittler, and Elmer Rodríguez — signing Skubal would likely prompt a trade of a starter to address needs at second base, third base, center field, and catcher. Warren, who threw 156 innings with a 3.92 ERA and has four years of team control remaining, is viewed as the most sensible trade chip.
The New York Mets are "active everywhere" in their search for rotation upgrades, according to The Athletic. Their current depth chart includes only Nolan McLean and Christian Scott as locks for the 2027 rotation, with Kodai Senga, Sean Manaea, Zac Thornton, Jonah Tong, Tobias Myers, Justin Hagenman, and Tylor Megill (recovering from UCL surgery) rounding out the group. President of baseball operations David Stearns is reportedly reluctant to offer long-term deals to pitchers, which could hinder a pursuit of Skubal.
The Texas Rangers are shifting focus to center field after Gold Glove finalist Evan Carter underwent right hip surgery and will miss the start of the 2027 season. Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young said the team must find a backfill option, noting that left fielder Wyatt Langford could move to center but is best suited for left. The free-agent center field market is thin, with projected 2027 WAR leaders including Trent Grisham (2.1), Luis Robert Jr. (1.6), Daulton Varsho (1.3), Cedric Mullins (1.2), and Tyrone Taylor (0.8). Trade candidates such as Jarren Duran (Red Sox) and Steven Kwan (Guardians) are available, though Kwan would command a high price. A cheaper, defense-first stopgap like Denzel Clarke (Athletics) or Blake Perkins (Guardians) may be the best short-term solution while Carter recovers.
