The 2026-27 Major League Baseball offseason has begun under a cloud of uncertainty due to ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations. With an owner-implemented lockout widely expected to start on December 1, teams may accelerate their roster moves to avoid a freeze in transactions. This pressure has shifted the focus to the General Manager Meetings currently underway in Las Vegas. Since the traditional Winter Meetings may not occur this year, the current gathering serves as a critical hub for executive activity and deal-making.
The New York Yankees are actively seeking an upgrade at third base following the continued struggles of Ryan McMahon. According to the New York Post, free agent Alec Bohm has emerged as a primary target for General Manager Brian Cashman. Although Bohm, who is 30 years old, had a challenging season with the Philadelphia Phillies, his career OPS+ stands at 101. His recent performance was bolstered by a strong second half, which helped offset a poor start to the year. While his defensive skills have declined, the Yankees appear willing to accept that trade-off if he can provide the necessary offensive production.
Cashman has publicly acknowledged the need for improvement at the position. He noted on Tuesday that while McMahon is under contract for the next year, the club is open to finding better options if they become available. This stance suggests the Yankees are prepared to move quickly if the right opportunity arises before the potential lockout takes effect.
The market for Tarik Skubal, the top free agent available this offseason, continues to expand. While the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, and San Diego Padres have already shown interest, the Toronto Blue Jays have now entered the competition, according to the New York Post. There is a possibility that Skubal will finalize his next contract before the December 1 deadline. Dodgers General Manager Brandon Gomes confirmed plans to meet with the ace, while Mets executive David Stearns emphasized the club's willingness to offer long-term deals to pitchers, provided the circumstances align.
The San Diego Padres are also hoping to retain right-handed starter Nick Pivetta, despite having declined his club option recently. Team executive AJ Preller stated on Tuesday that the organization intends to negotiate a new agreement with Pivetta. The goal is to bring him back for the 2027 season and potentially beyond. Pivetta had a standout 2025 campaign, though his 2026 season was limited to just eight starts due to elbow issues, even though his performance on the mound remained excellent.
Trade activity is also brewing involving the Washington Nationals. The Athletic reports that multiple teams have inquired about the availability of 24-year-old outfielder Dylan Crews. Although Crews was the number two overall pick in the 2023 draft, he has not yet reached his full potential. However, his youth and high ceiling make him an attractive asset. The Nationals have not ruled him out from trade, suggesting a change of scenery is a realistic possibility this winter.
In Seattle, the Mariners are weighing options for their outfield lineup. While Randy Arozarena was their top performer last season, the Seattle Times reports that the club may prefer to sign free agent Seiya Suzuki instead. Both players will be entering their age-32 seasons in 2027 and delivered high-level production in 2026, making them comparable targets for the organization.
Finally, the Baltimore Orioles have signaled that they are not looking to undergo a full teardown despite missing the playoffs in consecutive seasons and trading away catcher Adley Rutschman. President of baseball operations Mike Elias told reporters at the GM Meetings that key core players are unlikely to be moved. This statement suggests that star shortstop Gunnar Henderson and other notable veterans will likely remain with the team through this winter.
