Major League Baseball's awards week and general managers' meetings in Las Vegas are setting the stage for a potentially active offseason, with a possible lockout looming on December 1 that could cancel the Winter Meetings.
Mets to meet with Tarik Skubal
The New York Mets have a meeting scheduled this week with two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, the top free agent available. Owner Steve Cohen is expected to push for the left-hander, though president of baseball operations David Stearns has historically been reluctant to sign pitchers to long-term, big-money deals. The Mets also seek first-base help and bullpen reinforcements, with only Nolan McLean and Christian Scott locked into the 2027 rotation.
Rangers explore trading Corey Seager
Texas intends to explore moving shortstop Corey Seager, who has five years and roughly $155 million remaining on his 10-year, $325 million contract. Seager, 32, averaged 6.2 WAR from 2023-2025 but posted a .227/.312/.424 line with 20 home runs in 102 games last season. The Rangers have top prospect Sebastian Walcott ready at shortstop.
Blue Jays show interest in Brandon Lowe
Toronto is among teams pursuing free-agent second baseman Brandon Lowe to add left-handed power to a lineup that finished last in home runs in 2026. Only Kazuma Okamoto hit more than 15 homers, and the Jays' primary second baseman Ernie Clement struggled in the second half.
White Sox prioritize rotation upgrades
General manager Chris Getz said adding starting pitching is a "top priority," with the team examining both free agency and trades. Grant Taylor will move from closer to the rotation, while Hagen Smith remains in the bullpen.
Padres also linked to Skubal
San Diego has expressed interest in Skubal, needing rotation help behind Joe Musgrove and Randy Vásquez. The Padres' new ownership group appears willing to spend in its first offseason.
Adrian Morejon prefers bullpen role
Free-agent left-hander Adrian Morejon, ranked as the offseason's second-best free agent, prefers to remain a reliever despite interest in him as a starter.
Cubs target three established starters
Chicago hopes to add three starting pitchers this winter, with only Ben Brown and Edward Cabrera remaining from the 2027 rotation. The Cubs are not pursuing Skubal but are expected to shop the second- and third-tier free-agent market.
Mets avoid major overhaul
Despite a 74-88 season, the Mets are not planning a major roster overhaul. President David Stearns acknowledged that last winter's extensive turnover created an "uncapped downside scenario."
Braves not moving Ronald Acuña Jr.
Atlanta has no intention of trading former MVP Ronald Acuña Jr., though other core players like Ozzie Albies and Austin Riley could be moved.
Red Sox noncommittal on Trevor Story
Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow declined to commit to Trevor Story as the starting shortstop for 2027, with top prospect Franklin Arias likely to debut early next season.
