The 2025-26 Main League Baseball offseason is absolutely underway, and we’re working our approach by the game’s offseason calendar. Amongst different issues, the winter in baseball means a gentle provide of rumors concerning free agent signings, trades, and the like. Talking of which, you could find Saturday’s roundup slightly below.
Phillies amongst groups occupied with Bellinger
Outfielder Cody Bellinger’s renaissance as a frontline expertise is now three years deep, and going into his age-30 marketing campaign in 2026 he can as soon as once more count on a wholesome marketplace for his providers. Talking of which, Jeff Passan stories that the Phillies are among the many groups occupied with Bellinger. The incumbent Yankees stay the probably vacation spot for Bellinger, and the Mets additionally keep some stage of curiosity. From the Philly standpoint, their Bellinger curiosity most likely hinges on what turns into of free agent slugger Kyle Schwarber. If Schwarber inks elsewhere this winter, then the Phillies may pivot to Bellinger to fill that lineup gap, assuming he outlasts Schwarber on the free agent market.
Purple Sox eyeing Bichette as Bregman fallback?
The Purple Sox’s offseason precedence now that the rotation has been fortified is bringing again third baseman Alex Bregman. Bregman in 2025 was a necessary a part of Boston’s return to the postseason, however he is now in the marketplace after opting out. If Bregman lands elsewhere, may the Sox flip to Bo Bichette? The Athletic stories that some throughout the group see Bichette as a robust “different” to Bregman and would angle to maneuver him to second base. Bichette has spent his total profession with the Blue Jays, they usually stay the favorites to retain his providers this offseason. Nonetheless, they might have some competitors from their division rivals in Boston.
The Mariners have acquired lefty reliever Jose A. Ferrer from the Nationals for catcher Harry Ford and pitching prospect Isaac Lyon, in line with the Washington Submit.
Ferrer, 25, is a three-pitch lefty (sinker, changeup, slider) who has compiled a 4.36 ERA (95 ERA+) and a 3.46 strikeout-to-walk ratio in almost 150 big-league appearances. He does have some optimistic underlying traits that counsel higher days await, together with top-notch arm energy; an excellent really feel for the strike zone; and an plain means to generate a ton of floor balls.
Ford, 22, is a former top-100 prospect who did not have a transparent pathway to regular taking part in time behind Cal Raleigh. He hit .283/.408/.460 with 16 dwelling runs and 7 stolen bases in Triple-A. He may take over on a regular basis catching duties from Keibert Ruiz, who stays beneath contract by 2030 regardless of having suffered by consecutive down seasons.
Cubs pursuing Gallen
The Cubs need to bolster their rotation with veteran right-hander and free agent Zac Gallen, the Athletic stories. Gallen, 30, is coming off a 2025 season wherein he did not dwell as much as his established requirements:
Gallen on three events has positioned within the prime 10 of the Nationwide League Cy Younger vote and due to that spectacular bigger physique of labor, he discovered a multi-year market this winter. Earlier within the offseason, CBS Sports activities ranked Gallen as the No. 18 accessible free agent within the class of 2025-26. Here is a part of RJ Anderson’s write-up:
“Gallen salvaged what he may with an excellent 11-start closing stretch, however an in any other case depressing stroll 12 months makes him really feel like a robust candidate to just accept the qualifying provide (if one is tendered) and check out once more in 2026. In any other case? He is a candidate to signal a one-year deal elsewhere and modify his arsenal in an try to push again towards a pattern that has seen his efficiency slip in every of the previous two years.”
For his profession, Gallen has pitched to a 119 ERA+ and an FIP of three.65 throughout components of seven MLB seasons. Over that span, he is compiled a WAR of 20.7, and he is topped 30 begins and 180 innings in three of the final 4 seasons. Gallen spent the final six seasons and alter with the Diamondbacks.
Castellanos keen to play first base
Commerce hypothesis continues to swirl about veteran Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos. He is in decline on the plate going into his age-34 season, and he is owed $20 million for 2027. In different phrases, there isn’t any actual marketplace for his providers. Even so, Castellanos lately stated he is keen to be taught and play first base within the occasion of a commerce to a group that wants that function stuffed. That, although, would not tackle his declining offensive talents.
