The 2026-27 Major League Baseball offseason has officially arrived following the Milwaukee Brewers’ championship run. An uncertain hot stove season is currently underway, shaped by ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiations and the strong possibility of an owner-implemented lockout scheduled for December 1.
Three Clubs Likely to Pace Skubal Market
Ace pitcher and back-to-back American League Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal stands as the most sought-after player in the current free agent class. Industry expectations suggest he will secure a deal exceeding $300 million, potentially setting a new record for the largest contract ever given to a pitcher.
According to ESPN reporting, the incumbent Los Angeles Dodgers—who traded for Skubal from the Detroit Tigers at the deadline—along with the New York Mets and the Chicago Cubs are anticipated to lead the race for the left-handed star. The Cubs might prove hesitant to match the financial heights expected from the Dodgers and Mets, with the Mets currently positioned to pursue Skubal the most aggressively.
Ausmus a Candidate for Astros Managerial Job
Following the appointment of Randy Flores as the new general manager for the Houston Astros, the organization is turning its attention to filling its managerial vacancy after declining to renew Joe Espada’s contract following three seasons.
Brad Ausmus, currently serving as the New York Yankees bench coach and having previously managed the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Angels, has emerged as a candidate for the position and recently visited Daikin Park, as reported by MLB.com. The 57-year-old compiled a 314-322 managerial record across four years in Detroit from 2014 to 2017 and one season in Los Angeles during 2019, reaching the postseason once during his debut year with the Tigers. Ausmus also shares a deep history with the franchise, having played catcher for the Astros across 10 of his 18 major league seasons.
The Astros captured the American League West title in 2026 despite finishing with an 81-81 record, a negative run differential, and an opening-round sweep in the postseason.
