MLB Hot Stove tracker: Live updates on news, rumors, signings and trades for 2026 free agency originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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On Dec. 2, 2026, the baseball world will likely be coming to a complete halt. In most offseasons, big moves would happen throughout the winter — but this year, the impending lengthy lockout means that there could be a significant flurry of acquisitions before the final month of the year even arrives.
With the Milwaukee Brewers crowned as the 2026 World Series champions, and before the player’s union and owners focus on negotiations over a potential salary cap and more, November is expected to be a sped-up version of a typical MLB offseason. There will be no Winter Meetings for executives to utilize, and with a chance that the lockout doesn’t end until spring, teams will likely be attempting to squeeze in as many roster moves as possible.
The unusual circumstances should create for an urgent and active “Hot Stove” throughout the month of November. The big fish of the free agent class will be Tarik Skubal, who has long been speculated as having a real shot to break Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s record for the largest contract ($325 million) given to a starting pitcher — the two-time Cy Young Award winner is likely to land with a big spender, including a chance of a return to the Dodgers.
Other top free-agent options include sluggers Randy Arozarena and Seiya Suzuki, starting pitchers Michael King and Freddy Peralta, and Japan triple-crown winner Teruaki Sato, who will be posted to MLB clubs. On the trade market, expect to see names like Jarren Duran, C.J. Abrams, Mason Miller and Zach Neto pop up in rumors.
The Sporting News is tracking all of the latest buzz from the MLB offseason below, from rumors to signings and trades. Follow along with the latest updates.
MORE: Ranking the best free agents available in 2026 MLB offseason
MLB Hot Stove 2026: Latest news, rumors on signings and trades
Mets ‘less inclined’ to pursue Teruaki Sato after Bichette’s return
- Date: Nov. 5
- Source: Tim Britton, Will Sammon
With Bo Bichette opting into his player option, the Mets are “less inclined to aggressively pursue Teruaki Sato,” a triple-crown winner in Japan this past offseason who has been posted to MLB teams. While that option can’t be ruled out, New York is more likely to prioritize pitching.
Ketel Marte trade could be back on the table
- Date: Nov. 5
- Source: Steve Gilbert
Per MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert, the Diamondbacks could revisit a trade involving star second baseman Ketel Marte this offseason after his up-and-down history with the franchise continued, including a stint on the restricted list after failing to show up for a game. Marte has the ability to veto any trade.
Orioles open to trading ‘almost anyone’
- Date: Nov. 4
- Source: Andy Kostka
The Baltimore Banner’s Andy Kostka reports that the Orioles are “maintaining a willingness to listen in trade discussions on every player except Pete Alonso” this offseason, seeking “at least one starting pitcher, as well as upgrades in the outfield and at catcher.
While the Orioles are not said to be shopping their players — with an unlikeliness they would especially move on from shortstop Gunnar Henderson — the team is reportedly “open-minded” about navigating its roster to make improvements.
Red Sox targeting big-time bats
The Red Sox are expected to revisit talks with the Nationals about CJ Abrams this offseason, Jim Bowden reports, with Reds star Elly De La Cruz another option if Cincinnati explores trade options.
Eight players receive qualifying offers
- Date: Nov. 2
- Source: Joel Sherman
Eight players received a one-year, $23.15 million qualifying offer and have until Nov. 17 to accept or decline it: OF Randy Arozarena, 1B Jake Bauers, CL David Bednar, C Ryan Jeffers, 2B Brandon Lowe, OF Seiya Suzuki, SP Trevor Rogers, RP Adrian Morejon.
Cubs ‘badly want’ Tarik Skubal
- Date: Nov. 2
- Source: Jeff Passan
Passan writes that the Dodgers and Mets are the two most “obvious” suitors for Skubal, but the Cubs also “badly want” to add him despite being “skeptical that they will be willing to compete at the sort of dollars Skubal is expected to get.”
RHP Hiromi Itoh, RHP Kaima Taira posted to MLB teams
- Date: Nov. 2
- Source: MLB
Two top arms from Japan, Hiromi Itoh and Kaima Taira, have also been posted to MLB clubs. Itoh had a 3.18 ERA and 159 Ks in 172.2 IP with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in 2026, while Taira went 12-5 with a 1.36 ERA and 141 Ks in 146 innings for the Saitama Seibu Lions.
Teruaki Sato officially posted to MLB teams
- Date: Nov. 1
- Source: Joel Sherman
Third baseman/outfielder Teruaki Sato, who won the triple crown in Japan’s Central League this past season, has officially been posted to MLB clubs by the Hanshin Tigers.
Sato will be one of the top bats on the open market, likely to have some urgency to find a team before the impending lockout.
Rays pick up option on SP Drew Rasmussen
- Date: Nov. 1
- Source: ESPN
Tampa Bay has picked up the $20 million option on star pitcher Drew Rasmussen, meaning he can now become a free agent after the 2027 season.
Nick Martinez, Michael King, more decline options to become free agents
- Date: Oct. 30
- Source: Jon Heyman
As anticipated, most of the free-agent market’s top potential players have opted out of their contracts, including the Rays’ Nick Martinez, the Padres’ Michael King and the Brewers’ Dustin May.
One name who opted into their decision was Astros pitcher Tatsuya Imai, who has $36 million remaining on his deal after struggling with a 4.93 ERA last season. The Braves, as expected, also exercised their $17 million option on Ronald Acuna Jr. and $7 million option on Ozzie Albies.
Bo Bichette picks up Mets player option
- Date: Oct. 30
- Source: Anthony DiComo
Last offseason, the Mets landed one of the top infielders available in Bo Bichette, who included a player option in the deal with the chance to secure a long-term contract this offseason. Instead, he’ll spend at least more season in Queens.
Bichette opted the second season of his three-year, $126 million contract, set to make $42 million in 2027 after struggling (.702 OPS) for most of the 2026 season.
Red Sox send Nate Eaton to A’s
- Date: Oct. 29
- Source: Martin Gallegos
In the first trade of the offseason, Boston sent outfielder Nate Eaton to the A’s in exchange for Minor League right-hander Jareth Rayo.
MORE:Pete Crow-Armstrong headlines SN’s 2026 MLB award winners
MLB free agent signings and trades by team
Arizona Diamondbacks
Athletics
Atlanta Braves
Baltimore Orioles
Boston Red Sox
Chicago Cubs
Chicago White Sox
Cincinnati Reds
Cleveland Guardians
Colorado Rockies
Detroit Tigers
Houston Astros
Kansas City Royals
Los Angeles Angels
Los Angeles Dodgers
Miami Marlins
Milwaukee Brewers
Minnesota Twins
New York Mets
New York Yankees
Philadelphia Phillies
Pittsburgh Pirates
San Diego Padres
San Francisco Giants
Seattle Mariners
St. Louis Cardinals
Tampa Bay Rays
Texas Rangers
Toronto Blue Jays
Washington Nationals
Best MLB free agents available
Here are the top available free agents from SN’s ranking of the top 16 free agents this winter:
- SP Tarik Skubal (No. 1)
- OF Randy Arozarena (No. 2)
- SP Michael King (No. 3)
- 2B Brandon Lowe (No. 4)
- SP Freddy Peralta (No. 5)
- OF Seiya Suzuki (No. 6)
- SP Sonny Gray (No. 7)
- 3B Teruaki Sato (No. 8)
- RP Adrian Morejon (No. 9)
- RP David Bednar (No. 10)
- C Ryan Jeffers (No. 11)
- 2B Jazz Chisholm Jr. (No. 12)
- SP Trevor Rogers (No. 13)
- 1B Jake Bauers (No. 14)
- 2B Luis Arraez (No. 15)
- 1B Ty France (No. 16)
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