We’re approaching the Winter Gatherings rapidly, and the MLB offseason is witnessing a gradual increase in activity. This suggests a potential acceleration of events. Consequently, the rumor mill is active, and we’ll be compiling the most noteworthy news and rumors for today, which is Wednesday, Dec. 3.
Let’s proceed.
Dodgers welcome back Rojas
The Los Angeles Dodgers, reigning world champions, have reportedly reached an agreement with infielder Miguel Rojas on a one-year contract valued at $5.5 million, according to El Extrabase. Rojas intends to retire after the 2026 season and transition into a player-development role with the Dodgers.
Earlier in the offseason, CBS Sports assessed Rojas as the 42nd-best free agent available in the current market. Here’s an excerpt from RJ Anderson’s analysis:
Rojas will be 36 years old in the spring, and he hasn’t exceeded 100 starts in either of the last two seasons. Ideally, he would continue as a team’s third middle infielder; however, he might secure a starting position in this situation. Rojas remains a skilled defender with experience across all infield positions. His offensive approach remains contact-oriented, but his overall performance has improved since joining Los Angeles, where he learned to pull the ball more frequently. It would be inaccurate to assume his top-level results will persist with increased exposure. Simultaneously, this class doesn’t offer many reliable alternatives.
Rojas is coming off a 2025 season where he recorded a .262/.318/.397 slash line with seven home runs and a WAR of 2.1 in 114 games for the Dodgers, playing at every infield position. He also notably hit a game-tying home run in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 7 of the World Series and completed a game-ending double play to secure the title.
Reds extend contract with Pagán
The Reds have re-signed right-handed pitcher Emilio Pagán to a two-year, $20 million contract, covering the 2026 and 2027 seasons, as reported by the Athletic. Pagán is ranked 37th on CBS Sports’ list of the top 50 free agents this offseason. Here’s a section from our report:
Relievers are generally unpredictable, but Pagán is a prime example. His performance heavily relies on fly-ball contact, with the previous season marking the fourth instance in his career where his batted-ball profile included over 70% fly balls and line drives. Nonetheless, Pagán achieved the second-best ERA+ of his career by generating significant swing and misses with his three-pitch repertoire: high fastballs and low splitters and cutters. Some teams in certain ballparks should avoid him, but a team with a spacious field could easily place him in the ninth inning.
Pagán, 34, pitched 68 ⅔ innings for Cincinnati last season, posting a 2.88 ERA with 81 strikeouts.
Rays acquire Mullins
The Tampa Bay Rays have reached an agreement with veteran outfielder and free agent Cedric Mullins on a one-year contract, pending a physical examination, according to the Tampa Bay Times. The deal is reportedly worth $7 million.
Earlier in the offseason, CBS Sports ranked Mullins as the 41st-best free agent available in the 2025-26 class. Here’s an excerpt from RJ Anderson’s analysis:
Mullins’ performance declined significantly after a trade to the Mets at the deadline. The concerns extend beyond those 40-odd games and relate to an offensive profile that thrives in only a limited number of parks. He previously established himself as a league-average hitter (mostly) using a lift-and-pull approach, resulting in higher-than-expected slugging numbers. Consequently, Mullins has consistently had a high pop-up rate. When his strikeout rate surged last season to a career-worst 24.1%, he created too many automatic outs to compensate. Mullins might regain his effectiveness if he joins a club with favorable right-field dimensions.
In a combined 133 games for the Orioles and Mets in 2025, Mullins posted a 94 OPS+, and his defensive performance in center field declined. He will be 31 years old in 2026.
Brewers attracting ‘substantial interest’ in Peralta
Earlier this offseason, reports emerged that the Brewers were not interested in trading their ace, Freddy Peralta. In fact, recent reports indicated the Brewers intended to retain him.
However, according to The Athletic, the situation may be changing.
The interest in right-handed pitcher Freddy Peralta is significant, so the Milwaukee Brewers are now considering “slightly opening the door” for trade discussions, according to a source familiar with their situation.
Peralta will be 30 years old next season and is coming off what could be the best year of his career. He went 17-6 with a 2.70 ERA (154 ERA+), 1.08 WHIP, and 204 strikeouts in 176 ⅔ innings, achieving a career-high 5.5 WAR. He is scheduled to earn $8 million in 2026 before becoming a free agent. If the Brewers believe Peralta peaked in 2025 and will leave in free agency, they might consider accepting substantial trade offers. They previously traded Corbin Burnes a season before his free agency.
Given the recent conflicting reports, it’s reasonable to assume the situation is fluid, with the Brewers listening to and potentially considering trade offers while leaning toward keeping Peralta unless they receive an exceptional offer.
Mariners exploring infield options
The Mariners are seeking to bolster their infield as they prepare for the Winter Gatherings. Following the team’s journey to Game 7 of the ALCS last season, second baseman Jorge Polanco and third baseman Eugenio Suárez are both free agents. They have already re-signed first baseman Josh Naylor to a five-year, $92.5 million deal.
Polanco is the Mariners’ “primary target,” according to the Seattle Times. While the interest is mutual, the two sides are reportedly not “close to a deal” at this stage. The Red Sox, Yankees, and Pirates are also mentioned as possible contenders for Polanco.
The Mariners have “kept the door open” regarding a potential reunion with Suárez, according to the Times.
In terms of external interest, the Mariners have reportedly “expressed interest” in Cardinals utility player Brendan Donovan. As he is under the Cardinals’ control, acquiring Donovan would involve a trade, potentially positioning him as the Mariners’ second baseman if they fail to reach an agreement with Polanco.
Astros seeking pitching depth
The Astros have suffered from a series of pitching injuries over the past two years, with extended absences from players like Cristian Javier, Lance McCullers Jr., Luis Garcia, Ronel Blanco, and Spencer Arrighetti. Additionally, their ace workhorse, Framber Valdez, is now a free agent.
Given these circumstances, it is not surprising that the Astros are prioritizing pitching depth at the Winter Gatherings. According to MLB.com, they lack “the financial resources” to acquire a top free agent but have a “desire” to secure pitchers under team control through trades. Center fielder Jake Meyers is mentioned as a potential trade asset for the Astros to acquire pitching.
Marlins reluctant to trade Alcantara or Cabrera?
There’s frequent speculation about trading prospects to the Marlins in exchange for controllable players, given their history. However, this time, the Marlins are reportedly trying to retain and potentially extend contracts with some of their own players, according to MLB.com.
Specifically, Edward Cabrera and Sandy Alcantara, a former Cy Young winner, have been subjects of trade rumors since early last regular season. However, the Marlins are reportedly not “actively trying to trade” either player. If that were to change, Christina De Nicola speculated that Cabrera would be the more likely to be traded.
Blue Jays open to trading Berríos
The Blue Jays have already signed starting pitchers Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce this offseason. With Kevin Gausman and Shane Bieber returning, along with the emergence of rookie sensation Trey Yesavage, they have a full five-man rotation without including veteran and former All-Star José Berríos. Consequently, they are reportedly willing to trade Berríos, according to The Athletic.
Berríos, 31, had a 9-5 record with a 4.17 ERA (102 ERA+), 1.30 WHIP, and 138 strikeouts in 166 innings, along with a 1.3 WAR last season. He is owed over $18 million this season and approximately $24 million in each of 2027 and 2028. Given their recent signings and efforts to re-sign Bo Bichette, the Jays may be trying to reduce salary by trading Berríos.
Teams these days require more than five starting pitchers, but the Jays already have depth beyond their starting five with Eric Lauer and Bowden Francis.
Former GM Byrnes appointed Rockies’ GM
Josh Byrnes, former general manager of the Diamondbacks and Padres, has been named the general manager of the Rockies, the team announced Wednesday. It’s important to note that title meanings have evolved over the past decade, and GM isn’t always the top decision-maker in the front office. In this case, Byrnes will be second in command under the new president of baseball operations, Paul DePodesta.
