Just over a week into the 2026-27 MLB offseason, trade rumors and player movements are already gaining momentum. Along with our rankings of the 50 premier free agents and 25 most prominent trade targets, we have put together a comprehensive schedule covering key dates and deadlines to monitor. Here is the latest round of Friday’s offseason developments.
Tarik Skubal’s market is already heating up
According to a report from the New York Post, interest in two-time Cy Young recipient Tarik Skubal—the consensus top free agent this winter—is rapidly building. Skubal is projected to land a contract during November prior to the expiration of the collective bargaining agreement on Dec. 1 at 11:59 p.m. ET, even though a final agreement is not yet immediate. Discussions are actively taking place as his market gains traction.
It is anticipated that Skubal will secure a historic contract in overall compensation, with the potential to break average annual value records as well. Yoshinobu Yamamoto currently holds the record for the highest total guarantee for a pitcher following his $325 million contract with the Dodgers. Meanwhile, the peak annual average salary for a pitcher remains the $43.3 million per season previously earned by Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander during their tenure with the Mets.
Multiple franchises showing interest in Sato
Per the New York Post, clubs such as the Dodgers, Mets, Padres, Phillies, and Yankees are all keeping tabs on Japanese power hitter Teruaki Sato. Barring an unanticipated scenario where MLB and the players’ association avoid a work stoppage, Sato is required to finalize an agreement prior to the CBA’s expiration at 11:59 p.m. ET on Dec. 1. Should that deadline pass without a deal, he will head back to the Hanshin Tigers for the 2027 season.
Sato sits at No. 4 on our list of the top free agents this winter, placing him as the premier position player on the open market. While offering immense raw power, he presents some swing-and-miss tendencies along with defensive questions at third base, drawing comparisons to Munetaka Murakami last winter. Murakami’s impressive 35-homer campaign across just 127 games in his rookie year offers an encouraging precedent for Sato’s transition.
Nationals reach long-term agreement with Jacob Young
According to FanSided, Washington has secured center fielder Jacob Young with a four-year contract extension. Valued at $23 million, the contract features an $8 million team option covering a fifth season. This agreement covers all three of Young’s salary arbitration seasons as well as one year of free agency, alongside the option year for an additional free-agent season. Consequently, Washington retains control over him through the 2031 campaign.
The 27-year-old Young has consistently excelled defensively in the outfield. This past year, he made major strides offensively, highlighted by a strong second-half performance in which he batted .301 alongside a .385 on-base percentage. Although rumors previously suggested he might be traded going back to last winter, this fresh extension solidifies his position within Washington’s core foundation moving forward.
