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Following the annual General Managers’ Meetings, Major League Baseball franchises are laying the foundation for significant winter roster moves. Early activity saw the Atlanta Braves sign reliever Evan Phillips to a three-year, $35 million contract to pair with Robert Suarez in late innings, while the Boston Red Sox added power hitter Jake Bauers on a four-year, $58 million deal. Beyond those signings, trade discussions and free-agent markets are continuing to take shape across the league.
Blue Jays Pursuing Offense and Receiving Trade Inquiries
The Toronto Blue Jays are showing interest in Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte, according to a report from Sportsnet. Although no deal appears imminent, the 33-year-old veteran holds a full no-trade clause and remains one of the sport’s top second basemen. Toronto is looking to upgrade an offense that finished last in the majors in both runs and home runs during a 79-83 campaign in 2026. While Marte experienced his lowest statistical output in a full season since 2018, he would offer a noticeable upgrade for a Toronto club that saw its second base production fade in the second half of the year.
Toronto is also fielding trade calls on infielder Ernie Clement, utility player Davis Schneider, and rookie Gold Glove finalist catcher Brandon Valenzuela, according to The Athletic. With the Blue Jays pursuing additional infield power and expressing interest in Jazz Chisholm Jr., Clement could become available. Meanwhile, the 27-year-old Schneider remains an intriguing target for clubs seeking versatile right-handed hitting and strong plate discipline, despite spending time in Triple-A during a difficult 2026 season.
Giants Rejecting Webb Calls as Braves and Tigers Seek Starters
The San Francisco Giants are continuing to decline trade calls regarding ace right-hander Logan Webb, reports USA Today. Webb, who turns 30 next week, experienced his highest ERA in a full big-league season in 2026 while playing through a nagging knee injury. However, he remains under an affordable contract through 2028. With San Francisco currently holding only Webb and Landen Roupp as locked-in rotation options for 2027, the team remains disinclined to trade its primary starter.
The Atlanta Braves are also actively searching for starting rotation help, according to The Athletic. Atlanta has only Chris Sale and Grant Holmes returning as healthy starting options after Bryce Elder suffered a knee injury and both Spencer Schwellenbach and Spencer Strider sustained elbow injuries. While 21-year-old reliever Didier Fuentes will be given an opportunity to transition into a starting role after logging a career-high 97 innings in 2026, Atlanta plans to manage his workload and intends to bring in another starter. The club could also re-sign Raisel Iglesias or add another late-inning reliever alongside Phillips.
In Detroit, the Tigers have registered interest in free-agent left-hander Shota Imanaga, reports MLB.com. Ranked as the 30th-best free agent available, the 33-year-old has surrendered 1.9 home runs per nine innings over the past two seasons. His fly-ball tendencies could be cushioned by Detroit’s Fifth Third Park, which traditionally favors pitchers. Imanaga would join a projected rotation featuring Jackson Jobe, Troy Melton, River Ryan, and Framber Valdez, with Reese Olson expected back early next year following shoulder surgery and Ty Madden and Keider Montero providing depth.
Pursuit of Kaima Taira and Cardinals’ Trade Boundaries
Japanese right-hander Kaima Taira is drawing significant market interest, with the Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, and Chicago White Sox among the teams pursuing him, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. The 26-year-old posted a 1.36 ERA across 145 innings for the Seibu Lions in 2026 and is ranked as the 19th-best free agent this offseason. Although his 5-foot-8 stature leads some evaluators to view him as a long-term bullpen candidate, interested clubs plan to give him an opportunity to start. Taira told Sanspo that he holds no geographic preference regarding where he plays in North America.
Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals have rebuffed trade inquiries for first baseman Alec Burleson and shortstop Masyn Winn, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, considering both players non-tradeable core pieces for the future. St. Louis is instead more willing to entertain trade offers for catchers Jimmy Crooks and Pedro Pagés, as prospects Leo Bernal and Rainiel Rodriguez represent the franchise’s long-term future behind the plate. Pagés offers a defense-first backup profile, while Crooks presents offensive upside through strong exit velocities alongside solid pitch-framing and throwing metrics.
