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Major League Baseball activity continues ahead of the approaching collective bargaining agreement expiration on Dec. 1 at 11:59 p.m. ET, with team owners expected to initiate a lockout. In the meantime, player movement and trade rumors are circulating across the league.
Padres Pursuing Starting Pitching Market
The San Diego Padres are actively seeking rotation help to maintain their contention status, with a current rotation outlook featuring Joe Musgrove, Randy Vásquez, JP Sears, and Jhony Brito. According to The San Diego Union-Tribune, the team has shown interest in nearly every available starting pitcher in free agency, naming Tarik Skubal, Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, Dustin May, and Kaima Taira.
Additionally, ESPN reports that the Padres have scheduled a meeting with Skubal and have expressed interest in Freddy Peralta, Michael King, Nick Pivetta, and Nick Martinez. The club is expected to remain aggressive until securing at least two starting pitchers.
Orioles Emerge as Suitors for Ketel Marte
The Arizona Diamondbacks are open to trading All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte, drawing past interest from the Toronto Blue Jays. MLB.com reports that the Baltimore Orioles have now emerged as a potential suitor.
This potential pairing presents an unusual roster fit since the Orioles already hold extra infield depth, including Jackson Holliday, Jordan Westburg, Blaze Alexander, Coby Mayo, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and have previously explored trading infielders for outfield reinforcements. Acquiring Marte would likely necessitate additional roster adjustments or positional moves.
Mets Check In on Ty France
The New York Post reports that the New York Mets have checked in on free agent Ty France as they evaluate potential options to fill an opening at first base. Current alternatives under consideration by the Mets include Jared Young, Mark Vientos, and Jorge Polanco.
France, 32, recorded a standout 2026 season for the Padres, batting .295/.363/.502 with 139 OPS+, 21 home runs, 72 RBIs, and a career-high 4.5 WAR.
Reliever Jonathan Loáisiga Weighs Options
Reliever Jonathan Loáisiga is nearing a new contract agreement, according to ESPN, with the Los Angeles Dodgers among five clubs in pursuit. The New York Post reports that the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, New York Yankees, and Toronto Blue Jays make up the rest of the mix.
During 67 appearances last season for Arizona, Loáisiga posted a 2.42 ERA, a 1.03 WHIP, and 48 strikeouts across 67 innings.
Yankees Re-Sign Left-Hander Tim Hill
The New York Yankees brought back left-handed reliever Tim Hill on a one-year, $2.25 million contract that includes a $2.5 million club option for 2028, according to ESPN. Hill, 36, made 67 appearances last season, logging a 4.60 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP, and 25 strikeouts over 58 ⅔ innings while limiting left-handed hitters to a .213/.265/.346 line.
