Offseason Roster Thread 2025-26

[Brownie19]

3 hours ago, Laika said:

Nope. 

Than that moves the needle even more...

[Laika]

2 minutes ago, Brownie19 said:

Than that moves the needle even more...

Indeed. It makes DS's reverse splits seem even less reliable than the small sample size would indicate. 

[Olerud363.354]

7 hours ago, Laika said:

Mint defender vs statue so you would never pick DS over EC because of splits. 

Jim said that even after regression their splits were something like wRC+ was like 90/110 in favor of Scheider. It is probably more like 85/105 but same trend.  That mostly reflects the difference in total wRC+ rather than platoon skill.

Jim has 40 years experience being the most highly paid engineer in a firm of 2000 and more statistical analysis experience then the rest of you combined.  I still will say that he intuitively understood that the platoon trends of Clement and Schneider were real (albeit small) and he did correctly deduce the net wRC+ difference of 20 (vs righties) between the two.  

Personally I have 22 years experience going from job to job, getting canned fairly quickly, though have not been canned in many years, I guess because my linkedin has had that green 'open for work' thingy since before Covid.  That being said I've been canned by many Jim-types, and many phony-types just trying to eliminate me before I took their job, so I know the difference between the real-deal and the make-believes. 

 

 

[Spanky__99]

Winter Meetings rumour tracker...

https://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/mlb-rumour-tracker-the-latest-winter-meetings-buzz/

 

MLB Rumour Tracker: The latest Winter Meetings buzz

Sportsnet Staff@Sportsnet

December 08, 2025 - 7:38pm

 

Who might the Blue Jays be targeting as Winter Meetings start?

Hazel Mae and Shi Davidi discuss the latest news as the MLB Winter Meetings start, including Jeff Kent, who was elected to the Hall of Fame by the Contemporary Era committee, before saying who the Toronto Blue Jays might be targeting still.

 

Play Video

Hazel Mae and Shi Davidi discuss the latest news as the MLB Winter Meetings start, including Jeff Kent, who was elected to the Hall of Fame by the Contemporary Era committee, before saying who the Toronto Blue Jays might be targeting still.

•  
•  
•  
•  

Major League Baseball's annual Winter Meetings have arrived.

With a number of top free agents still available on the open market, the baseball world gathering in Orlando, Fla., this week sets the stage for teams to begin, or continue, their off-season shopping.

As clubs look to make a splash this winter, rumours will continue to fly, and you can follow along with the latest speculation at Sportsnet.ca. Here is our running tracker of what MLB insiders across the industry are hearing.

Monday, Dec. 8

7:15 p.m. ET — Astros targeting Rays starter Shane Baz

With one of the Houston's top starters, Framber Valdez, hitting the open market, Rays right-hander Shane Baz has reportedly emerged as a trade target for the Astros, according to The Athletic's Chandler Rome. Baz, a Houston native, fits the profile the Astros are seeking as a young, controllable starting pitcher.

7:00 p.m. ET — Orioles seek impact bat in addition to starting pitching

In addition to expressing interest in top free-agent starting pitchers – including Ranger Suárez, Michael King and Tatsuya Imai – Orioles general manager Mike Elias told reporters that the team is "talking to a whole bunch of hitters." Elias added that positional fit is secondary to adding talent, and that the Orioles have conversations going on "mostly in free agency, but also some in trades," per The Baltimore Banner's Andy Kostka.

6:45 p.m. ET — Dodgers don't 'anticipate' trading Teoscar Hernández

Despite reports in recent days that the Dodgers could be looking to move outfielder Teoscar Hernández, Los Angeles general manager Brandon Gomes said that a trade "doesn't feel likely," per ESPN's Alden González. Gomes admitted that talks of a Hernández deal have come up, but added it's "not something we anticipate." The 33-year-old took a step back in 2025, with his OPS dropping over 100 points from his all-star campaign in 2024. But Hernández still hit 25 homers and has two years remaining on the $66-million deal he signed last off-season.

6:15 p.m. ET — Angels open to adding another starter

After landing Grayson Rodriguez in a trade with the Orioles and signing Alek Manoah, the Angels are "still planning" to look at starting pitching, according to Fansided's Robert Murray. Los Angeles appears to have money to spend after sending Taylor Ward's $14-million contract to Baltimore.

6 p.m. ET — Phillies looking to move Castellanos

Phillies general manager Preston Mattingly wasn't hiding his intention to move veteran outfielder Nick Castellanos during an appearance on MLB Network Radio. Mattingly said Philadelphia has "looked to get Castellanos a change of scenery," following the 33-year-old's .694-OPS season.

5:45 p.m. ET — Mets have video meeting with Michael King

As New York looks to add starting pitching, it appears that Michael King could be one of its preferred options. The New York Post's Joel Sherman wrote that the Mets and King recently had a video meeting, exemplifying "a level of seriousness between the parties." Despite battling injury in 2025, King is one of the top starters available on the open market after posting a 3.10 ERA and 277 strikeouts in 247.0 innings over the past two seasons with the Padres.

5:30 p.m. ET — Red Sox stars Anthony, Crochet not expected to play in WBC

Two of Boston's top players aren't likely to be suiting up for the United States at the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow made the announcement that AL Cy Young runner-up Garrett Crochet and standout rookie Roman Anthony aren't expected to take part in the tournament, per MassLive's Chris Cotillo.

3:30 p.m. ET — Padres keeping Miller, Morejón, Morgan in bullpen

New Padres manager Craig Stammen told reporters that San Diego will not be converting relievers Mason Miller, Adrian Morejón and David Morgan to the rotation after the trio's strong seasons. ESPN's Alden González shared that means the Padres are 'very much' in the market for starting pitching.

3 p.m. ET — Blue Jays being 'quite thorough' in relief market

The Blue Jays continue to work the free-agent market with the Winter Meetings underway. Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith reports that Toronto is "being quite thorough in the relief market," writing earlier that it has interest in former Padres closer Robert Suarez

Read more on the Blue Jays' latest from Nicholson-Smith here.

1:45 p.m. ET — Tigers continue to talk Skubal

Could the two-time Cy Young winner really be on the move? ESPN's Buster Olney reports that the Tigers "continue to have trade dialogue" about the ace southpaw, adding that Detroit's decision will come down to whether its front office prioritizes the opportunity to win in 2026 or the massive collection of young players it could receive in a Skubal package.

1:30 p.m. ET — Alonso to meet with interested teams in Orlando

Pete Alonso is joining the fray in Orlando. The New York Post's Mike Puma wrote that Alonso will meet with interested teams, including the Red Sox and Orioles, at the Winter Meetings on Tuesday. The "Polar Bear" opted out of his contract at the end of the season after hitting 38 homers and carrying an .871 OPS through 162 games for the Mets.

12:50 p.m. ET — Red Sox pull back on Joe Ryan pursuit

After attempting to trade for Twins starter Joe Ryan at the trade deadline, the Red Sox have softened their pursuit of the right-hander. WEEI's Rob Bradford reported that Boston has "drawn back" in attempting to pry Ryan from Minnesota after acquiring multiple starters via trade earlier this off-season.

Noon ET — Nats 'open' to moving Abrams, Gore

Under new president of baseball operations Paul Toboni, the Nationals are reportedly open to reshaping their roster. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon reported that Washington is willing to discuss star left-hander MacKenzie Gore and shortstop CJ Abrams. Both players have multiple years of team control and are coming off strong performances in 2025.

10:45 a.m. ET — Blue Jays among teams interested in Diamondbacks' Marte

With the Diamondbacks reportedly open to moving on from second baseman Ketel Marte, the New York Post's Jon Heyman reports that the Blue Jays are among the teams interested in acquiring the all-star. Heyman also mentioned that other teams are in the mix, including the Red Sox, but no deal is imminent.

9:10 a.m. ET — Orioles interested in top free-agent starters

Baltimore has already been busy this off-season, acquiring Taylor Ward and Ryan Helsley, but the Orioles remain committed to adding to the top of their rotation. The Baltimore Banner's Andy Kostka reports that the Orioles "have expressed particular interest" in free-agent pitchers Ranger Suárez, Michael King and Tatsuya Imai.

9 a.m. ET — Padres entertaining trade for Canadian Nick Pivetta

Coming off a season in which he posted a 2.87 ERA and finished sixth in National League Cy Young voting, Victoria B.C.'s Nick Pivetta may be available for trade. The Athletic's Dennis Lin wrote that "the Padres have shown a willingness to entertain offers" for the right-hander as the team looks to rebalance its payroll.

8:10 a.m. ET — Mets 'reluctant' to hand out long-term deals to starters

Despite being sunk by their rotation's performance in 2025, the Mets are "reluctant to hand out long-term offers" to the top free-agent starting pitchers, according to Will Sammon of The Athletic. Sammon added that New York may look to the trade market for rotation help and would "likely" see someone like Pirates righty Mitch Keller as an upgrade to its current group.

 

[Jays24]

56 minutes ago, Spanky__99 said:

Winter Meetings rumour tracker...

https://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/mlb-rumour-tracker-the-latest-winter-meetings-buzz/

 

MLB Rumour Tracker: The latest Winter Meetings buzz

Sportsnet Staff@Sportsnet

December 08, 2025 - 7:38pm

 

Who might the Blue Jays be targeting as Winter Meetings start?

Hazel Mae and Shi Davidi discuss the latest news as the MLB Winter Meetings start, including Jeff Kent, who was elected to the Hall of Fame by the Contemporary Era committee, before saying who the Toronto Blue Jays might be targeting still.

 

Play Video

Hazel Mae and Shi Davidi discuss the latest news as the MLB Winter Meetings start, including Jeff Kent, who was elected to the Hall of Fame by the Contemporary Era committee, before saying who the Toronto Blue Jays might be targeting still.

•  
•  
•  
•  

Major League Baseball's annual Winter Meetings have arrived.

With a number of top free agents still available on the open market, the baseball world gathering in Orlando, Fla., this week sets the stage for teams to begin, or continue, their off-season shopping.

As clubs look to make a splash this winter, rumours will continue to fly, and you can follow along with the latest speculation at Sportsnet.ca. Here is our running tracker of what MLB insiders across the industry are hearing.

Monday, Dec. 8

7:15 p.m. ET — Astros targeting Rays starter Shane Baz

With one of the Houston's top starters, Framber Valdez, hitting the open market, Rays right-hander Shane Baz has reportedly emerged as a trade target for the Astros, according to The Athletic's Chandler Rome. Baz, a Houston native, fits the profile the Astros are seeking as a young, controllable starting pitcher.

7:00 p.m. ET — Orioles seek impact bat in addition to starting pitching

In addition to expressing interest in top free-agent starting pitchers – including Ranger Suárez, Michael King and Tatsuya Imai – Orioles general manager Mike Elias told reporters that the team is "talking to a whole bunch of hitters." Elias added that positional fit is secondary to adding talent, and that the Orioles have conversations going on "mostly in free agency, but also some in trades," per The Baltimore Banner's Andy Kostka.

6:45 p.m. ET — Dodgers don't 'anticipate' trading Teoscar Hernández

Despite reports in recent days that the Dodgers could be looking to move outfielder Teoscar Hernández, Los Angeles general manager Brandon Gomes said that a trade "doesn't feel likely," per ESPN's Alden González. Gomes admitted that talks of a Hernández deal have come up, but added it's "not something we anticipate." The 33-year-old took a step back in 2025, with his OPS dropping over 100 points from his all-star campaign in 2024. But Hernández still hit 25 homers and has two years remaining on the $66-million deal he signed last off-season.

6:15 p.m. ET — Angels open to adding another starter

After landing Grayson Rodriguez in a trade with the Orioles and signing Alek Manoah, the Angels are "still planning" to look at starting pitching, according to Fansided's Robert Murray. Los Angeles appears to have money to spend after sending Taylor Ward's $14-million contract to Baltimore.

6 p.m. ET — Phillies looking to move Castellanos

Phillies general manager Preston Mattingly wasn't hiding his intention to move veteran outfielder Nick Castellanos during an appearance on MLB Network Radio. Mattingly said Philadelphia has "looked to get Castellanos a change of scenery," following the 33-year-old's .694-OPS season.

5:45 p.m. ET — Mets have video meeting with Michael King

As New York looks to add starting pitching, it appears that Michael King could be one of its preferred options. The New York Post's Joel Sherman wrote that the Mets and King recently had a video meeting, exemplifying "a level of seriousness between the parties." Despite battling injury in 2025, King is one of the top starters available on the open market after posting a 3.10 ERA and 277 strikeouts in 247.0 innings over the past two seasons with the Padres.

5:30 p.m. ET — Red Sox stars Anthony, Crochet not expected to play in WBC

Two of Boston's top players aren't likely to be suiting up for the United States at the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow made the announcement that AL Cy Young runner-up Garrett Crochet and standout rookie Roman Anthony aren't expected to take part in the tournament, per MassLive's Chris Cotillo.

3:30 p.m. ET — Padres keeping Miller, Morejón, Morgan in bullpen

New Padres manager Craig Stammen told reporters that San Diego will not be converting relievers Mason Miller, Adrian Morejón and David Morgan to the rotation after the trio's strong seasons. ESPN's Alden González shared that means the Padres are 'very much' in the market for starting pitching.

3 p.m. ET — Blue Jays being 'quite thorough' in relief market

The Blue Jays continue to work the free-agent market with the Winter Meetings underway. Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith reports that Toronto is "being quite thorough in the relief market," writing earlier that it has interest in former Padres closer Robert Suarez

Read more on the Blue Jays' latest from Nicholson-Smith here.

1:45 p.m. ET — Tigers continue to talk Skubal

Could the two-time Cy Young winner really be on the move? ESPN's Buster Olney reports that the Tigers "continue to have trade dialogue" about the ace southpaw, adding that Detroit's decision will come down to whether its front office prioritizes the opportunity to win in 2026 or the massive collection of young players it could receive in a Skubal package.

1:30 p.m. ET — Alonso to meet with interested teams in Orlando

Pete Alonso is joining the fray in Orlando. The New York Post's Mike Puma wrote that Alonso will meet with interested teams, including the Red Sox and Orioles, at the Winter Meetings on Tuesday. The "Polar Bear" opted out of his contract at the end of the season after hitting 38 homers and carrying an .871 OPS through 162 games for the Mets.

12:50 p.m. ET — Red Sox pull back on Joe Ryan pursuit

After attempting to trade for Twins starter Joe Ryan at the trade deadline, the Red Sox have softened their pursuit of the right-hander. WEEI's Rob Bradford reported that Boston has "drawn back" in attempting to pry Ryan from Minnesota after acquiring multiple starters via trade earlier this off-season.

Noon ET — Nats 'open' to moving Abrams, Gore

Under new president of baseball operations Paul Toboni, the Nationals are reportedly open to reshaping their roster. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon reported that Washington is willing to discuss star left-hander MacKenzie Gore and shortstop CJ Abrams. Both players have multiple years of team control and are coming off strong performances in 2025.

10:45 a.m. ET — Blue Jays among teams interested in Diamondbacks' Marte

With the Diamondbacks reportedly open to moving on from second baseman Ketel Marte, the New York Post's Jon Heyman reports that the Blue Jays are among the teams interested in acquiring the all-star. Heyman also mentioned that other teams are in the mix, including the Red Sox, but no deal is imminent.

9:10 a.m. ET — Orioles interested in top free-agent starters

Baltimore has already been busy this off-season, acquiring Taylor Ward and Ryan Helsley, but the Orioles remain committed to adding to the top of their rotation. The Baltimore Banner's Andy Kostka reports that the Orioles "have expressed particular interest" in free-agent pitchers Ranger Suárez, Michael King and Tatsuya Imai.

9 a.m. ET — Padres entertaining trade for Canadian Nick Pivetta

Coming off a season in which he posted a 2.87 ERA and finished sixth in National League Cy Young voting, Victoria B.C.'s Nick Pivetta may be available for trade. The Athletic's Dennis Lin wrote that "the Padres have shown a willingness to entertain offers" for the right-hander as the team looks to rebalance its payroll.

8:10 a.m. ET — Mets 'reluctant' to hand out long-term deals to starters

Despite being sunk by their rotation's performance in 2025, the Mets are "reluctant to hand out long-term offers" to the top free-agent starting pitchers, according to Will Sammon of The Athletic. Sammon added that New York may look to the trade market for rotation help and would "likely" see someone like Pirates righty Mitch Keller as an upgrade to its current group.

 

Can someone tell this guy how to post links.  Taking up half of the damn message boards with his posts lol

[Spanky__99]

13 minutes ago, Jays24 said:

Can someone tell this guy how to post links.  Taking up half of the damn message boards with his posts lol

Change from the dark mode, meat. 🖕

[hanton]

I mean if Bieber is a question mark for opening day that's not good - or the fact this is even coming up

No limit to Yesavage workload apparently?  well that's weird

[jerb]

 

[bronson44]

Man I just hope Bo signs with an NL team somehow. It really sounds like he's gone. Please just not the Sox or the Yankees.

[rydermike]

Wed Nov 26 - jays sign Cease

Wed Dec 3 - jays sign ponce

Who are we signing this Wednesday? 

[Jonn]

8 minutes ago, bronson44 said:

Man I just hope Bo signs with an NL team somehow. It really sounds like he's gone. Please just not the Sox or the Yankees.

Think he’s going to Boston if leaving the Jays.

[The_DH]

I honestly don't think anything is happening with Bo at the moment.  He probably needs to heal a bit more.  Just doesn't seem to be any real noise.

[jerb]

 

[bronson44]

If the Red Sox get Bo and Schwarber or Alonso, it gets scary.

[Brownie19]

1 hour ago, Jays24 said:

Can someone tell this guy how to post links.  Taking up half of the damn message boards with his posts lol

I preferred reading his summary over opening up another link.

[Spanky__99]

55 minutes ago, rydermike said:

Wed Nov 26 - jays sign Cease

Wed Dec 3 - jays sign ponce

Who are we signing this Wednesday? 

Bo Bichette... 😉

[Omar]

59 minutes ago, bronson44 said:

Man I just hope Bo signs with an NL team somehow. It really sounds like he's gone. Please just not the Sox or the Yankees.

I think if Bo is smart he lets Tucker sign first so he sets the bar for dollars.  Thereafter he can sign to whatever degree below what Tucker gets. It's just business.  

[Terminator]

59 minutes ago, jerb said:

 

Bo to Boston

[Spanky__99]

28 minutes ago, Omar said:

I think if Bo is smart he lets Tucker sign first so he sets the bar for dollars.  Thereafter he can sign to whatever degree below what Tucker gets. It's just business.  

And the Jays match and he signs.

 

[G-Snarls]

2 hours ago, bronson44 said:

Man I just hope Bo signs with an NL team somehow. It really sounds like he's gone. Please just not the Sox or the Yankees.

Rockies LOL

[Eat My Shatkins]

Bichette on the Red Sox or Yankees is disgusting. Don't do it dude.

[Laika]

Everyone is thinking about who to trade Jose Berrios to, but the other side of these stories being written is that it could be a massive wakeup call for him. Yeah he was a sad boy about not being on the roster and he probably left the team because of literal depression... okay, get the message, you aren't good enough, do you want to be sad about it or do you want to get good? 

His Stuff+ has gone from 108 to 89 from 2020 to 2025. He got shelled in 2022, and if you look at xERA and FIP he also got shelled in 2024 and 2025. Everyone could see that he was no longer a top end guy, those problems were just masked by eating innings + getting lucky or having a good defense. 

You wonder what the internal conversations were like. Did he think he was fine in 2024 and 2023 because he kept the ERA down at 3.62 and made 64 starts? Were the Jays trying to get him to change in the offseasons?

There has not been much in terms of strategic or mechanical changes, as far as I can see or remember. He upped his sinker usage a bit in the last few years. His changeup has never improved, despite being in the changeup loving Blue Jays org. His breaking ball has declined by advanced metrics and I don't know what he has ever done to try and modernize it. 

The sad part about focusing on being an innings-eater SP is that it takes about one season of looking crummy for you to be out of baseball. See Marcus Stroman. 

Is there a version of Jose Berrios that is a) more effective and b) no longer cares about 32 starts and 180 inning seasons? Change the mix up, do the velo work, try to miss bats more often, willingly take on more injury risk? I dunno. Can he get in the lab and do that? 

[Olerud363.354]

34 minutes ago, Laika said:

Is there a version of Jose Berrios that is a) more effective and b) no longer cares about 32 starts and 180 inning seasons?

Not qualified to comment on your other stuff, but Jays should go LA lite.  140 innings for starters.  Lots of labwork and rest.  Figure out what ails them all and fix.  They all get to be a setup man once and a while so don't do that for first time in playoffs.   Like - next weeks you are setup man 3 times.  Chill.  Rest.  Get strong and learn to be setup man just in case we need you in the most critical inning of last 30 years. 

[ValiantJaysFan]

Diaz signs with the Dodgers. So much for that.

[Omar]

1 hour ago, Laika said:

 

Is there a version of Jose Berrios that is a) more effective and b) no longer cares about 32 starts and 180 inning seasons? Change the mix up, do the velo work, try to miss bats more often, willingly take on more injury risk? I dunno. Can he get in the lab and do that? 

This is all on Berrios.  He strikes me as the type of guy who tries to fix himself.  The Jays have had the Rapsodo technology for the last seven years and yet he doesn't avail himself of it to improve.  Getting tired of his "I'm taking my ball home and leaving attitude". 

Dump him Ross!

[Omar]

34 minutes ago, ValiantJaysFan said:

Diaz signs with the Dodgers. So much for that.

[Jimcanuck]

On 12/8/2025 at 10:05 AM, Laika said:

	Clement	Schneider
Career Split (%)	8.04%	-3.10%
PA career v LHP	462	320
Regressed platoon split	6.44%	4.94%
Proj wOBA	0.311	0.319
Proj split v LHP	0.324	0.330
Proj split v RHP	0.304	0.314

 

 

Mint defender vs statue so you would never pick DS over EC because of splits. 

I agree with the bolded part above.  What started this discussion was when you said Ernie should get 650+ PA.  That's what I responded to.  He won't.

Also the link you got the empirical formula from finishes with "Like all forecasts, these are estimations (and crude ones, at that)."  In other words, take your results with a grain of salt.  It is not improbable that the spread in WRC+ between DS and EC increases, as DS enters his age 27 (typical start of a player's peak) year.

[Laika]

Ernie JUST played in 157 games and then set postseason records

Maybe it's not 650 PA but he should approach 600 again if he doesn't get hurt 

The list of "ifs" that need to happen in order for the Blue Jays to have a roster structure wherein it makes sense to limit Ernie's playing is pretty long. A handful of these things need to happen:

• Infielder signed or traded for (Bo, Marte)
• Santander hitting well AND Springer healthy (Santander in OF) AND Barger hitting well (Barger pushed to 3rd) 
• Gimenez hitting RHP well, at least 
• Davis Schneider hitting well 
• Nathan Lukes chugging along just like 2025
• Ernie not performing quite like 2025 

[Jimcanuck]

6 minutes ago, Laika said:

Ernie JUST played in 157 games and then set postseason records

Maybe it's not 650 PA but he should approach 600 again if he doesn't get hurt 

The list of "ifs" that need to happen in order for the Blue Jays to have a roster structure wherein it makes sense to limit Ernie's playing is pretty long. A handful of these things need to happen:

• Infielder signed or traded for (Bo, Marte)
• Santander hitting well AND Springer healthy (Santander in OF) AND Barger hitting well (Barger pushed to 3rd) 
• Gimenez hitting RHP well, at least 
• Davis Schneider hitting well 
• Nathan Lukes chugging along just like 2025
• Ernie not performing quite like 2025 

We will see.  His playing time will likely be suppressed regardless because the skipper tends to give everyone on the team a reasonable amount of playing time.  And there are good reasons for this approach as we saw in the PS.

[Laika]

Right. Those playoffs where Ernie started 18 of 18 games and hit .411