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The MLB offseason is underway with several notable roster decisions and hot stove rumors emerging across the league. Key updates involve decisions on veteran pitchers and outfielders, alongside international posting news.
Padres Decline Pivetta’s Option
The San Diego Padres declined their $14 million club option on pitcher Nick Pivetta, as reported by the San Diego Union-Tribune. This decision comes two days after Michael King exercised an opt-out clause to become a free agent, leaving San Diego’s top two starters on the open market. Had the Padres picked up the option, Pivetta would have held an $18 million player option for 2028, a factor that influenced the team’s choice.
Pivetta, who turns 34 in February, missed roughly five months of the past season due to a flexor strain. He returned late in the year and pitched reasonably well across six starts in September and the postseason. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, the team maintains concerns regarding Pivetta’s elbow, though a reunion remains possible through a new contract featuring a lower salary and no player option.
SanG diego originally signed Pivetta in February 2025 to a deal valued at $23 million over two years containing two player options. The flexor strain triggered an injury clause that converted the 2027 player option into a club option. Pivetta was ranked as the 43rd-best free agent of the offseason.
Orioles Decline Robert’s Option
The Baltimore Orioles declined their $20 million club option for center fielder Luis Robert Jr., according to ESPN. The team will pay a $2 million buyout, making the move functionally an $18 million decision. Robert sustained a hamstring injury and appeared in only three games with the Orioles after being claimed off waivers from the Mets in late September.
At 29 years old, Robert experienced multiple stints on the injured list during the past season. While he continued to hit left-handed pitching effectively and play solid defense in center field when healthy, injuries restricted him to 271 of 489 possible regular-season games from 2024 to 2026. He was not ranked among the top 50 free agents, though his age presents upside appeal.
Hanwha Eagles to Post Si-Hwan Roh
The Hanwha Eagles of the Korea Baseball Organization will post star third baseman Si-Hwan Roh for MLB teams this offseason, as reported by Yonhap News Agency. Roh signed the largest deal in KBO history in February—covering 11 years and $23 million—with stipulations that allowed for his posting this offseason and required his return to the Eagles once his MLB stint concludes.
At 26, Roh ranks among the KBO’s top performers in recent seasons. He posted a .283/.360/.505 slash line with 29 home runs in 2026, averaging 35 home runs per 162 games since 2023. Described as a reliable but unspectacular defender at third base with experience at first base, Roh enters a free agent class lacking depth at the hot corner, positioning him to attract significant interest.
KBO players are granted a 30-day negotiating window upon official posting. If an agreement with an MLB team is not reached within this period, Roh will return to the Eagles. As a right-handed hitter, he could potentially surpass his $23 million KBO guarantee in just a few seasons with an MLB club.
Astros and Rays Complete Minor Trade
The Houston Astros acquired Triple-A right-handed relief pitcher Evan Reifert from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for cash, according to the Tampa Bay Times. Houston is expected to add Reifert to their 40-man roster to shield him from the Rule 5 Draft. The Rays lacked the roster space to protect him, prompting the cash transaction rather than losing him without a return.
Reifert, 27, features a strong slider that he utilized to strike out 81 batters over 58 Triple-A innings in 2026. He is projected to spend time in the Houston bullpen during the upcoming season.
