When it comes to repeat American League Cy Young winner Tarik Subal of the Detroit Tigers, trade speculation has been consistent heading into his walk year of 2026 and with no discernible progress made on an extension. On that front, a Skubal trade this offseason is increasingly seen as likely, reports ESPN's Jorge Castillo .

With the MLB Winter Meetings in the rearview, nine of B/R's original top 25 free agents—Kyle Schwarber, Pete Alonso, Dylan Cease, Edwin Díaz, Shota Imanaga, Trent Grisham, Devin Williams, Brandon Woodruff and Robert Suarez—are off the board.

After signing their new closer in Edwin Díaz, here are three MLB free-agent fits for the reigning World Series champion Dodgers.

The White Sox struck Rule 5 Draft gold with righty Shane Smith last year. He threw 146 ⅓ innings with a 3.81 ERA in 2025, and became only the second Rule 5 Draft pick to go to the All-Star Game the next season, joining Dan Uggla. Most Rule 5 Draft picks are middle relievers and bench guys.

Players are eligible for the Rule 5 draft if they have not been placed on their club's 40-man roster after four or five years in the organization, depending on whether they were 18 and younger or 19 and older at the time of signing.

The Houston Astros will have two selections in the 2026 MLB draft and in this mock draft they split them up between hitters and pitchers.

DETROIT — Akil Baddoo’s first trip to free agency has been rewarded with a Major League deal. Baddoo, who played in only five MLB games for the Detroit Tigers in 2025, signed this week with the Milwaukee Brewers.

From new hires to award winners, big paydays continue to allude most skippers. What gives?

Has Kurtz already cemented himself as a premier first baseman after a historic rookie campaign?