What's new in free agency? Lessons from 2026 MLB GM meetings

With an MLB lockout looming, baseball's top executives gathered in Las Vegas this week for the annual general managers meetings. Amid the uncertainty of this hot stove season, it was the first opportunity to hear officials from all 30 front offices discuss their priorities for the unique offseason ahead.

From the pursuit of top free agent ace Tarik Skubal to the various logistics teams are facing this winter, ESPN MLB reporters Jorge Castillo, Alden Gonzalez and Jesse Rogers report on what each franchise will be focused on over the next few months.

Jump to a team:

AL East: BAL | BOS | NYY | TB | TOR

AL Central: CHW | CLE | DET | KC | MIN

AL West: ATH | HOU | LAA | SEA | TEX

NL East: ATL | MIA | NYM | PHI | WSH

NL Central: CHC | CIN | MIL | PIT | STL

NL West: ARI | COL | LAD | SD | SF

AL East

Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles have encountered an uncomfortable reality after failing to reach the postseason for the second straight year: Their hyped young core of position players is not good enough.

They could augment the group by signing another free agent after landing Pete Alonso (the team's best player in 2026 by a large margin) last offseason. They could move on from other players in that nucleus after dealing Adley Rutschman, a former No. 1 pick and two-time All-Star, to the Red Sox at the trade deadline. For now, they're exploring both avenues, knowing they also need some internal development to return to contention.

"There's a ton of talent on this roster, so we just need to make sure we're getting the most out of it." Orioles general manager Jared Banner said. "Turning that talent into wins. We want our young players turning from being young players into superstars, and that's what it takes to really get better quickly."

Baltimore is also looking to address the starting rotation, with Trevor Rogers hitting free agency. The Orioles won't be vying for Skubal's or the free agent pitchers in the tier below that, but they're poised to add a midrotation hurler. -- Castillo

Boston Red Sox

The task isn't complicated for Red Sox president of baseball operations Craig Breslow. With a standout pitching staff that should have Garrett Crochet back and healthy in 2027, improving his club's offense is his top priority.

First baseman Willson Contreras, acquired last offseason from the Cardinals, enjoyed a career season with a .901 OPS and a 151 wRC+ that ranked third in the majors. Wilyer Abreu (112 wRC+) and Ceddanne Rafaela (110 wRC+) were key contributors while supplying elite outfield defense. But the Red Sox ranked 23rd in runs scored and 26th in home runs in the majors in 2026.

They're hunting for power before the expected lockout.

"The offense was inconsistent, and we need to look to find ways to score more runs," Breslow said. "I think some of that probably comes from guys like Roman [Anthony] and Curtis Mead and Adley [Rutschman] being healthy with us for full seasons. And then we will explore opportunities to improve the team with guys who currently aren't on the roster." -- Castillo

New York Yankees

The Yankees first have to figure out their coaching staff after bench coach Brad Ausmus left to become the Astros' manager, hitting coach James Rowson was let go and catching coach Tanner Swanson took the Mariners' bench coach job. Former Astros manager Joe Espada is among the candidates for bench coach, and former Dodgers co-hitting coach Aaron Bates is among the candidates for hitting coach, sources told ESPN.

After that, it's waiting to see whether closer David Bednar accepts the one-year, $23.15 million qualifying offer by the Nov. 17 deadline. Bednar, 32, would undoubtedly garner a multiyear deal -- with the Yankees or another club -- if he declines the contract. But he could take it and hit free agency next winter without the weight of draft compensation hindering his market.

The Yankees are interested in signing left-hander Adrian Morejon -- the best free agent reliever -- if Bednar ends up elsewhere. Waiting for Bednar's decision, however, could hamper that pursuit. General manager Brian Cashman has avoided giving relievers big contracts in recent years, but he said this week that he's "not afraid to do it" should the opportunity surface.

Elsewhere, Cashman said he'd like a better right-handed-hitting catcher to partner with Austin Wells and "without a doubt" is looking to upgrade third base afterRyan McMahon'sstruggles in 2026. As it stands, Spencer Jones projects as the team's starting center fielder, but Cashman acknowledged Jones "probably profiles better on the corner." A right-handed-hitting center fielder to platoon with the left-handed-hitting Jones is another possibility. -- Castillo

Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays began their offseason after losing the World Series in five games by exercising Drew Rasmussen's$20 million club option for next season. It's ultimately a bargain for a pitcher in his prime who finished fourth in AL Cy Young voting and starred in the postseason, but history suggests the low-budget Rays would at least explore trading him to maximize value.

That, however, doesn't appear to be the case here, even though Rasmussen's $20 million salary would be the largest in franchise history. President of baseball operations Erik Neander said he does not plan on trading Rasmussen. Perhaps new ownership and an impending move to Tampa in 2029 could even prompt the Rays to extend their ace.

Rasmussen would anchor a rotation that could look very different next season. Nick Martinez, the Rays' other All-Star starter, and Freddy Peralta, who excelled after he was acquired at the trade deadline, are both free agents. Shane McClanahan, their former ace, is a trade candidate entering his final year of control after three injury-plagued years.

Peralta likely priced himself out of the Rays' comfort zone, but a reunion with Martinez, a clubhouse leader who shined in his first full season as a starter, is possible. They could also look to deepen their lineup, but the rotation is the priority. -- Castillo

Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays have money and want to spend it.

A year after signing Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million contract, Toronto is one of the few teams scheduled to meet with Tarik Skubal, who could sign for close to double Cease's deal. If Skubal isn't the answer, the Jays will look for starting pitching elsewhere.

Otherwise, the Blue Jays are looking to add a second baseman and a right-handed hitter. Outfielder Seiya Suzuki makes sense. They've expressed interest in second basemen Brandon Lowe and Jazz Chisholm Jr., two very different players coming off very different seasons.

Lowe had perhaps his best season with 35 home runs, an .824 OPS and a startling defensive improvement. Chisholm had a disappointing walk year for the Yankees and there are makeup concerns, but his talent is unquestionable two years removed from a 30-30 season. He's one of six players with at least 30 steals each of the past three seasons. Defensively, he grades out as elite at second base and above average at third base and center field -- all premium positions. -- Castillo

AL Central

Chicago White Sox

By the end of the year, White Sox reliever Grant Taylor was seemingly pitching multiple innings in every important game. He was more or less Chicago's version of Aaron Ashby, a valuable late-inning option.

Or at least he was.

"The plan is to put him in the rotation," GM Chris Getz said. "It's something that he's definitely wanted to do. We feel like it's the best time [to try it] for Grant and for us."

The White Sox have experience moving a star reliever to the rotation and getting the most out of him. Garrett Crochetused to be that guy. Now, it's Taylor's turn.

The team needs more in its rotation after running out of pitchers. Taylor and former first-round pick Noah Schultz will get an opportunity in 2027, along with whomever they acquire this offseason. -- Rogers

Cleveland Guardians

The end of the Guardians' 2026 season, which featured a strong final regular-season stretch and a playoff run that brought them two wins from the World Series, was informative. And because of it -- for once -- they're not as desperate to add hitting as they normally are.

"Overall, we didn't score enough runs, but we were much better after the trade deadline than we were before," president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said. "Jo [Adell]and Nathaniel [Lowe] were responsible for that, but also the growth of our younger guys. That group is returning."

Antonetti is referring, of course, to outfielder Chase DeLauter, second baseman Travis Bazzana and surprisingly productive catcher Patrick Bailey.

The team will focus on deepening a pitching staff that nearly helped carry the club to the Fall Classic. The Guardians like their immediate future. -- Rogers

Detroit Tigers

The Tigers' president of baseball operations, Scott Harris, was barely done telling reporters about needing to fill some holes in the back end of his bullpen before signing righty relieverEmilio Pagan to a one-year deal.

Pagan can replace Kenley Jansen as that late-inning, veteran presence in Detroit.

After Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize moved on last summer, Harris admitted to having a lot of needs in the rotation as well. In a perfect world for Detroit, young starters such asJackson Jobe, Troy Melton and newly acquired righty River Ryan aren't pushed past their limits in 2027.

"We think there is an opportunity to add more innings in some creative ways that help insulate these young starters from the demands of a full, major league season," Harris said. "We'll try to add pitching and be creative about it."

Harris checked off one box for the Tigers with Pagan's addition, but Detroit needs more in the cupboard. -- Rogers

Kansas City Royals

The Royals want to balance their lineup after finishing in the bottom third of the league against left-handed pitching last year. A right-handed-hitting outfielder would be a nice acquisition.

"Right-handed stands out," GM J.J. Picollo said. "We have a lot of left-handed hitters, particularly in the outfield, so a right-handed-hitting outfielder would be really helpful, especially if they can play center field a little bit."

Lane Thomas didn't finish the year for Kansas City, yet he led the Royals in home runs from right-handed-hitting outfielders. Pairing another dangerous hitter from the right side with Bobby Witt Jr. can only help balance things for the Royals.

Seiya Suzuki and Randy Arozarena are the top hitters in free agency, but might price themselves out of Kansas City. -- Rogers

Minnesota Twins

Minnesota would like catcher Ryan Jeffers to return but is ready to pivot if it doesn't happen.

Jeffers was extended the qualifying offer and is exploring the market.

"We remain engaged with his group," GM Jeremy Zoll said. "We still have Victor Caratini, but he's not going to catch 162 games, so we'll have to find a complement for him and replace the loss of Jeffers' production."

Zoll said it has been "easy" to be candid with potential replacements at catcher, telling agents they're working through things with Jeffers.

If Jeffers and free agent Josh Bell move on, the Twins will look to augment an offense that produced during most of the summer -- with those two players helping lead the way. -- Rogers

AL West

Athletics

The 2026 A's ranked 29th in starters' ERA and last in bullpen ERA. Their pitching clearly still has not caught up to the promise of their position-player group, which could include top prospect Leo De Vries in 2027. But it doesn't seem as though this is an area the A's will attack aggressively in free agency this offseason.

New president of baseball operations Taylor Smith believes a lot of the pitchers' woes were a product of the hitter-friendly environment in Sacramento -- one the team will play in for only one more season -- and seems more focused on development at this point. The A's have an expensive veteran in Luis Severino, a controllable young starter in J.T. Ginn, two exciting prospects in Gage Jump and Jack Perkins, and a couple of more seasoned, out-of-options hurlers in Luis Medina and Jacob Lopez constituting their major league starting pitching depth at the moment.

That group probably won't change much. The difference between the A's expected ERA and actual ERA was a full run in 2026 -- 4.52 versus 5.53, respectively. -- Gonzalez

Houston Astros

One of Randy Flores' primary tasks as the Astros' new GM -- outside of addressing the team's starting-pitching depth -- will be unclogging the infield.

"The math is the math on that," Flores said, "and that's something that we really have to take a hard look at how we solve."

The Astros' current alignment would probably have Yordan Alvarez starting in left field to make all the pieces fit, a move that is certainly not ideal. Alvarez can go back to DH if the Astros simply trade one of Christian Walker, Isaac Paredes or Jeremy PenabecauseCarlos Correa and Jose Altuveare locked in at third and second base, respectively.

But Walker, Paredes and Pena are all under team control for only one more year. And the uncertainty of how many games -- if any -- will be played in 2027 makes it really difficult for teams to justify trading for players in that situation, industry sources said this week. Perhaps the Astros will swap one of those infielders for an outfielder or a starting pitcher who's also eligible for free agency after 2027, but in all likelihood, Houston probably won't find a match until after a new CBA is signed. -- Gonzalez

Los Angeles Angels

There might be no more awkward situation in baseball than that of the Angels. The new owners have yet to be approved, and the GM, John Mozeliak, is on a contract that expires at year's end, with full knowledge he won't be coming back. Mozeliak, the Cardinals' longtime head of baseball operations, likes to refer to himself as an "innkeeper" these days.

Barring some amazing, unforeseen opportunity they can't pass up, the Angels won't do anything substantive with their roster before the potential Dec. 1 lockout. Mozeliak's role at the GM meetings was basically to gather intel on the trade and free agent markets.

"And when new leadership gets in place," Mozeliak said, "share our notes and allow them to hit the ground running."

Whether that new leadership is in place before the end of the month remains to be seen. Prominent members of the new ownership group were in Las Vegas this week meeting with a broad range of candidates for their new head of baseball operations, working from a list Mozeliak said he did not fully put together.

Mozeliak expects to get involved once that list gets pared down. There is still no timetable for a vote on the transfer of the Angels from Arte Moreno to Stan Kroenke, but it is not expected to take place at next week's owners meetings. For now, the Angels are basically on pause.

"My role right now is to keep the lights on, keep the trains running on time, and that's what I'll do," Mozeliak said. -- Gonzalez

Seattle Mariners

The Mariners were arguably the most disappointing team in baseball this year, finishing 10 games below .500 in a season that began with World Series expectations. But their focus is not on blowing up the roster; it's on plugging specific holes and emphasizing development at the major league level for a lineup that doesn't possess any regulars older than 30.

It's what pushed them to hire the relatively unknown Jason Kanzler as their manager and pair him with former field coordinator Tyler Swanson as his bench coach.

The Mariners want to add another hitter or two, preferably right-handed, and are open to doing so for the left side of their infield or the outfield corners, with Brendan Donovan and Colt Emerson able to move around, according to a source.

The Mariners will also look for late-game bullpen help to form the bridge to closer Andres Munoz. The expectation is that they will plug some of those holes by moving at least one of their starting pitchers, with Bryce Miller, Emerson Hancock and George Kirby the more attainable ones, industry sources said. -- Gonzalez

Texas Rangers

There is no bigger question surrounding the Rangers this offseason thanCorey Seager'sfuture. The Rangers are open to trading him, according to industry sources. Finding a match is the tricky part. Seager is owed $155 million over the next five years and will play next season at 33 years old.

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He remains an elite hitter, but his injury history -- he has averaged barely more than 110 games over the past four seasons, with ailments to his hip and back along the way -- has rival executives thinking that the Rangers would have a really hard time finding a team willing to take on the money and give up anything of substance.

Then there's the threat of a salary cap, which would make it difficult for high-payroll teams to justify absorbing that type of contract. And then there's the fact that Seager has now qualified for 10-and-5 rights, allowing him to block any trade. At this point, Seager would be open to approving one, a source with knowledge of his thinking said, but it would have to be the right fit. Whether that fit materializes before the lockout remains to be seen. -- Gonzalez

NL East

Atlanta Braves

Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos plays things close to the vest, but starting pitching, shortstop and bullpen were Atlanta's clear areas of need entering the offseason. Atlanta gave the first multiyear free agent contract of the offseason to reliever Evan Phillips, who effectively replaces fellow free agent Raisel Iglesias.

Even with Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach, Bryce Elder, Reynaldo Lopez, Didier Fuentes, and Grant Holmes seemingly in the equation for next year, the Braves could use at least another viable starter behind ace Chris Sale. A reunion with Tyler Mahle, who was a revelation upon joining the Braves at the trade deadline, is possible. So is one with utilityman Mauricio Dubon.

"I don't look at timing," Anthopoulos said. "I don't get to pick. If someone's ready to make a trade today, we'll do it. If a free agent's ready to sign today, we'll certainly be engaged. You don't get to pick the timing of things. You'd love to go through stuff, but we'll just react as things come up." -- Castillo

Miami Marlins

The Marlins took another step forward in 2026, finishing in third place in the NL East with 80 wins despite carrying the second-smallest payroll in the majors.

The club picked upSandy Alcántara's$21 million club option for 2027, his final year before reaching free agency, after the season. Miami won't be in the market to invest huge money in free agents, but the team has some flexibility, considering Alcántara is the only guaranteed salary on the Marlins' payroll for next season; everyone else under team control is either pre-arbitration or eligible for arbitration.

One clear area of need is the bullpen. This week, president of baseball operations Peter Bendix said he is looking to add a left-handed reliever. A year ago, he gave veteran right-hander Pete Fairbanks a one-year, $11 million deal, so there's precedent for Miami spending in that department.

Acquiring a right-handed batter or two after ranking among the worst teams against left-handed pitching last season is also sensible. -- Castillo

New York Mets

The Mets need pitching, starters and relievers. They are the industry favorites to land Tarik Skubal, whom they are scheduled to meet in California next week.

President of baseball operations David Stearns declined to comment on the Skubal pursuit -- or any other free agents -- but he made it clear that adding to the rotation is paramount. The Mets view onlyNolan McLean and Christian Scott as locks for the rotation next season.

"Having a complete rotation is really important, and that includes having pitchers that successfully can get you through a playoff series," Stearns said. "We have seen over and over again in the playoffs that it can be constructed in a variety of different ways, and so we're open to doing it any way possible."

The Mets also seek to add to the bullpen after trading four veteran relievers at the deadline. That includes at least one lefty; they've expressed interest in veteran free agents Brooks Raley, Alex Vesia, and Tim Hill, according to sources. They could also add a right-handed-hitting first baseman to platoon with Jared Young. -- Castillo

Philadelphia Phillies

This week, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski plainly laid out that the team wants to add an outfielder, a utility infielder, rotation depth and a left-handed reliever. Philadelphia has expressed strong interest in Japanese stars Seiya Suzuki and Teruaki Sato.

Suzuki, 32, is an established major league outfielder with a 128 OPS+ in five seasons with the Cubs. Sato is five years younger and coming off a Triple Crown season in Japan, but he hasn't played at this level, and there are real questions about his defense. Though Sato has primarily played third base, he could end up in a corner outfield spot, where the Phillies have a need.

Either player would require another lucrative multiyear deal to add to a roster with eight players already slated to make between $13 million and $42 million next season, though Nick Castellanos' and Taijuan Walker's long-term contracts came off the books. Dombrowski said owner John Middleton is willing to spend money as the Phillies seek a World Series title with this core of veterans before it's too late.

"John's always been tremendous," Dombrowski said. "He's very flexible, but I have a proximate area of what we're going to be. And it's very generous." -- Castillo

Washington Nationals

Washington remains in rebuilding mode after exceeding expectations in president of baseball operations Paul Toboni's first season. That could include trading All-Star infielder CJ Abrams, who is under team control for two more seasons, though that is considered unlikely.

The Nationals' offense was one of the best in baseball, but their pitching, specifically their bullpen, was a disaster. Though they won't engage with any expensive free agents, there is a clear need to upgrade a historically dreadful bullpen that set the major league record for blown saves in a season.

"I think between now and spring training, my guess is there will be a few more faces," Toboni said. "I can't say for sure, but whether that's major league free agency or whatever it might be, trades, I think there might be some movement there. And I think it's good that we'll have that movement." -- Castillo

NL Central

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs have the most free agents in the league, leaving them many spots to fill on the roster. Their main focus, though, will be on the mound.

"We've made no secret we're looking for pitching," GM Carter Hawkins said. "That's been the majority of our conversations [with free agents], and I imagine that will include the trade front as well."

The Cubs won't be in the bidding for Tarik Skubal, but any other pitcher on the market could be part of their plans.

They might get something done this month, before the possible work stoppage, but the bulk of their moves could come in the new year, especially in the bullpen. -- Rogers

Cincinnati Reds

The loss of Emilio Paganin free agency adds to Cincinnati's urgency on the mound. The Reds' bullpen ERA ranked 25th in MLB, providing for some ugly nights as Cincinnati fell in the standings.

"We'd love to build a bullpen from the back, forward," president of baseball operations Nick Krall said. "We have a handful of open spots. We need to build some depth and some guys on the back end."

The Reds need a lot to augment an offense that got a huge boost from NL Rookie of the Year Sal Stewart. They still need to improve in a few areas around the diamond if they want to stay within striking distance in a very competitive NL Central, but Krall admits it's mostly about pitching. -- Rogers

Milwaukee Brewers

Milwaukee doesn't have many needs, and that's no surprise after winning the World Series.

But the Brewers now have a "target" on their back, according to GM Matt Arnold. That has him doubling down on making sure their processes are in order, even in the first few days after their championship parade.

There will be no resting on their laurels.

"I talk to Pat Murphy about this every day," Arnold said. "I want to make sure we have the right ingredients around our big league team so we can do this again." -- Rogers

Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh is one of the few teams that essentially has enough pitching to compete. The Pirates will add on the edges, but the organization is ready to take its next step.

The Pirates are also hoping that starter Mitch Keller returns to better form. He missed time because of a shoulder injury, but he should be ready to go in 2027.

"We're bullish on what the pitching group can accomplish," GM Ben Cherington said. "We have a roster that's pretty solid. How do we upgrade it? This offseason, that's a little less specific to a single position and more where are the opportunities?"

In other words, Pittsburgh doesn't have glaring holes for once. A very long rebuild could finally start paying dividends next season, and Cherington's goal is to improve the roster wherever the opportunity arises. -- Rogers

St. Louis Cardinals

St. Louis viewed last season as a success in terms of what the team wanted to do outside of wins and losses -- namely, giving young players runway to advance their games.

Players such asJordan Walker, JJ Wetherholt and Joshua Baez did just that. Now where do the Cardinals go?

"We'll continue to have lanes for our young players," GM Chaim Bloom said. "There's also looking outside the organization from a trade standpoint to join those players for the long haul. That could be front and center or a supporting role."

The Cardinals believe they're deeper than they were a year ago at this time. It gives them flexibility to improve. A veteran or two in the bullpen would also help stabilize a staff that had some shaky moments in the second half of 2026. -- Rogers

NL West

Arizona Diamondbacks

The D-backs enter this offseason facing a tough question. They have a core group that was good enough to average 85 wins over the past three years, but it didn't make the playoffs in either season. Do the Diamondbacks once again look to supplement it on the margins -- by adding some bullpen help and a much-needed left-handed-hitting first baseman -- or do they break it up?

The D-backs will spend some time exploring the latter option, a source familiar with their thinking said. And the most logical step would be trading Ketel Marte, the talented, enigmatic second baseman who went AWOL on his team last season. The D-backs couldn't find a fit for Marte last winter. Now, he has 10-and-5 rights, giving him the ability to block any trade.

The D-backs have not had formal talks with Marte about a potential trade this offseason, according to a source. That won't come until an offer they deem worthy materializes. But the sense is their bar for Marte, who's 33 and owed $76 million over the next four years, won't be nearly as high as it was a year ago. It can't be. -- Gonzalez

Colorado Rockies

The Rockies are targeting pitching, and lots of it. Though they're not beholden to certain pitch types, they are targeting a specific profile: pitchers who can throw multiple innings. Starters, of course, but also relievers.

"When we were at our best last year, it was probably when we had the most length available," Rockies president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta said. And that length is not geared to the sense of a mop-up guy. It's more like, 'It's 4-3, there's one out in the sixth, go win this for us.'"

Rockies relievers ranked fifth in the majors in innings pitched this season, and though a big part of that is a function of their rotation once again putting up the worst ERA in the majors -- by a lot -- it was also by design. Antonio Senzatela, Chase Dollander, Tanner Gordon, Zach Agnos and others frequently provided multiple innings out of the bullpen. The Rockies need more of those types of pitchers in 2027 because Senzatela was traded at midseason, Dollander underwent elbow surgery, and Gordon and Agnos combined for a 6.33 ERA.

"It's just hard with [13-pitcher roster limits] in our environment to have one-inning guys," DePodesta said. "It's just hard to get through multiple series without roster moves. It's something we'll emphasize. That doesn't mean everybody needs to be a three- or four-inning guy, but we can only afford to have so many one-inning relievers." -- Gonzalez

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers want Tarik Skubal back, of course. He was an ideal fit in their clubhouse, he's one of the few players who can significantly impact their championship odds, and though they still possess enviable starting-pitching depth, another ace-caliber starter would be ideal, given the injury and workload concerns that consistently surround Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow and Shohei Ohtani.

But Skubal could command a $400 million contract, and the Dodgers don't see themselves going to those lengths given the uncertainty of MLB's economic situation moving forward, sources familiar with their thinking said. The threat of a salary cap in 2028 -- or, more realistically, 2029 or 2030 -- has some Dodgers officials thinking that their only path to landing Skubal might be through a short-term, high-AAV deal, the type he's highly unlikely to accept.

Is there a chance owner Mark Walter, who's facing a federal investigation over alleged self-dealing, approves a nine-figure deal for Skubal? That can never be counted out. But at this point, that does not seem to be on the table. At least not before a potential Dec. 1 lockout.

Outside of Skubal, the Dodgers need to retool their bullpen, and they would like to add a high-end, versatile hitter to their offense, particularly one who can get Freddie Freeman off his feet more frequently at first base. Freeman, one of the faces of the oldest position-player group in baseball, has always been adamant about playing every day. But the Dodgers believe giving him more time off -- as well as third baseman Max Muncy, shortstop Mookie Betts and catcher Will Smith -- can help an older lineup be fresher for the postseason.

The Dodgers are once again open to trading right-handed-hitting corner outfielder Teoscar Hernandez, a move that would create a path for top prospect Josue De Paula in left field, sources said. But if good offers don't present themselves -- they didn't last offseason, and they haven't yet this time around -- they'd prefer to keep him in case De Paula isn't ready defensively in 2027. -- Gonzalez

San Diego Padres

The Padres' new owners, Kwanza Jones and Jose E. Feliciano, want to make a splash this offseason, sources familiar with their thinking have said. In their quest to fill a variety of spots in their rotation, the Padres have set up a meeting with Tarik Skubal but have also expressed interest in Freddy Peralta, among other free agent starters, and are open to reunions with Michael King, Nick Pivetta and Nick Martinez.

"They're committed to putting a winning team on the field," Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller said when asked what type of financial flexibility he might have under the new ownership group. "I'm not sure exactly what form that looks like, how much the exact dollars are. I think it's a little bit player-specific. We have some money coming off the books, we have some holes to fill."

The Padres cleared nearly $60 million off their books with Pivetta, King, Jason Adam, Ramon Laureano and Adrian Morejon becoming free agents, but their rotation currently consists of only one starter they can truly depend on in 2027, Randy Vasquez, and they still need to address left field, first base and potentially the back end of their bullpen.

Their payroll is also clogged with massive deals for Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Xander Bogaerts, who combine for more than $80 million annually toward their competitive balance tax payroll -- the one MLB would use for a potential salary cap -- through 2033.

Still, the thought is the new owners will be aggressive.

"I think the biggest thing with Kwanza and Jose is they got a taste of it last year, seeing the team go back to the playoffs, playing a super competitive series in the division series round," Preller said. "We have a core group of position players that we like, that have done a lot of winning, and I think their appetite to put a good team on the field -- they understand it takes resources and it takes payroll to do that." -- Gonzalez

San Francisco Giants

After an aggressive run that saw them extend Matt Chapman, sign Willy Adames and trade for Rafael Devers, the Giants will operate more conservatively this offseason. A 97-loss season will do that.

The Giants will address their pitching staff and look to free agency to do so, but president of baseball operations Buster Posey said "it's going to be harder for us" to sign those who are tied to a qualifying offer and will thus cost them draft picks.

The Giants want to add at least one starting pitcher, and they'll seek multiple relievers to help a bullpen that became a real problem area for them this past season. The Giants probably won't be in the market forAdrian Morejon or David Bednar, but they'll be in on the next tier of free agent relievers.

Generally speaking, they'll hope their expensive veterans rebound and will bide their time until some of their best prospects ascend to the major leagues. -- Gonzalez

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