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The Major League Baseball offseason is officially underway, bringing an uncertain atmosphere driven by ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiations and the possibility of an owner-implemented lockout on December 1. With a hastened pace expected, offseason rumors are already circulating as teams prepare for potential roster changes.
GM Meetings Could Spark Trades and Signings
Activity on both the trade and free-agent fronts is expected before the anticipated December lockout, mirroring the landscape leading up to the 2021-22 lockout. Anticipated changes in the next CBA may prompt high-spending organizations to fortify their squads ahead of time. According to MLB Network reports, notable transactions could occur at the upcoming General Managers Meetings scheduled for November 10-12 in Las Vegas.
Typically, the GM Meetings involve foundational groundwork rather than major player movement, with heavy activity saved for the December Winter Meetings. However, unless the lockout is quickly resolved, a traditional Winter Meetings event is unlikely to happen this offseason. Consequently, the upcoming GM Meetings could see a higher level of action than usual.
Cubs Not Expected to be Strong Skubal Bidders
Left-handed starting pitcher Tarik Skubal enters the offseason as a top free-agent prize and a reigning back-to-back American League Cy Young winner. The 29-year-old appeals to all 30 MLB teams, with serious bidders previously projected to include the Los Angeles Dodgers, the New York Mets, and the Chicago Cubs. Reports from The Athletic indicate that the Cubs “are expected to stay on the sidelines” when the bidding escalates, narrowing the list of primary contenders despite the team’s need for rotation help for 2027 and beyond.
Cardinals Interested in Romero Reunion
The St. Louis Cardinals are reportedly interested in a reunion with veteran left-handed relief pitcher JoJo Romero via a free agent contract, as reported by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The Cardinals had traded Romero and starter Dustin May to the Milwaukee Brewers prior to the trade deadline.
Romero, 30, recorded a 3.36 ERA with a 3.00 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 55 appearances during the 2026 campaign. During his postseason stint with Milwaukee, he posted a 1.13 ERA, striking out 11 batters and walking one over eight innings, having previously played parts of five seasons for St. Louis.
