Get ready for some hot MLB offseason action! We're diving into the world of trades and free agency, and it's a wild ride. The Brewers' Big Decision: Freddy Peralta's Future
The Milwaukee Brewers are considering a trade for their All-Star pitcher, Freddy Peralta. But here's where it gets controversial: they want a young, major-league-ready replacement in return. Teams interested in Peralta might hesitate, knowing they'd only get one year of control. However, acquiring him could lead to an extension, which might be too pricey for the Brewers.
Peralta's agency, ACES, has shown openness to such deals. Among the interested clubs, the New York Mets seem best positioned to part with a prized young arm, and they have options beyond top prospect Nolan McLean.
The Mets have other promising youngsters like Brandon Sproat and Jonah Tong, who made their major league debuts last season. Christian Scott, with MLB experience, is nearing the end of his rehab from Tommy John surgery. Other clubs like the Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers could entice the Brewers, but injury concerns and previous trades might make them reluctant.
Peralta's $8 million salary for 2026 is manageable for small-market clubs, but it's unlikely the Miami Marlins would make a win-now move. The Brewers' willingness to hold onto players until free agency is evident with shortstop Willy Adames, which could impact their trade calculus.
Blue Jays vs. Lauer: Arbitration Drama
The Toronto Blue Jays have splurged on free agents, but they're headed for an arbitration hearing with left-hander Eric Lauer over a $1.35 million difference. Lauer, 30, had a versatile role last season, with an adjusted ERA 34% above league average. Major League Baseball's labor relations department might be making a statement with this case.
The Athletic compiled a list of players who re-entered arbitration, and all received salary increases. The Blue Jays offered Lauer a pay cut with a $4.4 million figure, while he requested $5.75 million, his final shot at arbitration before free agency. The midpoint is $5.075 million, which is what Lauer earned with the Brewers in his second year of arbitration. The Blue Jays could have avoided this by signing Lauer for a small raise before the non-tender deadline.
Lauer helped stabilize the Jays' rotation last season, but it seems illogical for the league to take a stand with former major leaguers returning from Asia. The Jays settled with their other arbitration-eligible players, but Lauer's case is an odd choice to break precedent.
Orioles and Mountcastle: A Surprising Move
The Baltimore Orioles tendered a contract to first baseman Ryan Mountcastle, despite signing free agent Pete Alonso, leaving Mountcastle without a clear role. So, how did they avoid arbitration and sign him for $6.787 million with a $7.5 million club option for 2027? The option enhances Mountcastle's trade value, but the real question is why the Orioles signed him at all.
If they had taken him to a hearing, his salary would have been non-guaranteed. The Orioles' president of baseball operations, Mike Elias, declined to comment. Mountcastle accepted the same salary as last season, but the club option prevents his contract from being used against other players in future arbitration hearings.
Orioles and Valdez: A Missed Opportunity?
The Orioles are targeting starting pitchers, including free-agent left-hander Framber Valdez, who was part of a trade package they agreed to acquire from the Houston Astros for reliever Zack Britton in 2017. The Orioles backed out due to medical concerns with another pitcher in the deal, Rogelio Armenteros. The Orioles' GM at the time, Dan Duquette, was intrigued by Valdez's sinker-curveball repertoire, comparing it to Derek Lowe's.
Valdez is now ranked fifth on The Athletic's Top 50 Free Agents list and is the top overall pitcher. The Orioles should have moved Britton, as they finished 75-87 the following year, and then became major sellers. Britton brought back three young pitchers from the Yankees, but none were as good as Valdez, a two-time All-Star and World Series champion.
Perhaps the Orioles' current top executive, Mike Elias, will bring Valdez to Baltimore after all.
Marlins on the Rise: Trading Cabrera
The Miami Marlins believe they might have hit the jackpot after trading right-hander Edward Cabrera. Club officials view the deal as a potential bonanza, with outfielder Owen Caissie, previously the Cubs' top prospect, fitting well into their lineup. The Marlins acquired two other young players and have starting-pitching depth to absorb the loss of Cabrera.
The Marlins are open to further trades from their rotation, but the chances of trading ace right-hander Sandy Alcántara remain unlikely. Behind Alcántara, there's Eury Perez, Ryan Weathers, Braxton Garrett, and Max Meyer, with prospects Robby Snelling and Thomas White waiting in the wings.
Caissie's presence raises the bar for any potential lineup additions. The Marlins like their young players and won't block them for veteran presence. Free agent Eugenio Suárez, 34, might not be an ideal fit, despite offering power as a corner infielder.
Around the Horn: More MLB News
- The Detroit Tigers are exploring the starting-pitching market, talking to free agents like Lucas Giolito and Chris Bassitt. Their arbitration case with left-hander Tarik Skubal could impact their potential addition.
- The Padres want to add a starter but are not yet ready to move, according to sources.
- The Arizona Diamondbacks intend to keep second baseman Ketel Marte, so their most likely position-player addition is a right-handed hitting first baseman/DH, with free agents like Paul Goldschmidt, Rhys Hoskins, Marcell Ozuna, and Eugenio Suárez in contention.
- The Rockies signed free-agent right-hander Michael Lorenzen to a one-year, $8 million contract with a $9 million club option, but they did not discuss the possibility of him hitting.
- Free-agent right-hander Max Kranick is set to begin throwing on Monday, expecting to be available to pitch in games during the second half of the 2026 season.
