As the General Manager meetings in Las Vegas reach their conclusion, MLB front offices are seeing an uptick in trade and free-agent rumors.
High-profile roster flexibility in Philadelphia and emerging competition for targets like Alec Bohm suggest a volatile start to the winter hot stove.
Bohm's Surge Ignites Bidding War Between Yankees and Mets
- Alec Bohm’s Value: Despite a sub-replacement 2026, his late-season surge (.402 OBP in final 42 games) has ignited a bidding war between the Yankees and Mets, boosting his fantasy stock as a high-upside corner infielder.
- Ryan Jeffers declining the qualifying offer creates a high-stakes scenario for the Twins, though the team is interested in reaching a multi-year deal to bring him back.
The Philadelphia Phillies have expressed a willingness to reshape their outfield, reportedly informing clubs that All-Star Brandon Marsh is available. This flexibility arrives as the organization navigates Bryce Harper’s permanent transition to first base.
While Marsh’s 2026 season was a tale of two halves—highlighted by a scorching .319 average through July 1 before a steep decline—the Phillies are prioritizing roster fluidity to maintain their contention window, according to The Athletic.
The Mariners are interested in free agent Ian Happ, for some very clear reasons: Jerry Dipoto says improving defense is a top priority; Happ owns 4 Gold Gloves. Jason Kanzler knows Happ from their time together in the Cubs organization. @MLBNetwork @SeattleSports
Meanwhile, the New York Mets have joined the Yankees in the pursuit of free agent Alec Bohm. The infielder’s market appeal remains high despite a modest 87 OPS+ last season. His ability to provide rare right-handed power, coupled with a dominant finish to his 2026 campaign, has turned him into a focal point for clubs seeking to address deficiencies at the “cold corner.”
The Toronto Blue Jays are similarly active, seeking to reverse a precipitous offensive slide that saw them plummet from league-leading production in 2025 to near the bottom in 2026. The club has engaged representatives for free agent Jazz Chisholm Jr. While the team already rosters Ernie Clement, the versatility of both players allows for potential outfield deployment, a clear area of need for the Toronto front office, as reported by Sportsnet.
Free agent RHP Dustin May is drawing interest from a broad group of teams that includes the Cubs, White Sox, Padres and Astros, sources say. Of note, new Astros GM Randy Flores was in the Cardinals front office when they signed May last offseason. May, 29, is one of the…
| Player | 2026 Status | Primary Market Need |
|---|---|---|
| Brandon Marsh | Trade Block | Outfield/Offensive Versatility |
| Alec Bohm | Free Agent | Right-Handed Power/1B/3B |
| Ryan Jeffers | Declining QO | Catcher/Middle-Order Bat |
| Ian Happ | Free Agent | Left Field/Gold Glove Defense |
The Seattle Mariners are also in the market for veteran stability, showing interest in Ian Happ. The 32-year-old outfielder offers a pedigree of durability and defensive excellence, having secured four Gold Gloves during his decade with the Cubs. With Randy Arozarena entering free agency, the Mariners are looking to stabilize their left-field production, which saw a regression to 2.7 WAR last season.
On the pitching front, Dustin May has emerged as a high-interest target for a crowded field of suitors, including the Cubs, White Sox, Padres, and Astros. May’s 2026 season was defined by extreme variance, moving from a 2.54 ERA stretch in the spring to a bullpen role during the Brewers’ championship run.
The Minnesota Twins are managing the complexities of the qualifying offer with Ryan Jeffers. While he is expected to decline the $23.15 million tender, the organization remains interested in a multi-year reunion. This negotiation is complicated by the presence of prospects like Vahn Lackey and Eduardo Tait within the system, suggesting the Twins are balancing immediate competitiveness with long-term internal development.
Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays are looking to exploit inefficiencies in a historically weak free-agent market. By shopping center fielder Jonny DeLuca, the Rays intend to move Victor Mesa Jr. to center field, a move that would clear space for more cost-effective roster construction. This strategic maneuvering is characteristic of a franchise that consistently uses trade capital when the open market lacks depth.
Finally, the Cleveland Guardians are facing public pressure to increase payroll after a playoff run fueled by a $75 million budget. “We’ll go up. We have to,” club president Chris Antonetti stated to The Athletic.
Disclaimer: The fantasy and market insights provided are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial or betting advice.
