Worldwide Sports News

One of the biggest questions in the air with the MLB Winter Meetings set to begin in a few days is what the Tigers will do with potential Mets target Tarik Skubal.

Skubal, one of the best pitchers in baseball, is set for free agency after the 2026 season. And it seems like a foregone conclusion that Detroit will not be able to retain him.

When the Tigers attempted to extend Skubal, it was reportedly not just a non-competitive offer, but one that was relatively insulting. And owner Christopher Ilitch gave a bit of a weird answer a few months ago when asked about a possible Skubal extension. 

With that as a backdrop, Buster Olney of ESPN reports that the Tigers "continue to be engaged" with teams that are interested in trading for Skubal.

Olney notes that the asking price for the left-hander is "enormous."

Skubal is represented by Scott Boras, but the Mets would have the wherewithal to re-sign him in the event they trade for him -- something that would make the haul they'd have to part with more palatable.

For the Mets, it would likely take at least one or two of their best prospects along with much more to get a conversation going for Skubal.

SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino reported earlier this offseason that the Tigers have expressed interest in Brett Baty in the past.

Skubal, 29, has led the American League in ERA and FIP the last two seasons. And in 2025, he also led the AL in WHIP (0.89), walks per nine (1.5), and strikeout to walk rate (7.30). He carried that into the postseason, when he fired 7.2 one-run innings while striking out 14 in his Wild Card Series start and posted a 2.08 ERA and 0.61 WHIP while fanning 22 batters in 13.0 innings spanning his two starts in the ALDS.

He has also been a workhorse over the last two years, tossing 192.0 innings in 2024 and 195.1 innings in 2025.

Meanwhile, a look at Skubal's advanced stats via Baseball Savant illustrates his eye-popping dominance. In 2025, Skubal was in the 92nd percentile or better when it came to xERA, average exit velocity, chase percentage, whiff percentage, strikeout percentage, walk percentage, and hard hit percentage.

Skubal's stuff -- he relies heavily on his 4-seam and sinking fastballs and his changeup -- grades out in the 100th percentile. 

He's also relatively inexpensive (for now), expected to make roughly $18 million in 2026 in what is his final season of arbitration.

Both New York clubs are searching for starting pitching this offseason, and two players they are reportedly strongly considering are Tatsuya Imai and Michael King. 

The Mets and Yankees are among the most interested in the free agent righties, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. 

That certainly doesn’t come as a surprise, as both would present a strong addition to either clubs rotation. 

Imai, who was posted by the NPB’s Seibu Lions this offseason, is coming off a spectacular campaign in which he pitched to a career-best 1.92 ERA and 0.89 WHIP in 163 innings. 

His plus-arsenal includes a mid-90s fastball, a splitter, slider, and cutter. 

He has until Jan. 2 to sign with a club, and according to a recent report from the Athletic, he is expected to visit with teams upon the end of next week’s Winter Meetings. 

Boston, Philly, and the Cubs are also believed to be interested as well.

King was tremendous in 2024 as he transitioned from the bullpen to a full-time starter, but he battled injuries for most of last season and was limited to just 15 outings with the Padres. 

He dealt with a nerve injury in his throwing shoulder, and also lost time due to a knee injury.

The NY native and former Yankee has top of the rotation potential when healthy, but concerns over his durability could result in him landing a short-term deal this offseason. 

King could potentially bet on himself with an eye on hitting the market again next winter, but there are several other clubs in the mix for his talents including the Orioles, Tigers, and Marlins. 

As the Mets search for a top of the rotation starter, they are "among the favorites" for free agent left-hander Framber Valdez, reports Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.

Per Feinsand, the Orioles are also viewed as a top suitor for Valdez.

In addition to Valdez, Feinsand reports that the Mets are one of the teams most interested in free agent starters Tatsuya Imai and Michael King.

Additionally, Feinsand links the Mets to Ranger Suarez, but lists his most serious suitors as the Astros, Cubs, and Orioles. 

As far as the 32-year-old Valdez, he has been a workhorse over the last four seasons while posting a 3.21 ERA and 1.15 WHIP across 767.2 innings. 

After leading the American League in innings pitched in 2022 (201.1 IP), Valdez hasn't really slowed down. He fired 198.0 innings in 2023, 176.1 innings in 2024, and 192.0 innings this past season.

His ERA in 2025 was 3.66 -- the highest it's been since 2019, when Valdez was working mostly in relief. But while the ERA was a tick high, there wasn't much cause for concern elsewhere, as Valdez's WHIP, hit rate, walk rate, home run rate, and strikeout rate were all right around his career averages. 

It's also worth noting that Valdez has excelled over the course of his career despite never being an advanced stats darling. 

Part of the reason why he's able to perform so well while not blowing hitters away is his elite ground ball rate, which was in the 97th percentile in 2025. Valdez's sinker -- which he relied on 44 percent of the time this past season -- also graded out strongly, ranking in the 91st percentile. 

When it comes to Valdez's advanced stats, there are some causes for concern. The biggest one is that his curve ball and slider -- his two main secondary pitches -- both graded out poorly in 2025. That was a stark difference from the prior three seasons, so perhaps it was just a one-year blip.

There was also troubling moment with Valdez this past September, when he seemingly intentionally crossed up his catcher in order to hit him with a pitch -- and showed no remorse after. For his part, Valdez claimed it was unintentional. 

So let’s say – speaking hypothetically, Hal – the Yankees do indeed lower their payroll heading into the 2026 season. Obviously, they still intend to contend and they probably have enough talent to be a playoff threat.

But what would their winter look like if they forgo spending mega free agent dollars and work to improve on the margins only? They of course will reap benefits from an eventual Gerrit Cole return to an already-plus rotation, in addition to the usual Aaron Judge awesomeness and a roster with other strong points. 

Even so, they could use a Cody Bellinger return, bullpen fortification, a righty, defense-first first baseman and perhaps a stop-gap starter. Maybe a utility player, too. 

How does that all work in an offseason in which the owner, Hal Steinbrenner said, “Would it be ideal if I went down (with the payroll)? Of course. But does that mean it’s going to happen? Of course not. We want to field a team we know could win a championship, or we believe could win a championship.” 

With that in mind, here are some suggestions for the Yankees if we remove boldface free agent names such as Bellinger and Kyle Tucker from their options. 

Yeah, we know fiscal restraint doesn’t fit some folks’ “Act like the Yankees and spend big” worldview, but this is just one potential spending scenario in a Hot Stove winter where all things are possible. Heck, maybe it means they’re saving it up for next winter and a free-agent run at Tarik Skubal. Oh, now you’re interested.

Outfield options

This is easy. They want Bellinger back, but he’s so versatile and so skilled in multiple baseball departments that he’s in high demand. For instance, Met fans would love it if he were another Yankee relocation to Queens. So if Bellinger goes elsewhere, what do the Yanks do on the grass? 

Nothing.

Not sexy, we know. Signing Tucker would bring sizzle. But that might be $100 million more than whatever Bellinger costs. If the Yankees are trying to tamp down the payroll, they have choices here. Judge plays right, Trent Grisham, who accepted the qualifying offer, is back in center and Jasson Domínguez and/or top prospect Spencer Jones figure it out in left field. 

Swing-and-miss is a part of Jones’ game, yes. But so is admirable athleticism and dizzying power. He had a .932 OPS and 35 homers across two minor league levels last season. Might be time to find out what he’s got. 

“The Martian” might not have had the otherworldly (get it?) rookie season Yankees fans would have wanted. But Domínguez was once the most-hyped prospect in the world and one season doesn’t say it all about his career. Might be time to find out what he’s got, too. 

If the Yanks do re-sign Bellinger, they could put Jones, Domínguez, and perhaps even Grisham into the trade carousel to address other needs.

Pitching ponderables

With Cole and Carlos Rodón both starting the season late, the Yanks need rotation depth to add to Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Luis Gil and Will Warren. They re-signed Ryan Yarbrough, who will help, and could examine other lower-level free agents, too.

We’re thinking of names such as Tyler Mahle (2.18 ERA in 16 starts with Texas last season). The righty allowed only five homers in 86.2 innings and home run suppression skills could help in Yankee Stadium. Righty Adrian Houser revived his career with 11 sharp starts with the White Sox, though he had less success after a trade to the Rays. 

Across their history, the Yanks have thrived at bringing in older stars who made their name with other teams, dating way back to the days of Johnny Mize or Enos Slaughter. Could they do it with one from this duo of the Cooperstown-bound ageless hurlers Max Scherzer or Justin Verlander? Might be a fun one-year deal for either.

As for the bullpen, the Yankees have vacancies left by Devin Williams and probably Luke Weaver, who is a free agent. The club has been really good at finding and developing useful relievers who might not be household names. They got mileage out of Ian Hamilton, for instance, and Clay Holmes bloomed under their tutelage. Do they have a few more in the pipeline?

Maybe they go that route again. If not, there are plenty of potentially-useful relief arms available and they wouldn’t be top-of-the-market outlays, including Kyle Finnegan and Michael Kopech. Could they revive former Jays closer Jordan Romano, who is coming off two poor seasons?

Also, several of the Yankees’ most highly-regarded prospects are pitchers, including 22-year-old Elmer Rodriguez, who got to Triple-A for one start last season and had a 2.58 ERA in 150 innings over three levels. Could the kids figure as inexpensive options or trade fodder?

Bench marks

A righty-hitting complement to Ben Rice at first base would be a nice pickup -- someone who can help school the slugging Rice on the defensive nuances of the position. Paul Goldschmidt redux?

Signing a utility player would fortify the bench, too. They liked Amed Rosario last season for his righty bat and he can provide coverage in the infield and outfield. 

So could free agent Willi Castro, a coveted utility man last trade deadline. The switch hitter fizzled after going from the Twins to the Cubs, but he has experience at every position but catcher and first base. 

Five things we know as Phillies travel to the Winter Meetings originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The temperature outside may be dropping, but the hot stove is heating up.

From December 7-10, the Winter Meetings will take place in Orlando. The early stages of the offseason have moved slowly across baseball, but momentum is expected to build — especially for the Phillies. Here are five things to know as the meetings begin.

The Schwarber Sweepstakes is on

All offseason long, it’s been clear that one of — if not the biggest — priorities for the Phillies is bringing back the 32-year-old slugger. And for good reason. Kyle Schwarber is coming off his best season in Philadelphia, delivering a 56-homer, 132-RBI campaign. Although, just ten days ago, the Phils and Schwarber were “not close to a deal,” per MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki.

A true leader, strong community presence and an all-around professional, it’s no surprise his market includes multiple suitors. Big-market teams like the Mets and Red Sox have shown interest, but it’s Schwarber’s hometown team making a strong push.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Reds are one of the strongest suitors. Rosenthal notes that Cincinnati could have roughly $20 million to spend on next season based on comments from GM Nick Krall. The Phillies aren’t worried about getting outbid by the Reds for the Middletown, Ohio native, but Cincinnati is a much younger club that could benefit from his veteran presence.

Contract length is a key variable. On MLB Network, former GM and analyst Steve Phillips suggested that a fifth year may decide where Schwarber lands — and that could tilt the race toward the Reds.

If the Phillies don’t retain Schwarber, attempting to replace his power becomes the next priority. That could come through free agency (Pete Alonso, Marcell Ozuna), the posted Japanese market (Munetaka Murakami, Kazuma Okamoto), or potentially a trade if Byron Buxton waives his no-trade clause in Minnesota.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan recently noted on Threads that the Schwarber decision could come by the end of the meetings. Buckle up.

Where things stand with J.T. Realmuto

There are few players who know the Phillies’ pitching staff as well as Realmuto. The 34-year-old has spent the past six seasons in Philadelphia, and a thin catching market makes him one of the most attractive options available.

Passan reported that Realmuto is unlikely to seek more than a two-year deal, which increases the chances of a return. Boston and Texas were initially viewed as potential suitors, but neither team is expected to spend aggressively behind the plate.

The value he brings behind the plate remains a separator. On MLB Network, Jesús Luzardo highlighted Realmuto’s preparation and individualized game-planning, saying he “always has such a good plan,” with a clear understanding of how each pitcher attacks a lineup. He also added that the staff has “a lot of faith, a lot of confidence in him back there.”

If the Phillies leave Orlando with clarity on Schwarber and Realmuto, their offseason path becomes much sharper.

Names floated in trade talks

The contract dump of Nick Castellanos has dominated trade speculation, but other players have been mentioned in recent reporting, including Alec Bohm, Bryson Stott and, more unexpectedly, Brandon Marsh. Nothing appears imminent, but the organization could be moving away from running out a similar core.

A recent name mentioned in industry speculation is Matt Strahm. Adam Jude of The Seattle Times expressed that the Mariners are exploring left-handed bullpen options and identified Strahm as a fit. The left-hander has one year of club control remaining and has been effective in leverage situations while offering multi-inning capability.

Seattle also presents a potential match because of its roster situation. Randy Arozarena, entering his final arbitration year, would fill a need as a right-handed bat and is coming off his fifth straight 20-home run, 20-steal season. The Mariners also have an organizational surplus behind the plate, with top catching prospect Harry Ford blocked by Cal Raleigh, and they have a need at third base, where Bohm is a fit.

Once the top free agents sign, trade activity typically picks up quickly. It would not be surprising if the Phillies are involved on either side of a swap if one takes place soon.

How set is the Phillies’ rotation?

Starting pitching has received the least attention early in the offseason. The rotation just posted the lowest starter ERA in the National League at 3.53. But there are still questions that will shape the next few weeks.

Ranger Suárez is expected to have a strong market even if there has been little public noise to this point. His price likely rose after Dylan Cease signed a seven-year, $210 million deal with Toronto, putting him in a range that may be difficult for the Phillies to match with nearly $100 million already committed to their rotation in 2026 — without Suárez.

On Bleacher Report, Jon Heyman reported that the Phillies have maintained interest in a reunion and that Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai, who is expected to land a nine-figure deal, is a potential fit.

With Zack Wheeler recovering from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery, adding depth to the rotation would make sense, though it may depend on whether the Phillies can alleviate some of their payroll by moving Taijuan Walker.

A more affordable route exists through the mid-tier market, including options such as Nestor Cortes or Tyler Mahle, or potentially a reunion with Walker Buehler at an even lower number.

That scenario would require confidence in Andrew Painter taking a rotation spot out of camp. A group of Sánchez, Luzardo, Nola, Walker and Painter is viable on Opening Day, but the risk comes if Wheeler needs additional time to regain his form.

The market lacks top-end depth, but it has options that fit the middle.

Is Marte still an option?

Last month, Arizona signaled a willingness to discuss trades involving Ketel Marte, and on November 26, the Phillies and Blue Jays reportedly checked in. Marte has a full no-trade clause but did not include Philadelphia or Toronto on his list.

Acquiring him would be expensive, but if Schwarber leaves, the 32-year-old second baseman is one of the few alternatives that keeps the Phils among the top teams in the game.

Marte is a switch-hitter who has produced from both sides and would add a level of versatility the Phillies have lacked in their lineup in recent years. His contract also aligns well with the Phillies’ approach. He is owed $28 million over the next two seasons, a number that provides enough financial flexibility to remain active in other parts of the market.

Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen will likely have multiple conversations in Orlando, and the Phillies’ willingness to involve top prospects will determine how serious those talks become.