MLB Trade Rumors
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Blue Jays Outright Rudy Martin Jr.
The Toronto Blue Jays have outrighted outfielder Rudy Martin Jr. to Triple‑A Buffalo after he cleared waivers, opening a spot on the 40‑man roster ahead of the Monday deadline. Martin, a 30‑year‑old veteran of 11 pro seasons with stints in the Royals, Nationals, independent ball and a brief Orioles stint, appeared in two MLB games for Toronto in September. In Triple‑A he posts a .246/.342/.406 line with 14 homers and 32 steals in 37 attempts. He can reject the assignment and become a free agent, making him a potential depth outfield option for teams this winter.
Diamondbacks Seeking Controllable Starting Pitching
The Arizona Diamondbacks are targeting a controllable starter via trade as they trim payroll after a 4.28 ERA rotation in 2026. GM Mike Hazen favors a deal over free agency, eyeing arms like Mariners' Bryce Miller, Angels' Reid Detmers, or Yankees' Will Warren, while possibly packaging outfield prospects Jordan Lawlar or Ryan Waldschmidt. While Eduardo Rodriguez (2.89 ERA, 3.2 fWAR) and Corbin Burnes remain, the futures of free‑agent Michael Soroka and struggling Zac Gallen are uncertain. Adding a strikeout‑focused pitcher could bolster a rotation that still includes Merrill Kelly and Ryne Nelson.
Marlins Exercise Club Option On Sandy Alcantara
The Miami Marlins officially exercised the $21 million club option on right‑hander Sandy Alcantara, turning a $19 million net deal into a six‑year, $75 million commitment through 2027. Alcantara, the 2021 NL Cy Young winner, logged a league‑leading 214 innings with a 3.87 ERA, low walk rate and solid ground‑ball numbers after returning from Tommy John surgery. Miami plans to start him on Opening Day and shows no intent to trade him, despite past speculation. The move sets up a potential extension worth $25‑28 million per year for four to five years, the biggest pitcher contract in franchise history.
Marlins Outright Five Players
The Miami Marlins have outrighted five players from their 40-man roster, clearing waivers and likely sending them to minor‑league free agency. Catchers Logan Driscoll (who never appeared in the majors for Miami) and Brian Navarreto (.135 average in 61 PA) are among those cut. Right‑handers Tyler Zuber, who posted a 5.67 ERA in 39⅔ innings and will miss most of 2027 after a UCL brace, Zach Brzykcy (5.70 ERA in Triple‑A) and Wikelman González (6.05 ERA in Triple‑A) were also removed. All five struggled at the major‑league level this season.
Nick Martinez Declines Mutual Option With Rays
Nick Martinez turns down a $20 million mutual option with the Tampa Bay Rays, collecting a $4 million buyout and entering free agency, according to Jon Heyman. The 36‑year‑old posted a career‑best 3.10 ERA over 31 starts and 180 innings, excelling as a control specialist with just 3.6% free‑pass rate. While the Rays’ $105.6 million 2027 payroll makes the option unlikely, Martinez could still secure a two‑year deal with a higher total guarantee. The move follows similar option decisions on Yandy Díaz, Taylor Walls and Cedric Mullins, shaping the Rays’ rotation outlook.
The Opener: Mariners’ Managerial Search, Astros’ GM Search, Trade Candidates
The MLB offseason heats up as the Mariners narrow their managerial race to former Astros coach Joe Espada and Cubs development director Jason Kanzler, with a decision expected this weekend and a press conference early next week. Meanwhile, the Astros push forward on their GM search, eyeing Brewers assistant Matt Kleine as the top candidate ahead of free‑agency opening on November 2. MLB Trade Rumors also releases its Top 40 trade candidates, highlighting Reid Detmers, Drew Rasmussen, Zach Neto and Ketel Marte as key targets as teams look to upgrade before the lockout‑threatened market.
Top 40 Trade Candidates Of The 2026-27 MLB Offseason
MLB Trade Rumors kicks off the 2026‑27 offseason with a ranked list of the top 40 trade candidates as the market reopens on August 3. The guide highlights pitchers Reid Detmers (Angels, projected $7.5 M, 3.36 ERA, 185 IP, 28.5% K%) and Drew Rasmussen (Rays, $20 M club option for ’27, 2.67 ERA, 172 IP, 26% K%) as prime targets, noting Detmers' recent career season and Rasmussen’s back‑to‑back elite performance. It notes expanding trade activity due to weak free‑agent classes, potential lockout pressure, and the limited rebuilding clubs that could spark “baseball trades.” Arbitration projections are from Matt Swartz, and player control windows assume no CBA service‑time changes.
NPB’s Seibu Lions To Post Kaima Taira
The Seibu Lions have announced they will post 26‑year‑old right‑hander Kaima Taira to MLB via the posting system, with the process opening in early November. Taira posted a stellar 1.36 ERA over 146 innings, a 24.8% strike‑out rate and a mid‑90s fastball that can touch triple digits, making him a higher‑ceiling prospect than former Lioneer Tatsuya Imai. MLB clubs have a 45‑day signing window, which will pause if the December 1 lockout begins. The Giants and Blue Jays are among teams scouting him, and his posting fee will follow NPB’s tiered structure.
Diamondbacks Expected To Field Interest On Ketel Marte
The Arizona Diamondbacks are poised to revisit a trade for second baseman Ketel Marte as the 2026 offseason opens. Despite his 10‑and‑5 veto rights, sources say preliminary interest is emerging, and GM Mike Hazen hints at shaking up a roster that missed the playoffs for a third straight year. Marte, a top‑6 offseason trade candidate, posted a .249/.316/.432 line in 2026, down from his peak years, and faced criticism for missed games and a knee issue that led to a brief restricted‑list stint. With five years left on an $87.5 million contract—$12 million next season and rising to $22 million by 2029—the market will weigh his on‑field decline against his bargain‑ish deal and clubhouse concerns.
Red Sox Re-Sign Angel Bastardo To Minor League Deal
The Red Sox have re‑signed 24‑year‑old right‑hander Angel Bastardo to a minor‑league deal with a spring‑training invite, according to MLB Trade Rumors. Bastardo, who missed the 2024 season after Tommy John surgery and spent 2025 on the Blue Jays’ injured list as a Rule 5 pick, returned to Boston and logged 40 appearances for Triple‑A Worcester, posting a 4.64 ERA over 54.1 innings with a 96.2 mph fastball. He now aims to earn a spot in Chad Tracy’s bullpen next spring.
Red Sox To Trade Tsung-Che Cheng To Tigers
The Red Sox agree to trade infielder Tsung‑Che Cheng to the Detroit Tigers for cash, according to Andrew Parker of Sox Prospects. Cheng, a 25‑year‑old Taiwanese player who posted a .256 line with a double in 44 plate appearances for Boston and hit .241/.345/.390 with eight homers in Triple‑A Worcester, will take a spot on Detroit’s 40‑man roster. The move helps Boston clear a roster slot after trading Nate Eaton and losing Sonny Gray’s option, while Cheng battles for a bench role in Detroit.
Phillies To Designate Garrett Stubbs For Assignment
The Phillies have designated catcher Garrett Stubbs for assignment, ending his five-year stint after acquiring him from the Astros in the 2021‑22 offseason. Stubbs, who fell to third on the depth chart behind J.T. Realmuto and Rafael Marchán, appeared in 35 games (17 starts) this season, hitting .153 with no homers in 65 plate appearances and a career .212/.292/.300 slash line. The team has five days to trade him or place him on waivers, with a likely move to outright waivers and minor‑league free agency. Philadelphia’s catching corps posted a historic low .183/.254/.285 combo, prompting Dombrowski to consider upgrades at backup catcher for next season.
Dustin May Declines Mutual Option With Brewers
Dustin May opts out of his $20 million mutual option with the Milwaukee Brewers, collecting a $500,000 buyout and entering free agency. The 29‑year‑old right‑hander posted a 5.65 ERA in 36⅔ regular‑season innings and a 7‑run, 11‑frame playoff showing, finishing the year with a combined 4.70 ERA over a career‑high 145⅔ innings. After a $12.5 million one‑year deal with St. Louis last winter, he was traded to Milwaukee along with JoJo Romero for two outfield prospects. May’s 97 mph fastball and six‑pitch mix keep him attractive on the market, with agents likely targeting a multi‑year deal above his 2026 salary.
Brewers Notes: Contreras, Megill, Vaughn
The Brewers celebrate their first World Series title in 57 years while immediately facing offseason decisions on star catcher William Contreras and closer Trevor Megill, both set to hit free agency after 2027. With a $14.5 million club option on MVP Contreras and projected arbitration at $14.6 million, Milwaukee must weigh keeping the fan‑favorite against its habit of trading late‑control talent for prospects—a pattern that included Josh Hader, Corbin Burnes and others. New postseason revenue may give the low‑payroll club extra flexibility, but the lack of a ready catcher replacement makes the Contreras dilemma especially pivotal for defending the crown.
Mets Claim Kyren Paris From Angels
The Mets claim 25‑year‑old infielder/outfielder Kyren Paris off waivers from the Angels, while designating outfielder Cristian Pache for assignment. Paris, a former second‑round pick, posted a .147/.238/.272 line with seven homers and 11 steals in 263 MLB plate appearances, but impressed in the minors last season with a .274/.384/.458 slash, 13 homers and 24 steals across Double‑A and Triple‑A. He faces a final option year and could be waived again before Opening Day. Pache, a depth‑first prospect, struggled with a .181/.242/.273 career line and is likely to clear waivers and seek minor‑league free agency. The Mets must cut three more players from their 40‑man roster by Monday.
Bo Bichette To Exercise Player Option For 2027
Two-time All-Star Bo Bichette exercises his player option to stay with the New York Mets for the 2027 season, securing a $42 million salary. He forgoes an early opt‑out on his three‑year deal, retaining the ability to leave after ’27 or trigger another $42 million option for the contract’s final year. Bichette posted a league‑average .260/.312/.390 line with 18 homers in 696 plate appearances last season, earning mixed defensive reviews at third base and a WAR ranging from just under one to two, according to FanGraphs and Baseball‑Reference.
Braves Exercise Options On Ronald Acuña Jr., Ozzie Albies
The Atlanta Braves exercise both club options, keeping Ronald Acuña Jr. for $17 million in 2027 and Ozzie Albies for $7 million. Acuña, who posted a .255/.345/.451 line with 20 homers after a strong comeback season, also carries a $10 million buyout and a $17 million option for 2028. Albies, despite a dip to .237/.293/.392 and 22 homers, earns $7 million and remains under his $35 million extension, now $45 million over nine years. Both moves lock in the core, though Atlanta may still explore trade upgrades at second base.
Caleb Durbin Undergoes Foot Surgery
The Red Sox confirm third‑baseman Caleb Durbin had surgery on the fifth metatarsal in his right foot, his second postseason procedure after a recent left‑pinky finger surgery. Boston did not give a recovery timeline but indicated the operations shouldn’t delay his Spring Training start. Durbin, 26, capped a strong second half with a .248/.332/.378 line and 13 homers, improving markedly after June. Assuming full health, he’s set to be the presumptive starter at third base, with the option to shift to second if Boston brings in another hot‑corner bat. Manager Chad Tracy plans to keep Durbin at third while giving Curtis Mead a look at second.
Orioles Expected To Decline Club Option On Luis Robert Jr.
The Orioles are set to decline the $20 million club option on outfielder Luis Robert Jr., letting him hit free agency and collect a $2 million buyout. The 29‑year‑old flashed All‑Star form in 2023 (38 HR, 20 SB, .264/.315/.542 slash line) but injury‑marred 2024‑25 produced a .223/.288/.372 line over 210 games. After a brief, hamstring‑limited stint with Baltimore, the O’s finished 79‑82 and passed on a 2027 extension, likely because no club will meet the $20 million price. Potential suitors include the Astros, Reds, Rays, Royals and Phillies.
Athletics Outright Six Players
The Oakland Athletics have outrighted six players to Triple‑A Las Vegas after they cleared waivers, trimming their offseason roster from 46 to 41. The moved players include right‑handers Henry Baez, Joey Estes and Geoff Hartlieb, catcher Brian Serven, infielder Michael Stefanic and outfielder Johnathan Rodríguez. Estes logged 127⅔ innings for the A’s in 2024 with a 5.01 ERA, while Hartlieb (7.16 ERA) and Serven (.175/.224/.375) have struggled at the major‑league level. Stefanic posted a brief .346 line in limited action, and Rodríguez, a former high‑performing Triple‑A talent, remains unable to translate success to the big leagues. Baez, a former Padres prospect, posts a 7.09 ERA in Double‑A. All six now face minor‑league free agency eligibility.
Royals Exercise Club Option On Tony Gonsolin, Decline Carlos Estévez
The Kansas City Royals have exercised a 2027 club option on right‑hander Tony Gonsolin, guaranteeing him $2.5 million next season, while declining Carlos Estévez’s $13 million option, sending him to free agency with a $2 million buyout. Gonsolin, a former Dodgers starter with a 3.19 ERA from 2019‑23, has battled Tommy John surgery, a back injury and another internal‑brace procedure, limiting him to one major‑league outing in 2026. The Royals hope the low‑cost arm can bolster a rotation already thin from multiple surgeries, potentially serving as a starter or bullpen piece in 2027.
Giants Outright Three Players
The San Francisco Giants outrighted left‑hander Matt Gage, right‑hander Jason Foley and infielder Osleivis Basabe from the 40‑man roster, adding to recent waiver losses of outfielder Grant McCray (to Seattle) and right‑hander Braxton Roxby (to Washington). Gage posted a 5.60 ERA in 27 ⅓ innings this season after early success, while Foley, returning from shoulder surgery, recorded a 4.15 ERA in 26 innings but saw his velocity dip and K/BB rates slide. Basabe, a 26‑year‑old who last appeared in the majors in 2023, hit .202/.268/.341 in 143 plate appearances. All three become minor‑league free agents this winter as the Giants clear roster space amid a 16‑player injured list.
Twins Outright Three Players
The Minnesota Twins outrighted left‑hander Anthony Banda, first baseman Aaron Sabato and infielder Tristan Gray on October 29, removing them from the 40‑man roster. Banda, who posted a 4.46 ERA over 34⅓ innings before a torn lat required surgery, faces free agency after a $2.3 M salary projection. Sabato, the 2020 first‑round pick, hit 25 homers with a .273/.349/.528 line in Triple‑A but went hitless in six MLB at‑bats, prompting his removal. Gray, a 30‑year‑old utility infielder, slumped to a .225/.267/.324 line with a 31.9% strikeout rate after a strong start, also heading to minor‑league free agency.
Mariners Claim Grant McCray
The Seattle Mariners claim outfielder Grant McCray off waivers from the San Francisco Giants as roster shuffling kicks off after the World Series. McCray, a 26‑year‑old third‑round pick (2019), posted a modest .170/.235/.323 line in 102 MLB games but ranks in the 95th percentile for sprint speed and has stolen 13 bases unhindered. Seattle’s 40‑man roster now sits at 35, with plans to reach 43 in the offseason, while the Giants face a crowded 56‑man roster. The Mariners envision an outfield of Julio Rodríguez, Lazaro Montes, Dominic Canzone, Luke Raley and Brennen Davis, and view McCray as a depth piece with a remaining option for 2027.
Nationals Claim Braxton Roxby, Designate Zak Kent
The Washington Nationals claim right‑hander Braxton Roxby off waivers from the San Francisco Giants and designate fellow righty Zak Kent for assignment, MLB Trade Rumors reports. Roxby, who debuted with the Giants in 2026, threw 5⅓ innings with two runs, three strikeouts and posted a 3.78 ERA in Triple‑A Sacramento, wielding a four‑seamer, sinker and slider. He still has three minor‑league option years and will battle for a bullpen spot in 2027. Kent, 28, posted a 5.51 ERA over 16⅓ MLB innings in 2026 and is out of options, making him likely to clear waivers and potentially seek free agency.
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