Major League Baseball's 2026-27 offseason is heating up amid ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiations and the likelihood of an owner-implemented lockout on December 2. With the Winter Meetings potentially canceled, the General Managers Meetings in Las Vegas from November 10-12 could become a focal point for trades and free-agent signings.
Cubs unlikely to pursue Tarik Skubal
The Chicago Cubs, previously considered a serious bidder for free-agent ace Tarik Skubal, are now expected to stay on the sidelines, according to The Athletic. Skubal, a 29-year-old left-hander who posted a 2.72 ERA with 186 strikeouts in 158.2 innings last season, had been linked to the Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, and New York Mets. The Cubs' reluctance to engage in a bidding war may disappoint fans hoping for increased payroll investment.
Cardinals eye reunion with JoJo Romero
The St. Louis Cardinals are reportedly interested in re-signing left-handed reliever JoJo Romero, whom they traded to the Milwaukee Brewers at the deadline along with Dustin May. Romero, 30, recorded a 3.36 ERA with a 3.00 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 55 appearances during the 2026 season and excelled in the postseason with a 1.13 ERA over eight innings.
Phillies consider Ha-Seong Kim as shortstop insurance
The Philadelphia Phillies are evaluating free-agent shortstop Ha-Seong Kim as a fallback option if Trea Turner's defense at the position remains problematic. Turner, signed through 2033, has seen his defensive metrics decline, and Kim, 32, offers a significant defensive upgrade despite a career 93 OPS+ and a difficult 2026 offensive season with the Atlanta Braves.
