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The 2026-27 MLB offseason is underway with early rumors and hot stove activity taking shape. CBS Sports Headlines reports on the latest developments regarding the Yankees, Mets, and Rangers as teams begin shaping their rosters for the upcoming year.
Yankees Could Pursue Skubal and Trade a Starter
The New York Yankees are considering a pursuit of Tarik Skubal, recognized as the top available free agent, with a plan to trade another starting pitcher to address other roster needs, according to ESPN. Although the Yankees boast strong rotation depth, adding top-tier talent remains a possibility.
The current Yankees starting pitching depth chart features Cam Schlittler, Max Fried, Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Ryan Weathers, Will Warren, Clarke Schmidt, and Elmer Rodríguez. Among them, Will Warren emerges as a logical trade candidate. Warren pitched 156 innings with a 3.92 ERA this past season and has four years of team control remaining, making him valuable currency in the trade market.
The Yankees require upgrades at second base, third base, catcher, and potentially center field. Acquiring a star like Skubal while leveraging pitching depth to trade for position player help represents a logical strategy for the franchise.
Mets Focused on Rotation Upgrades
The New York Mets are actively working to bolster their starting rotation by evaluating options across the entire market, as reported by The Athletic. Their search includes top-tier targets like Tarik Skubal as well as mid-tier free agent veterans and trade possibilities, though the organization is reportedly hesitant to part with prospects this winter.
Nolan McLean and Christian Scott currently stand as the only guaranteed locks for the 2027 rotation. The broader depth chart includes Zac Thornton, Kodai Senga, Sean Manaea, Tylor Megill, Jonah Tong, Tobias Myers, and Justin Hagenman. Kodai Senga could potentially return to the bullpen after filling a closer role late in the previous season, highlighting the need for rotation reinforcements to reduce reliance on younger arms like Thornton and Tong. However, president of baseball operations David Stearns typically avoids long-term deals for pitchers, which could present a hurdle in pursuing Skubal.
Rangers Prioritizing Center Field
Texas Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young announced that Gold Glove finalist Evan Carter underwent right hip surgery and will miss the beginning of the 2027 season, shifting the team’s offseason priority to center field. While left fielder Wyatt Langford can transition to center, the club prefers to keep him in left.
As Young explained to MLB.com, the team must account for Carter’s recovery and secure a capable backfill who can play strong defense and contribute offensively. The free agent market lacks deep options in center field without injury or age concerns, leaving players like Trent Grisham, Luis Robert Jr., Daulton Varsho, Cedric Mullins, and Tyrone Taylor as the top projected WAR options. Alternatively, trade candidates such as Jarren Duran and Steven Kwan present high-value targets, while budget-friendly, defense-first alternatives like Denzel Clarke or Blake Perkins offer short-term solutions.
