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The annual general manager meetings concluded this week with only one major transaction, as Evan Phillips signed a three-year, $35 million deal with the Braves to bolster their bullpen. While player movement was quiet, the meetings generated extensive rumors and laid the groundwork for potential offseason deals.
Rangers Eyeing Japanese Slugger Sato
The Texas Rangers are among the organizations showing interest in Japanese slugger Teruaki Sato, as reported by The Athletic. Sato primarily featured at third base for the Hanshin Tigers, though his defensive metrics do not stand out, pointing to a potential future at first base or in the corner outfield in Major League Baseball. The Rangers could use an upgrade at first base and maintain the flexibility to utilize Sato as a designated hitter.
Sato ranks as the fourth-best overall free agent available and the top position player on the market. As the reigning Triple Crown winner in Japan, he batted .306/.383/.609 with 39 home runs in 2026. Turning 28 in March, Sato shares similarities with Munetaka Murakami as a left-handed hitter possessing major power and swing-and-miss tendencies, though Sato plays much more aggressively and draws fewer walks.
Dodgers Target Right-Handed Infielder
Following the retirement of Miguel Rojas, the Los Angeles Dodgers are actively searching for a right-handed hitting infielder, according to The Athletic. Mookie Betts and Max Muncy remain locked into the left side of the infield, while switch-hitter Tommy Edman is slated for second base. Fellow switch-hitter Alex serves as the primary depth option, though he has struggled offensively in limited major league action.
While the overall free agent class lacks depth, it does include several right-handed hitting utility infielders such as Mauricio Dubón, Ha-Seong Kim, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and Edmundo Sosa. Defensive specialists Oswald Peraza of the Angels and Jared Triolo of the Pirates emerge as potential trade candidates to fill the void left by Rojas.
Padres Receive Inquiries on Catchers
The San Diego Padres are fielding trade calls regarding catchers Luis Campusano and Freddy Fermin, as reported by the San Diego Union-Tribune. Top prospect Ethan Salas earned a September call-up and made history as the youngest catcher to appear in the postseason during Game 2 of the Wild Card Series, establishing himself as the franchise’s catcher of the future and rendering Campusano or Fermin expendable.
Campusano and Fermin offer contrasting skill sets, as Campusano is an offense-first player whose age of 28 and designated hitter potential make him attractive to both San Diego and external suitors. Fermin, 31, offers elite defensive capabilities despite limited offensive production in recent seasons. The Padres hold a strong need for pitching reinforcement and could package their catchers to acquire arms.
Korean Star Koo Seeks MLB Move
Samsung Lions outfielder Ja-Wook Koo has appointed new representation and aims to transition to Major League Baseball, according to MLB.com. Koo is a 10-time All-Star and the reigning Korean Series MVP who established himself as a premier hitter in the Korea Baseball Organization. During the 2026 campaign, the 33-year-old posted a .371/.458/.581 slash line with 15 home runs, nearly matching his 71 strikeouts with 66 walks.
Koo faces hurdles in free agency due to his age and status as a left-handed hitter entering a market saturated with similar outfielders. However, his strong professional track record in Korea, highlighted by consistent contact rates, could present him as a cost-effective alternative to domestic free agents like Michael Conforto, Trent Grisham, Cedric Mullins, and Daulton Varsho.
