MLB’s offseason is underway, and the rumor mill is starting to percolate.
Here's a look at some of the hot topics circulating around the game, including the Orioles looking to shake things up, the chances of a Drew Rasmussen trade and more.
Orioles reportedly open to big shake-up
After taking a step backward in 2025 (75-87), the Orioles spent last offseason beefing up their roster with the additions of Pete Alonso, Taylor Ward, Shane Baz, Chris Bassitt and Ryan Helsley. The result? An improvement of only four wins and another year on the outside of the playoff picture.
Along the way, they traded one of their cornerstones, 2019 No. 1 overall Draft pick Adley Rutschman, to the Red Sox for prospects.
Might more franchise-altering trades be coming this offseason? According to a report from Andy Kostka of the Baltimore Banner, it’s a distinct possibility. Per Kostka’s report, the Orioles are willing to listen in trade discussions on every player except Alonso as they look to upgrade their rotation and outfield.
The O’s are even keeping their options open with shortstop Gunnar Henderson, though a trade involving the 25-year-old is unlikely unless another team is willing to pay a steep price. Henderson has regressed over the past two seasons after an MVP-caliber 2024 campaign, so other teams might be hesitant to do so.
What Bichette’s opt-in means for Mets’ offseason
The Mets entered the offseason with some uncertainty surrounding Bo Bichette’s contract, but his decision to opt in for 2027 has helped clarify their offseason priorities.
Japanese third baseman Teruaki Sato has been mentioned as a potential option for the Mets, but The Athletic (subscription required) reports that the team is less inclined to aggressively pursue Sato after Bichette exercised his $42 million player option. Instead, the Mets are “largely focused on their starting pitching staff for major free-agent acquisitions,” including Tarik Skubal.
Will the Rays trade Rasmussen?
The Rays’ limited budget requires them to take a long-term approach to roster construction, which often means trading established stars as they become more expensive and move closer to free agency. Accordingly, ESPN’s Jeff Passan puts Rasmussen at the top of the list of trade candidates this winter.
After returning from his third major elbow surgery, Rasmussen has been one of the game’s best pitchers over the past two years, and he helped Tampa Bay reach the World Series in 2026. But 2027 is Rasmussen’s final year before free agency, and he’s set to earn $20 million -- the highest average annual value in Rays history -- after Tampa Bay exercised his club option.
Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander told reporters at his end-of-season press conference on Tuesday that the team has “every intention” of Rasmussen anchoring its rotation in 2027. But Neander said something similar about Tyler Glasnow in 2023 before trading him to the Dodgers two months later. So nothing can be ruled out when it comes to Rasmussen.
The 31-year-old compares favorably to the starting pitchers not named Skubal available on the free-agent market, so he could bring back a substantial return if the Rays decide to make dangle him in a trade.
Marte trade back on the table?
Speaking of All-Star trade candidates, Ketel Marte’s future with the D-backs appears to be in question for the second straight offseason.
Arizona listened to offers for Marte last winter but opted to hold onto him for 2026, and he gained a full no-trade clause as a 10-and-5 player in April, seemingly closing the door on trade talk involving the second baseman.
However, the situation took another turn in August, when Marte failed to show up at Fenway Park for a game -- not the first time Marte had an unexcused absence from the team. All sides agreed to move past the incident after Marte sat down with general manager Mike Hazen and manager Torey Lovullo and apologized to his teammates.
But with Arizona looking to change the mix after narrowly missing the playoffs in each of the past three seasons, a Marte trade is back on the table, according to MLB com’s Steve Gilbert.
Of course, Marte’s long-term contract (he’s signed through 2030 and has a player option for ’31) and mercurial behavior could complicate matters, and that’s before you consider his full trade veto power.