The MLB offseason might be winding down, but don’t let that fool you—there’s still plenty of action left to keep baseball fans on the edge of their seats.
With just a few weeks before pitchers and catchers report for spring training, some big names are still out there waiting for the right offers to come their way.
Let’s break down the latest news and rumors making the rounds.
Braves and Cubs Eyeing Ryne Stanek
Free-agent reliever Ryne Stanek is drawing interest, with the Braves and Cubs reportedly among the teams considering him according to MLB.com.
At 6-foot-4, the towering right-hander is no stranger to change, having suited up for five teams since 2019.
Last season, Stanek split time between the Mariners and Mets, posting a 4.88 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP with 67 strikeouts over 55 1/3 innings.
While his numbers don’t scream dominance, teams like Atlanta and Chicago are likely drawn to his experience and potential upside as a middle-relief option.
With bullpens often being the wild card in a team’s success, Stanek’s availability could spark more movement in the coming days.
Cardinals Keep the Future in Mind
The St. Louis Cardinals seem laser-focused on long-term strategy—or avoiding it, depending on how you look at it.
The Cardinals are steering clear of hefty, long-term commitments after letting Paul Goldschmidt walk and reportedly shopping Nolan Arenado this offseason.
The current president of baseball operations, John Mozeliak, appears determined to hand incoming president Chaim Bloom a clean slate.
Beyond 2025, the only players on the Cardinals’ books are Arenado, Willson Contreras (team option for 2028), and Sonny Gray (team option for 2027). This approach signals a likely reluctance to lock in additional contracts stretching into the future.
Don’t be surprised if the team entertains trade talks for Contreras, Gray, or even Arenado should the Cardinals falter by the trade deadline.
Padres’ High Payroll Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story
The Padres may not be making big headlines this offseason, but that doesn’t mean they’re standing still.
The team recently lost Jurickson Profar and Tanner Scott to free agency, and they’re reportedly fielding offers for ace Dylan Cease. Despite these moves, reports suggest the Padres expect to maintain a top-10 payroll in 2025.
At first glance, that sounds reassuring for San Diego fans. The reality is more complicated when you dig a little deeper. The Padres’ projected payroll currently sits ninth in the league according to MLB Trade Rumors.
Even if they offload Cease’s projected $13.7 million arbitration salary, they’d still hover around the top 10 in spending.
While it might seem like the Padres are ready to make a splash, the likelihood of significant additions this offseason appears slim.
Fans should brace for a possible roster shakeup instead, all while the club keeps one eye on the books.
The clock is ticking, and while some moves may already feel like writing on the wall, others remain unpredictable. One thing’s for sure: this offseason still has a few curveballs left.
