It’s been about a week since Los Angeles prevailed over Toronto in an exhilarating final game to claim their subsequent championship. The initial noteworthy action of the off-season is still anticipated; however, with qualifying proposals now distributed, it should transpire soon. Listed below are the latest trending subjects as Munetaka Murakami has been made available for teams.
Blue Jays hope to re-secure Bichette
Unsurprisingly, the Blue Jays are aiming to re-sign their key shortstop, Bo Bichette, according to comments made by GM Ross Atkins to reporters (as reported by Sportsnet). Atkins mentioned that Toronto possesses considerable “versatility” within its infield, should Bichette choose to sign elsewhere. Bichette has been assessed to be the third most valuable free agent in the market and is estimated to secure a seven-year agreement valued at around $189 million.
In the scenario of Bichette’s departure, the Blue Jays could potentially field Andrés Giménez at shortstop, Addison Barger at third base, and Ernie Clement at second base. However, this would result in the loss of a substantial hitter and a well-liked, locally grown athlete. At only 27 years old, Bichette is among the younger free agents available this off-season. In 2025, he recorded a 120 OPS+ for the sixth occasion throughout his seven seasons in professional baseball.
Speculation arises that Padres will prolong Preller’s contract
It is anticipated that Padres’ A.J. Preller will consent to a contract renewal in the near future, as stated in reports. San Diego is planning to publicly present their incoming manager Craig Stammen during a press conference scheduled for Monday. By this time, Preller’s extension should have been finalized. Preller, who is 48 years of age, has held the position of the team’s primary baseball operations executive since August of 2014. Since that time, the Padres have managed to qualify for the postseason four times during the last six seasons, after initially reaching the playoffs only five times throughout the initial 51 years of the franchise.
The Braves re-enlist Carrasco
The Braves have officially re-signed veteran right-handed pitcher Carlos Carrasco to a contract within the minor leagues, according to reports from Baseball America. Carrasco, now 38 years of age, made three inefficient starts for the Atlanta team this past season, after initially commencing the year with the Yankees. He has long since passed his peak performance era — as noted by Carrasco’s 5.50 ERA ever since 2021 — nonetheless, the Braves continue to view him as a viable depth option for a starting pitcher, and Carrasco wishes to proceed with his playing career, therefore, the two entities have reunited in the early stages of this off-season.
